<p>At their cores, webpages are HTML documents; it's the browser that converts this document into the interactive wonders you see on your screen.
</p>

<p>How does the browser do this?</p>

<p>Well, your browser organizes the page into a structured tree-like representation known as the Document Object Model (DOM).</p>

<p>
  <strong>In simple terms, the DOM is how your browser sees and understands your webpage.</strong>
</p>

<p>In this article, you'll learn the basics of how the DOM works.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Why Is It Called the DOM?</h2>

<p>The name Document Object Model might sound technical, but when you break it down, it actually makes perfect sense. Let's break down the terms in DOM individually:</p>

<p>
  <strong>Document</strong>: This represents your entire webpage (the HTML document) that the browser loads and displays.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Object</strong>: Instead of treating the webpage as just a long block of text, the browser organizes it into structured objects that JavaScript can interact with.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Model:</strong>
  Every element (like
  <code>&lt;div&gt;</code>,
  <code>&lt;h1&gt;</code>, or
  <code>&lt;button&gt;</code>) is part of a hierarchy, making it easy to find, update, and manipulate specific parts of the page dynamically.</p>

<h3>The DOM in a Nutshell</h3>

<p>Basically, the DOM:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Takes the HTML document and breaks it down into a
    <strong>hierarchy of objects</strong>, each representing different elements (like headings, paragraphs, buttons, and images).</li>
  <li>These elements are structured in a
    <strong>parent-child relationship</strong>, much like a family tree.</li>
</ul>

<hr/>
<h2>Example: How Your Webpage Becomes a DOM Tree</h2>

<p>Let's say you have this simple HTML:</p>

<pre class="js-exec">
<code>&lt;!DOCTYPE html&gt;
&lt;html&gt;
&lt;head&gt;
    &lt;title&gt;My Webpage&lt;/title&gt;
&lt;/head&gt;
&lt;body&gt;
    &lt;h1&gt;Hello, World!&lt;/h1&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;This is a paragraph.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;button onclick="changeText()"&gt;Click Me&lt;/button&gt;
&lt;/body&gt;
&lt;/html&gt;<div class="line-highlight"></div></code></pre>

<p>When your browser loads this page, it creates a DOM tree like this:</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-tree.png"
    title="Tree Hierarchy of HTML Elements in DOM"
    alt="Tree Hierarchy of HTML Elements in DOM"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>Tree Hierarchy of HTML Elements in DOM</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As you can see, the DOM has converted our HTML to a hierarchical tree structure:</p>

<ul>
  <li>The HTML
    <strong>document</strong>
    serves as the
    <strong>root</strong>.</li>
  <li>The
    <code>&lt;html&gt;</code>
    tag is a child of the
    <strong>document</strong>.</li>
  <li>Then, the
    <code>&lt;head&gt;</code>
    and
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    tags are the children of
    <code>&lt;html&gt;</code>.</li>
  <li>And so on, until we reach the text elements of the
    <code>&lt;title&gt;</code>,
    <code>&lt;h1&gt;</code>,
    <code>&lt;p&gt;</code>, and
    <code>&lt;button&gt;</code>
    tags.</li>
</ul>

<p>This structure makes it easy for JavaScript to find and modify specific elements.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>How JavaScript Interacts with the DOM</h2>

<p>Now that we understand the structure of the DOM, let's see how JavaScript can modify it in real-time!</p>

<h3>Example: Updating the Webpage Dynamically</h3>

<p>Let's write some JavaScript to change the text of our
  <code>&lt;h1&gt;</code>
  tag when the button is clicked.</p>

<pre class="js-exec">
<code>&lt;!DOCTYPE html&gt;
&lt;html&gt;
&lt;head&gt;
    &lt;title&gt;My Webpage&lt;/title&gt;
&lt;/head&gt;
&lt;body&gt;
    &lt;h1&gt;Hello, World!&lt;/h1&gt;
    &lt;p&gt;This is a paragraph.&lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;button onclick="changeText()"&gt;Click Me&lt;/button&gt;
&lt;/body&gt;
&lt;script&gt;
    function changeText() {
        // Select the &lt;h1&gt; element
        const header = document.querySelector("h1")

        // Change the text of &lt;h1&gt;
        header.innerText = "You clicked the button!";
    }
&lt;/script&gt;
&lt;/html&gt;</code></pre>

<h3>What Happens Here?</h3>

<p>1. The button triggers the
  <code>changeText()</code>
  function when clicked.</p>

<p>2. JavaScript searches through the DOM and selects the
  <code>&lt;h1&gt;</code>
  element using
  <code>querySelector()</code>.</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-selection.png"
    title="Selecting h1 From the DOM"
    alt="Selecting h1 From the DOM"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>Selecting h1 From the DOM</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>3. It then modifies the text such that you can see the change instantly (without requiring to refresh your page).</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-text-change.png"
    title="Changing the Text of h1"
    alt="Changing the Text of h1"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>Changing the Text of h1</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr/>
<h2>Why Is This So Powerful?</h2>

