Why Should Children Learn Python?

Coding can be hard to navigate - with so many options, where shall your child start? 

At Hub21 we are here to help you make that decision easier and tell you more about Python - a text-based computer programming language. Python was created in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum, as a predecessor of the computing language ABC.

Fun fact: Although the Python logo is inspired by the snake by the same name, Python was actually named after the BBC TV show Monty Python’s Flying Circus!

For our students with previous experience with the block-based coding language or older than 10 years old, you can’t go wrong with Python. Let us explain why with three general characteristics : 

• Programmer-friendly, High-Level Programming Language
• Python Programmers are in High Demand
• Open-source with A Large Community

1- Programmer-friendly, High-Level Programming Language

In computer science, a high-level language is the one that is relatively easy for humans to intuitively understand and interpret. On the other hand, low-level languages are easier for a machine to read, but are usually harder for the human programmer to understand.

For example, if you look at Ada’s bakery codes, you will find a lot of words, or syntax, that resembles real words we use in English such as, "input," "print," and "f = open"!

Python also requests much shorter lines of code to create scripts.,

Note: The codes above were written by our student, Ada. Then it was translated by a machine back into a machine language so that it can be understood and run by her computer. For that reason, we call it an “interpreted language". JavaScript, Perl, BASIC are other examples of interpreted languages.

2- Python Programmers are in High Demand 

Real Python, 2021

Rather than being specialized for a certain field or domain, Python is not a - "domain-specific" computer programming language. Students can use it to tackle a wide range of problems and build innovative solutions for various technologies!

From games to web applications, Python programmers are hired by some of the biggest companies in the world, including Netflix, PayPal, and Instagram. They push the boundaries of emerging technologies like data science, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and natural language processing.

A Python programmer can usually choose from multiple job roles. Some of the most popular are:

a- Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning researcher. Artificial intelligence and machine learning offer the most exciting career path available to the new generation of coders. In the Tech industry, major companies such as Neuralink, Spotify, or Facebook developers are looking for Python developers with a radically different approach to software design, architecture, and development.

b- Data Scientist. Big Companies are rushing to uncover business insights from the raw data they accumulated in their databases. The mission of Python developers is to find ways to analyze and present data insights. For example, Spotify has created its own in-house data analysis package, which uses Python to gather data about user metrics to offer the best-personalized experience to its users.

c- Software engineer. Knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is necessary for web developers but if they could add Python on top of their resume they could work anywhere in the IT industry.

3- Open–source with a large community

Real Python, 2021

Open–source means that anyone can openly collaborate on and contribute to the development of Python. Python can be downloaded on every device regardless of the operating system (OS). For that reason, a lot of companies are looking for Python  

When our students are experiencing some bugs in their Python codes, they can always get in touch with our top tutors. They also have the option to lead a quick search on their favorite browser and find out that the same problem has already been encountered and solved by someone else. 

Conclusion

Among its various advantages, Python is a great computer programming language that helps new coders learn basic concepts and eventually aspire to pursue an education or career in coding.

At Hub21, our experienced tutors aren’t only solidifying the coding basics of our students in Python. They also become role models and share their own experiences related to machine learning, data science, or software engineering.

Read more about our full computer science curriculum in Python for students ages 10-17 and register for our free tryout to learn which course is best for your child’s coding journey at Hub21.

Hub21 Tutor - Merve K.