What Is Python Used For? A Beginner’s Guide | Coursera
Written by Coursera • Updated on Sep 22, 2021Python has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world in recent years. It’s used in everything from machine learning to building websites and software testing. It can be used by developers and non-developers, one of the most popular programming languages in the world, has created everything from Netflix’s recommendation algorithm to the software that controls self-driving cars. Python is a general-purpose language, which means it’s designed to be used in a range of applications, including data science, software and web development, automation, and generally getting stuff ’s take a closer look at what Python is, what it can do, and how you can start learning is Python? Python is a computer programming language often used to build websites and software, automate tasks, and conduct data analysis. Python is a general purpose language, meaning it can be used to create a variety of different programs and isn’t specialized for any specific problems. This versatility, along with its beginner-friendliness, has made it one of the most-used programming languages today. A survey conducted by industry analyst firm RedMonk found that it was the most popular programming language among developers in 2020 [1] you know? The name Python comes from Monty Python. When Guido van Rossum was creating Python, he was also reading the scripts from BBC’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus. He thought the name Python was appropriately short and slightly is Python used for? Python is commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. Since it’s relatively easy to learn, Python has been adopted by many non-programmers such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks, like organizing finances. “Writing programs is a very creative and rewarding activity, ” says University of Michigan and Coursera instructor Charles R Severance in his book Python for Everybody. “You can write programs for many reasons, ranging from making your living to solving a difficult data analysis problem to having fun to helping someone else solve a problem. ”Here’s a closer look at some of the common ways Python is you’re new to Python (and programming in general), you can begin writing your first Python program in minutes by taking Python for Everybody from the University of analysis and machine learningPython has become a staple in data science, allowing data analysts and other professionals to use the language to conduct complex statistical calculations, create data visualizations, build machine learning algorithms, manipulate and analyze data, and complete other data-related can build a wide range of different data visualizations, like line and bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, and 3D plots. Python also has a number of libraries that enable coders to write programs for data analysis and machine learning more quickly and efficiently, like TensorFlow and Python for data analysisStart building the job-ready skills you’ll need as a data analyst, including Python, SQL, and Excel, with the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. You can finish in less than six months with a credential from an industry developmentPython is often used to develop the back end of a website or application—the parts that a user doesn’t see. Python’s role in web development can include sending data to and from servers, processing data and communicating with databases, URL routing, and ensuring security. Python offers several frameworks for web development. Commonly used ones include Django and web development jobs that use Python include back end engineers, full stack engineers, Python developers, software engineers, and DevOps tomation or scriptingIf you find yourself performing a task over and over again, you could work more efficiently by automating it with Python. Writing code used to build these automated processes is called scripting. In the coding world, automation can be used to check for errors across multiple files, convert files, execute simple math, and remove duplicates in can even be used by relative beginners to automate simple tasks on the computer—such as renaming files, finding and downloading online content or sending emails or texts at desired ftware testing and prototypingIn software development, Python can aid in tasks like build control, bug tracking, and testing. With Python, software developers can automate testing for new products or features. Some Python tools used for software testing include Green and Requestium. Everyday tasksPython isn’t only for programmers and data scientists. Learning Python can open new possibilities for those in less data-heavy professions, like journalists, small business owners, or social media marketers. Python can also enable non-programmer to simplify certain tasks in their lives. Here are just a few of the tasks you could automate with Python:Keep track of stock market or crypto pricesSend yourself a text reminder to carry an umbrella anytime it’s rainingUpdate your grocery shopping listRenaming large batches of filesConverting text files to spreadsheetsRandomly assign chores to family membersFill out online forms automaticallyWhy is Python so popular? Python is popular for a number of reasons. Here’s a deeper look at what makes it so versatile and easy to use for has a simple syntax that mimics natural language, so it’s easier to read and understand. This makes it quicker to build projects, and faster to improve on ’s versatile. Python can be used for many different tasks, from web development to machine ’s beginner friendly, making it popular for entry-level ’s open source, which means it’s free to use and distribute, even for commercial ’s archive of modules and