Python programming language for beginners. Set up the development and working environment

Home / Browsers

Python Programmer uses a high-level programming language to create client-server applications, various types of games, microservices, large and small websites, bots for social networks. Engaged not only in creating software, but also technical support, integration, optimization, trains company personnel to work with programs and services. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in computer science (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).

Brief description

In the early 90s of the last century, a Dutch developer created Python, which combined the features different languages programming. The high-level language in question ranks 4th in the world rankings; it is used and supported by Mail, Pinterest, Youtube, and the creators of large search engines.

Experienced Python programmers highlight the following: strengths language and the advantages of working with it:

language extensibility, integration with C/C++;
simplified syntax, Unicode support;
cross-platform;
dynamic typing;
the ability to quickly create the most complex code;
a huge number of development environments;
can be used to write all types of software products;
simplified maintenance of the created software;
free license;
a large community of competent programmers.

The disadvantages of Python include its slowness and the fact that the language in question is quite specific. Most often, programmers who study this language want to expand their horizons and improve their skills. The network contains a huge amount of interesting materials about Python: useful books and textbooks, videos, Russian-speaking communities, translated instructions.

Features of the Python programmer profession

Experienced programmers are constantly learning, because if they do not gain new knowledge, the developer will quickly lose both their qualifications and their value in the labor market. Python is a general-purpose programming language that it is desirable for a developer to know. Most often for learning Python programmers who already have solid experience with C++ or Java are hired. The fact is that skills in working with object-oriented programming allow you to master Python in a short time.

Many developers consider the Python language to be outdated and too slow, so they do not pay due attention to studying it. But large technology companies are actively using this programming language; it has been at the top of the rankings for many years, thanks to which it can be considered promising.

A Python developer is involved in maintaining the software that he has developed or upgraded, training employees, preparing instructions, and documentation.

Pros and cons of the profession

Pros

The ability to learn independently, which is convenient for people who decide to move away from complex programming.
Fast learning.
Large Russian-speaking community of programmers.
Beautiful and simple language code, which significantly speeds up the development process.
Not large number programmers who are fluent in Python.
There is a lot of demand, so there will be a lot of work.

Cons

Python is less popular than Java and C/C++, which has a significant impact on salaries.
The programming language in question may be a second language, but not a first language.
Python programmers are in demand in well-known companies based in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities. Therefore, a developer who speaks only one programming language may have problems finding work in remote regions.
To get hired in a large company, you must have 2-3 years of experience with Java, C/C++.

Important personal qualities

Patience.
Hard work.
Determination.
Initiative.
Determination.
Self-confidence.
Attentiveness.
Self-control.

Python programmer training

Anyone with a higher technical or IT education can master Python. Receiving a higher education is another plus on a resume, because employers looking for a Python programmer give preference to developers with a university degree.

You can learn the language in 2-6 months through Python programming courses, which can be either paid or free. You can learn Python on your own using videos, blogs, and textbooks. Another good option is to find a practicing programmer who is willing to take on an apprentice.

Well . You will gain knowledge and skills that allow you to implement projects different levels complexity, ranging from small web applications, simple scripts and programs, to software for spacecraft and artificial intelligence. Training takes place in a convenient and effective format in the form of step-by-step lessons with individual analysis of homework.

It takes you forever to collect working information, but you no longer have enough enthusiasm to generate breakthrough business ideas? you will write your first code in Python, learn how to work with files containing millions of lines, extract data from web pages without even opening them in a browser, customize automatic start scripts.

Place of work

A Python developer will be able to find a decent job only if he has experience in programming. Talent, creativity, desire to learn, quick response, attention to detail - these are additional requirements to applicants. The doors of universities, trade and IT companies, state enterprises, economic institutions, media holdings, etc. will open to a developer who meets these requirements.

Python Programmer Salary

The salary depends on the Python developer’s experience, higher education, reviews from previous employers, and level of technical training. The highest salary is received by a Python programmer with 2-3 years of work experience, who works in companies based in Moscow Region and St. Petersburg.

Salary as of September 17, 2019

Russia 50000—200000 ₽

Moscow 80000—200000 ₽

Lore

Knowledge of the basics of Python programming, at least 1 year of experience.
Free Django framework.
Practical skills in working with Java, JavaScript, C/C++ are desirable.
Knowledge of REST, HTML, CSS, AJAX, Canvas, Web Sockets.
Version Control System.
Database management systems, page layout.
English, which is necessary for reading and writing technical documents. documentation.

