PYTHON #1 – Getting started with Python

PYTHON

7/7/20242 min read

Welcome to my first article in the Python category !

My goal is to share my insights, best practices, and tips about Python, either through my own content or by sharing existing resources (No need to reinvent the wheel 😊).

What is Python ?

As defined by The Python Software Foundation (1), “Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics.” It is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and automation.

If you have an accounting background like me, your first encounter with Python is most likely to be in the context of automating repetitive tasks such as data entry, financial analysis, or generating reports.

Why should you learn Python ?

This article captures it perfectly (2): “One of Python’s defining features is its ease of use.” Indeed, Python is not only easy to use but also easy to learn. It is versatile, finding applications in data science, data visualization, and AI. Additionally, Python benefits from a vast community, ensuring that any problem you encounter likely has a solution available online. For accountants, Python is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill by employers (3), making it a valuable language to master.

How to learn Python ?

I recommend two sources to get started with Python.

  • The Python Institute provides free training materials on various topics. As a bonus, they offer certifications at a reasonable price to validate your learning. You can access their website here.

  • Another excellent resource is Real Python, which offers numerous hands-on tutorials to help you solve any problem.


One tip: always approach coding in Python logically. If a problem seems too big to solve, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This often does the trick 😉.

Sources & Definitions:

  1. What is python? executive summary (no date) Python.org. Available at: https://www.python.org/doc/essays/blurb/ (Accessed: 07 July 2024).

  2. St. John, M. and Beagle, V. (2024) How to learn Python for free: 10 online resources, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/how-to-learn-python/ (Accessed: 07 July 2024).

  3. Turner, A. (2023) Why accountants should learn python, INTHEBLACK. Available at: https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/technical-skills/why-accountants-should-learn-python (Accessed: 07 July 2024).

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