Python was the programming language of the year in 2007, 2010, 2018, 2020. Last month, it took an honorable first place in the TIOBE index.
It’s much loved by plenty of programmers around the world, both beginners and seniors. Yet, many companies struggle to find and hire Python developers for their projects. Why?
Let’s firstly understand, why they should continue their search, why Python is so cool. And then we will come to the recommendations – where and how to get Python programmers.
Why Python?
It’s been 30 years since Guido van Rossum, a programmer from the Netherlands, created Python code. It became irreplaceable not only in software development but also in Data Science, Machine Learning, and more applications around technology.
Thousands of companies now leverage the power of Python – including giants like Google, Netflix, Instagram, and Shopify.
(Image source: https://stackshare.io/python)
There is a list of features that makes the Python framework so attractive:
- Open-source. Its code is open to everyone and free of charge.
- Readability. Python uses such clear commands that humans can easily read and interpret the code.
- Nice code. Because it’s simple, it is very pleasant to work with it, as stated by developers themselves.
- Community of helpers. Hence it’s popular, one can find a huge global community of Pythonists, always ready to help with the questions when somebody is learning.
- Fast to write. Because of the reasons above, programmers can easily jump between various development projects and deliver on time.
- Easy leaning. There are plenty of courses on Python on Udemy, Coursera, and EdX.
- Python libraries. Another “why” answered: you don’t have to write thousands of lines of code, just use famous Python libraries to make a web app work.
- Science. Python is used by scientists and startup founders to quickly put various algorithms to test or extract and analyze big loads of data.
As being said on trio.dev, “one of the unique aspects of Python is that there are tons of packages or modules that a developer can add to their code…” and it “allows you to develop and deploy your application to most hardware and software ecosystems”.
It’s a kind of universal language for any level of web development projects.
At reintech.io, they name a few more perks of using Python, particularly:
- In web development, it helps to build flexible websites, using such web frameworks as Django or Flask. Python will lie in the server-side part.
- It allows programmers to write smaller programs because of its simple syntax.
When to use Python
Basically – for everything.
JetBrains surveyed their coders and concluded that Python is mostly used for web development and data analysis. They are followed by: Machine Learning, Web Parsers, System administration / Infrastructure configuration / Automation scripts, Automated unit tests, prototyping, education, and so on.
Source: https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/devecosystem-2021/python/
Where to find Python developers
Check LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder, and other job portals – and you will understand that the most optimal would be to hire Python developer from Europe. Especially – from Eastern Europe. They will have high technical skills, are usually hard-working, and won’t cost a fortune to hire.
It may work for both formats – relocating them to join your in-house team or collaborating with remote developers. In any way, there is a big variety of sources and service providers ready to augment or strengthen your development team. Or build it from scratch.
You can also publish a project on the freelance marketplaces – Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, as well as more narrow ones like Python.org, Gun.io, and Lemon.io. These are the places where you can find a variety of professionals that use Python.
F6S and Angel.co are good places to go, startups are usually posting their jobs there. So, coders that are in search of an interesting project will probably register there too. Other similar platforms to look at are Remotive, WWR.
Events will be another good spot, but you have to spend some time attending them, browsing through the list of attendees, and approaching each and every one of them to get acquainted and learn about their experience. Leading developers will be among the speakers, so it’s a hunting zone, so to say.
Such sourcing methods are quite time-consuming and may also cost money (tickets, access, travel expenses as well).
Finally, if you would like to cut the cost (and time) on sourcing, or if you don’t have enough resources to organize the hiring process fully, get the partner in crime to manage this for you.
Open any good rating aggregator (Clutch.co, Goodfirms, The Manifest), and filter out outsourcing or outstaffing companies in Eastern Europe.
Python is very popular in these areas, and you can build a long-lasting collaboration with these agencies (or consultancies), thus having a constant provision of Python and many other ICT professionals.
Average salary of a Python developer
This will very much depend on the years of experience and the technology stack of the programmer. In Europe, languages knowledge is also crucial.
On the chart below, you will see the dynamics of the Pythonists’ salaries growth in recent years.
Source: https://ddi-dev.com/uploads/salary-dynamics-experience-dou.jpg
Hard and soft skills the Pytonist should have
When you will be scrolling through the resumes, check the following skills and knowledge to spot a good coder:
- Web development experience
- Understanding of the Object-Oriented Principles
- Work with web frameworks like Django or Flask
- Experience using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – for Frontend-related tasks
- Machine Learning, Deep Learning – for Big Data or scientific jobs
- Implement Python’s scientific and mathematical packages and modules
- Have a deep understanding of linear algebra, statistics, probability, differential calculus
- Design RESTful APIs for software delivery
- Ready to work with the team and can communicate information clearly
- Have experience of remote work
- Good analytical skills
- Business comprehension: yes, they should have a clue about the stuff they are going to build with (and for), and have a bigger picture
- Problem solving and creative thinking
- Languages knowledge (at least, a good command of English if they are coming from Eastern Europe)
To ensure that you found a good Python developer, you should know what particular sets of skills you need them to have to deliver the software for your business.
Should you have any doubts – consult with the professional outstaffing agencies and speak to a couple of Senior Pythonists working at other companies. LinkedIn connections and Reddit might be helpful too.
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SmartBrain.io – outstaffing platform providing top developers of Middle + / Senior level for the IT development projects of any complexity. Hire the best engineers starting from $40/hour.