How To Become A Python Developer (With Skills And Duties)

Updated 26 January 2023

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Python is a high-level object-oriented programming language used to develop various desktop and mobile applications, websites and software interfaces. Python developers use their programming and coding skills to combine software components and enhance features, data privacy and security. Knowing what Python developers do and what their skills are may help you decide if you want to pursue this career. In this article, we will discuss how to become a Python developer and explore their duties and learn about the skills required to succeed in the job.

How to become a python developer

Here is a list of steps you can take to become a Python developer:

1. Earn your high school leaving certificate

You require a minimum of a high school diploma equivalent to work as a Python developer. Aspiring Python developers who want to start their careers without a formal degree program can do so if they have proof of passing at least their senior secondary (10+2) grade from a nationally recognised education board. You can also become a Python developer if you have any 10+2 equivalent diploma certificate before continuing your education and training in Python.

2. Complete online certification programs

Individuals who plan to become python developers without formal training and degree education can benefit from a range of online certification programs that provide foundational to advanced training in Python programming. Several online learning platforms also offer certification programs in Python programming, IT automation and web development from global universities. Depending on the skills you want to build, your existing skill set and your specialisation, you can select a suitable course. Online certifications can help you gain your professional expertise and training without a formal degree program.

3. Earn a bachelor's degree

Attending a three or four-year bachelor's degree programme in software engineering or computer science can also provide you with the necessary experience and exposure required of entry-level job positions as a Python developer. Bachelor's degree programmes like BSc or BCA offer python as an elective subject in the course structure. Some bachelor's degree programmes also allow you to choose Python as your specialisation and you can learn and develop your programming, coding, software and web development skills.

4. Devote time to practise Python

You can become a python developer by gaining basic formal training and education, but practising Python language can help you maintain your level of expertise and help you become better at it. Constantly learning and improving your programming skills through practice ensures that you are aware of any developments or updates in the language and can benefit from their usage in your work. The more you practise writing clean codes, the more easily you can also identify and fix errors.

5. Have a positive mindset

Whether you are in the initial stages of learning Python or have successfully learned the Python programming language, maintain a positive and 'can do' mindset. Becoming a Python developer is as much about the skills as about practice, patience and continuous learning. It is essential to keep learning and practising the basics while working and improving on the development aspect of the job.

6. Participate in online programming communities

If you want to expand your learning and grow professionally, get active on online programming platforms. You can interact with fellow python developers, ask questions, share codes, learn new ideas and perspectives and even work on projects together. Joining an online programming community can help you sharpen your programming and interpersonal skills.

7. Start with unpaid work

It can be tough to find well-paying work while you are learning or immediately after completing your education. If you want to master your coding and programming skills and enhance your professional experience, you may consider any unpaid Python developer job opportunity or internship. This can help you in practising and improving your skills by gaining hands-on working professional experience rather than just theoretical knowledge. Once you have picked up the skills and experience, you can apply for paid Python developer jobs and projects.

8. Stay informed and participate in webinars

The internet is a vast resource with a lot of high-quality knowledgeable content that you can use to educate yourself on the developments in Python and its market. Attend webinars and register for free or paid courses to improve your skills. Stay up to date with new trends and technologies introduced in Python and learn the usage of the latest tools.

9. Continue learning

Learning Python could be a long-term process since the language is evolving and updating constantly. You will have to work towards improving your coding and programming skills and understanding Python frameworks like CherryPy, Flask, Bottle and Django to help you become an expert Python developer. So, as an aspiring python developer, continuous learning can help you write code that is compatible with the latest framework of the language.

What are the skills required to become a Python developer?

Here is a list of necessary skills to become a Python developer:

Interpersonal skills

Python developers require strong interpersonal skills to them communicate with their colleagues and explain coding concepts to someone with little or no experience in software development. For example, if a python developer works with a business professional with a marketing background, interpersonal skills could help them communicate their ideas effectively. They are also necessary to participate in meetings, prepare reports and work with clients.

Self-discipline

Python developers need creativity and coding knowledge to develop software. Being self-disciplined can help them finish their tasks on time while improving their understanding and knowledge of coding. Self-discipline also allows python developers to complete advanced tasks and adapt to updates in programming languages.

Attention to detail

Attention to detail is an essential time-saving skill for python developers. They usually review code strings, find errors and correct code during and after development. If a python developer learns how to spot minute errors, they may save time during the testing process.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting refers to identifying errors and fixing them by finding the root causes. Python developers can benefit from good troubleshooting skills as they help to identify and improve the problems and save time. Having good troubleshooting skills ensures that Python developers write error-free, reusable and scalable code and can run tests on these codes to prove their efficiency.

Core Python expertise

Core Python refers to the Python programming language. A python developer's skill level in core Python can help them get more advanced job roles and projects and earn a higher salary. You can focus on improving your knowledge of core Python concepts, like data structures, OOPs concepts, variables and data types, file handling concepts, exception handling, generators and iterators.

Analytical skills

A python developer may benefit from strong analytical abilities as the job requires them to analyse extensive data, algorithms and structures daily. Improving your analytical skills can help you think clearly and make better decisions during the software development process. Strong analytical skills in the Python language mean you have a good understanding of algorithms to write clean codes and optimised algorithms.

Time management

A python developer has to manage their time to ensure maximum productivity and output. Good time management skills, sound coding knowledge and soft skills can help you grow professionally as a python developer and succeed in your job. An excellent way to ensure maximum productivity and manage your time effectively well is to identify and eliminate distractions and use that time to enhance your technical skills.

Flexibility

As a python developer, you may regularly see changes, updates and advancements in the programming language. A curious, flexible and open mind can help you accept these changes faster and improve your coding knowledge and skills accordingly. Accept these changes with curiosity to grow your analytical, problem-solving and adaptive skills as a python developer.

What are the duties of a Python developer?

Python developers use their skills to develop, maintain or upgrade software programs and computer frameworks. Some of the primary job duties of a python developer may include:

conducting regular maintenance of software programs or computer systems for maintenance
working with front and back end developers to create codes that connect the server-side and the user-side components for software programs
reviewing code strings and running tests to ensure that there are no errors
automating scripts for automation to ensure minimum maintenance in the future
staying up-to-date with the changes and advancements made in Python and related programming languages
collaborating with diverse IT professionals, software developers and the company management to decide software integration or any upgrade needs
creating and maintaining code libraries for future software professionals to help them understand and navigate code strings and how to add to them