<p>This is just a simple example, but the same concept powers modern web apps like:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Real-time search suggestions (like Google).</li>
  <li>Interactive forms that update without refreshing.</li>
  <li>Live notifications and chat messages.</li>
</ul>

<p>By mastering the DOM, you can build dynamic, fast, and interactive websites just like the pros!
</p>

<p>This article is a complementary resource to the&nbsp;<a href="https://app.programiz.pro/course/learn-javascript-in-browser/">JavaScript in Browser</a> course.</p>

JavaScript and the DOM: A Beginner-Friendly Introduction

<p>We know that browsers display webpages by creating a tree-like model of HTML documents, called the
  <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/javascript-dom-introduction/" target="_blank">DOM (Document Object Model)</a>.</p>

<p>The model is hierarchical in its structure, just like a family tree consisting of parents, children, and siblings.</p>

<p>In this article, you'll learn how to traverse the DOM by utilizing its hierarchical nature.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>The DOM Equivalent of an HTML Document</h2>

<p>Before learning about DOM traversal, let's first create a sample DOM tree of a simple HTML document. We'll then use this DOM tree to learn about traversal.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Here's the HTML document:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="jsdom-exec">
<code>&lt;html&gt;
    &lt;head&gt;
        &lt;title&gt;My title&lt;/title&gt;
    &lt;/head&gt;

    &lt;body&gt;
        &lt;a href="#"&gt;My link&lt;/a&gt;
        &lt;h1&gt;My header&lt;/h1&gt;
    &lt;/body&gt;
&lt;/html&gt;<div class="line-highlight"></div></code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>The equivalent DOM tree is:</strong>
</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-tree.png"
    title="DOM Creates a Tree Structure of the HTML Document"
    alt="DOM Creates a Tree Structure of the HTML Document"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>DOM Creates a Tree Structure of the HTML Document</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Once you understand the DOM's tree structure and how its nodes are identified, you can start using JavaScript to access and alter the DOM.</p>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  Each node in the tree (the individual elements, attributes, texts, etc.) is an "object." Hence, the name Document Object Model, where elements of the HTML documents are converted to a tree of objects.</p>

<p>So, let's enhance our understanding by exploring the hierarchical relationship between the DOM elements.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Three Types of Relationships in DOM</h2>

<p>A given node in the DOM is related to other elements in the following ways:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
  <table>
    <tr>
      <th>Relationship</th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Parent</td>
      <td>The node that contains the node we're observing. Therefore, the parent node is one level above the observed node.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sibling</td>
      <td>A node that's on the same level as the observed node. It may or may not share the same parent with our node.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Child</td>
      <td>A node that is contained by the node we're observing and is thus one level below.</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
</div>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  The root node has no parent or siblings.</p>

<p>Let's clarify this by observing the
  <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
  node:</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-relationships.png"
    title="Relationships in a DOM Tree"
    alt="Relationships in a DOM Tree"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>Relationships in a DOM Tree</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here,</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <code>&lt;html&gt;</code>
    is the
    <strong>parent node</strong>
    of
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    because it contains the
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    node.</li>
  <li>
    <code>&lt;head&gt;</code>
    is a
    <strong>sibling node</strong>
    of
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    because it is on the same level.</li>
  <li>
    <code>&lt;a&gt;</code>
    and
    <code>&lt;h1&gt;</code>
    are the
    <strong>children</strong>
    of
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    because they are contained within the
    <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
    node.</li>
</ul>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  <code>&lt;title&gt;</code>
  is not a child node of
  <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
  because it is contained within the
  <code>&lt;head&gt;</code>
  node and not within
  <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>How to Traverse the DOM?</h2>

<p>Now that we know about the relationship between nodes, let's see how we can use these relationships to traverse through the DOM tree.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Traverse to the Parent Element</strong>
</p>

<p>We use the parentElement property to traverse to the parent node. Let's use it to traverse to the parent of
  <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>.</p>

<pre>
<code>// Select the body element
const body = document.querySelector("body");

// Traverse to the parent
const bodyParent = body.parentElement;

// Change the background color of the parent to lightblue
bodyParent.style.backgroundColor = 'lightblue';</code></pre>

<hr/>
<h3>Traverse to Children</h3>

<p>To traverse to an element's children in the DOM, you can use the
  <code>children</code>
  property, or the
  <code>firstChild</code>
  and
  <code>lastChild</code>
  properties.</p>

<p>
  <strong>1. Using the children Property</strong>
</p>

<p>The
  <code>children</code>
  property returns an
  <code>HTMLCollection</code>
  of an element's child elements. It only includes element nodes, excluding text and comment nodes.</p>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  The
  <code>HTMLCollection</code>
  returned is live — it updates automatically if the DOM changes.</p>

