Why should high school students learn Python?

Per the TIOBE Index, Python is the most popular programming language in the world. This is because it is one of the most versatile programming languages you can learn, but it is still beginner-friendly enough that new programmers can start easily picking up its grammar and syntax. If you are a high school student who is interested in learning how to write code, starting with Python can be a great way to learn the basics of a programming language, develop the right mindset for thinking like a programmer, and position yourself for future training in cutting edge data science and machine learning related career fields. Read on to learn about the various reasons that learning Python can be a long-term benefit to high school students.

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Prepare for in-demand career opportunities

It should go without saying that as the world becomes increasingly driven by technological change, there will be a high demand for jobs involving the design, programming, and maintenance of essential software and computer applications. Learning Python is a great way to set yourself up for long-term success as a computer programmer or software engineer, or you can specialize in Python and become a dedicated Python developer. These jobs remain in high demand, and they are relatively high-paying professions, particularly if you find yourself working on complex or specialized Python programming projects. The median annual wage for software engineers is about $133,000 and there are lots of opportunities to make even more money by becoming focused on specific programming skills.

For example, professionals working in the fields of information science, data science, and machine learning can make upwards of $160,000 each year. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are poised to reshape a wide range of different industries, and top-tier talent is being scooped up to help give individual firms and companies the edge in the ever-expanding market. Python is a vital programming language when it comes to AI, LLMs, and other generative algorithms, meaning that these skills are going to remain in demand and become even more important as more and more businesses and institutions integrate these algorithms into their regular workflow. 

When you master Python early on in your studies, it opens the door to numerous careers, both in and out of traditional tech-focused roles. While many choose to become a Web Developer or to become an AI professional, there are also exciting opportunities in fields like finance, biotech, environmental science, media, and even education. For example, many professionals in these fields use Python to complete tasks like automating reporting and analyzing research.

Python’s adaptability as a whole makes it a go-to language for countless industries, and starting to learn Python early will help you stay on top of developments in the field and will help you build a foundation of knowledge so that you can continue your training in more focused projects. Taking the initiative to learn this programming language before college also means you’ll be armed with technical expertise and important soft skills like logical reasoning that are beneficial far beyond coding classes. When you have both technical and soft skills to showcase, you’re showing employers and professors that you’re a well-rounded, adaptable learner who is dedicated to personal and professional growth.

Prepare for your college studies by learning Python

If you are planning to pursue a college degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, or even data analytics, learning Python will pay dividends in a number of different ways. In addition to the obvious fact that knowing more about Python will help you in classes focused on teaching you Python, there are also a number of less immediately obvious advantages. The most significant advantage is that the skills you learn in a Python course, particularly those that relate to thinking like a programmer, will be transferable to other computer programming classes and tasks. Once you know one programming language, others become significantly easier to pick up since you have an understanding of the basics of reading and writing code. Beyond this, you will also find that you can utilize Python in other programming contexts, making it easier than it might otherwise be to accomplish your programming goals.

On another practical level, learning Python can help set your application to a computer science program apart from other students who are applying within the same pool of applicants. This can help you find a position at a prestigious school, which will have long-term benefits with regards to everything from networking to skills development. You can also possibly test out of introductory Python classes, receive additional college credit (saving you time and money), and even pass the AP Comp Sci exam in order to further demonstrate your commitment to your training and your baseline fundamental skills. 

Learn to think like a programmer by learning Python

Learning a programming language is a lot like learning a foreign language since it requires you to understand syntax, vocabulary, and grammar that is otherwise very unfamiliar to you. Also, like learning a foreign language, it pays to start learning early and continue practicing as you grow older. Starting in high school will give you plenty of time and opportunities to develop your skills and grow more comfortable and proficient with the language.

In addition, it is important for new programmers to understand the restrictions and limitations that programming languages place on users. Computers are hyper-literal and, therefore, need to be approached on their own terms, so learning to code is as much learning a language as it is learning how to use that language as a tool of communication. In a programming course, you will learn the basics of reading and writing Python code, and you’ll learn the different ways in which you can approach a given problem that you are facing while writing code. Once you start to think like a programmer, every problem you face when dealing with a computer becomes significantly easier to solve.