Is Learning Python Still Useful in 2024?

Is learning Python still useful in 2024? My answer is definitely.

If I had to summarize Python’s current position in the computer world in one sentence, I would choose “ChatGPT is developed using Python.”

The powerful influence of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, is enough to prove that the future of Python is limitless. One major reason for the breakthroughs in AI in recent years is that data science has achieved better application and performance with the help of Python. Due to the simplicity and ease of use of Python, it has provided more space for mathematicians and statisticians to showcase their skills, leading to the current era of large models.

Compared to mainstream languages like Java and C++, Python not only has a more concise syntax but also has strong extensibility. As a FLOSS (Free, Libre, and Open Source Software), Python has many non-computer science “contributors” among its vast user base, who continuously add to Python using their expertise. This has led to the emergence of powerful extension packages, which we call modules. For example:

NumPy: This library is developed by researchers in mathematics and science for efficient handling of large arrays and matrix operations, providing a wealth of mathematical functions.
Pandas: Developed by financial data analysts, this library is used for data analysis and manipulation, particularly suitable for handling time series data and data cleaning.
Matplotlib: Developed by astronomers and physicists, this library is used to generate various types of charts and visualizations, widely applied in scientific and engineering data presentation.
Scikit-Learn: Developed by machine learning researchers and data scientists, this library provides simple yet efficient tools for data analysis and modeling.

Is Learning Python Still Useful in 2024?

Therefore, in today’s “Industry 4.0 era” (the combination of traditional industry and modern intelligent technology), Python will undoubtedly have its place and shine.

Returning to our initial question, what kind of presence does Python have for students about to enter university? We can discuss it in two scenarios.

For students entering computer science and related majors, Python is definitely a required course. In many schools in North America, Python has even become the first required course in recent years. Of course, for computer science students, one language is far from enough; they usually need 1-2 main programming languages plus at least 3-4 other languages to graduate successfully. Python is at the forefront mainly due to its simple syntax.

For non-computer science majors, such as those in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, many universities are gradually incorporating programming content into their courses each year. For example, using Python to handle experimental data and other tasks. Some professors have even treated Python as a basic tool, similar to PPT or Word, assigning homework to non-computer science students. Here are some practical examples:

1. In biology courses, students can use the Pandas and Matplotlib libraries to analyze experimental data, generate visual charts, and write lab reports;

2. Using BeautifulSoup and Requests libraries to write crawlers for task automation, such as organizing data, sending emails, and collecting web information.

In summary, regardless of whether you are in a computer science major or not, Python can become your powerful and efficient productivity tool.

As a currently popular programming language, there are countless online courses about Python. Among them, there are many valuable contents that students willing to learn can filter and identify by themselves. There are also many existing Chinese and English textbooks, and I would recommend the following two:

1. Learning Python, 5th Edition, Mark Lutz.

2. Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python, second edition: With Application to Understanding Data

Self-studying programming from scratch can still be quite challenging and requires a certain amount of time and effort. If you are worried about your self-learning effectiveness and need some guidance, the TD Computer Research Group has also launched this year the University Prep Course – Python 2.0 Upgrade Version. Based on the traditional model of teaching knowledge + doing exercises, we have added large projects for practical content: teaching everyone to make games! Students with no background need not worry, as we will teach Python from scratch and help everyone complete a project.

Python Major Project Animation

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TD University Prep Course

To help students master the required university courses in advance and lay a good foundation for their major studies, TD will launch the “University Prep Series Courses–Summer Class” in the summer of 2024 to assist everyone in mastering the general education courses in advance!

This summer class covers subjects including Linear Algebra, Data Structures (Java), Discrete Mathematics, Probability Theory, Academic Writing, Statistical Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Python, C++, totaling 11 subjects.

The first session of the 2024 summer class will start on June 15 and end on July 23;

The second session of the 2024 summer class will start on July 13 and end on August 20.

Linear Algebra, Data Structures (Java), Discrete Mathematics, Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Python, C++ total 10 subjects, each covering:30 hours of live lectures + 10 hours of TA sessions + a complete after-class exercise system + full TA Q&A support + recorded sessions retained for 2 years, helping solidify course content and smoothly transition to university studies.

Academic writing includes:12 hours of live lectures + 10 hours of TA sessions + a complete after-class exercise system + 3 articles with detailed feedback + full TA Q&A support + recorded sessions retained for 2 years, helping enhance writing skills and smoothly transition to university studies.

Interested students can click below “Read the original text” or add the WeChat account below to get the preliminary course schedule and learn more about the course details!

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