<p>Now, let's get the children of the
  <code>&lt;body&gt;</code>
  element:</p>

<pre>
<code>// Select the body element
const body = document.querySelector("body");

// Get the children of body
const children = body.children;

// Access individual children
for (let i = 0; i &lt; children.length; i++) {
  console.log(children[i]);
}</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>2. Using the firstChild and lastChild Properties</strong>
</p>

<p>The first child of an element is the first element contained by the given element in the HTML document. In other words, it is the leftmost child in the DOM.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the last element of an element is the last element contained by the given element in the HTML document, i.e., the rightmost child in the DOM.</p>

<figure><img
    src="https://programiz-pro-spaces.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/programiz-static/programiz-blog/javascript-dom-first-last-child.png"
    title="The First and Last Children of body"
    alt="The First and Last Children of body"
    width=""
    height="" />
  <figcaption>The First and Last Children of body</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We select the first and last children of a node using the
  <code>firstChild</code>
  and
  <code>lastChild</code>
  properties, respectively.</p>

<p>These properties can return any type of node, including element nodes, text nodes, and comment nodes.</p>

<p>For example,</p>

<pre>
<code>// Select the body element
const body = document.querySelector("body");

// Get the first and last children
const firstChild = body.firstChild;
const lastChild = body.lastChild;

console.log(firstChild);
console.log(lastChild);</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>3. Get Only the First and Last Element Children</strong>
</p>

<p>To get only the first or last
  <strong>element</strong>
  child, you can use
  <code>firstElementChild</code>
  and
  <code>lastElementChild</code>.</p>

<pre>
<code>// Select the body element
const body = document.querySelector("body");

// Get the first and last children
const firstElementChild = body.firstElementChild;
const lastElementChild = body.lastElementChild;

console.log(firstElementChild);
console.log(lastElementChild);</code></pre>

<hr/>
<h3>Traverse to Siblings</h3>

<p>You can traverse the siblings of an element in the DOM using the following properties:</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <code>nextSibling</code>
    - Returns the next node at the same tree level (can be any type of node).</li>
  <li>
    <code>previousSibling</code>
    - Returns the previous node at the same tree level (can be any type of node).</li>
  <li>
    <code>nextElementSibling</code>
    - Returns the next element node at the same tree level.</li>
  <li>
    <code>previousElementSibling</code>
    - Returns the previous element node at the same tree level.</li>
</ul>

<p>Let's see how we can use
  <code>nextElementSibling</code>
  and
  <code>previousElementSibling</code>
  in JavaScript:</p>

<pre>
<code>// Select the body element
const body = document.querySelector("body");

// Get the next sibling element
let nextSibling = body.nextElementSibling;
console.log(nextSibling);

// Get the previous sibling element
let previousSibling = body.previousElementSibling;
console.log(previousSibling);</code></pre>

Tree Traversal in the DOM

<p class="note-tip" id="introduction">In SQL, data types define what kind of data can be stored in a column. Choosing the right data type is important for data accuracy, storage efficiency, and database performance.</p>

<p>This guide explores the different data types in SQL.</p>

<hr />
<h1>Why are Data Types Important?</h1>

<p>Data types are crucial because they define the type of data that can be stored in each column of your table.</p>

<p>SQL data types help in:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Ensuring that only valid data is stored.</li>
	<li>Optimizing storage space and query performance.</li>
	<li>Preventing errors caused by incompatible data formats.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h1>Common SQL Data Types</h1>

<p>Here are some commonly used SQL data types:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Data Type</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTEGER</td>
<td>Stores whole numbers (e.g., 5, -10, 100).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INT</td>
<td>Stores integer values similar to INTEGER.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VARCHAR(size)</td>
<td>Stores text with a defined character limit (e.g., VARCHAR(255)).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEXT</td>
<td>Stores large pieces of text (string) data.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DATE</td>
<td>Stores data in the YYYY-MM-DD format.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Note:</strong> We've mentioned only few data types here to get a general understanding of what data types are. A database system may have many different data types.</p>

<hr />
<h1>Example: SQL Data Types</h1>

<p>Let's try to understand data types with an example.</p>

<p>Suppose, a company needs to store employee details such as name, age, and date of joining.</p>

<p>The appropriate SQL data types for these fields are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>VARCHAR: for storing name</li>
	<li>INT: for storing age</li>
	<li>DATE: for storing date of joining</li>
</ul>

<pre>
<code>CREATE TABLE Employees (
    name VARCHAR(100),
    age INT,
    date_of_joining DATE
);</code></pre>

<p>This ensures that names are stored as text, ages as whole numbers, and joining dates in a standard date format. </p>

