How to Become a Python Developer - Required Skills and Career Guide 2024

Ever wondered which programming language is powering applications like Instagram, Spotify, or Pinterest? Well, the answer is the Python programming language! 

Python is ranked as the #1 programming language by Statista. Some Python developers earn salaries above a whopping 50 Lakh Rupees! Plus, on the LinkedIn job board, there are 1.5 million jobs available. Want to know how to become a Python developer? Keep reading! This article provides a roadmap that will help you secure a job as a Python developer in just  6 months.

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Table of Contents

• What Does a Python Developer Do?
• Why is Python Developer a Good Career Choice?
• Python Vs. Other Programming Languages 
• Skills Required to Become a Python Developer
• Is it Hard to Become a Python Developer?
• How to Become a Python Developer – A-Step-by-Step Roadmap
• Python Developer Jobs Available Right Now
• Python Developer Salary (India & USA)

What Does a Python Developer Do?

A Python developer is a professional who is well-equipped with developing softwares using the Python programming language. They also take care of removing bugs that the testing team has identified. Today, when we discuss Software Development Engineer (SDE), DevOps stands out as a critical component. This is what leads Python developers to focus on creating deployment automations as well.

However, in a larger context, Python developers are not just limited to developing softwares. They deal with multiple technologies such as web development, data analytics, machine learning algorithms, IOT, and even developing trendy AI solutions, all by just using Python programming. 

Here are the different tasks Python developers do: 

Moving forward, let’s try to understand why you should consider the Python programming language to build a career around.

Preparing for Python Interviews? Check out Python Interview Questions that will help you land your dream job.

Why is Python Developer a Good Career Choice?

Since the generative AI came into existence, searches for “Is Software Developer Job dead?” shot-up over the Google Search Engine. But is that really true? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job postings for Python developers are increasing by 25% with each passing year, with salaries averaging above US$100,000.

GitHub also reported that in the last year, the adoption of Python programming grew by 22%. That is the reason why learning how to become a Python developer can prove beneficial for you!

Not only that, Forbes also considers Python to be the most famous programming language. The fact that it was used to develop the back-end for Instagram, Spotify, or Pinterest adds to its unique appeal.

Python is also the easiest programming language out there. It is taught in schools and colleges due to its simple nature. So, if you switch to it from a non-tech background, the learning journey won’t be difficult at all.

Also, if you are not sure what to pursue in your career, you can go ahead and learn Python. As it’s not entitled to a single technology, Python is generalized over the whole IT domain. So while learning this programming language, you can figure out your interests and refine them over time.

Below are the reasons why you should figure out how to become a Python developer.

Python Vs. Other Programming Languages

Here are some compelling reasons why Python is given more preference over other programming languages : 

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Skills Required to Become a Python Developer

In the software development team, a Python developer would be mainly responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining the Python code. They also contribute to a wide range of tasks, such as automation, building ML algorithms, building data pipelines, and even developing AI solutions.

Here are some of the most common skills that are now being highlighted for Python developer job descriptions on LinkedIn, and they are as follows: 

• Python Fundamentals (Loops, Functions, Object Oriented Programming, Generators, Decorators)
• Knowledge of Integrating Databases (PostgreSQL and MySQL)
• Data Structures in Python (List, Tuple, Dictionary)
• Debugging Python Code
• Automation Scripting
• Basic Knowledge of Linux and Cloud Computing
• Hands-on Expertise for Django, Flask, REST, etc.
• Numpy, Pandas, ScikitLearn, Keras, Tensorflow, Machine Learning 

The last pointer highlights advanced skills which you need to possess if you want to get into roles such as data scientist or machine learning engineer.

Now that you know why you should become a Python developer and the skills you need to learn. You must be wondering, how to become a Python developer. Will the learning phase be difficult? Let me answer that quickly for you guys.

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Is It Hard to Become a Python Developer?

First of all, Python is the easiest programming language. If you are already acquainted with programming fundamentals, mastering the Python language would be a few hours of work for you. 

According to Forbes, Python has a huge community of 15 million+ Python users. So if you are directly starting with Python, there is plenty of help readily available. There are innumerable learning resources available for Python in the form of documentation, blogs, and even YouTube videos.

If you get stuck anywhere, you can raise concerns on platforms like Stack Overflow or GitHub. Many members of the Python community will guide you to get over that roadblock. These platforms are filled with coding solutions and ideas; you can refer to them directly and learn from the codes written by other people.

Meanwhile, you can follow the free Python Certification course offered by Intellipaat, and learn Python programming. By doing so, you also gain a free accredited Python Certification.

Moving forward, in this How to Become a Python Developer article, we will provide you with a step-by-step learning roadmap that will help you become a Python developer as fast as in the next 6 months.

To learn the advanced concepts of Python, you can enroll in our online instructor-led Python Certification Training Course!

How to Become a Python Developer – A-Step-by-Step Roadmap

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Python

The very first step is going to be learning the fundamentals of the Python programming language. And let me tell you, many beginners fail at this step itself. What they generally do is overthink and waste their time in just watching video tutorials. They don’t exactly do the practice. That’s what renders their efforts into failure.

To remove this problem from the equation, I would suggest you use one learning resource, and while learning from there, make sure to do the hands-on practice. 

