Why Project-based Learning is Critical for Self-taught Python Developers?

Project-based learning (PBL) will help Self-taught Python Developers by engaging them in real-world, meaningful projects.

Programming languages exist to accomplish different business purposes, so it's important to make an informed decision about the best programming language to learn. Programming skills are important for learning to innovate and create eco-friendly solutions for global problems. Programming is important in our daily life to enhance and increase the power of computers and the internet. Sources say that there are around 26 million programmers at present across the world and the number is increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, almost every leading company such as Amazon, Microsoft, Uber, etc., requires you to have an understanding of basic programming concepts. Given Python's uses across many industries and applications – and its recent explosive use in data science, machine learning, and AI, Python is on a major growth trajectory. Nowadays, students choose the option of becoming a self-taught python developer rather than pursuing a degree in programming languages. But the journey of being a self-taught python developer cannot be achieved in a few days or months but requires a lot of patience and dedication. But your journey can be easy by embracing project-based learning.

What is Project-based Learning?

Project-based learning (PBL) is a method that drives learning by engaging them in real-world, meaningful projects. In PBL, Self-taught Python Developers can work in groups over a set period on a project designed to solve a genuine problem or answer a challenging question. Python developers demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a solution or presentation for a public audience. Project-based learning activities allow Self-taught Python Developers to develop deep content knowledge. Importantly, PBL also supports the development of 21^st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.

The first and toughest step is to come up with a project. You can, however, find amazing projects on the internet that you can start working on. If you have an idea or problem to solve, then things will be easier for you. It is also recommended to ensure that your project is scalable. This will help especially if you become a pro python developer to a point of growing and monetizing the project.

You should also plan on starting with small projects to help you grasp the core elements of Python. Remember nobody will judge you for uploading a small project on your portfolio as a beginner.

Now, how will you manage your python project?

There are two common project management methods; agile and waterfall.

In Agile there is a continuous iteration of development and testing in the software development process. The waterfall is known to follow a sequential order and testing is done after the project is complete. Agile is good for a big project that involves a team of python developers.

The waterfall is an easier model to manage if you are working on a small project that only involves you. The process and results are also well documented.

Future of Self-taught Python Developers

A Stack Overflow report mentions that around 60.1% of developers employed have taken an online course in programming and around 86.8 % have learned a language, framework, or tooling without any sort of formal coursework. There is a good chance for self-taught developers to earn more than normal developers.

On average, it can take anywhere from five to 10 weeks to learn the basics of Python programming, including object-oriented programming, basic Python syntax, data types, loops, variables, and functions. In the end, though, how long it takes to learn Python depends on how much experience you have with programming languages, web development, data science, and other related fields.

Self-taught Python Developers need to have subject expertise in computer science to be functional programmers, but on the whole, their learning is much more focused on practical skills. They have the freedom and flexibility to learn the skills necessary for a particular job or set of jobs, unlike someone in a computer science program. They can also maximize their time spent learning languages so that they're ready to jump into coding work. Self-taught coders need to do plenty of research to ensure that they are learning industry-relevant skills. Of course, it is also possible that a self-taught student will learn skills unnecessary for their future work.  Often, self-taught Python Developers will learn many languages in preparation for several jobs, then narrow down their focus as they become experts.