<hr />
<h1>Important!</h1>

<p>It is possible for two different database management systems to have data types with the same name, but with different behavior or properties.</p>

<p>For example, a DATE data type in one database system may only store the date, while in another system, it may store the date and time, along with the timezone information.</p>

<p>Therefore, it is important to check the specific database system's documentation to ensure that we are using the data type properly.</p>

<p>Now that we have a basic understanding of data types, we are ready to create tables in SQL.</p>

<hr />
<h1>Final Thoughts</h1>

<p>Understanding data types is essential for working with databases. Using the right data type keeps your database efficient and prevents errors. As you practice SQL, you'll get more familiar with how different data types work in various systems.</p>

<hr />


<p dir="ltr">This article is a complementary resource to the&nbsp;<a href="https://app.programiz.pro/course/learn-sql-basics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn SQL Basics</a> course.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Understanding SQL Data Types

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For example: MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.&quot;]],[[0,[0],1,&quot;NoSQL DBMS&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;: a relatively new type of DBMS that supports flexible, semi-structured and unstructured data formats. It also provides fast read and write speeds. For example: MongoDB, Cassandra, Couchbase, etc.&quot;]],[[0,[0],1,&quot;Object-oriented DBMS&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;: a type of DBMS that stores objects as the primary data type and supports object-oriented programming concepts. For example: ObjectDB and Versant.&quot;]],[[0,[0],1,&quot;Graph DBMS&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;: a DBMS that uses graph structures to store and manage data. These are ideal for complex, interconnected datasets like social networks and recommendation engines. For example: Neo4j and OrientDB.&quot;]],[[0,[0],1,&quot;Hierarchical DBMS&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;: a type of DBMS that organizes data in tree-like structures with parent-child relationships. For example, IBM&rsquo;s Information Management System (IMS) and Windows Registry.&quot;]],[[0,[0],1,&quot;Network DBMS&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;: a DBMS that organizes data in a network structure, where each record can have multiple parent and child records. For example: Integrated Data Store (IDS) and Integrated Database Management System (IDMS).&quot;]]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;For more insight on whether to use SQL or NoSQL databases, &quot;],[0,[2,0],2,&quot;read this blog&quot;],[0,[0],1,&quot;.&quot;]]],[10,3],[1,&quot;h2&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Most Popular Database Management Systems&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;According to &quot;],[0,[3],1,&quot;Stack Overflow&rsquo;s 2022 Developer Survey&quot;],[0,[],0,&quot;, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, and Redis comprise the top six most popular DBMSs for the year.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Among the respondents (both beginners and professionals), 46.85% reported using MySQL, and 43.59% reported using PostgreSQL. PostgreSQL was also the most-loved DBMS for the year.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Well-known names like Oracle, Cassandra, and DynamoDB were further down the list in the 2022 rankings.&quot;]]],[10,4],[1,&quot;h2&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;FAQs&quot;]]],[1,&quot;h3&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;What databases do we use every day?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Services like online video streaming, online gaming, Google Drive (or other cloud storage services), sports scores, mobile banking, etc., can be considered examples of databases you use every day.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;h3&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Which DBMS is the best for beginners?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Microsoft SQL Server and SQLite are widely considered the best DBMS for beginners to learn.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;h3&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;What is the simplest form of database?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;A flat model database is the simplest form of database. This model contains standalone tables unrelated to each other.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[1,[],0,0]]]]}">
<div>
<p>Database Management Systems (DBMS) are software solutions that help us efficiently deal with data and databases. DMBS are vital because they make storing, organizing, and accessing information easier and quicker.</p>
<p>They serve as an interface between the user and the database, allowing them to make desired changes.</p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s an overview of things you need to know about database management systems, what they do, how they operate, and their types.</p>
<h2>Functions of a Database Management System</h2>
<p>A DBMS has many functions. Some of them are:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Data Organization</strong>: a way to organize data for easy access and manipulation</li>
<li><strong>Data Storage</strong>: a way to manage the physical storage of data on storage devices</li>
<li><strong>Data Retrieval</strong>: a way to retrieve specific data from a database using query language</li>
