I’m an analyst who uses Python pandas for analysis at work (4 yoe). I can write functions and stuff but I don’t have production experience or OOPs knowledge. I’m looking to switch careers into Python dev. Is it possible to build a career only of knowing Python? I find Java to be daunting so I wanted to know. Thanks.
Depends what you wanna do, id stick with python. Java has a lot of boiler code and it gets annoying when doing interviews. Meanwhile python you focus more on the algorithm. That being said there are more jobs that use java. Why do you find java to be daunting?
The code looks very syntax heavy. And I like Python’s cleanness. I’m currently looking into getting into software engineering roles and I’m not sure if knowing Python alone is enough. Or maybe it doesn’t matter and all I need to know is good Leetcode? I’m confused lol
For most engineering roles you’re going to need knowledge beyond just how to code. The specific language is less important but you need to understand data structures, algorithms, OOP, design patterns, etc.
Are design patterns the same design being asked in system design interviews? Or is that something else?
For transitioning and first 1-2 levels Python will be fine. Gradually over 3-5 years you’ll learn OO and Prod development, Java, design patterns, and so on... Now focus on Leetcoding in Python. That’ll be more than enough. In resume mention that you’re seeking entry level position. That will set the expectation of the interviewers and they shouldn’t ask for those advanced stuff!
You can certainly stick with Python if you like. It has broad enough use cases that you can make a career out of programming in Python. I’ve done that for the past 6 years, purely because I like Python.
I don’t think you can realistically expect to have a successful SWE career knowing any single language. But Python is as good as any language to start with.
You can make a career out of Python programming. Leetcode would be much bigger step. You need to know data structures and algorithms. The coursera course teaches in java but I guess try to look for a ds and algo course in python. Once you are done there start leetcoding.