Web developers worldwide love Python, an easy-to-learn and versatile computer coding language. A Stack Overflow survey revealed that most people surveyed wanted to learn Python. In addition, Python is not complicated, making it an easy language for beginners.
If your kids are interested in technology and computers, they might want to learn how to code. The development team at Digital Authority Partners has the following advice to get your kids coding in Python. It’s fun, but it can give them a headstart on a career in technology.
What Is Python?
Coding involves writing commands for a computer to obey. Python is a general-purpose coding language invented by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s. It’s been around for a long time, and there are a lot of resources kids can use to learn. Python can run on different platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Python is perfect for older kids interested in computers; they don’t need to understand how to write commands or understand how a computer works. Instead, they can start learning it right away.
The beauty of Python is that it has a wide variety of uses, from developing mobile apps, computer games, and even building websites. Additionally, both big and small projects can use Python. As you can see, kids who love technology will love learning Python.
One of the reasons Python is easy to learn is that it’s very logical and based on readability; instead of 0s and 1s, Python uses English words. Python is composed of simple ‘sentences,’ making it easy to read and understand, compared to other coding languages. Also, there are a lot of convenient libraries to add many features quickly.
While it’s easy to learn, Python is best for children aged 12 and older. Younger kids can try learning coding languages such as Blockly and Scratch. However, younger children who already know Scratch or Blockly could also be ready to learn Python.
If your older child is willing to learn and has a good attention span, they could learn Python in one to three months. Moreover, learning Python teaches kids valuable life skills that can be important to their futures.
Versatile, Project-Based Learning
The fun of learning Python is that kids can get creative; they can do web-based projects, build apps and websites, or create computer games. Learning Python opens up a world of possibilities for tech-minded kids. They can use what they learn to make whatever interests them.
Learning Python involves creating small, simple projects, not reading through technical manuals. This hands-on learning is perfect for most kids. Once mastering a simple project, your child can move on to more complex Python coding projects. Little by little, they’ll master Python, making it as natural as speaking English.
Python for Kids is a fun and creative way to get started with coding. There are many free resources to learn Python and low-cost online courses designed just for kids. Once they know Python, other, more complex coding languages will be easier to understand.
Learning Python Can Set Kids Up for a Great Career
Learning Python is just the beginning; as they move on to languages like Java, JavaScript, C, and C++, they’ll know everything for a great career.
Many big companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Google, Amazon, Disney, and Spotify routinely use Python. That’s because Python has many uses, from data mining applications, web development, AI, and much more. ‘
Additionally, Python is close to Java as employers’ most desired coding language. As a result, there are hundreds of thousands of well-paid job listings for Python programmers on sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Monster.
Learning Python now can set your children up for a promising career in IT, development, and computer sciences. In the U.S., the average salary for a Python developer is more than $100,000 per year.
While a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences or IT development is helpful, you don’t necessarily need a college degree for a career in Python. An online Python developer career certificate could be all your child needs to begin making a six-figure income.
Kid Developers Making the News
Some kids are natural-born artists or business people, and some are natural-born developers. For example, an 11-year-old Python developer from Morocco named Ider was a speaker at Google’s DevFest Agadir.
Incredibly, young Ider has an advanced understanding of augmented reality and machine learning. His talk focused on how kids can embrace their love for computer science and begin building their future.
Likewise, 11-year-old Aaron Ma began with Python, moved to C++ and JavaSript, and recently received a nano-degree as a self-driving car engineer.
In 2017, Apple Worldwide Developers Conference flew 10-year-old Yuma Soerianto from Melbourne, Australia. He met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and First Lady Michelle Obama.
With five apps in the Apple store, 10-year-old Yuma was the youngest developer on the platform. Yuma taught himself how to build apps by learning to code online.
However, Yuma Soerinato is not Apple’s youngest app developer; in 2016, 9-year-old Anvitha Vijay, also from Melbourne, was invited to Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference. Anvithra began learning to code at age seven by watching YouTube videos. Her first app was Smartkins Animals, designed to help her little sister learn the names of different animals.
These kids are exceptional, possessing an extraordinary gift. However, almost any child that wants to can learn to code. While Python is a good starter for older kids if you have a young child eager to code, look into Blockly and Scratch.
While you may want your child to attain a skill they can use to earn a good living, it’s also essential to respect their wishes. For example, some kids love technology and want to learn how to code. Other kids love animals and want to become a veterinarian. Some kids love cars and want to become a mechanic. Your child can earn a good living doing nearly anything they love doing.