Python is one of the most popular “non-classical” programming languages. It is ideal for the role of an “introductory” or second language (for example, after more complex C++ or Java). Thanks to its brevity (or even minimalism), it is quickly absorbed. Python's simplified syntax allows you to convey a large amount of information in a minimal amount of source code.

In addition, Python can be used in almost any area of software development (standalone applications, client-servers, web applications) and in any subject area. It integrates easily with other components, allowing you to embed Python into already written applications. Projects written in this language have the property of being cross-platform, that is, if necessary, they can be quickly and painlessly transferred from one operating system to another.

The reference implementation of Python is CPython, which supports most actively used platforms and is distributed under a free license, which allows it to be used without restrictions in any application, including proprietary ones.

New versions of Python (with added/changed language properties) are released approximately every two and a half years.

Responsibilities

Design and development

The main task of a Python programmer is to create applications and services using the language of the same name. At the same time, the programmer must be able to draw up technical specifications (TOR) and understand special terminology.

Testing and implementation

The tasks of a C++ programmer also include supporting a project to create applications and services: testing them, debugging them (if errors are found) and, finally, implementation - putting them into operation.

Escort

Another responsibility of the programmer is the development of instructions for working with the finished product, as well as the preparation of the necessary technical documentation.

What you need to know and be able to do

Personal qualities

Analytical mind;
Attention to detail;
Structural thinking;
Self-learning ability;
Responsibility.

Basic Skills

Knowledge and experience of development in Python;
Knowledge and experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript;
Knowledge of MySQL, PgSQL;
Experience in developing applications/services;
Ability to compose and read technical specifications;
Ability to understand other people's code;
Skills in working with large volumes of information.

Lesson 1: Introduction

The result of the lesson: a customized environment, a library with the basics of syntax and data types that you can rely on in the future.

General acquaintance with `Python`, its history and prospects
General familiarity with `Python` versions 2.7 and 3
Configuring and installing `Python` 2.7 and 3 on local machines
Installing `SublimeText`(Text Editor)
Configuring and installing `git`, registering on github
`print "Hello Pythonic world!"`, first commit and push to github
A detailed analysis of what happened in the paragraph above
Introduction to basic syntax, basic data types
What is a variable? How to declare it, and where can it be seen?
Introduction to language structures: branches, loops, conditions
Stackoverflow-driven development, section on how to find answers to your questions yourself

Lesson 2: First application

Result of the lesson: application-game, "tic-tac-toe" in the console.

Introducing the Command Line
Dependency management, `pip`, installing first external packages
Introducing `virtualenv`, creating the environment
Installing `PyCharm`(IDE)
Continuation of acquaintance with data types in `Python`, the principle of “assignment never copies data”: arrays, dictionaries, tuples
What is a Function? Introduction to Functional Programming
Exception Handling
Application debug
Writing a tic-tac-toe game in a functional style

Lesson 3: Object-Oriented Programming

Result of the lesson: “to-do and shopping list” application.

What is an Object? Introduction to OOP
OOP principles: abstraction, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism
Magic methods and constants: `__init__()`, `__str__()` and `__dict__`
`Python`"s `super()`, `mro()`, new and old classes
`@staticmethod` and `@classmethod`, class variables
Design Principles: Inheritance, Aggregation and Composition
Continued acquaintance with the `Python` language: decorators, properties, generators, `lambda`, `list-comprehension`
Zen of Python
Writing a To-Do and Shopping List Application in Object Style

Lesson 4: Python Versions, Cross-Version Code

What are the main differences between Python 2 and 3?
`str` and `unicode`
Other important changes
Which interpreter version should I choose for a new project?
How to write code for both versions of Python? Introduction to `six`, `2to3`, `3to2`
The coming future: what's new in `Python` 3.5?
Can I improve `Python`? Or what is `PEP`

Lesson 5: Complicating programs

Result of the lesson: application-game "sea battle" with AI.

Software development principles: DRY, KISS, YAGNI, SOLID
Common mistakes when writing code
Working with files
Text formats data exchange: `.json`, `.csv`, and how to work with them
What are the ways to terminate an application?
Writing a game "sea battle" with AI with saving the game, in object style

Lesson 6: Creating a Web Spider

Result of the lesson: an application that would go to a social network page and take all statuses and/or photos from there.

