In October 2021, Python technology took over as the most used programming language in the world. The feat deserves respect: this is the first time this has happened in 20 years, displacing Java and C, the languages that until then reigned supreme in the list organized by the Tiobe website.  

This achievement only reinforces what Python is all about: one of the easiest types of programming language to learn and one that provides an excellent career opportunity. Technology is closely tied to many careers such as Data Science, web and application development, script automation, and even the finance industry. So today you will know more about this language and where to study for free. Follow up! 

What is Python? 

Python was launched in the early 1990s by Dutch programmer and mathematician Guido Van Rossum. The language was designed to emphasize the work of the developer, making it easy to write clean, simple, and readable code, both in smaller applications and in more complex programs used with or without the internet, such as Frontier bundles. 

The language offers features such as dynamic and strong typing (value data type must be the same as the variable type), object orientation, multiparadigm (functional and imperative programming), as well as powerful features in the standard library and via modules and frameworks developed by the community. Its code is open and free to use, running on virtually any operating system. 

How do Python works? 

Due to the simple syntax, code written in Python is usually smaller and more readable compared to other languages such as C++ or PHP. There are fewer “grammatical” requirements, such as parentheses in selection structures or semicolons at the end of the line, and the code is structured around whitespace. 

Python can be used on your computer, running programs through the command terminal using one of the available implementations, such as CPython or PyPy. Due to its versatility, it also serves as a scripting language for web applications running on the server-side, and as a tool for developing plugins that expand the functionality of other programs. In science, Python is widely used in math libraries such as NumPy and SciPy, and it also serves as the basis for much artificial intelligence and machine learning projects. 

Why should everyone learn Python?  

Very few people know that Python can be used in many industries and professions (for example in Data Science). You can easily replace your excel formulas with a few quick lines of Python code and very quickly get much more accurate insights and analysis from the data and information you need to do your job in the best possible way.  

What profession doesn't need this? Improved analysis, productivity, and speed. The Python language is undoubtedly a great evolution that is just beginning and tends to impact practically all areas and professions and more and more people know and know what Python is. 

Another of the qualities that attract the public to this language is the ease of learning. Unlike Java and C, which have some “barriers” for those who have no programming knowledge, Python has a light start and encourages the search for more knowledge within the technology. 

Sites for learning Python today 

Remembering, Python is a high-level programming language, that is, with a more simplified syntax and closer to the human language, used in the most diverse applications, such as desktop, web, servers, and data science. To help those who want to learn Python, check out these 6 options: 

1. MIT Open Courseware 

MIT Open Courseware (ocw.mit.edu) offers all MIT undergraduate and majoring courses online, which are freely accessible in English. You have the option to take introductory courses in languages such as Python, Java, C and C++, and others, or even Data Science, or complete an entire degree with the right to certification. 

2. CodeCademy 

CodeCademy (codecademy.com) is a course site focused on programming, containing several languages divided into several modules. Although much of the site is in English, there is a large amount of content in Portuguese. It has very interactive courses in HTML and CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Ruby, PHP, C#, and other programming languages and is free, but there is a paid learning modality that offers exclusive content and community support. 

3. Code.org 

Code.org is an NGO dedicated to teaching programming in schools, mainly for children (here is the Hour of Code project), which is funded and supported by almost every major IT company on the planet. The courses are not high-level, they have modules that use Scratch (programming in blocks) and provide simpler notions. 

4. Code Avengers 

Code Avengers (codeavengers.com) breaks courses down into skills, separating them into three profiles: children and youth (who are just starting to code), professionals (those who want to improve their skills), and teachers (who need specialized tools. The site has content in English, and courses in languages such as HTML and CSS, Python, Javascript, and jQuery, as well as Systems Development, among others. The platform is mixed, with free and paid courses. 

5. Coursera 

Coursera (coursera.org) has a series of free courses, prepared by large institutions, from universities to companies such as Stanford, Cisco, and Intel, among others. It has courses in Python, Java, PHP, and mobile app development (iPhone or Android) and is free. 

6. Microsoft, on Edx 

The edX (edx.org) is a joint initiative between MIT and Harvard University, which also has the support of other educational institutions and large companies, such as Microsoft. It doesn't just bring IT courses, but it has a vast catalog of language modules such as C#, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, HTML, and CSS, in English. 

Python is increasingly essential in technology 

If you want to become a Python programmer, or if you are already a programmer but want to specialize in Python, you have immensely fertile ground to explore. The wide variety of fields where Python can be put to use is an array of professional options for all preferences. In addition, its great accessibility makes it ideal to be learned by those who have not yet mastered any language, opening the door to learning other technologies. 

The truth is that there is a lack of specialized Python developers on the market and, due to its increasing use in the most diverse areas, a deep knowledge of this programming language is very attractive security for professionals and small or large companies. The natural consequence of this great demand is high salaries and professional stability. Remember that internet access is required, so hire phone and internet bundles or good providers to avoid headaches.