How many times a day do you use your phone, a mobile app or computer? The digital world is ever-evolving and the demand for proficient and creative coders increases every year. Regardless of your age, learning to code is a smart idea and most developers agree that Python is one of the best languages a beginner coder can learn.
Learning to code will not only challenge you in new ways, it will also improve your memory and overall brain health. It's been proven to enhance problem-solving capabilities where programmers are forced to use technical skills and creative skills in new innovative ways and anyone who learns to code also has the propensity to better understand technology and science concepts.
How can an adult learners benefit from learning to code?
Imagine you can solve organisational problems in new ways by conceptualising new programming concepts. You might not immediately move on to build the strings of code required to change the way your company operates, but by learning to code you can learn to think like a coder. You'll thus become the link that connects the dots between historical, strategic functions in your company and new technology. The one that can speak tech and strategy.
What about the kids - will they find it easy to learn coding languages?
We know that kids find it easier to learn new skills and it is no different when it comes to code. Children who have an affinity for technology should be encouraged to participate in basic coding projects. Scholars increase their chances of finding a future job when they have a developed sought-after skill like programming or coding.
Here’s why Python is a good programming language for beginners, how you can get started and where to find a Python course in Cape Town.
Why is Python Considered Easy?
Python has increased in popularity over the last couple of years. Not only is this an incredibly useful programming language when you consider its variety of applications, but it is also super easy to learn in comparison to other programming languages.
One of the most noticeable differences that makes Python more beginner friendly is the way it is built. Python was created with readability in-mind and with syntax that is very similar to the English language, it is just easier to read, quicker to understand and faster to get started on strings of code.
The structure of Python is clean and organised. It is simpler to do project maintenance and with a large and engaging community it is easier to find support. Coders and programmers can also utilise a large library of examples, syntax and projects, ensuring they don't need to reinvent the wheel when there are good and tested code to get them started.
Take a python programming course now.
Tips For Learning Python
Academic studies lay the foundation for greater future comprehension of a specific topic. You might not use Python in the exact same way you learn it academically, but your knowledge of Python concepts and functions becomes relevant when you plan a new project that might require coding.
Learning your first programming language can be tough. Just get the wheels in motion by deciding on a language you want to learn. You'll be guided each step of the way once you enrol in a well-structured Python course and there are plenty of support options to guide you along the way.
Many experienced coders and programmers have already walked the path and when it comes to learning Python, there are some tips on how best you can approach it as a beginner.
- Grasp and understand the basics: Beginners are eager to start coding and want to dive into it immediately, but it’s important to get the fundamentals down first. Lists, dictionaries, string formatting, conditions, loops functions, variables, types and even dictionaries are all less than exciting when you start out, but luckily most beginner courses cover these to ensure a comprehensive foundation for the more complex coding issues.
- Make use of supplementary resources: The internet is filled with free resources to aid your learning journey. Eager learners will continue to explore and discover topics related to their studies, and you can use YouTube, blogs, podcasts, websites, or books, and even join online coding communities. One of the best supplementary solutions to Python or programming coding courses is getting your own tutor, but more about that later.
- Work with a plan: Setting goals or knowing what you want to achieve will not only help you organise your life, it will also direct the decision around the modules, courses or lessons you should study to acquire the skills and certifications you need to fulfil your dreams. Long and short term goal setting is important to make the most of your study time. You can enrol to a free beginners course to explore coding, speak to experienced coders or focus on what you want to achieve in the long-run to solidify your study plan.
- Be patient with yourself and persist; it will be worth it in the end.
A programming tutor will be able to guide you through some of the initial challenges, especially if you are studying with others and feel that you are falling behind the rest of the class. Python tutoring is quite common and not nearly as expensive as you think.
Search and compare our tutors in Cape Town right here on Superprof.
Learning Data Science, Programming or Python in Cape Town
Cape Town is filled with tertiary institutions that can help you advance in a career around coding or programming, if getting a formal qualification of degree is important to you. We’ve made a shortlist of some of these, but it is important to ensure that the course you enrol in will have the subjects, courses and syllabus to cover the topics you are interested in.