<li><strong>Data Manipulation</strong>: a way to update, add, and delete data in a database</li>
<li><strong>Data Security</strong>: a way to keep the data secure using features like access control, authentication, and encryption</li>
<li><strong>Data Backup and Recovery</strong>: a way to back up the data in a database so the users don&rsquo;t lose it due to hardware or software failures, and recover the data if it is lost</li>
<li><strong>Concurrency Control</strong>: a way to provide data access to multiple users at the same time without interference</li>
<li><strong>Transaction Management</strong>: a way to ensure the data is consistent and reliable</li>
<li><strong>Performance Tuning</strong>: a way to maintain the speed and performance of the database by tuning query execution, indexing, and storage management</li>
</ol>
<h2>Components of a Database Management System</h2>
<p>There are ten components that make a DBMS tick. They are:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Database</strong>: a repository of data and information stored in a structured way</li>
<li><strong>DBMS Engine</strong>: software that manages the storage, access, and manipulation of data in the database</li>
<li><strong>Data Definition Language (DDL)</strong>: a language used to define the structure of the database, like tables, columns, and relationships</li>
<li><strong>Data Manipulation Language (DML)</strong>: a language used to add, update, and delete data in the database</li>
<li><strong>Query Language</strong>: a language used to retrieve data from the database</li>
<li><strong>Database Schema</strong>: the structure of the database, like tables, columns, and relationships</li>
<li><strong>Data Dictionary</strong>: storage of metadata about the data in the database, like data types, relationships, and constraints</li>
<li><strong>Backup and Recovery Components</strong>: tools and processes to back up and restore the database if the data gets corrupted or deleted due to hardware and software failures</li>
<li><strong>Security Components</strong>: tools and processes to keep the data in the database secure against unauthorized access</li>
<li><strong>Transaction Management Components</strong>: tools and processes that help manage the execution of database transactions to ensure consistency and reliability</li>
</ol>
<h2>Types of Database Management Systems</h2>
<p>Just as there are many types of databases, there are many kinds of database management systems.</p>
<p>Each database management system is designed to support specific databases, like relational databases, non-relational databases, and others.</p>
<p>Here are the different types of DBMS and the kinds of databases they deal with:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Relational DBMS</strong>: the most common type of DMBS that uses tables with predefined structures and relationships to organize data. For example: MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.</li>
<li><strong>NoSQL DBMS</strong>: a relatively new type of DBMS that supports flexible, semi-structured and unstructured data formats. It also provides fast read and write speeds. For example: MongoDB, Cassandra, Couchbase, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Object-oriented DBMS</strong>: a type of DBMS that stores objects as the primary data type and supports object-oriented programming concepts. For example: ObjectDB and Versant.</li>
<li><strong>Graph DBMS</strong>: a DBMS that uses graph structures to store and manage data. These are ideal for complex, interconnected datasets like social networks and recommendation engines. For example: Neo4j and OrientDB.</li>
<li><strong>Hierarchical DBMS</strong>: a type of DBMS that organizes data in tree-like structures with parent-child relationships. For example, IBM&rsquo;s Information Management System (IMS) and Windows Registry.</li>
<li><strong>Network DBMS</strong>: a DBMS that organizes data in a network structure, where each record can have multiple parent and child records. For example: Integrated Data Store (IDS) and Integrated Database Management System (IDMS).</li>
</ol>
<h2>Most Popular Database Management Systems</h2>
<p>According to <a href="https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2022/#most-loved-dreaded-and-wanted-database-want">Stack Overflow&rsquo;s 2022 Developer Survey</a>, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, and Redis comprise the top six most popular DBMSs for the year.</p>
<p>Among the respondents (both beginners and professionals), 46.85% reported using MySQL, and 43.59% reported using PostgreSQL. PostgreSQL was also the most-loved DBMS for the year.</p>
<p>Well-known names like Oracle, Cassandra, and DynamoDB were further down the list in the 2022 rankings.</p>
atabase. This model contains standalone tables unrelated to each other.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">What databases do we use everyday? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Services like online video streaming, online gaming, Google Drive (or other cloud storage services), sports scores, mobile banking, etc., can be considered examples of databases you use every day.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Which DBMS is the best for beginners? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Microsoft SQL Server and SQLite are widely considered the best DBMS for beginners to learn.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">What is the simplest form of database? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>A flat model database is the simplest form of database. This model contains standalone tables unrelated to each other.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Frame 4

