One of the things which has been on my list for ages is getting better with Python. Why python you ask? Mainly because of OpenStack, but there’s more to it than that. Python is used as the language of choice by many others, mostly due to the way it is written. If you take a look at some Python code, you will find the syntax isn’t terribly difficult to read. If you have a familiarity with the way other languages work, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take a look at a Python snippet and be able to tell what it does. Still need convincing Python is worth your time? Check out this article called 5 Reasons why Python is Powerful Enough for Google.
There’s a million and one ways out there to brush up your coding, but my current favorite is Codeacademy. Codeacademy is a free and easy to use platform, best of all, the only thing you need is a web browser! One of the issues I always have when I want to learn a new language is what to do with it. Codeacademy brings you through fun and easy to complete exercise while teaching you the syntax of a new language. Never programmed before? No problem, Codeacademy is great for first timers or those looking to learn a new language.
(Learning Python with Codeacademy, this is a view you will become very familiar with)
Besides Python, Codeacademy offers HTML & CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and Ruby for programming language choices.
Codeacademy also offers Web Developer skills such as making websites, building apps with Ruby on Rails, making an interactive website, building apps with AngularJS, and more. There’s also a course on learning Git in preview.
All of these features are completely free on Codeacademy. For $19.99 a month, users can upgrade to Codeacademy Pro, which will provide additional content, live help, and the ability to create a personalized learning plan.
One of the reasons Codeacademy is so attractive to be is besides being easy to use, it is extremely modular. I can pop in and do a couple of exercises when I have a few minutes, and very easily review previous ones if I can’t quite remember where I left off last time. If you’re looking for a fun and casual way to pick up a new language, Codeacademy is the place for you.
Melissa is an Independent Technology Analyst & Content Creator, focused on IT infrastructure and information security. She is a VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX-236) and has spent her career focused on the full IT infrastructure stack.