Working as a Python programmer: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

With the development of information technology, more and more companies seek to optimize work processes through programming. Indeed, in many respects, the well-being of the business depends on the competence of the developer. For example, the world-renowned giants - Google, YouTube, Instagram and Yandex - owe their success largely to the skilled work of Python programmers.

Python is a versatile programming language. It was created by Dutch specialist Guido Van Rossum in 1991. Today it is one of the four most popular in the world.

By the way, such popular Internet services as Avito, Yandex, Google, Reddit, Mail, Pinterest use programs in development, written in this programming language.

Working as a Python programmer involves the development and technical support of software, control over the correct work of employees with programs and services, drawing up instructions and technical documentation.

This profession requires care and perseverance.

Like any specialty, it has a number of advantages.

• Demand in the job market. The popularity of the Python language is growing. The number of offers is increasing every year. However, there are not many specialists who have a good command of this programming language.
• Low threshold of entry. This means that unlike other programming languages, Python doesn't take a lot of time and efforts to master it.
• The possibility of self-study. In addition to gaining knowledge at the university, you can learn the language individually. This is the most common method, as there are many courses, training sites and videos on the Internet now.
• A big library. On this topic a lot of suitable literature and documentation in Russian.
• Short training time. Python especially can be quickly learned by programmers with knowledge of more complex languages. For example, C ++ or Java.
• A large community of competent professionals. They are always ready to help novice programmers understand the codes.
• Good salary level. The amount of payment depends on the experience, the level of technical training, the availability of referees. For beginners, the average cost of a project on freelance exchanges ranges from $ 500 to $ 1,000. That is, a novice developer can earn up to 60 thousand rubles per month, while experienced specialists can earn from 200 thousand.
• The ability to work remotely. Freelancing policy is not much different from regular employment. Especially when it comes to the long term.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• required work experience - usually at least 2-3 years;
• the difficulty of finding a job in small settlements - high-paying vacancies are concentrated in big cities;
• the need for knowledge of the main programming language,for example Java, PHP. Python is considered a complementary language.

A good developer should know:

1. Python syntax, libraries, frameworks (if you're interested in web development, it's better if it's Django);
2. fundamentals of programming, data structures, OOP;
3. HTML, CSS, AJAX, Canvas, Web Sockets;
4. working principle with jQuery, Java, JavaScript, C, C ++;
5. database management systems;
6. GIT version control systems;
7. technical English.

And also skills are required:

1. understand someone else's code;
2. work in a team.

When seeking employment, employers often look not for a diploma, but for knowledge and work experience. Therefore, it is not necessary to specially graduate from a university, you can study the language yourself or take special courses. Moreover, anyone with a technical education can master it and never worked as a programmer.

Manuals will help in self-education "Learning Python", "Python Programming" Mark Lutz or Eric Mathis edition “Learning Python. Game programming, data visualization, web applications ”. Despite the large volume, they allow you to quickly and easily delve into the topic.

A book for beginners "Python for Kids" D. Briggs. It reveals the basics of the specialty, provides ways of writing the first program and game.

They will allow you to quickly and easily master the material. Usually the training takes 2-6 months. They have a lot of attention focuses on the basics of the language, homework and tasks for novice programmers are given. This method allows you to build a portfolio of completed projects.

Found on the Internet many training services and blogs with lectures, video materials and teaching aids on programming.

Finding a mentor who is ready to hire an assistant without work experience is the easiest and most convenient way. It will analyze the code and point out errors. Find an experienced companion can be on special sites.

By the way, there is a convenient mobile application in Russian, allowing you to complete tasks for learning Python, playing with other members. At the end of the training, a certificate is also issued.

In order to get a prestigious position, you must:

1. Create a professional resume. In the absence of work experience, you can post links to completed projects. But in any case, information about this should be indicated truthfully.
2. Have a good portfolio. Since the first impression plays a decisive role, it is better to place the most interesting works at the beginning.

In general, the level of training of programmers is of three types.

Implied little work experience or its complete absence. Such a developer is able to solve simple problems, but he needs an experienced mentor to complete the difficult ones.

Work experience for this level is usually 1-3 years. The programmer is capable of solving complex problems and writing serious applications. He can participate in team work on a project and work independently.

Such a developer is capable of performing tasks of any complexity, since this stage requires a lot of practice and knowledge.

Also when looking for a job it is advisable to make useful contacts through networking. This is a great opportunity to declare yourself, besides, surrounded by enthusiastic specialists easier to learn programming skills.

It's a good idea creation of a business card site or blog, which will collect links to completed projects.