<p>Database Management Systems (DBMS) are software solutions to manage data in a database easily. It has many functions, components, and types.</p>

Database Management Systems, Explained for Beginners

<p>C++ is a high-performance programming language widely used to build various applications such as operating systems, web browsers, and video game development.</p>
<p>Like any other programming language, C++ can be hard to master if you don't learn it the right way. This blog will guide you through different ways to learn C++ and suggest the best approach.</p>
<p>So let's get started.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="why-learn-c">Why Learn C++?</h2>
<p>Despite the challenges of learning C++, many developers have made it a point to master the language because C++ has many attractive features that make it worth learning.</p>
<ul>
<li>C++ is object-oriented, which means programmers can write and maintain large programs by organizing code into reusable chunks.</li>
<li>It gives programmers low-level control over the hardware, which gives them direct access to manipulate the hardware components.</li>
<li>C++ is a compiled language; the code converts into machine code which is executed directly by the computer's processor. Due to this, C++ programs are fast and efficient.</li>
<li>It has a large standard library.</li>
</ul>
<p>These powerful features enable the creation of efficient applications, making it a popular choice among developers.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="applications-of-c">Applications of C++</h3>
<p><strong>1. Game Development</strong></p>
<p>C++ is well suited for game development due to its speed, control over hardware, and ability to render graphics and physics simulations.</p>
<p>Popular games built by C++ are Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and GTA V.</p>
<p><strong>2. Operating Systems</strong></p>
<p>Since C++ is a strongly typed language, applications built in C are fast and efficient.</p>
<p>Popular operating systems like Apple OS, Windows OS like Windows 95, Windows XP, and Windows 98 are built using C++.</p>
<p><strong>3. GUI-Based Applications</strong></p>
<p>GUI (Graphical User Interface) provides users an interface to interact through visual elements like icons, menus, buttons, etc.</p>
<p>C++ can build GUI-based applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Windows Amp Media Player.</p>
<p><strong>4. Database Software </strong></p>
<p>C++ can also write database management software. MySQL, Postgres, and MongoDB are built in C++.</p>
<p><strong>5. Browsers</strong></p>
<p>As browsers need a fast rendering engine, C++ is used to build them to make the execution faster. Popular browsers like Firefox, Thunderbird, and Chrome are written in C++.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="job-scope-of-c">Job Scope of C++</h3>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/c-programmer-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm#:~:text=Some%20related%20job%20titles%20are,C%2FC%2B%2B%20Software%20Developer%20Salaries">GlassDoor</a>, the average salary of a C++ developer is</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Years of Experience</th>
<th>Average Salary</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>$72,115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-3</td>
<td>$77,180</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-6</td>
<td>$81,373</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-9</td>
<td>$86,085</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-14</td>
<td>$99,436</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15+</td>
<td>$114,075</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Similarly, C++ is also in high demand. According to <a href="https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=c%2B%2B+developer&amp;l=&amp;from=searchOnHP&amp;vjk=a286269081c62708">Indeed</a>, there are 13,158 job vacancies for C++ developers.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-to-learn-c">How to Learn C++?</h2>
<p>There are several ways to learn C programming, and the best approach depends on your learning style and goals. Here are a few options to consider:</p>
<h3 id="coding-bootcamps">Coding Bootcamps</h3>
<p>These intensive programs offer a quick and effective way to learn C++. In a 3-6 month period, you will learn programming and related skills to prepare for a career in software development.</p>
<p>You will get a lot of information in a short time, so it can sometimes be overwhelming. However, If you want to learn C++ quickly, consider taking a bootcamp.</p>
<p>You can check online <a href="https://www.udemy.com/course/c-programming-bootcamp/?utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=udemyads&amp;utm_campaign=LongTail_la.EN_cc.ROW&amp;utm_content=deal4584&amp;utm_term=_._ag_77879424134_._ad_535397245863_._kw__._de_c_._dm__._pl__._ti_dsa-1007766171312_._li_1011034_._pd__._&amp;matchtype=&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA-8SdBhBGEiwAWdgtcIehF1T2xAWgMOD8NQ6NJnZoqyEihXKfFITbR25xu3E5UeR-usJmiBoCCsgQAvD_BwE">C++ Bootcamp</a> or find in-person bootcamps in your cities.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="interactive-courses">Interactive Courses</h3>
<p>You can&rsquo;t learn programming passively by watching tutorials or reading books. You need an active learning platform that provides quizzes, challenges, and projects to put your knowledge to the test.</p>
<p>And interactive courses are just for that. They make your learning exciting and provide certificates to keep you motivated upon course completion.</p>
<p>You can try our <a href="https://app.programiz.pro/learn/master-cpp%5C">Programiz PRO</a> to start your C++ journey. Other sites that provide interactive C++ courses are <a href="https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-c-plus-plus">Codecademy</a>, <a href="https://www.coursera.org/specializations/hands-on-cpp">Coursera</a>, <a href="https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-programming-in-c?index=product_value_experiment_a&amp;queryID=095d48a689543bcd55a0df0ae230e953&amp;position=1">edX,</a> etc.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/learn-programming-for-beginners/">How to Learn Coding for Beginners?</a></p>
<hr>
<h3 id="tutorials">Tutorials</h3>
<p>Tutorials are free resources that explain programming concepts with relevant examples. They are useful for quickly reviewing a specific concept.</p>
<p><strong>Web Tutorials</strong></p>
<p>Web tutorial sites provide unguided but structured information. Some great web tutorial sites to learn C++ are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.programiz.com/cpp-programming">Programiz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.w3schools.com/cpp/default.asp">W3 School</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/c-plus-plus/?ref=shm">GeeksForGeeks</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Video Tutorials</strong></p>
<p>Video Tutorials are best for understanding complex programming concepts. Some video tutorials to learn C++ are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLnPwxZdW4Y">Freecodecamp</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzaPdXTrSb8&amp;ab_channel=ProgrammingwithMosh">Programming With Mosh</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Tutorials are great resources for taking references to understand specific programming concepts.</p>
<p>But we do not recommend beginners solely depend on tutorials to learn to program as you'll consume too much information without actually understanding.</p>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. Can I learn C++ by myself? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can learn C++ yourself through</p>
<ul>
<li>C++ Programming Books</li>
<li>Interactive Courses</li>
<li>Tutorials</li>
</ul>
<p>No matter what you choose, make sure you consistently practice everything you learn.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. How can I learn C++ at home? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>You can learn C++ at home by taking interactive courses. These courses tutor you through programming concepts in detail, and make the learning process interactive by providing quizzes, challenges, and projects.</p>
<p>You can also learn C++ from programming books.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. How long will it take to learn C++? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>The time it takes to learn C++ depends on multiple factors like your learning approach, learning purpose, prior programming experience, and many more.</p>
<p>It usually takes 3-6 months for beginners to learn C++.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. How can I learn C++ for free? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can learn C++ for free. Here are some good free resources to learn C++.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.learncpp.com/">LearnCPP.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sololearn.com/learning/1051">C++ by Sololearn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/">cplusplus.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLnPwxZdW4Y&amp;list=PLAE85DE8440AA6B83&amp;ab_channel=freeCodeCamp.org">freeCodeCamp</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">5. Is C++ difficult to learn? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can learn C++ for free. Here are some good free resources to learn C++.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.learncpp.com/">LearnCPP.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sololearn.com/learning/1051">C++ by Sololearn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/">cplusplus.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLnPwxZdW4Y&amp;list=PLAE85DE8440AA6B83&amp;ab_channel=freeCodeCamp.org">freeCodeCamp</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Frame 33

