what is a Python developer?
As a Python developer, you create applications or websites using Python. You design the framework for your code, publish new services and create applications. Python is used in web development, data science, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). It helps in automation since it is simple to write and transfer code to similar projects. That means you can create smaller programs to do repetitive tasks (scripting) in data analysis. In web development, you use Python to build scripts for deployment that manage automation processes and migrate or clean up data.
As a Python developer, you work closely with various teams to collect and analyze data or assist with software development functions. Hence, your proficiency in Python is useful in various fields. For instance, you can work in data centres where Python is a binder programming language for collecting and analyzing data.
Unlike a web developer with layout and server-side responsibilities, a Python developer focuses on the server side. You are responsible for developing the platform and deploying applications.
Would working as a Python developer suit your coding skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a Python developer role.
python developer jobsaverage Python developer salary
According to Job Bank, the average earnings of a Python developer in Canada is $150,767 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on your qualifications and expertise. When you are new to the role and are yet to build your portfolio, you start with a lower salary of $110,000 annually. As you gain experience, your earnings gradually increase since you can handle complex projects. Experienced Python developers take home over $155,680 per year.
what factors affect the salary of a Python developer?
As a Python developer, your skills and expertise influence your earnings. Having additional certifications in programming and web development can boost your salary significantly. Employers are willing to pay more if you have additional expertise and have proven skills in Python programming.
The complexity of the tasks also influences your earnings. When you are new to the role, you create basic applications or perform simple scripting tasks. Experienced Python developers work on complex projects and can demand a higher salary due to the tasks they perform.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. For instance, when you work in large data centres and technology giants, you are likely to earn more than Python developers working in small start-up companies.
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Python developers fall into two categories:
- Full-stack Python developers: you handle both the front-end and back-end development duties. That means you require expertise in handling the client side and using graphic design and code editing tools to create functional front-end applications. You also use Python to develop the server side of the website.
- Back-end Python developers: since Python is often used as a server-side programming language, your job is to develop the back-end of a website or application. You use Python to send data to and from servers, process data, and communicate with databases or URL routing. You are also familiar with Python web development frameworks, such as Django and Flask.
working as a Python developer
Working as a Python developer involves creating web applications and working in data analytics. Let’s dive into the daily duties, work environments and career opportunities for Python developers.
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what does a Python developer do?
The specific duties of a Python developer depend on the specific project. Some of the common tasks in the role include:
- Designing and developing Python applications and programs: as a Python developer, you create the client and server side of an application or website. You collaborate with other programmers to ensure the websites function as expected. When developing websites, you study user requirements and incorporate feature requests into the software components. You also develop server-side functions to develop highly responsive websites.
- Testing and debugging Python code: as a Python developer, you maintain the functionality of websites and applications. Your duties include meeting quality standards, as well as testing and debugging Python code to ensure accuracy. Testing also helps you identify areas of improvement and maintain a responsive design framework for programs.
- Integrating Python solutions with other services: as a Python developer, you ensure cross-platform compatibility of every website you build. You also collaborate with other professionals to integrate Python solutions with third-party web services.
- Troubleshooting code errors and issues: as a Python developer, you are responsible for creating back-end components of an application or website to facilitate its functionality. You manage data exchanges and various functionalities of a website. It is also important to check the code for errors to boost the efficiency of the systems. When an application has glitches, you check for errors in the code and resolve them.
- Developing automation scripts, frameworks and libraries: as a Python developer, you create software that tests applications for functionality. You create programs and construct automation scripts that perform repetitive tasks, like split testing and solving code errors.
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work environment of a Python developer
Python developers work in data centres that rely on ML and AI for data analytics. They also work in technology and web development companies to create back-end programs that support computer applications. As a Python developer, you spend most of the day in an office writing and testing code. Most employers have designed creative workspaces for developers to boost creativity. You can also work remotely or find work-from-home and freelancing opportunities.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the project or company you work for, you are likely to work with data analysts, business systems analysts and data scientists. In software and web development roles, you work alongside software developers, web developers and full-stack developers. You also collaborate with software engineers and Scrum masters.
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Python developer work schedule
The typical work schedule of a Python developer revolves around traditional business hours. In a full-time position, you likely work from 9 am to 5 pm during the working week, with occasional overtime. When you have tight deadlines, you may work evenings or weekends. In a part-time position, you work a few hours a week, as stipulated in your agreement. Python developers working remotely or in freelancer positions set their own work hours.
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career opportunities as a Python developer
As a Python developer, you have numerous opportunities for career growth. Your knowledge of Python programming opens up opportunities in diverse professions. While you can focus on being a web developer or software developer, you also have opportunities in machine learning and AI. Some Python developers become machine learning engineers, data analysts and automation testing engineers.
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advantages of finding a job as a Python developer through Randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
Python developer skills and education
To work as a Python developer in Canada, you should meet the following educational requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree: the first step towards becoming a Python developer role is completing a bachelor's degree course in software engineering or computer science. You can also find a relevant discipline with a significant programming component. Alternatively, start with a college course in computer science and build your programming skills. Some employers also require a master's degree.
- Work experience: you require additional training and specialization in the Python programming language. You can improve your skills through boot camps and online programming courses to improve your proficiency in Object Relational Mapper (ORM) techniques, as well as Python libraries and frameworks.
competencies and characteristics of Python developers
Aside from improving your hard skills, you also require the following personal attributes to excel as a Python developer:
- Problem-solving abilities: most of your duties as a Python developer involve solving problems, whether you are creating an automation script or troubleshooting errors in codes. How you handle the problems you encounter affects the project outcome. Hence, it is important to have creative problem-solving skills to find effective solutions to problems.
- Communication skills: whether you work remotely or in a full-time position, you interact with various professionals. For instance, you work with end-users of web applications or software programs. Your communication skills help you communicate complex issues in non-technical terms.
- Interpersonal and people skills: as a Python developer, you need interpersonal skills to work well with others. You should master people skills like patience, empathy and listening skills to enhance team interactions and cohesiveness. Your interpersonal skills help you listen to ideas from other developers and contribute positively towards a project.
- Self-learning: as a Python developer, it is important to upgrade your skills regularly. Your passion and curiosity about programming languages help you improve your expertise and keep up with the constantly changing technology landscape.
- Time management skills: as a Python developer, you are always working on a project that is time-bound. Being time-conscious helps you meet deadlines and give exact estimates for project scheduling.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a Python developer.
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what are the roles and responsibilities of a Python developer?
As a Python developer, you use the Python programming language to create software applications and websites. Your duties include developing back-end components to improve the overall functionality of a website. You also test the viability of the code and check for errors. Other duties include writing scripts for automated functions and data analytics.
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how much does a Python developer make in Canada?
As a Python developer, your earnings depend on your experience and educational qualifications. You start your career with a salary of $110,000 annually, and your earnings increase gradually with experience. Senior Python developers take home over $155,680 per year.
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what qualifications do you need to be a Python developer in Canada?
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Any course with a strong programming background prepares you for the role. You should also take additional courses to improve your programming skills. Since many employers value experience over a degree, consider gaining experience and building a strong portfolio to improve your employment prospects.
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how long does it take to become a Python developer?
Aside from completing the degree course, which takes four years, learning the fundamentals of the Python programming language takes two to six months. However, it takes years to master the vast array of libraries and build your expertise in Python.
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is it hard to become a Python developer?
Python is a relatively simple programming language, and you can learn enough to write a short program in minutes. However, you should take an online course to help you master important concepts in Python programming.
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how do I find a job as a Python developer?
Finding a job near you as a Python developer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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