libraries—bundles of code that third-party users have created to expand Python’s capabilities—is vast and has a large and active community that contributes to Python’s pool of modules and libraries, and acts as a helpful resource for other programmers. The vast support community means that if coders run into a stumbling block, finding a solution is relatively easy; somebody is bound to have run into the same problem to get started? Learn the basics of Python with the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan—no previous coding experience is equently asked questions (FAQ)Should I learn Python 2 or Python 3? Python 3 is considered more up-to-date and has overtaken Python 2 in popularity. JetBrains, a software development company, found that 93 percent of surveyed Python users worked with Python 3. Python 2 was sunsetted in January 2020, which means it will no longer be updated with bug fixes, security patches, or new features [2] long does it take to learn Python? Learning the basics of Python can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on what you want to learn and how frequently you learn. But since Python has so many uses—and tools to support those uses—you can spend years learning its different owing what tasks you want to accomplish and whether you want to use Python in a professional capacity can determine how long your Python journey will be. “It is a lot easier to be a professional programmer today than it was 20 years ago, ” says Severance. “You don’t need a bachelor’s degree or years of experience to get your start in programming. With the increasing popularity of Python, you can gain the necessary skills to begin writing software as part of your job in a few months. ”Read more: How Long Does it Take to Learn Python? Who uses Python today? Of the hundreds of programming languages out there, Python remains a popular choice among numerous companies and organizations. Some familiar names that use Python include Google, Facebook, Venmo, Spotify, Netflix, and Dropbox. What types of jobs use Python? Since python is a general-purpose language, it’s used across a variety of fields and industries. These are just a few job titles that may use Python:DeveloperData analystData scientistEthical hacker/penetration testerSoftware engineerData journalistCloud architectQA engineerRelated articles10 Computer Science Jobs for the Future5 SQL Certifications for Your Data CareerWhat is Big Data? A Layperson’s GuideArticle sources1. RedMonk. “The RedMonk Programming Language Rankings: January 2020, Accessed June 24, 2021. 2. JetBrains. “Python Programming – The State of Developer Ecosystem in 2020, Accessed June 24, 2021.
Written by Coursera • Updated on Sep 22, 2021This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
What is Python used for? | 10 practical Python uses
Find out some of the top uses for Python, as we explore why it’s such a popular and diverse programming language.
Despite starting out as a hobby project named after Monty Python, Python is now one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world. Besides web and software development, Python is used for data analytics, machine learning, and even design.
We take a closer look at some of the uses of Python, as well as why it’s such a popular and versatile programming language. We’ve also picked out some of our top courses for learning Python, and some ideas for Python projects for beginners.
Python – the basics
Before we get into the details of what you can do with Python, let’s get some of the essentials out of the way. If you’re hoping to learn a programming language, these basics can help you understand why Python could be an excellent choice.
What is Python?
As we outlined in our summary post on what different programming languages are used for, Python is an object-oriented (based around data), high-level (easier for humans to understand) programming language. First launched in 1992, it’s built in a way that it’s relatively intuitive to write and understand. As such, it’s an ideal coding language for those who want rapid development.
If you’re wondering who uses Python, you’ll find that many of the biggest organisations in the world implement it in some form. NASA, Google, Netflix, Spotify, and countless more all use the language to help power their services.
Why is Python so popular?
According to the TIOBE index, which measures the popularity of programming languages, Python is the third most popular programming language in the world, behind only Java and C. There are many reasons for the ubiquity of Python, including:
Its ease of use. For those who are new to coding and programming, Python can be an excellent first step. It’s relatively easy to learn, making it a great way to start building your programming knowledge.
Its simple syntax. Python is relatively easy to read and understand, as its syntax is more like English. Its straightforward layout means that you can work out what each line of code is doing.
Its thriving community. As it’s an open-source language, anyone can use Python to code. What’s more, there is a community that supports and develops the ecosystem, adding their own contributions and libraries.
Its versatility. As we’ll explore in more detail, there are many uses for Python. Whether you’re interested in data visualisation, artificial intelligence or web development, you can find a use for the language.
Why learn Python?
So, we know why Python is so popular at the moment, but why should you learn how to use it? Aside from the ease of use and versatility mentioned above, there are several good reasons to learn Python:
Python developers are in demand. Across a wide range of fields, there is a demand for those with Python skills. If you’re looking to start or change your career, it could be a vital skill to help you.