<p>There are several ways to learn C programming, and the best approach depends on your learning style and goals. Here're a few options:</p>
<ul>
<li>Interactive Courses</li>
<li>Coding Bootcamps</li>
<li>Tutorials</li>
</ul>

How to Learn C++?

<p>Java is a powerful and popular programming language with many applications. We use Java to build web and mobile applications, embedded systems, and many more.</p>
<p>There are many beginners and experienced developers who want to learn Java. But since Java is not an easy language, we can say that it will require quite an investment to learn it.</p>
<p>Usually, the time to learn Java depends on factors like your learning approach, ability to grasp new concepts, prior programming experience, learning purpose, etc.</p>
<p>This blog will talk about the time it takes to learn Java depending on the impacting factors and suggest the best way to learn it for beginners.</p>
<p>So let's get started.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="what-factors-impact-your-time-learning-java">What Factors Impact Your Time Learning Java?</h2>
<p>Out of many factors, here are the major factors that can impact the time it takes to learn Java:</p>
<ul>
<li>Prior programming experience</li>
<li>Reason for learning Java</li>
<li>Learning approach</li>
</ul>
<p>Let's talk about each factor briefly.</p>
<h3 id="prior-programming-experience">Prior Programming Experience</h3>
<p>Your prior programming experience significantly impacts your learning time. It also makes the learning process a whole lot easy.</p>
<p>For example, if you are from another programming language, say C++, you already know most programming concepts. And switching to Java only requires learning the syntax. <strong>It will hardly take a month or two</strong>, depending on the hours you give to learning.</p>
<p>If you are a beginner with no programming experience, <strong>it can take upto 6 months</strong> to grasp the Java concept fully. In this case, your focus is to learn programming concepts in depth through Java.</p>
<p>It is completely okay if you take more than 6 months. Don't jump or skip anything but give yourself time with the concept and practice as much as you can. It takes patience to learn Java.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="reason-for-learning-java">Reason For Learning Java</h3>
<p>Your reason for learning Java and how proficient you aim to also impact your learning time.<br><br>For example, if you are learning to solve programming problems like "Find prime numbers between 1 and 100", learning the Java basics is enough, and it won't take long.</p>
<p>But if you aim to be a Java developer, you will need to learn Java and the related technologies required for the development. So this takes a long time.</p>
<p>According to the survey by <a href="https://codegym.cc/groups/posts/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-java">CodeGym</a>, here are the time taken for beginners, mid-level, and experienced developers to learn Java for the respective fields.</p>
<p><strong>To become a Java Developer</strong></p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Time Taken</th>
<th>To Learn Core Java</th>
<th>To Learn Related Technologies</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Beginner</td>
<td>8 months</td>
<td>18 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Mid-Level</td>
<td>5.5 months</td>
<td>14 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Experienced</td>
<td>1 month</td>
<td>4 months</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The aforementioned time holds true when you invest 2-4 hours per day and 5-7 days a week.</p>
<p>The data shows that for a beginner with no prior experience, it can take upto 26 months to land their first job as a Java Developer.</p>
<p>Similarly, if you know some programming concepts from school or universities, you belong to the mid-level, and it can take upto 19.5 months to land your first job.</p>
<p>And for experienced programmers who know one or more other languages, it takes only 5 months to become a Java Developer.</p>
<p>Now, let's see similar data to become a QA Automation tester and Android developer.</p>
<p><strong>To become QA Automation Tester</strong></p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Time Taken</th>
<th>To Learn Core Java</th>
<th>To Learn Related Technologies</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Beginner</td>
<td>6 months</td>
<td>6 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Mid-Level</td>
<td>5 months</td>
<td>4.5 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Experienced</td>
<td>5 months</td>
<td>2 months</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>To Become Andriod Developer</strong></p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Time Taken</th>
<th>To Learn Core Java</th>
<th>To Learn Related Technologies</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Beginner</td>
<td>7.5 months</td>
<td>18 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Mid-Level</td>
<td>4 months</td>
<td>12 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>For Experienced</td>
<td>1 month</td>