How does the Internet work? Introduction to `TCP/IP`, `DNS` and client-server architecture
Why do we need `http` before the address? Introducing the `HTTP` protocol with the `urllib` module
What is a regular expression? Module `re`
What is a web page? Basics of `HTML` markup, introduction to `HTML5` tags
Writing a web spider based on `Scrapy`, which will receive statuses from a social network page and save the results in a file

Lesson 7: First web project, backend

Result of the lesson: a blog application without a database, without styles and scripts.

What are backend and frontend?
How does the server work using `Flask` as an example?
What path does the request take, and what types of requests are there?
Introduction to `MVC` and `MTV`
How does routing happen?
What is a template? And how to work with `Jinja2`?
Why do we need forms and how to work with them?
Writing your first web application

Second block. Lessons 8-14.

Lesson 8: Database Basics

Result of the lesson: a blog application with a database and cache, page-by-page display of articles, without styles and scripts.

What types of databases are there? Introduction to `MySQL`, `PostgresSQL`, `SQLite` and `Redis`
RDBMS basics: tables and relationships between them (OneToOne, OneToMany, ManyToMany)
Introduction to `SQL`
Database design, normal forms
Transactions, indexes
Introduction to `NoSQL`: `key-value` storage, installing `Redis`
Introduction to `ORM` using the example of `SQLAlchemy` (for `SQLite`) and `redis-py`
Writing models for a blog, creating a cache in `Redis`, adding a page view

Lesson 9: First web project, frontend: CSS

Result of the lesson: blog application, with css styles

Lesson 10: Introduction to JS

Result of the lesson: a small project in JS

What are the similarities and differences between `javascript` and `Python`?
What kind of `javascript` is there?
Data Types
Language structures
Variable Scope
Functions, and what is `this`?
`window` and `document` objects
What is `polyfill`?
How to debug a `js` application?
Writing your own small frontend project

Lesson 11: First web project, frontend: jQuery

Result of the lesson: preliminary frontend for your application

What is the `jQuery` library?
When is it needed, when can you do without it, and when is it undesirable?
Code organization methodologies or "How to cook noodles"
Browser event model
Introducing `$.ajax()` and `CORS`
`DOM` manipulation
Improving Code Performance
Writing frontend for your project

Lesson 12: Automating routine tasks with Grunt

Lesson results: ready-made frontend for your application

Why do you need task automation?
What is the difference between ``
Improve `CSS` with `autoprefixer`
Introduction to `PostCSS` and a few words about preprocessors
Downsizing text files and pictures
Modular system for `js` using `browserify` as an example
Instantly changing a page with `liveserver`
Why do we need a version system for static files?
Creating `Gruntfile.js`, first build frontend

Lesson 13: Django

Result of the lesson: the skeleton of the future Django application has been written

What is `Django`? And how does this framework work?
What path does a request take in the application lifecycle?
Introduction to Middleware
url-routing, `include()` and `reverse()`
`Django`"s MVT, introduction to `Django-Templates`
`views` and `class-based views`
Simple forms, form validation
Static files
Organizing application settings
Writing the skeleton of a future project

Lesson 14: Django ORM

Result of the lesson: writing models for the application

Meet the Models
Installing and configuring `PostgreSQL`
Relationships between models: `OneToOne`, `ManyToMany` and `ForeingKey`
How to write a request?
How to write a complex query? `annotate()`, `aggregate()`
Signals
Migrations, overview of historical `South` and current `Django-Migrations`
Writing application models

Third block Lessons 15-21.

Lesson 15: Working with Models in Django

Result of the lesson: finalization of models, optimization and debugging

How to make a complex query simpler? `select_related()`, `values()`
Monitoring requests using `django-debug-toolbar`
Creating and validating `ModelForm`
Working in `FileField` and `ImageField`, saving custom media files
Model inheritance, abstract models and mixins
Managers
`raw queries`: pros and cons
Refinement of your application

Lesson 16: Administering a Django Application

Result of the lesson: written admin part of the application

How does the admin panel work?
How to administer the application?
User authorization, groups and access rights
Creating your own `admin-view`
Introducing `django-admin-tools`
`Django Management Commands`, creating your own commands
How to keep logs correctly?

Lesson 17: Testing a Python Application

Result of the lesson: a completed blog application with a database, design and tests.

