How to Improve Python Coding Skills

Key takeaways

With the popularity of Python comes a multitude of resources available to learn to code using this language, including online courses, certifications, boot camps, and more. Here are some important things to know:

• Python was one of the highest-demand programming languages in 2025 among recruiters [1].

• Additionally, Python’s versatility means that adding this programming language to your repertoire can help you work in a wide range of roles, including data scientist, artificial intelligence engineer, and software developer.

• You build your Python skills by taking a quiz, course, or a more in-depth certification.

Learn about essential Python programming skills to focus on developing, how to go about learning them, and various Python career possibilities. Then, consider enrolling in the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization, where you'll build foundational programming knowledge in as little as two months. 

Essential Python coding skills

To work with the Python programming language, you need to have skills and knowledge within areas such as data structures, Python libraries, machine learning, and more. Fortunately, Python is a beginner-friendly programming language thanks to its efficient syntax, making it less intimidating so you can feel confident taking the first step toward your goals. However, Python isn’t only for beginners as it offers an extensive list of tools, libraries, and frameworks to help you increase your productivity and complete a broad range of tasks.

Basic Python coding skills

If you’re just getting started in Python, you can focus on getting comfortable with several core concepts. These include functions, loops, variables, and data structures. Different data types to know are strings, lists, numbers, sets, tuples, and dictionaries. 

Intermediate Python coding skills

After gaining proficiency in the fundamentals of Python, you can venture out to more intermediate concepts such as learning to use popular frameworks and libraries. Frameworks and libraries are especially valuable because they allow you to code more efficiently and perform tasks in specific areas such as machine learning and data science. Common Python frameworks and libraries to know are Django, Flask, CherryPy, Matplotlib, NumPy, and pandas.

Advanced Python coding skills

Artificial intelligence skills are in high demand, and Python is the most popular programming language for developing these technologies. Python has several machine learning frameworks and libraries, giving you the ability to process massive amounts of data. Machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing are possible through libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, NLTK, and scikit-learn.

How to improve Python coding skills

To improve your Python coding skills, you can choose from a variety of resources—online courses, boot camps, and certifications—along your learning journey. While some people get their start in coding by earning a degree such as a bachelor’s in computer science, you have plenty of other options, many of which you can access online. Learn how you can develop a robust Python skill set.

Master the core concepts.

Step one of improving your Python coding skills is to get comfortable with the basics. This will lay a strong foundation on which you can continue to build. It’s key to have proficiency in fundamental components such as data types, variable types, object-oriented programming, generators, and iterators.

Take an online course.

Online courses are a valuable and often free resource for you to grow your Python skills. Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced programmer, or anywhere in between, you can improve your Python coding skills on Coursera with credentials such as the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan. With this Specialization, you can learn about Python programming, data structures, algorithms, and more. 

Enroll in a boot camp.

Coding boot camps are a great way for you to learn how to code quickly while also ensuring you build the necessary skills for success in real-world environments. Generally, boot camps last around four months but can sometimes extend beyond six months. During this time period you will have a chance to get practical experience working on Python projects. By learning new skills through a coding boot camp, you can also potentially increase your salary.

Get certified.

Earning a Python certification will help you not only to validate your abilities to employers but also to stand out among other candidates. The Python Institute offers a range of certifications, from entry-level options to more advanced levels. For example, you can earn the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer credential and follow with the PCAP – Certified Associate Python Programmer, PCPP1 – Certified Professional Python Programmer Level 1, and PCPP2 – Certified Professional Python Programmer Level 2. 

Another certification option for you to consider is the Certified Python Developer credential, provided by the Global Tech Council.

Use GitHub.

GitHub is a place you can go to view code, have others review your code, collaborate, and share your work. This cloud-based platform also offers a student developer pack, where you can gain access to resources to learn programming skills. 

Take part in a hackathon.

Hackathons are competitive events that typically take place over a multiple-day span where programmers get together to solve a problem. Here you will often work as part of a team, working toward a solution and challenging your coding skills along the way. Not only can you learn to use new tools and techniques at a hackathon, but it also serves as a great networking opportunity.

Improve your Python coding skills on Coursera

You can continuously improve your Python coding skills by taking advantage of resources such as boot camps, certifications, and online courses. Get started today with our Python Skill Assessment, or explore these other free resources:

•  Watch on YouTube: How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Python?

•  Hear from an expert: 6 Questions with a Microsoft Data Analytics Leader

•  Get our insights: Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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