In our earlier post, we discussed which age is the best age to start learning to code. For younger children, we recommend Scratch and other block programming languages. For older kids who have done Scratch before, we recommend starting with the Python Programming Language. In this post, we will discuss why Python is a good text-based programming language to start.
1. Python is one of the top 10 programming languages used in the world
For many years now, Python is one of the most used programming languages in the world. This is due to its versatility and wide usage in fields as diverse as network programming to artificial intelligence. Python has a design philosophy that emphasizes code readability and a syntax that allows programmers to express program flow with fewer lines of code.
2. Python Language and O’ Level Computing Syllabus
Singapore is aiming to be a Smart Nation, and as part of this initiative, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced last year that a new O’Level subject called Computing will be offered at 19 schools. As part of the syllabus, Python will be offered as the programming language tested. While this is currently being rolled out only to 19 schools, it will be a matter of time before it becomes one of the major subjects offered at the O’Levels.
3. Python is beginner friendly and easy to learn
Python was designed with the beginner in mind. Python syntax is easier to read and often looks like logic expressed in English.
Python requires less code to achieve similar tasks in other languages, and Python programs are often shorter than another programming languages. Python is object-oriented (similar to Java, C#) and serves as a gentle stepping stone for other languages.
Once you master Python, learning other programming languages is a matter of learning language syntax.
4. You can use Python in pretty much everything
Since its creation 26 years ago, Python has seen much usage in almost any industry. It is versatile and can be used in almost any industry that requires automation. Python is seen in:
- Data Science & Big Data Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Web Development (i.e. make websites)
- Finance and Trading
- Network Systems and Security
- Scientific and Mathematical Computing
- Basic Game Development
- And much more!
5. Python in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence
Python is widely used in Data Science and Machine Learning projects. Amongst other examples, Python was used to analyze train schedule data, and successfully identified the rogue train which was causing massive train delays on the Circle Line. Python also has many libraries for machine learning and artificial intelligence.
6. Python Programmers are highly in demand by the companies
Python Programmers are highly in demand by the biggest technology firms such as Google, Facebook, Youtube and more, and Python programmers command good pay packages that are among the top in the IT industry.
But, why learn Python Programming with Minecraft?
We believe that the best way to learn is when the student is self-motivated to complete certain tasks that they are interested in. We use Minecraft as the environment for students to practice their code, but the focus is always on the programming. As we always say in class, “Show me your code.”
In the PythonThinker Programming with Minecraft Class, students learn programming concepts and how to think computationally with Python® and use these skills to build big and cool structures in Minecraft with a few lines of code. By learning how to write programs in Python and applying it in Minecraft, your child will learn a new skill while having fun in Minecraft.
Visit our website at www.computhink.com.sg to find out more!