Is Python worth learning for someone starting a career in Data Science or Software Development?

All answers to this question.

Python is absolutely essential if you want to enter fields like AI or big data analytics. Even though it is often called a "beginner" language because of its readable syntax, it serves as the backbone for libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch. In my experience as a developer, most enterprise-level automation and backend logic for machine learning models are still written in Python. It’s not just about the language itself but the massive ecosystem that supports it. If you want a role that is future-proof, mastering this is non-negotiable for 2025 and beyond.

   Answered 2025-05-15 by Heather Miller

That’s a fair point, but do you think it can compete with Mojo or Rust for performance-heavy tasks in the near future?

   Answered 2025-05-18 by Kevin Foster

• While Rust is faster for low-level memory management, Python’s C-extensions and the new Faster Python initiatives (PEP 659) keep it competitive for the majority of business logic. Most companies prioritize developer productivity and the speed of shipping features over raw execution speed, which is where Python wins every time. It’s about the right tool for the job.

     Commented 2025-05-19 by Michael Henderson

Python is the standard for Data Science. You won't find a more versatile tool for cleaning data or building predictive models quickly.

   Answered 2025-05-20 by Brian Nelson

• I totally agree with Brian. I've seen that even in DevOps and Cloud Technology, Python is the go-to for scripting and infrastructure automation, making it a very safe bet for any tech path.

     Commented 2025-05-21 by Heather Miller