It could lead to a well-paid career. Data suggests that the median annual salary for those with Python skills is around £65, 000 in the UK.
There will be many job opportunities. Given that Python can be used in many emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics, it’s likely that it’s a future-proof skill. Learning Python now could benefit you across your career.
How long does it take to learn Python?
As we’ve mentioned already, Python is a relatively straightforward programming language compared to many others. As such, it’s possible to learn the basics over just a few weeks. Many of our short courses, such as Getting Started with Python, take 6-8 weeks to complete, with only a few hours of learning required each week.
If you’re looking for a more detailed exploration, there are also options available. Our deep learning and Python programming ExpertTrack takes 21 weeks to complete, with 5-6 hours of study needed every week.
What is Python used for?
Clearly, Python is a popular and in-demand skill to learn. But what is python programming used for? We’ve already briefly touched on some of the areas it can be applied to, and we’ve expanded on these and more Python examples below. Python can be used for:
1. AI and machine learning
Because Python is such a stable, flexible, and simple programming language, it’s perfect for various machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) projects. In fact, Python is among the favourite languages among data scientists, and there are many Python machine learning and AI libraries and packages available.
If you’re interested in this application of Python, our Deep Learning and Python Programming for AI with Microsoft Azure ExpertTrack can help you develop your skills in these areas. You can discover the uses of Python and deep learning while boosting your career in AI.
2. Data analytics
Much like AI and machine learning, data analytics is another rapidly developing field that utilises Python programming. At a time when we’re creating more data than ever before, there is a need for those who can collect, manipulate and organise the information.
Python for data science and analytics makes sense. The language is easy-to-learn, flexible, and well-supported, meaning it’s relatively quick and easy to use for analysing data. When working with large amounts of information, it’s useful for manipulating data and carrying out repetitive tasks.
You can learn about data analytics using Python with our ExpertTrack, which will help you develop practical data analytics skills.
3. Data visualisation
Data visualisation is another popular and developing area of interest. Again, it plays into many of the strengths of Python. As well as its flexibility and the fact it’s open-source, Python provides a variety of graphing libraries with all kinds of features.
Whether you’re looking to create a simple graphical representation or a more interactive plot, you can find a library to match your needs. Examples include Pandas Visualization and Plotly. The possibilities are vast, allowing you to transform data into meaningful insights.
If data visualisation with Python sounds appealing, check out our 12-week ExpertTrack on the subject. You’ll learn how to leverage Python libraries to interpret and analyse data sets.
4. Programming applications
You can program all kinds of applications using Python. The general-purpose language can be used to read and create file directories, create GUIs and APIs, and more. Whether it’s blockchain applications, audio and video apps, or machine learning applications, you can build them all with Python.
We also have an ExpertTrack on programming applications with Python, which can help to kick-start your programming career. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll gain an introduction on how to use Python, and start programming your own applications using it.
5. Web development
Python is a great choice for web development. This is largely due to the fact that there are many Python web development frameworks to choose from, such as Django, Pyramid, and Flask. These frameworks have been used to create sites and services such as Spotify, Reddit and Mozilla.
Thanks to the extensive libraries and modules that come with Python frameworks, functions such as database access, content management, and data authorisation are all possible and easily accessible. Given its versatility, it’s hardly surprising that Python is so widely used in web development.
6. Game development
Although far from an industry-standard in game development, Python does have its uses in the industry. It’s possible to create simple games using the programming language, which means it can be a useful tool for quickly developing a prototype. Similarly, certain functions (such as dialogue tree creation) are possible in Python.
If you’re new to either Python or game development, then you can also discover how to make a text-based game in Python. In doing so, you can work on a variety of skills and improve your knowledge in various areas.
7. Language development
The simple and elegant design of Python and its syntax means that it has inspired the creation of new programming languages. Languages such as Cobra, CoffeeScript, and Go all use a similar syntax to Python.
This fact also means that Python is a useful gateway language. So, if you’re totally new to programming, understanding Python can help you branch out into other areas more easily.
8. Finance
Python is increasingly being utilised in the world of finance, often in areas such as quantitative and qualitative analysis. It can be a valuable tool in determining asset price trends and predictions, as well as in automating workflows across different data sources.
