The Python programming language

To become a data scientist, to start a new career, to improve your professional skills and knowledge. There are several reasons to learn how to work with Python or any other type of programming language. Learning how to code is a great option for your personal and professional life. Personally, my biggest incentive to learn this language is knowing that I can use it in several daily and repetitive jobs I encounter daily.

What is Python?

It is a programming language created by Guido Van Rossum in 1989. Its first version was released in February 1992, and Rossum's main objective was to develop an interactive, agile, and easy-to-understand language. And that is precisely what he managed to create. Nowadays, Python is considered a high-level programming language and has been used in several fields, to create games, artificial intelligence applications, web development, among others.

What is Python used for?

Python is a multiplatform language, meaning that it can be used for the development of solutions and task automation on any type of device. In other words, it gives developers the ability to create projects on desktops, notebooks, or mobile devices.

Due to the number of resources that the language presents, developers are able to perform any type of task, from accessing a database, to building computer graphics, working with big data, machine learning, among others.

Python will give you all the answers if you ask correctly.

Why learn Python?

Python is an open-source language that can be improved and adapted to the needs of the developer.

An everyday example that illustrates the use of language in the processing of files in Excel format. Who has never had to manipulate an Excel file in their life? Merging multiple files, calculating averages, renaming, and rearranging columns, formatting and automatically exporting files to a folder of interest on your computer. These are some of the possibilities that can be done with a few lines of code in Python.

Below I share a video with a Python code of my own. The purpose of this code is to open several files in CSV format at the same time, join these files, calculate the average between lines of the main file, change column names, and finally save two different CSV files, one for Sensor 1 and another for Sensor 2.

This process was carried out with a database of only 7 CSV files but let’s imagine that in your database you don't have only 7 files, but 500, 5000 or more, and with just a few clicks on a few lines of code you can change all the files at once, while making sure that the process will follow all the rules defined by your code.

But don't stop there! There are countless functions you can perform with Python. The sky is the limit!

Who uses Python nowadays?

Python has been consolidating itself more and more, and today big brands are using it such as Mozilla, Google, YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, among others. The language stands out in many aspects compared to others; as stated before, it is an open-source language, it has a simple syntax, and it’s easy to analyze and understand.

Python even features a large number of libraries that add new capabilities without developers having to “re-invent the wheel”.

How to start your Python developer career?

The best way to start your studies on Python is simply by using a computer or laptop, but a smartphone can also be used, since nowadays people are increasingly using cell phones/tablets to access the internet, leaving aside the use of computers. But the truth is that, although it is possible to develop in Python on cell phones or tablets, the use of these devices do not provide comfortable work, due to the size of the screen, lack of a larger keyboard, among other reasons. Therefore, if you want to try it, know that it is possible and there are systems for developing in Python on Android, for example.

???????????After choosing where you will take your first steps, install the latest version of Python, which at the time of writing this article, it’s Python version 3.

???????????Python is one of the five most used languages nowadays, and this makes learning easier and faster, as there’s a lot of material available for free, such as books, articles, tips on blogs, etc., which you can use for your studies.

A great resource is YouTube, as the platform has lots of creators that share videos, classes, courses, and tips for you to take the first steps on the path of learning.???????????

A great idea is also to participate in Python study groups and communities. These environments offer opportunities to interact, ask questions and share your projects with other people, providing even faster learning.

???????????However, despite all the tools available, the most important part of your learning will be your dedication, effort and focus to master the language. The quote “practice makes perfect” is one the most important things you should keep in mind to become a good developer. Practice, practice and practice, the more you practice, the faster you will reach excellence. This sounds obvious, but obvious must also be said and done.

???????????Because it is a widely used language, many projects and codes have already been thought and created, so being aware of this can make your life a lot easier. But at first, try not to only use codes that have been already built, seek to stimulate your logic, and truly understand the language. So, whenever you find a code that can be useful to you, try to understand it and then rewrite it in your project, don't just copy and paste, because when you rewrite manually, you are practicing and processing the language in your mind.

I hope this article causes your brain to start to frying, bubbling or boiling, imagining the countless possibilities that Python can bring you.

By Fagner Rontani - I am an agronomist with a master's degree in agronomy. I currently work with Precision Agriculture at Louisiana State University (LSU) - Baton Rouge, USA.

Email - [email protected]

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