What is Python 101 – Codecademy

You’ve probably heard that Python is one of the most popular programming languages, but what is Python used for?

In short, Python is a general-purpose programming language used in just about any kind of software you can think of. Let’s take a look at just some of the ways Python is used.

Data science: analytics and visualization

This is one of the most popular uses for Python. Data scientists and analysts use programming languages like Python and R to manipulate data for reporting, predictive analysis, and more. But while R can be a great choice, many Data Scientists prefer to learn Python because its English-like syntax can be easier to learn.

Harvesting insights from data is no easy task, and data scientists don’t have time to waste with compiling and complicated syntax. Python’s simple syntax and extensive selection of third-party libraries make it a great choice for anyone considering a career in data science.

Machine learning

While arguably a subfield of data science, machine learning deserves its own category because of its unique algorithms. Machine learning involves training systems to learn independently by using algorithms that constantly update themselves based on input data.

These systems gradually learn to handle new situations by generating an output based on past datasets. Then, based on the outcome of this new situation, they update themselves to deal with the new variables, thus constantly evolving.

Web development: websites and web apps

Python is also widely used for back-end development. It runs in the server of web applications and interacts with databases and APIs after a user requests data from the app’s front-end in the browser.

Much of Python’s popularity in web development stems from frameworks and libraries like Django and Flask that extend the language’s utility.

Financial analysis

In a recent HackerRank survey, Python was the number one programming language FinTech companies looked for when hiring developers. But it’s not only FinTech enterprises that use Python code. It is used everywhere in the financial industry because of its data processing capabilities and various third-party libraries designed for financial analysis.

Desktop applications

You can also use Python to build desktop applications. Many Linux and open-source desktop applications use Python. Plus, with GUI libraries like Tk, wxWidgets, and Qt, you can use Python to build cross-platform applications that run on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Business applications

Python lies at the heart of business software like Tryton and Odoo. These tools are used for enterprise development and can perform accounting, inventory, customer relationship management, and other tasks.

In short, many businesses rely on Python to do the heavy lifting. This has led to more startups including Python in their tech stacks for its ease of use and scalability.

Scripting and utility software

Python started as a language for writing utility scripts, and it’s still widely used for this purpose. Many of the utilities and scripts built into Linux operating systems are written in Python, and it’s also installed by default in the Mac OS. This makes Python the language of choice for automating tasks in an engineer’s day-to-day work.

Below, we explore some of the reasons behind Python’s popularity, along with its uses and applications in different fields. Or, if you’d rather jump right in and start learning it right away, check out our Learn Python 3 course.

Why is Python so popular?

One of the reasons Python has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world is its versatility. As you can see from the list above, it’s popular across various domains, from web development and data science to machine learning and automation.

Python is a portable, cross-platform language — meaning you can write and execute on any operating system with a Python interpreter. With some other languages, you’d have to modify your code for each platform.

Another one of Python’s biggest advantages is its (relative) simplicity. Python’s English-like syntax makes it easy to learn and read, and unlike some other languages, it uses simple line breaks instead of symbols to define code blocks.

Python also helps speed up development, with built-in classes and functions and an extensive selection of libraries that make writing code quicker and easier. Plus, as an interpreted language, you can execute and test your code right after writing it without an intermediate compilation process.

Python code examples

Here’s an example of some Python code that calculates the factorial of a number:

# Function to calculate the factorial of a number
def calculate_factorial(n):
    result = 1
    for i in range(1, n + 1):
        result *= i
    return result

# Example usage
number = 5
factorial = calculate_factorial(number)
print(f"The factorial of {number} is {factorial}")

What can I make with Python?

E-Commerce Websites
Python, paired with web frameworks like Django and Flask, is an excellent choice for building dynamic, data-driven websites. You can create everything from e-commerce platforms to social networks and content management systems (CMS).

CRM or ERP Systems
Python can be used to develop business applications like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. For instance, you can build a CRM to manage client relationships, track sales pipelines, and automate follow-up tasks. Similarly, an ERP system could help manage inventory, accounting, human resources, and supply chain data all in one place.

Data Analysis and Visualization Tools
Python is a powerhouse in the world of data science. Whether you’re analyzing sales trends, scientific data, or customer behavior, Python allows you to analyze large datasets and present insights in an understandable format.

AI Applications
Python is widely used for machine learning models and AI applications. You can build recommendation systems or even predictive models for business forecasting.

Is Python hard to learn?

Python is one of the easier programming languages to learn due to its simple and readable syntax. Python’s creator, Guido Van Rossum, specifically designed the syntax to ensure that even newcomers could easily learn new programming ideas.

On top of that, Python offers a wealth of pre-written libraries, tools, and frameworks, allowing you to tackle more complex tasks quicker. Many beginners find Python approachable and manageable for starting their programming journey. Learn more about how to choose a first programming language here.

How long does it take to learn Python?

The truth is, learning Python can take a few months to a year. It all depends on your prior programming experience and the amount of time you can dedicate to learning.

The cool thing about our courses and paths is that they’re self-guided. Meaning you determine how much to learn, how often, and at what pace. You can stop and take breaks, or amp up your learning routine if you have the bandwidth. Regular practice and building projects can help you learn more efficiently.

To get a ballpark estimate on how much time you should commit to learning, first determine what your goal is.

How can I learn Python?

Learning Python involves understanding its syntax, basic data structures, and libraries. You can start experimenting with writing Python code and building projects in our course Learn Python 3. The course is beginner-friendly and a fan favorite among our learners.

If you want to learn a particular domain of Python, like data science, we have targeted courses that will teach you the language and how to apply your skills to data scenarios. As you pick up programming concepts, start building projects. We have lots of real-world projects in our library that are suitable for all levels. You can even include some of them in your professional portfolio.

Get started

As you can see, Python is a programming language with a wide range of applications, such as web development, data science, and financial analysis.

Want to start using it yourself? We’ll teach you the basics of Python programming in Learn Python 3. Or, if you want to take it a step further, we’ll show you how to:

For a full list of our Python courses, check out our catalog page. And for supplemental learning, consider reading a Python programming book for beginners.

Whether you’re looking to break into a new career, build your technical skills, or just code for fun, we’re here to help every step of the way. Check out our blog post about how to choose the best Codecademy plan for you to learn about our structured courses, professional certifications, interview prep resources, career services, and more.

This blog was originally published in May 2021 and has been updated to include new survey findings, courses, and resources.