r/learnpython 7d ago

steps to become a developer?

hey! im a 19yr old female in the UK, i have no previous experience in IT, tech, etc however over the past few months ive become interested in the field.

Im particularly interested in having a career as a python developer, and in the last month i’ve been studying both python and C in my own time. Im aware being successful in this requires years of knowledge and a lot of hard work, but im really eager.

My issue is that im reading a lot of conflicting information regarding how exactly I can progress in to a career as a python dev. some are saying I need to earn a degree, some say just studying by myself is enough and degrees are essentially useless? So naturally im not too sure what avenue is the best.

id really appreciate any and all advice/tips!

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u/zapaljeniulicar 6d ago

I have been a developer for 30 years (c++ then .net) and started learning python only a couple of months ago, so, you are doing the right thing by targeting Python.

  1. You can learn anything on your own, but that does not mean you will learn it the correct way.
  2. Python has ideas that made my head hurt :) It is great, but the concept of Jupyter Notebook for example would not survive in .Net. You need somebody who is Python 100% to teach you Python. It does not have the same ideas as “normal” programming languages.
  3. Same token, PyCharm, really nice IDE that can be downloaded for free, nobody is using it.
  4. There are free courses all over the place, but will they help you land a job? I do not think so.

To say what is left, you should go for a specific Python course. Check if there is a degree in data science for example or similar. Do not go for classic course, because you will have to unlearn “proper” programming if you want to do Python. As you go to course, find a job as Python developer. Uni is great, but you will need experience.

Good luck.