What is a test, and why test an application?
What tests are there? What is the difference between unit tests and integration tests?
The `unittest` module in `Python`
What is "isolation"? Introducing the `mock` module
Tests for several versions of `Python` with `tox`
Integration tests with `selenium`
How much code is covered by tests? Introduction to `coverage`
Writing tests for your project, achieving 70-80% coverage

Lesson 18: Testing a Javascript Application

Lesson outcome: writing tests for your application

Why does `js` have so many testing frameworks?
Testing with `mocha`, `Chai` and `Sinon`
Isolation: mocks, spies and backstabs
Testing with pictures, or how `gemini` works
How to run all tests at once? Introduction to `polytester`
Autotests locally using the example of `Grunt` and remotely using the example of Travis CI

Lesson 19: Introduction to TDD and BDD

Result of the lesson: writing a module in TDD style, creating BDD tests

What is `Test Driven Development`?
Pros and cons of such a hike
Testing a `Django` application using `LiveServerTestCase` and `StaticLiveServerTestCase`
Why are TDD and BDD often compared?
How to describe application behavior? Introduction to the `gherkin` pseudo-language
Comparison of BDD frameworks for `Python`
Running BDD tests
When are such approaches necessary, applicable and contraindicated? And when to write what tests?

Lesson 20: Celery

Result of the lesson: writing asynchronous tasks for your project

Configuring and installing `Celery with Redis`
Introduction to Asynchronous Tasks
Periodic tasks with `Celery Beat`
Monitoring task completion with `Celerycam`
Monitoring `Redis`
How to debug `Celery`?
Writing Asynchronous Tasks

Lesson 21: Benefits for Django Developers

Result of the lesson:

A brief introduction to popular libraries
`python-social-auth`
`django-rest-framework`
`django-cms`
`Elasticsearch`
`Sentry` and `Raven` (+ `raven.js`)

Fourth block. Lessons 22-26.

Lesson 22: Safety

Result of the lesson: scripts for XSS attacks, adding additional security settings to the project

What types of attacks are there?
What tools does `Django` offer to avoid potential attacks?
Content Security Policy
Writing our own XSS
HTTPS protocol
Site security audit

Lesson 23: Documentation

Lesson outcome: Documenting your applications, generating documentation

How to document a `Python` application?
Smart `doc-string`, introduction to `Sphinx`
Tests in the documentation
How to document `CSS` and why? Getting to know `KSS`
Create your own `styleguide` in two clicks
Documenting `js`
Generation of project documentation

Lesson 24: Math in Python

What is `anaconda`?
Framework `Pandas`
Introducing `numpy`
`iPython Notebook`
`matplotlib`

Lesson 25: Deploying to a UNIX Server

Result of the lesson: deploy your application to the server, create configuration templates

Differences between a production server and a development server
Creating an Environment
`gunicorn` vs `uwsgi`
Creating services in `supervisor`
Installation and configuration of `nginx`
Installing additional services
Installing `pydevd` and remote debugging

Lesson 26: Real Life Application

What to do when everything goes wrong
How to support your application?
How to support someone else's application?
Metrics (CTR, conversion), AB testing
Where to grow and what to do?

As is clear from the name of the profession, the key point is the use of the Python language. This is a high level language general purpose, which is distinguished by its minimalism. Thanks to this, Python can be learned quickly, especially second to the more complex C++ and Java.

Python is used in almost all areas of software development, especially in demand for e-commerce, online marketing and online banking. That is why programmers working on it will be able to find themselves in the IT field.

Python developers can realize themselves both in creating software from scratch and in refining already finished products. Code written in Python can be implemented into existing applications. In addition, projects created on it are cross-platform, which allows them to be transferred from one system to another if necessary.

Python Programmer: Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Python programmer are not much different from those performed by specialists working in other languages. The main task is to develop services and applications in Python. The ability to compose and read technical specifications and knowledge of special terminology is also required.

Depending on whether a Python developer works alone or in a team, the list of tasks performed also changes. So, when working alone, the programmer takes full responsibility not only for writing the code, but also for the stages of testing and implementing the finished product, as well as writing instructions for users. If a whole team of specialists is working on a project, tasks are often distributed among all members.

How to become a Python developer

The profession “Python programmer” is in demand and relevant. Online schools and universities offer Python development courses for beginners and experienced professionals alike. If you are just about to get serious about programming, then you should pay attention to training programs from scratch. If you are already familiar with some programming languages, then advanced Python courses are suitable for you.

The program is a set of algorithms that ensure that the necessary actions are performed. Conventionally, an ordinary person can be programmed in the same way by writing precise commands so that, for example, he prepares tea. If the latter option uses natural speech (Russian, Ukrainian, English, Korean, etc.), then the computer will need a special programming language. Python is one of them. The programming environment will subsequently translate the commands into and the human goal for which the algorithm was created will be fulfilled. Python has its own syntax, which will be discussed below.

