Why Python Is The Best Programming Language To Learn In 2021

Knowledge drop! Did you know you can learn a new skill in 20 hours? Or, if you want to be a genius or beyond phenomenon, go for 10,000 hours as popularized by the best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell. If you wish to embark on a new career path, learn new skills or are just curious about geek stuff, then you can start with learning a new programming language.

One option is Python, the top programming language on TIOBE's list for four consecutive years. Almost any industry — like insurance, retail banking, healthcare and finance — uses it, and there are already 8.2 million Python developers, which outnumbers Java developers.

For beginners, Python is simple to understand and easy to learn. Consequently, for the advanced, it's an arsenal that you can keep to specialize on certain projects in data science. Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why it's the best programming language to learn this year.

1. It's an Approachable, Easy to Learn Language

Python uses simple syntax and is less complicated in coding. As a beginner, learning this language isn't intimidating because it's readable and easy to set up. It aims for more use of white spaces and uses only one line when you code "Hello World" — unlike Java and C that use more than four lines.

You don't need an advanced computer to start coding. You can simply download Python and install it on your Windows or Mac computer. For advanced developers, aside from coding in a syntax-friendly language with Python, you can return multiple values using a function, which is impossible in Java and C. Moreover, it lets developers create a list or dictionary of the functions that they use in the program.

2. It Offers Opportunities for High Paying Jobs

Did you know that Google, Spotify, Netflix and Amazon use Python on their platforms? As one of the most in-demand languages, more and more companies are looking for talented people skilled in it. It's an edge for beginners who are just starting their careers, while it's the best way for advanced developers to scale up so that they can provide add-on services to clients or attract high-profile companies with excellent pay.

In 2021, the average Python developer salary in the US is $110,840 annually — where an entry-level Python developer earns $85,999 and experienced developers receive $112,985. What's more, those who specialize in machine learning and data science have higher chances of getting paid more.

3. It has Vast Libraries and Documentation for Reference

Python is an open-source language, which means that aside from using it for free, the community of developers is continuously contributing to its improvement and code maintenance. It has a community-generated system called PEPs (Python Enhancements Proposals), which guide proper development principles.

On top of that, the extensive online documentation offers all the information needed so that developers can read and review it if they ever hit a brick wall. For starters, the Python library lets you search for and then use any reusable chunk of code, whether it's for practicing how to code or building the first project.

4. It Has a Thriving Community That Offers Solutions

Learning is fun with Python's thriving community. It consists of developers, enthusiasts and companies that contribute to the open-source code and are active on forums, answering questions and providing advice for beginners and advanced coders alike.

Python Reddit forums have threads on beginner's guides and anything in-between about coding and the projects the members are working on. Meanwhile, the Stack Overflow forum allows starters to ask questions or provide solutions and exact codes to other members. All in all, if you want to learn it, you won't be alone on the journey.

5. It Has a Versatile Program for AI, Machine Learning and More

Its greatest strength lies in its versatility. It's like a Swiss Army knife, as developers can create many projects, especially in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, web development and automation. For example, Amazon's ability to analyze consumers' shopping habits and then provide accurate suggestions is made possible with the Python machine learning engine and Hadoop ecosystem.

Moreover, Python lets you write scripts for automating your tasks, and developers can even fiddle with the C variant or CPython to explore the C language's features. Python also has the Java variant, Jython, which is armed with an interactive interpreter that blends well with other Java apps.

Here's How to Start Learning Python Programming Language

If you're ready to learn Python in 2021, you can register on GoSkills for an online course, like The Introduction to Python to learn practical tutorials and examples. If you want to learn data analytics, there's also a course on Introduction to Data Analysis with Python. You may also download the top 10 free Python programming books and pair them with your GoSkills Python courses for additional resources.

Learn while on the go with mobile-ready content and start building your first project with Python. Whenever you have spare time, watch videos and answer unlimited quizzes and test at your own pace and then get certified.