As mentioned already, Python is an ideal tool for working with big data sets, and there are many libraries available to help with compiling and processing information. As such, it’s one of the preferred languages in the finance industry.
9. SEO
Another slightly surprising entry on our list of Python uses is in the field of search engine optimisation (SEO). It’s an area that often benefits from automation, which is certainly possible through Python. Whether it’s implementing changes across multiple pages or categorising keywords, Python can help.
Emerging technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) are also likely to be relevant to those working in SEO. Python can be a powerful tool in developing these NLP skills and understanding how people search and how search engines return results.
10. Design
When asking ‘what is Python used for? ’ you probably weren’t expecting design to feature on the list. However, Python can be used to develop graphic design applications. Surprisingly, the language is used across a range of 2D imaging software, such as Paint Shop Pro and Gimp.
Python is even used in 3D animation software such as Lightwave, Blender, and Cinema 4D, showing just how versatile the language is.
Python projects for beginners
So, if you were wondering what to do with Python and who uses Python, we’ve given plenty of ideas for how it’s used. But what about if you’re just starting out with the language and want to become a Python developer?
Below, we’ve outlined some Python project ideas for beginners. These can help you develop your knowledge and challenge your abilities with the programming language:
Build a guessing game
Design a text-based adventure game
Create a simple Python calculator
Write a simple, interactive quiz
Build an alarm clock
Once you’ve mastered the basics of Python, each of these can challenge you and help you hone the skills you’ve already learned.
Final thoughts
That concludes our look at what Python programming can be used for. As you can see, there are many applications for this popular language, with a wide support network and a diverse range of libraries that can help.
There are many reasons why you might want to start learning Python. It’s a future-proof and in-demand skill that’s required across all kinds of industries. What’s more, we have a broad selection of Python courses that can help you either master the basics or develop some more specific skills.
What is Python used for? – Code Institute
Compared to many languages, Python is easy to learn and to use. Its functions can be carried out with simpler commands and less text than most competing languages. And this might explain why it’s soaring in popularity, with developers, coding students and tech companies.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Python plays a small part of all of our lives. It’s one of those invisible forces with a presence in our mobile devices, web searches and gaming (and beyond). So it was an obvious choice for inclusion in our full stack coding bootcamp. Here’s an introduction to the language itself, and some of the everyday but profound, things that Python is used for.
Python – an overview
Python was created in 1991 by Dutch programmer Guido Van Rossum. It is an interpreted language. This means that it has an interpreter to execute the programme directly, as opposed to depending more complicated machine languages. In fact, Van Rossum wants Python to eventually as understandable and clear as plain English. He has also made the language open source, which means that anyone can contribute to it, and he hopes that it will become as powerful as competing languages.
“Readability” is a key factor in Python’s philosophy. As such, it aims to limit code blocks (blocks of source code text) and have white space instead, for a clearer, less busy appearance. It’s a versatile language that runs on many systems, which brings us to…
What Python’s used for? Not surprisingly, given its accessible and versatile nature, Python is among the top five most popular languages in the world.
Python is used by Wikipedia, Google (where Van Rossum used to work), Yahoo!, CERN and NASA, among many other organisations.
It’s often used as a “scripting language” for web applications. This means that it can automate specific series of tasks, making it more efficient. Consequently, Python (and languages like it) is often used in software applications, pages within a web browser, the shells of operating systems and some games.
The language is used in scientific and mathematical computing, and even in AI projects. It’s been successfully embedded in numerous software products, including visual effects compositor Nuke, 3D modellers and animation packages,
Everyday Places You’ve Seen PythonLike other coding languages, Python is one of the unseen elements that we benefit from without knowing it.
YouTube, Instagram and Quora are among the countless sites that use Python. Much of Dropbox’s code is Python (where Van Rossum works now), Python has been used extensively by digital special effects house ILM (whose work spans across all of the Star Wars and Marvel films) and it’s a favourite of electronics titan Philips.
We at Code Institute are among Python’s legion of fans – our students find it relatively easy to pick up; it has a countless, ever-expanding list of applications and (perhaps most importantly) it’s probably the hottest language in the ICT world right now.
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