In an era driven by digital innovation, equipping young minds with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-dependent world is extremely important. Among the various programming languages available, Python has emerged as a popular choice for introducing children and teenagers to the world of coding.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of Python coding with kids and teens that are at the forefront of a greater technological boom than we have seen up until now.
The Best Kids Coding Languages
There are many coding languages that are easy and suitable for children and teenagers to learn. Some of these languages include Java, Scratch, Ruby, and Lua. However, if children are looking to learn a language that’ll benefit them throughout their lives, then Python is the coding language to learn.
This is because Python is one of the most versatile and sought-after coding languages in the world. It’s also a relatively easy language to learn, which will provide a fantastic basis for more intricate languages such as C++.
What makes Python easy to read and understand is its intuitive use of syntax. It also incorporates simplified text-based commands that are similar to writing English.
Therefore, Python is a fantastic language for beginners who do not have any previous programming experience.
The Benefits of a Python Coding Course
Enrolling in a Python coding course will give children a head start in pursuing the career of their dreams. Once completed, they will have the confidence to progress from the fundamentals of Python coding to more advanced coding methods.
This will give them the necessary knowledge to further experiment with coding and develop the skills they’ll need to pursue a career that requires knowledge and experience in this coding language.
Python can open many doors and enable a child to one day land a job that’s financially beneficial and secure, while providing new and exciting challenges. They could eventually work for one of the giant tech companies that are at the forefront of technological advancement.
The Versatility of Python Coding Jobs
Being proficient in Python allows for greater versatility when it comes to job hunting. Depending on the child’s field of interest, Python can be applied in many different careers, which offers a major advantage.
Python Developer
One of the easiest jobs to apply for as a proficient Python programmer is a job as a developer. A developer is responsible for designing, building, coding, deploying, debugging, and maintaining both the back-end and front-end features of platforms.
This can be a very creative job and can be a great way to learn and grow into more challenging and demanding roles within a company. Python developers are in high demand, meaning that young starters won’t struggle to find a job in this field.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is responsible for testing, debugging, and documenting code. To do this, it will require extensive knowledge of multiple programming languages, including Python. Those who want to pursue this career will also to need thoroughly understand computer operating systems and software development.
In this role, Python is an important language, as the programs used to check for code errors and fix them are often controlled by Python scripts.
Some of the other languages to learn for this role include C++ and Java.
Data Engineer
The main role of a data engineer is to prepare data that will be used for analytical or operational purposes. These engineers will typically build data pipelines that are responsible for bringing together data from various sources.
Children who love efficiency and improving the efficiency of processes will find this to be the perfect job for them.
Python is used by data engineers to build their pipelines, create statistical models, and analyse the quality and efficiency of the data being sourced.
Data Scientist or Analyst
Data scientists and analysts work with large sets of structured and unstructured data. Their primary purpose is to analyse, process, and model data.
They then take this data and create actionable plans that are data-driven. These plans are then presented to companies and organisations so that they may improve upon their current offerings, operating systems, and more.
While proficiency in Python is a must-have for this job, a background in mathematics, computer science, and statistics is also a requirement.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer ultimately feeds data to machines in order to teach them. Once the machines have been fed the necessary information, they will be able to act and apply this knowledge without specific instruction. Ultimately, they dabble in and work with artificial intelligence (AI).
Some of the largest and most well-known companies in the world are based on machine learning. Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter are all dependent on machine learning.
Effectively, pursuing machine learning as a career could result in working for some of the tech industry giants.
For those keen to pursue machine learning, remember that a solid understanding of statistics is needed.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality assurance engineers assess the quality of a product by accessing and reviewing product specifications and design documents. Once they have assessed the product they will provide feedback on where improvements are required.
They are very involved in product development and testing, and are largely responsible for whether or not a good product is developed.
Python is a required skill for this job as much of the testing is done using this coding language.
Product Manager
Companies in the tech industry heavily rely on product managers with significant experience in Python. Ultimately, a product manager utilises Python to extract information about a product. This information will include the product’s benefits and weaknesses.
A product manager will then use this information to determine how they can leverage the benefits and counter the weaknesses to succeed in the marketplace.
What a Python Coding Bootcamp Should Offer
When searching for a comprehensive Python coding bootcamp or course, there are a few basic principles, exercises, and skills that should be offered and covered in the course. These should include:
- an introduction to Python programming environments
- exposure to core coding principles
- exploration and implementation of advanced coding methods
- exercises to create and interact with common data structures
- training on how to import and use third-party libraries
- an introduction to programming design patterns
- exercises on how to make reusable code
- activities that demonstrate how to debug code.
A good Python coding course should include many practical activities and should not be primarily theoretical. While theory is useful, coding requires practical skills and it’s only by physically doing something that children will learn and become adept in this language.