History of the language

Development began in the 1980s and ended in 1991. The Python language was created by Guido van Rossum. Although the main symbol of Python is a snake, it was named after the American comedy show.

When creating the language, the developer used some commands borrowed from existing Pascal, C and C++. After going online first official version a whole group of programmers joined in its refinement and improvement.

One of the factors that allowed Python to become quite famous is its design. He is recognized by many highly successful specialists as one of the best.

Features of Python

The Python programming language will be an excellent teacher for beginners. It has a fairly simple syntax. It will be easy to understand the code, because it does not include many auxiliary elements, and the special structure of the language will teach you how to indent. Of course, a well-designed program with a small number of commands will be immediately understandable.

Many syntactic systems were created using object-oriented programming. Python is no exception. Why exactly was he born? It will make it easier for beginners to learn and will help already qualified employees remember some elements.

Language syntax

As already mentioned, the code is quite easy and simple to read. Python has sequential commands that are precise in execution. In principle, the operators used will not seem difficult even to beginners. This is what makes Python different. Its syntax is easy and simple.

Traditional operators:

When setting a condition, you should use the if-else construct. If there are too many such lines, you can enter the elif command.
Class is for understanding the class.
One of the simple operators is pass. It does nothing, fits for empty blocks.
Cyclic commands are while and for.
The function, method and generator are defined thanks to def.

In addition to single words, the Python programming language allows you to use expressions as operators. By using string chains, you can reduce the number of separate commands and parentheses. So-called lazy calculations are also used, i.e. those that are performed only when the condition requires it. These include and and or.

Program writing process

The interpreter works on a single mechanism: when you write a line (after which you put “Enter”), it is immediately executed, and a person can already see some result. This will be useful and quite convenient for beginners or those who want to test a small piece of code. In compiled environments, you would have to first write the entire program, only then run it and check for errors.

Python programming language (for beginners, as has already become clear, it is ideal) in the operating room Linux system allows you to work directly in the console itself. Should be written to command line Python code name English. It won't be difficult to create your first program. First of all, it is worth considering that the interpreter can be used here as a calculator. Since young and novice specialists are often not comfortable with syntax, you can write the algorithm this way:

After each line you must put “Enter”. The answer will be displayed immediately after you click it.

Data used by Python

The data that computers (and programming languages) use comes in several types, and this is quite obvious. Numbers can be fractional, integer, can consist of many digits, or can be quite massive due to the fractional part. To make it easier for the interpreter to work with them, and for him to understand what he is dealing with, a specific type should be specified. Moreover, it is necessary for the numbers to fit into the allocated memory cell.

The most common data types used by the Python programming language are:

Integer. We are talking about integers that have both negative and positive values. Zero is also included in this type.
In order for the interpreter to understand that it is working with fractional parts, the type should be float point. As a rule, it is used when using numbers with a varying point. It should be remembered that when writing a program, you need to stick to the notation “3.25” and not use the comma “3.25”.
In the case of adding strings, the Python programming language allows you to add a string type. Often words or phrases are enclosed in single or

Disadvantages and advantages

In the last few decades, people have been more interested in spending more time mastering data and less time getting it processed by computers. Language about which there are only positive things is the highest code.

Python has virtually no disadvantages. The only serious disadvantage is the slowness of the algorithm execution. Yes, if you compare it with “C” or “Java”, it is, frankly speaking, a turtle. This is explained by the fact that this

The developer made sure to add the best things to Python. Therefore, when using it, you can notice that it has absorbed best features other higher programming languages.

In the event that the idea that is implemented by the interpreter is not impressive, then it will be possible to understand this almost immediately, after writing several dozen lines. If the program is worthwhile, then the critical section can be improved at any time.

Currently, more than one group of programmers is working on improving Python, so it is not a fact that code written in C++ will be better than that created using Python.

Which version is better to work with?

Nowadays, two versions of such a syntactic system as the Python language are widely used. For beginners, choosing between them will be quite difficult. It should be noted that 3.x is still in development (although released to the masses), while 2.x is a fully completed version. Many people advise using 2.7.8, as it practically does not lag or crash. There are no radical changes in version 3.x, so you can transfer your code to the programming environment with an update at any time. To download the necessary program, you should go to the official website, select your operating system and wait for the download to finish.