If you are only interested in coding you might not require a complex computer science bachelor’s degree.
Universities
Most universities have a number of degrees, diplomas, certifications or short courses on offer which cater to the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. One of those is the Information and Communications Technology diploma course with a focus on Applications Development by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). In line with future trends in technological development, this diploma will prepare you for a career in systems analysis and design, computer programming and database administration. They have also recently released a Bachelor Degree for Engineering Technology in Computer Engineering for those who might have an interest in robotics or Engineering in the field of techology.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers prospective students a choice of degrees in Computer Science (Sciences Department), Informatics or Computer Science (Humanities), Information Systems or Computer Science (Commerce). Your degree choice decision will depend on the major area in which you want to specialise. Do you want to become an IT specialist in business, an engineer or design tech systems?
UCT's short courses are ideal for those who already hold a degree, but are ready to make a move into a new technology field. These are generally done by people who already work in IT to advance and develop their skills further, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot complete such a course to get a foot into the industry.
Here are some examples of courses offered by universities:
- End User Computing
- Communication Networks
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise)
- Cyber Security
Be sure to check the admission requirements before applying.
Colleges and Coding Schools
Studying computers, coding and data remotely has become increasingly popular and more schools, universities and colleges in and around Cape Town are now offering online courses around programming, development and coding.
The demand for coders and programmers is so high that there are even programmes that offer selected students free studies with guaranteed employment in South Africa.
WeThinkCode is a training academy that’s sponsored by 55 companies to develop new coders for Africa. They also offer to employ those who step up to complete the 2 year coding program successfully. Check it out of you are between 17 and 35 and luckily no experience in coding is required to enrol for this free programming programme
Many organisations are aimed at developing skills and talent in the world of development and coding as there is a massive shortage in South Africa. Some, like colorcode, is a not for profit organisation that is specifically focussed around the development of under-developed groups within communities.
ProjectCodeEx is another example of a coding school with reputable, sponsored programs to help newcomers to the industry. They offer loans, but are also SETA accredited.
Cape Town is probably one of the best cities in South Africa for prospective coders to find a course. Have a look at the following list, but be sure you check the accreditation of each course. Many of the free courses are only a couple of months long and are not accredited with SETA.
- Byte Academy (Introduction to Python)
- IT Academy (Software Developer)
- Younglings
- Code4CT
- Colorcode
- FreeCodeCamp
Did you know it is possible to teach yourself to code with all the free courses, resources and help available online?
Online Learning through International MOOCs
EdX, Udemy, Coursera, Codecademy and Khan Academy are only some of the big names on a list of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). You can study conveniently at home and most of them have an introductory course in Python for free.
Why would they offer it for free?
Well, most of them hope that you enjoy the learning experience so much that you are willing to continue your coding and Python studies with them. A beginner's course will allow students the opportunity to explore the platform and grow familiar with the way online learning happens. Hopefully students will love it so much that they continue to intermediate or advanced coding studies.
Learn Code for These Type of Jobs
Full stack developers and Software Engineers are some of the most sought-after skills in South Africa’s technology sector. Becoming skilled at Python coding will not only help you in these careers, it will also set you up for careers that are historically not necessarily tech-orientated. Statisticians, scientists, marketers, analysts, FinTech specialists and even designers can benefit from Python as its used to work on projects like:
- Website Development
- Software Development
- Data Analysis and Data Visualisation
- Task Automation
Book a Python Code Tutor
Isn't it good to know that Python tutoring is available in Cape Town with the click of a mouse? On Superprof we have experienced tutors to help you grasp the basic Python and coding concepts.
They will build a custom study programme to suit the needs of you or your children. Whether you want to work on data, syntax or the analysis of strings of code, they will create a learning programme to ensure they take you through the right examples and projects to build your Python skills.
Ready to jump into your first tutorial? Browse our tutors and book today.
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