What Is a Python Developer? (With Skills and Qualifications)

Updated 14 September 2023

Python is a popular programming language that's widely used by companies and organisations across various industries in data analysis, machine learning, web development, scientific computing and more. Developers can specialise in using Python to develop software applications, websites and other digital tools. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Python developer, it's beneficial to learn more about the role, skills and qualifications required to succeed in this field. In this article, we explain what a Python developer is, discuss the potential jobs and review the skills and qualifications to help you plan your career.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a Python developer?

A Python developer is an information technology (IT) employee who specialises in using the Python programming language to develop software applications. These developers are responsible for designing, coding, testing and maintaining software programs using Python. Python's flexibility and ease of use make it an attractive option for companies that want to develop custom software solutions quickly and efficiently.

These developers can work in a variety of settings, including technology companies, software development firms, research institutions and government agencies. They may work independently or in teams with other developers, project managers and stakeholders. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and the specific project they're working on. Here are some of their general duties:

designing and implementing scalable software solutions using Python
collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements and develop software solutions
developing and maintaining server-side applications using frameworks
writing efficient, maintainable and reusable code that adheres to software development best practices
debugging and resolving technical issues that arise in the software development life cycle
staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in software development
participating in the full software development life cycle, including requirements gathering, design, coding, testing and deployment

Potential jobs for a Python developer

It can help to learn the potential jobs for a Python developer to plan your career in this field. Here are some possible positions you can consider:

Data analyst

Data analysts use Python to collect, clean and analyse large data sets to help businesses make data-driven decisions. Having a background in Python programming is beneficial, as it equips you with the technical skills required to design and build data pipelines. It also helps you develop and run data analysis models and create visualisations and reports to communicate your findings to stakeholders.

Some common tools and libraries used by data analysts in Python include pandas, NumPy and Seaborn. Additionally, your understanding of software engineering principles, such as version control and testing, can help you ensure the quality and reliability of your data analysis code.

Web developer

Web developers use Python to build web applications, dynamic websites and backend services. Your background in Python programming and software development provides the technical foundation to use web frameworks such as Django and Flask. These frameworks provide a range of features for web development, including URL routing, database integration and template rendering. Python developers may also possess other valuable skills for web development, including knowledge of front-end web technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript or experience with web development tools such as Git and Docker.

Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers use Python to design, develop and deploy machine learning models and systems for a variety of applications, such as natural language processing, computer vision and predictive analytics. Being familiar with Python and software development can help you when working with different machine learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow, which is written in Python. Furthermore, Python developers' experience with data analysis and statistics is highly valuable, as they pre-process and transform large amounts of data to train and test models.

DevOps engineer

DevOps is a field that focuses on automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle from code development to deployment. DevOps engineers use Python to develop and maintain automation scripts, manage infrastructure as code and monitor and troubleshoot systems and applications. Python developers can use Python's extensive library of modules and frameworks to automate a wide variety of tasks, such as provisioning servers and deploying applications or monitoring and logging system events. Developers with experience in cloud computing platforms, such as Azure or Google Cloud, can develop and deploy their applications more efficiently and cost-effectively while ensuring high availability and performance.

Skills of a Python developer

Learning the skills of a Python developer can help you improve your technology abilities and knowledge to advance your career. Here are some valuable skills:

Python libraries

These developers have access to a vast array of libraries to streamline development and increase efficiency. Proficiency in using Python libraries is important for any developer working on data-driven or scientific projects. Developers may use their knowledge of Python libraries such as NumPy, pandas and Matplotlib in data science, machine learning and scientific computing applications. Having a strong understanding of Python libraries enables you to leverage existing code and tools to accelerate development and improve application performance. Developers who stay updated with the latest libraries and best practices can also create more effective and efficient code.

Visualisation

Data visualisation involves creating graphical representations of data and information to facilitate understanding, analysis and communication. Having good data visualisation skills can enable developers to present complex data in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for stakeholders to make informed decisions. Python developers can use libraries such as Matplotlib, Seaborn and Plotly to generate visualisations that accurately represent the data and effectively communicate insights. They also use various chart types, colour palettes and design principles to create appealing and informative visualisations. This skill is useful in data-driven fields, such as business intelligence, marketing and scientific research.

Data analysis

Data analysis is the process of collecting, cleaning and processing large datasets to extract meaningful insights and trends. Python developers can use libraries such as NumPy and pandas to manipulate and analyse data and perform basic statistical analyses. They're familiar with data structures, such as arrays, matrices and data frames, and can identify patterns and correlations in large datasets to help improve decision-making and deliver better business outcomes. Developers with strong backgrounds in mathematics and statistics can apply their knowledge of data analysis to create more effective and efficient code and collaborate better with data scientists and business analysts.

Python frameworks

Python frameworks are pre-built software platforms that provide developers with the foundation to build complex applications with ease. Python frameworks help build web applications and software that require extensive database manipulation. Knowledge of frameworks such as Django, Flask and Pyramid are useful in web development to create robust, scalable and secure web applications. Having a strong understanding of Python frameworks can enable you to build complex applications more efficiently and effectively, which is beneficial in e-commerce, social media and machine learning where large and complex applications are common.

Requirements to become a Python developer

It can help to learn the technical and educational requirements to become a Python developer. This allows you to obtain the necessary certifications and qualifications to qualify for the role. Here are the requirements:

Education

Employers typically prefer hiring developers with a formal degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field. A degree in these fields provides you with a fundamental understanding of programming languages, algorithms, data structures and software development principles. Additionally, many computer science programmes offer courses in Python, providing students with a good foundation in the language. It can show that you have a strong understanding of programming concepts, which can make it easier for you to learn new programming languages and tools.

Tools and programs

While the exact tools and programs required may depend on the specific role of the developer, employers generally expect them to be familiar with industry-standard tools. This can include integrated development environments (IDEs), such as PyCharm, Spyder and Jupyter Notebook, which provide a convenient interface for writing, debugging and executing Python code. In addition to IDEs, these developers are also proficient in version control systems, such as Git, to track changes to code and collaborate with other developers.

Other important tools and programs for these developers include debugging tools, testing frameworks and build automation tools. These tools help you find and fix errors in your code, test your code to ensure it's working as expected and automate the process of building, testing and deploying your code to production.

Certifications

While they're not mandatory for the role, obtaining certifications can be an asset in becoming a successful Python developer. Certifications demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of Python development and can help validate your skills to potential employers. Two common certifications for these developers are the Python Institute's Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP) and the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate.

The PCEP certification caters to beginners and verifies your understanding of basic Python programming concepts, such as data types, control structures and functions. Conversely, the Azure Data Scientist Associate is an advanced certification that demonstrates your ability to use Python and other tools to analyse and process data in the cloud.