Here are the important Python fundamental concepts you need to learn : 

Step 2: Master Data Structures and Algorithms Concepts

There is a reason why all MNCs conduct separate Data Structures-based interview rounds. The Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) is a fundamental building block for software development, irrespective of whichever programming language framework you use. 

The challenging part about coding is not learning syntax, it is building the logical intuition to convert a problem into a programmed solution. That’s where data structures and algorithms come into play. 

You need to learn DSA concepts such as List, Tuple, Dictionary, Graphs, Complexity Analysis, Sorting Techniques, Searching Techniques, Dynamic Programming, etc. 

Step 3: Learn Problem Solving

This is one of the critical steps you need to take care of, while comprehending how to become a Python developer. The whole purpose of software development is to solve problems. And it is a skill you can develop over time, while solving multiple problems!

We recommend you guys to create accounts on coding platforms like Hackerrank, Hackerearth, Leetcode, etc. Plan to solve 5 problems on a daily basis. Just start with very basic problems, and then transition into intermediate to advanced problems. Doing this will help you understand how problems can be solved with the Python programming language.

Remember, this is again a learning stage. So even if you are unable to solve problems, just keep at it. Learn from the solutions of other people, and visualize different methods to solve a single problem. 

Step 4: Decide the Career Path

While you’re trying to understand how to become a Python developer, you must keep in mind that Python is applicable across multiple technologies and various business sectors. The trending areas where Python is being utilized heavily are : Data Science, Machine Learning and AI.

So after you master Python programming, you must decide which career trajectory you are going to choose. Here are some examples:

Make wise decisions, and depending on your interests choose the right roadmap for how to become a Python developer.

Step 5: Participate in Hackathons

Hackathons are the events where people quickly work together on developing small solutions. Participating in hackathons will give you some valuable lessons, and they are : 

1. You will learn how to approach the problem and convert it into a project.
2. You will learn to work with a team.
3. You will get to see how other developers think about solving certain problems. This will give you more ideas for better solutions.
4. Hackathons will help you build a network with budding developers or even recruiters. 

You can use the above learnings to do the simple projects of your own.

Step 6: Take on Multiple Projects

Now that you’ve developed the hard skills, it’s time you do something that will tell the recruiters you’ve got what they are looking for. And there is no better medium than a project to demonstrate your skills in action.

So, you must take on multiple projects. Don’t stick to one type of project! Try to convert problems around you into softwares. Approach problems in diversified fields such as finance, healthcare, banking, government services, etc. 

Remember Showcasing your versatility makes you a well-rounded developer, which is what employers long for.

Step 7: Learn to Write Readable Code

This might seem like a no-brainer, but writing readable code and good code is critical if you ever want to work in a software development team. If your code is messy, your team-member will not be able to understand it and write the dependent functionality. That’s why today, recruiters prefer going through your GitHub Repositories.

That brings us to the next important pointer in this: how to become a Python developer article, building your one GitHub Repository.

Step 8: Build Your GitHub Repository

For developers, GitHub is like their virtual resume. And without a proper resume, you cannot apply for jobs, right? So, we would recommend building your GitHub Repository from the get go. 

Upload all the projects you have done, from the very simple ones to the complex ones. Make your repository user-friendly by adding clear descriptions, informative README files, and organized folders. Remember, value is always better than volume, so make sure that projects you add are well-developed.

Step 9: Create a Compelling Resume

While creating a resume, make sure to mention all the projects that you’ve done previously. Add the GitHub repository link over to resume so that recruiters can go over and have a look at your projects. Add the relevant certifications and training you have been through around Python development to your resume.

Step 10: Build Your Presence over Job-Boards

So you’ve got the skills in your arsenal, an attractive resume, and the GitHub Repository with great projects. Now it’s time to conquer the important challenge: creating a digital presence on job-boards that will get you a job.

Create accounts on the job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder. Go through the multiple Python developer job descriptions, research high-demand keywords and skills used there, and add them strategically throughout your profiles.

Once you do that, start applying to all the Python developer job posts available over these job-boards.

Step 11: Prepare For Interviews

Cracking interviews is the only thing left to do now. If you have honed the skills, developed the projects, you’ve got the hard skills. Now it’s all about developing the soft skills. Learn the best practices to present yourself in an interview setting. 

Go through the most commonly asked Python developer interview questions. Doing research about the same will give you an idea about what kinds of questions will be asked in an interview. 

Remember, confidence is the key to crack an interview, so be confident throughout the process!

That’s the roadmap for how to become a Python developer. If you follow these steps, you will definitely be able to become a Python developer in 6 months.

Python Developer Jobs Available Right Now

Right now, if you just Google and browse Python jobs in India, you will find out that just on LinkedIn there are 93,000+ jobs available. In the United States, the number is even more substantial, 2,78,000 jobs. 

And this is just LinkedIn, if you consider other job boards such as Naukri.com or Indeed, the numbers would be even larger. That is why you should understand how to become a Python developer and start your preparation right away!

Python Developer Salary (India & USA)

Python Developer Salary in India

According to Glassdoor, the salary for Jr. Python developers in India ranges from INR 4 Lakh to INR 10 Lakh. 

However, with experience, the salary could go as high as INR 27 Lakh.

Python Developer Salary in USA

According to Glassdoor, the salary for Jr. Python developers in the USA ranges from US$83,000 to US$1,12,000.

However, with experience, the salary could go as high as US$1,57,000.

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