Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, with a continuously growing user base and an extensive range of applications. It has gained a reputation as a versatile language that can handle a variety of tasks, making it a valuable skill for any software developer. But is Python really as good as people claim it to be? In this article, we will explore Python development and explore its advantages and disadvantages, use cases, salary potential, and more to answer the question: Is Python good for software developers?
What is a Python Developer?
Before delving into the pros and cons of using Python for software development, let’s first define what a Python developer is and what they do. A Python developer is someone who specializes in designing, coding, and deploying software projects using the Python programming language. They are responsible for creating and maintaining various applications, websites, and programs that utilize Python for their functionality.
Apart from coding, a Python developer also works on debugging projects to ensure their smooth operation. They collaborate closely with other teams, such as data analytics, to provide insights and solutions to complex problems. This makes them essential players in the development process, as they bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application.
Some of the projects that a Python developer may work on include web development, game development, data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and even creating new programming languages. With its wide range of applications, Python has become a sought-after skill in various industries, making Python developers highly in demand.
Advantages of Python
Now that we have a better understanding of what a Python developer does, let’s explore some of the benefits of using Python as a software development language.
Python is One of the Easiest Languages to Learn
Learning a new programming language can be quite daunting, especially for beginners. However, Python stands out as one of the most accessible languages to learn, even for those with no prior coding experience. Its syntax is simple and intuitive, making it easy to read and understand.
Python also has a vast community of developers who are always willing to help and share resources, making the learning process more manageable. With a wide range of tutorials, online courses, and forums available, anyone can pick up Python and start coding in no time.
Python is Very Popular
According to the TIOBE Index for October 2021, Python ranks as the third most popular programming language, just behind Java and C. This popularity is expected to continue growing, as more and more companies adopt it for their projects.
Being a widely used language means that there is a wealth of resources, tools, and libraries available for Python developers. This makes it easier to find solutions to common problems and streamline the development process.
It’s an Open-Source Language
Unlike some programming languages that require paid licenses, Python is an open-source language. This means that anyone can use and modify the source code without any limitations. This makes it an attractive option for many developers, as it offers more flexibility and control over their projects.
Moreover, being open-source also means that there is a vast community of Python users constantly working to improve and update the language. This ensures that Python remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest developments in the tech industry.
Python Has Extensive Support Libraries
Python has a robust standard library that offers a wide range of modules and functions to simplify common tasks. This eliminates the need to write complex code from scratch, allowing developers to focus on solving specific problems.
Apart from the standard library, there is also a massive collection of third-party libraries available for Python. These libraries cover various areas such as data analysis, machine learning, web development, game development, and more. This makes Python an ideal language for quick prototyping and developing applications with advanced features.
Python is Portable and Interactive
Python is an interpreted language, meaning that it does not require compilation before execution. This makes it more portable, as the code can run on any system with the Python interpreter installed. This feature is particularly useful for web developers who need to ensure their applications are compatible with different operating systems.
The interactive nature of Python also makes it a popular choice among developers. It allows them to execute code in real time and get immediate feedback, making the debugging process faster and more efficient.
Python Can Boost Your Productivity
With its simple syntax, extensive libraries, and fast execution, Python can significantly increase a developer’s productivity. It offers a shorter learning curve compared to other languages, allowing developers to write code quickly and efficiently.
Moreover, Python’s high-level data structures and dynamic semantics make it ideal for rapid application development. This means that developers can create prototypes and applications in a fraction of the time it would take with other programming languages.
Disadvantages of Python
Python offers numerous advantages, but like any popular programming language, it has its downsides and python challenges too. For instance, despite its effectiveness, Python can run significantly slower than compiled languages such as C and C++, especially in large projects with extensive code.
Python is an interpreted language with dynamic typing, which means it checks code during execution. This process can slow down the program as it reads and executes each line of code. Nevertheless, many developers appreciate the quick coding process that Python allows, which often offsets the slowdown during execution.
Three more drawbacks to consider are:
- Python consumes a significant amount of memory due to its flexible data types and automatic garbage collection, which triggers when objects are no longer needed;
- Python is not the most common choice for developing mobile applications because of its memory inefficiency and slower processing speed. While it is possible to develop mobile apps with Python, using a framework like Kivy can make the process smoother;
- Python faces limitations in database access, making it less popular in enterprise development compared to other technologies like ODBC. This is despite its high demand in large-scale web development.
Python Use Cases
Python’s versatility, ease of use, and availability make it an attractive programming solution for many of today’s most used programs across the internet. In fact, you don’t have to go far to see Python in action, as you can see by the websites below that are among Python users.
Python is utilized by developers for a wide range of tasks, from creating systems to managing them, and Google has consistently viewed it as one of their most important programming languages. Guido Van Rossum, the creator of Python, was employed at Google from 2005 to 2012. The company’s philosophy, “Python where we can, C++ where we must,” illustrates the heavy dependence of teams on this adaptable language. Google employs Python in various aspects such as core search algorithms, APIs, and Google App Engine.
YouTube
Every month, over 2.5 billion people use YouTube actively. On average, users watch 1 billion hours of video daily, and in 2023, the platform made over $29 billion in revenue according to OmniCore. Python is utilized by coders and developers for tasks such as watching videos, managing website layouts, retrieving essential data, and more. The speed of Python allows developers to swiftly develop new features. Whenever you watch a video on YouTube, you are observing Python code being utilized.
The Lead stated that even though Python is not the primary language used at Facebook, it accounted for around 21 percent of the codebase for the platform’s infrastructure in 2020. This means there are thousands of libraries and millions of lines of code written in Python due to Facebook’s vast size and reach. Python plays a crucial role in managing Facebook’s hardware operations, such as scheduling maintenance tasks, automating processes, imaging servers, and setting up network switches. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, also depends on Python to operate Instagram and meet the requirements for data science and machine learning.
Netflix
Netflix allows its developers to choose the programming languages they prefer, and a significant number of engineers opt for Python due to its straightforward syntax and strong support from the developer community. Python’s simplicity and popularity have enabled Netflix developers to rapidly create and manage critical applications. Python has been utilized in numerous key projects at Netflix, such as Chronos, Chaos Gorilla, and the Regional failover system. This system has successfully reduced outage response time from 45 minutes to just seven minutes, all without incurring additional costs.
Python Developer Salary
As software developers, Python developers in the US can expect an average pay of $58.17 per hour—or $120,994 per year, according to Lightcast. Where you live and who you work for can have a significant impact on how much you can expect to earn. Glassdoor lists Apple, Google, and Amazon, among others, as top-paying companies.
Conclusion
Python offers many advantages that make it a valuable skill for software developers. Its ease of use, wide range of applications, extensive libraries, and high productivity have made it a popular choice among developers worldwide. However, it also has its limitations, such as limited support for mobile development and slower performance for high-performance applications.
Ultimately, whether Python is good for software developers depends on the developer’s specific needs and preferences. With its steady growth and widespread adoption, it is safe to say that Python will continue to be a vital language in the tech world for years to come. Aspiring developers should consider learning Python to open up doors to exciting job opportunities and enhance their technical skills.
