10 Must-Have Skills For Python Developers

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The third most popular programming language for the year 2019 Python (as per TIOBE Index) is being used in more than 1,50,000 active web sites currently. 

There are more than 8 million users of this language all over the globe. It is a General-purpose programming language. 

It is considered to be the favorite language of developers. For being able to acquire maximum productivity, the developers are required to have some skills.

Here is 10 Must-Have Skills For Python Developers

1.In-depth Knowledge and command of Python language:

This is the most basic requirement for being a Python developer. You should know Python inside and out in order to become an efficient developer. There are certain areas that you are required to be familiar with.

  • The basics of the language:

Python is Interpreted and Dynamically typed language. It is Object-Oriented meaning in this language developers have to declare the data type, behavior, and functions of the data structure.

  • Codes and Syntax:

Developers must have detailed knowledge of codes and their types and they should be proficient at using them. Syntax refers to the rules to be followed to develop and execute the program. They should have a thorough knowledge of syntax as well. 

  • Understanding of Data types:

Data types refer to the classification of data items. This concept is crucial for the development of programs so developers have to master it in order to create applications.

  • Knowledge of Variables

Developers are required to have an understanding of variable which is a reserved location of memory for storing values. It gives data for processing to the computer.

  • Clarity about Iterators and Generators:

If you wish to work in Python, you should definitely get your facts right about iterators and generators. A generator is a hassle-free way of creating iterators.

  • Conceptual clarity with regarding Data storage and Exception handling: 

Developers should be aware of the important concept of Data storage in other words File handling. There are many functions available for reading, creating, updating, and deleting files. 

Developers must also be able to handle exceptions which are events that occur while executing a program. It will disrupt the usual flow of instructions of programs.

2. Grip over Libraries and Framework:

Python has some of the most amazing frameworks and Libraries. Developers should be fully aware of them in order to reduce time consumption and efforts. 

Frameworks contain ready-to-use blocks of coding. Some of the famous frameworks are mentioned below:

  • Django
  • TurboGears
  • web2py
  • Flask 
  • Bottle
  • CherryPy
  • Hug
  • Pyramid

Some of the popular Libraries are mentioned below:

  • Numpy
  • Pandas
  • Matplotlib
  • SciKit-Learn
  • Keras
  • NLTK
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Theano
  • Shogun

3 . Grasping the architecture of Python:

Python supports multi-process architecture. It refers to the ability of the system which can support many processors simultaneously. Python includes a simple API for the division of work between multiple processes. 

Each process of Python runs independently of each other. They have their own memory space. And as soon as their target function is executed, the process gets terminated. 

Developers must have a comprehensive understanding of this concept along with the concepts of Model-View-Controller and Model-View-Template Architecture in order to function in a better manner.

4. Object Relational Mappers:

An Object Relational Mapper (ORM) is a library of codes. It performs the automation of the transport of data which is stored in relational databases tables. It transforms them into objects which are more commonly used in the coding of the application. 

In layman’s language, it is useful when we are involved in the conversion of data between two incompatible and disparate systems that are using OOP languages. Developers should have a grasp of this programming technique as it becomes the necessity for them to know it. 

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Intelligence (MI), Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning

Python is considered to be the most preferred language for AI-based projects. As a result, it becomes imperative for a Python developer to get more knowledge in this direction. The knowledge mainly encompasses two areas which require a lot of efforts:

Development of program:

Developers have the at least intermediate-level knowledge of what AI, MI and ML are. They have to be well-versed with Machine Learning algorithms. It will also be required to have a thorough understanding of the acquisition and analysis of Data.

Awareness about existing libraries:

Below mentioned Python libraries are really helpful in developing apps based on AI, MI, and ML:

Libraries and Frameworks For Machine Learning,  General Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks, Natural LanguageDetails
TensorFlowA library to aid Machine Learning
NumpyA library to aid Machine Learning
MDP-ToolkitA collection of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms
Scikit-LearnPython module integrating classic Machine Learning algorithms
LightGBMA library assisting in constructing new algorithms
KerasA library to aid Machine Learning
MilkA Machine Learning toolkit
AIMAPython implementation of algorithms
pyDatalogLogic Programming engine
NLTKPython modules on linguistic data and documentation for research and development in natural language processing
Gensimframework designed to automatically extract semantic topics from documents
ShogunMachine Learning Open Source Software

In addition to AI, MI, and ML, Deep Learning is also growing exponentially. It is sub-part of the family of Machine Learning methods which are based on artificial neural networks along with representation learning.  

6. Data Science:

The field of Data Science has been blooming in current times. Data is an invaluable asset. Businesses use Data Science in order to add value to different aspects of operations. 

There are some really important tasks involved in Data Science where Python is used like Data Exploration, Data Analysis, and Data Visualization. Being a Python developer, you should be well aware of how to develop application data.

Some Data Exploration and Analysis libraries like Pandas, SciPy, NumPy and some more would help the web developers. Libraries like Matplotlib, Datashader, Ridge Map, Geoplot, holoviews, DeCiDa and so on are helpful in Data Visualization.

7. Version Control:

A Python Web Development Company has to keep a tab of the changes incorporated with each version update. In fact, there are some changes observed in Python 2 and 3 like

  • The print keyword in Python 2 is replaced by the print () function in Python 3. The content has to be written in parentheses in Python 3.
  • There is a small change in Error handling. 
  • Implicit str type is ASCII in Python 2 whereas it is Unicode in Python 3.

Thus, they have to be aware of the changes taking place with each updated version.

8. Understanding of Front end technologies and RESTful APIs:

There may be a requirement to work with the Front end team in order to have a sync between client-side and server-side programming. 

The developer is required to know about the Work pattern of the application from the client’s end, interface of the application and limitations of the front-end. So, they should have some knowledge of these technologies.

In addition to Front-end technologies, they should even have the idea of RESTful APIs. It is a type of architecture that is used for distributed systems. It has grown into one of the most important Web-service design models. 

Learning how to build RESTful APIs is necessary for the developer. Along with that, they should even be aware of how it should be integrated in your application with other components. 

9. Debugging and Testing skills:

For a developer, it is not only about developing. It is also about debugging your application. If you find any bugs, it is required that you fix them before the submission.  You may even take the help of the community members whom you may find to guide you.

10. Analytical and Communication skills:

These are human skills. We should have a thorough knowledge of the code which is required to be written. 

We need to make sure that there is no redundancy in terms of coding. Moreover, in big organizations, we observe a lot of human interaction. 

As a Python developer, it is our responsibility that we learn how to be a team player. We are required to incorporate better communication skills in us.

In sum…..

Jobs for Python developers are usually highly remunerative. We as developers should inculcate the discussed skills for ensuring maximum returns on our invested time and efforts.

About Author:

Full Name: Harikrishna Kundariya

Biography: Harikrishna Kundariya, a marketer, developer, IoT, ChatBot & Blockchain savvy, designer, co-founder, Director of eSparkBiz Technologies, A Python Web Development Company. His 8+ experience enables him to provide digital solutions to new start-ups based on IoT & Blockhain.