So you are wondering, is Python a dying language? Well, it’s a good question to ask yourself. In the world of programming, the coding landscape is always changing and if you aren’t up to date on the latest technologies, you risk being left behind.
The good new is, as of right now, Python is not a dying language and in this article I am going to explain why that shouldn’t matter to you as much as it might.
As programmers, especially as beginners, sometimes we focus too much on keeping up with trends and not enough on what really matters, improving our coding skills.
So let’s dive into 3 reasons why Python is not a dying programming language and why it shouldn’t matter to you.
1. Python Is One of The Most Popular Languages in 2022
Saying Python is a dying language is the farthest thing from the truth! In fact, the PYPL Language Popularity Index has stated that Python is the most popular programming language as of December 2021!
This means that Python has a very long life ahead of it. Probably more than any other programming language out there right now.
Python even surpassed Java in popularity in 2020, proving that the language is actually increasing in popularity.
I quickly wanted to address the fact that a popular language, does not necessarily make it a better language. People like Python because it is simple to learn and you can build programs with it quickly. However, it still has it’s drawbacks, such as being slower to execute than languages like C.
Just wanted to throw that out there! However, popularity does mean there will be more jobs (and also competition).
So, if you want to learn a new language, Python is a pretty good choice in terms of job availability!
2. It Is Hard To Completely Kill A Popular Language
There is another really important thing to note. It is actually incredibly difficult to completely kill off a programming language that is or was popular. Today there is hundreds or even thousands of startups that have decided to build their codebase with Python. As these start-ups grow they will turn into enterprise software that will need to be maintained and built upon.
This is great news for any Python developers because even when it stops being the norm to build new projects with Python, there will still be tons of software out there that still needs to be maintained in Python!
As an example, just look at COBOL. Although the language is extremely dated and often not taught in school, it is still widely used in the financial industry. Mainly because it was popular at one point and systems where built upon it.
A closer example you can think of is Java. Although it is not always the first choice for fresh new start-ups breaking into the industry. It was an incredibly popular language. There are tons of programs still being written and maintained with it today. Not to mention, it is even the first language learnt by many beginners despite its age.
3. What Happens When Python Finally Begins To Die?
So, what do we do when Python become a dying language? Honestly, learning Python still isn’t a bad idea. Just because you learn a language does not mean you need to use that language forever. In fact, it is actually a good idea to learn multiple coding languages. Just not at the same time!
Avoid being one of those people who defines themselves as an ‘x’ type of developer. You shouldn’t just be coding in Python, JavaScript, C# or C. You should have a good understanding of how programming works as a whole and be able to move around if need be.
This is what makes a great programmer. Not someone who has learned the ins and outs of a specific syntax, but someone who has gained enough collective knowledge to build anything in any language.
Learning Python is a great first language, and it’s great to have for coding interviews. Learning Python will only help improve your coding skills and help you understand the trade-offs and benefits of certain programming languages.
So, even when Python does begin to die, it is not a bad idea to learn it.
Wrapping Up
So, to conclude, if the only thing holding you back from learning Python is its “dying popularity”, you should learn Python.
It is one of the most popular programming in the world, not to mention increasing in popularity. There are plenty of companies that will have software to maintain for years to come. Then there is the fact that it’s simply a good programming language to learn!
Have any other questions or concerns? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
If you are new to web development and want a full free resource, check this out.
If you want to know what language to choose for a coding interview, check this out.
As always, happy coding everyone!
