If you work in programming, you are likely familiar with Python. Here are a few activities to look into to refresh your skills.
Python is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages so it’s a great skill to learn.
Having Python skills on your CV will ensure you’re an attractive candidate for many jobs. If you’re coming to Python for the first time, you should check out the Python Software Foundation (PSF), the official organisation behind Python.
On its website, you’ll find information about worldwide Python communities and forums, as well as all the use cases for Python.
The website has some helpful guides for beginners, too. It’s a good idea to use these in tandem with some of the exercises on this list (and on the internet more generally) to teach yourself how to use it.
Even if you have experience using Python, you should test yourself fairly regularly. These fun games, short courses and event ideas are ideal to refresh your memory.
Here are five things to do to sharpen your Python skills.
Play games
If you know where to look, the internet has loads of games and exercises to help Python learners test themselves and have fun at the same time.
Online role-playing game (RPG) CodeCombat offers Python programmers of all ages a chance to have fun, with other popular languages such as JavaScript, CSS and HTML also supported. It’s particularly good for young programmers with its kid-friendly design and it has plenty of resources for parents and teachers.
Codewars is another fun game for Python learners. Players can progress from beginner to master level by completing various coding challenges. It has exercises for programming novices, as well as developers of all levels.
Showcase your skills
If gaming isn’t your thing but you’re competitive, you might like HackerRank, a website that lets programmers practice their skills and compete with others.
The advantage of using HackerRank is that many of the world’s biggest tech companies, including VMWare, Stripe, Adobe and LinkedIn, source their talent on the site.
You can show off your achievements and Python prowess on your HackerRank profile. This makes it a useful resource if you’re programming with the intention of landing a job because as stated on the HackerRank site, “skills speak louder than words”.
Do a short course
If you think you need a bit of extra guidance learning Python, it’s no harm to do a training course. There are many inexpensive online courses you can do in your spare time.
For beginners, there are several highly rated courses on Udemy that will give you the foundation skills you need.
If you have Python experience, you might be interested in a course that teaches you how to use Python in a new way, for example, a Python and machine learning course.
Experiment
Even if you’re an advanced Python programmer, it’s always a good idea to keep your skills sharp with consistent use.
Stay on top of the latest Python developments to see what others are using it for. This might prove a source of inspiration for some of your own projects.
Attend events
Did you know there is a very active international Python community? You can find out about these Python devotees via the PSF’s website (mentioned in the introduction) or you can do your own research.
Last year some Dublin-based ‘Pythoners’ helped to organise and run one of Europe’s biggest volunteer-led Python conferences. EuroPython 2022 was held in July in the Irish capital. More than 1,000 developers gathered in person to show their love for Python, with many more attended the event virtually.
Python Ireland is a wonderful group to get involved with if you’re interested in regular meet-ups with programmers. The group produces a newsletter and has international links with other communities.
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