Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
The amount of time it takes to learn Python will depend on your goals. Read on for tips on how to maximize your learning.
In general, it takes around two to six months to learn the fundamentals of Python. But you can learn enough to write your first short program in a matter of minutes. Developing mastery of Python’s vast array of libraries can take months or years.
How long it takes you to learn Python will depend on several factors, including how much Python you need to know to achieve your desired goal. If you want to learn enough Python to automate a specific task at work, for example, you can likely achieve that more quickly than if you wanted to learn enough Python to get a job as a data analyst. Here are some other factors that can influence how quickly you pick up Python:
Previous programming experience: If you’ve written code before, you may find that you pick up Python more quickly.
Learning method: Well-structured courses in line with your goals can sometimes accelerate your learning.
Time devoted to learning: How much time can you devote to learning and practicing Python? Generally, it’s a good idea to commit a little time every day.
Start advancing your Python skills today
Ready to build your Python skills? Start by exploring the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization. Enroll in the first course (out of five) called Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) to get an overview.
How long does it take to learn basic Python?
It’s possible to learn the basics of Python in two to six months, though this could be much more or much less, depending on how much time you dedicate to learning. The Python for Everybody Specialization on Coursera, for example, typically takes about four months to complete if you’re spending six hours per week on the courses. If you can dedicate more time, let’s say two hours per day, you could complete the Specialization in two months.
In this and many other introductory courses, you might expect to learn the following foundational syntax and elements of Python:
Variables and types
Object and data structures (strings, integers, floats, etc.)
Indexing and slicing
Comparison operators
For and while loops
Functions
Lists, dictionaries, and tuples
Reading and writing to files
Classes and objects
Web scraping
Application programming interfaces (APIs)
Once you’ve built a foundational knowledge of Python, you can begin progressing your programming skills toward your own unique goals, whether it be a job as a data analyst or application developer or the ability to automate tasks at work.
You can learn Python in eight months or less with this comprehensive course:
How long does it take to master Python?
This depends on what mastery means to you.
There are some 15.7 million Python developers in the world, according to Statista [1]. With so many people working on this open-source software, it’s always evolving to include new tools and capabilities. You’ll never know everything there is to know about Python, and that’s okay.
Python users have access to tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of libraries—sets of useful functions meant to make coding easier. TensorFlow, for example, can help streamline machine learning programs, while Pandas offers access to flexible and responsive data structures. This means that mastering Python is an ongoing process where you learn what you need to know as you need it.
Why learn Python?
Python is widely considered among the easiest programming languages for beginners to learn. If you’re interested in learning a programming language, Python is a good place to start. It’s also one of the most widely used.
The TIOBE Index for June 2021 lists Python as the second most popular language after C, and its popularity is growing [2]. As you learn, you can take advantage of the robust community of fellow learners and developers, as well as the job opportunities that come with knowing Python.
What can you do with Python?
Python is also very versatile. Since it’s a general-purpose language, Python can be used for a variety of tasks, including:
Statistical analysis
Data visualization
Machine learning
Task automation or scripting
Web and software development
Learn more: Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should I Learn?
Jobs that use Python
Python ranks among the world’s most popular programming languages in part because it’s used across a variety of industries and job roles. By learning to write Python, you can create opportunities for a variety of careers. Some job titles that use Python include:
Data analyst - $75,410
Backend developer - $97,995
Quality assurance engineer - $87,443
Operations automation engineer - $115,266
Python developer -$99,804
Full-stack developer - $94,798
Data engineer - $120,180
Data scientist - $146,455
Machine learning engineer - $109,044
*Salary data represents US average annual base pay from Glassdoor.
Read more: 4 Data Analyst Career Paths: Your Guide to Leveling Up
Tips for learning Python
While learning a technical skill like programming with Python may sound intimidating, it may not be as difficult as you think. Keep these tips to enhance your learning.
Code every day.
Python is a language, and just like any other language, repetition is key to learning it. Dedicate time every day—even if it’s just 15 minutes—to practice coding. Many online Python courses, including Python for Everybody, are broken up into short video lectures, quizzes, and coding practice exercises. This type of structure can make it easier to find time to learn in your life.
It may also help you learn more efficiently. Learning in small chunks, a technique known as microlearning, improves retention and engagement.
Start with the fundamentals.
No matter how you plan to use Python in the future, you’ll want to start with the same set of fundamentals. Learning the basics first will set you up for success when you go on to tackle more complex uses. Whether you’re learning on your own or through a course, be sure to cover the fundamentals listed above (See “How long does it take to learn basic Python?”).
Focus on logic over syntax.
Understanding the how and the why of your lines of code in Python is more important than memorizing the syntax.
Remembering to close your parentheses or include a colon before an indent will come with repetition. Plus, you can always look up how to structure your code on Google or Stack Overflow (an online community for programmers). But you’ll need to understand the logic of what you’re trying to accomplish.
As you’re working through Python coding problems, you may find it helpful to handwrite an outline of what your code needs to do without worrying about syntax. This is called pseudocode—a technique even experienced Python programmers use to plan out their programs.
Practice your Python skills independently with tutorials
Not ready to commit to a course or a boot camp yet? You can read step-by-step guides for troubleshooting Python basics like syntax, if-else statements, exceptions, and working with loops in Coursera's free programming tutorials.
Let your goal guide your learning.
Once you’ve built a foundation with the basics, the world of Python really opens up. As you progress, knowing your goal and letting it dictate your learning path is important.
If you’re building the skills for a new career as a data analyst, for example, you’ll probably want to learn Python skills like data scraping or visualization. If you’re more interested in becoming a developer, you may focus on skills like version control and multi-process architecture.
The types of libraries, frameworks, and the integrated development environment (IDE) you learn to work with will also vary based on your career goals.
Join a Python community.
Instead of learning to code as a solitary activity, surround yourself (virtually, anyway) with others who are learning Python. This can help boost your motivation while giving you a place to swap tips and tricks with other programmers.
Quora and Reddit both have active Python communities. You could also join PySlackers to meet other Python enthusiasts on Slack or the Python Discord channel.
Start advancing your Python skills today
If you’re not quite sure how Python fits with your personal and professional goals, consider a broad introductory course likePython for Everybody. If you’d like to develop your Python skills for a career as a data analyst, consider earning theIBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate. You’ll get hands-on experience working with Python, as well as SQL, Excel, and Jupyter notebooks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, it’s totally possible to teach yourself Python. You’ll find a variety of resources, from YouTube videos to books to interactive games, that can help you develop your coding skills. Many online courses also allow you to learn at your own pace, but with added structure, a clear learning path, and sometimes a built-in community of other learners.
Python is actually one of the best programming languages for beginners. Its syntax is similar to English, which makes it relatively easy to read and understand. With some time and dedication, you can learn to write Python, even if you’ve never written a line of code before.
It’s a common misconception that programming requires a lot of math. You don’t have to be a math whiz to succeed with Python. It helps to have a basic understanding of arithmetic. Writing Python is more about being able to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller steps, then using your creativity to craft a solution.
Unless you have a very specific reason for using Python 2, you should be using Python 3. Most companies use Python 3, plus Python 2 was sunsetted on January 1, 2020. This means that no more features, fixes, or security updates will be added.
Python is a valuable skill to have on your resume, but most jobs require a set of skills. If you’re going into data analytics, for example, you’ll likely need to have some proficiency in SQL, statistics, and data visualization. Developers may need to understand data structures, network basics, and testing methods.
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