<td>4 months</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Note that this data can differ for every individual for the factors like their learning approach, access to a mentor, ability to grasp new concepts, and effectively integrate them into their understanding.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="learning-approach">Learning Approach</h3>
<p>You can learn Java through interactive courses, bootcamps, or programming books.</p>
<p>And with each approach, you might take a different time to learn the language.</p>
<p><strong>Bootcamps</strong></p>
<p>Bootcamps are short and intensive programs to train people to code and make them <strong>job-ready in 3-6 months.</strong></p>
<p>Java bootcamps teach you programming fundamentals like data structures, object-oriented programming, databases, and API, which are essential to land a job.</p>
<p>You will also learn a lot about programming and related technologies in bootcamps. So you must brace yourself as too much information can overwhelm you.</p>
<p><strong>Self-Learning</strong></p>
<p>According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/03/30/lots-of-coders-are-self-taught-according-to-developer-survey/">Washington Post survey</a>, 69% of programmers today are partially or totally self-taught, with 13% being entirely self-taught.</p>
<p>Since technology is forever changing, it is not practical to go to school to learn every trendy skill. You must surf the internet and learn things on your own.</p>
<p>You can learn programming yourself in the following two ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>Programming Books</li>
<li>Interactive Courses</li>
</ul>
<p>Learning through programming books is effective but you need a lot of dedication to complete it.</p>
<p>As there are no deadlines, certificates to motivate, or platform to interact with, most people find it dull to learn through programming books.</p>
<p>Books can definitely be a great source of learning, but for people who struggle with procrastination, interactive courses come to the rescue!</p>
<p>Interactive courses provide quizzes and challenges to test your knowledge and projects to ensure you are actually learning. They also provide you with a certificate to keep you motivated.</p>
<p>You can check our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-java?ref=chn">Java Interactive Course</a>.</p>
<p>For a self-taught programmer, it can take <strong>approximately 4-6 months, depending on dedication level.</strong></p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-difficult-is-it-to-learn-java-for-beginners">How Difficult Is It to Learn Java For Beginners?</h2>
<p>Java has a lengthy syntax compared to other languages, which can be hard for beginners. Let's see an example.</p>
<p><strong>Java Program</strong></p>
<pre><code>class HelloWorld {
	public static void main(String[] args) {
		System.out.println("Hello, World!");
	}
}
</code></pre>
<p><br>Now let's see Python code for the same output.</p>
<pre><code class="language-Python">print("Hello, World!")</code></pre>
<p><br>You can understand Python code at a single glance, but the same cannot be said for Java.</p>
<p>This shows that Java can be hard to learn for beginners.</p>
<p>However, Java is still a recommended language for beginners as you can learn core programming concepts like object-oriented programming, multithreading, garbage collection, and many more.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/is-java-hard-to-learn/">Is Java Hard to Learn?</a></p>
<p>With the right approach, you can definitely master Java like any other skill.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="what-is-the-best-way-to-learn-java">What Is The Best Way to Learn Java?</h2>
<p>Learning through interactive courses is the best way to learn Java (or any other programming language).</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, interactive courses not only teach you programming but provide quizzes and challenges to put your knowledge to the test.</p>
<p>They also provide a certificate upon completion to keep you motivated. This approach is a lot better than passively learning through tutorials or programming books.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/best-way-to-learn-java/">Best Way to Learn Java</a>.</p>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. Can I learn Java in 3 months? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can learn Java in 3 months. The simplest way to learn Java fast is by attending a bootcamp that focuses on making your job ready quickly.</p>
<p>If you are a dedicated learner, you can also learn Java through interactive courses and become a Java master in 3 months.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. Is Java really hard to learn? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Java is hard to learn, but you don't have to worry about it. Every new skill can be hard to learn at first, but with persistent practice, you can learn anything. The same goes for learning Java.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. Is it necessary to learn C before Java? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>No, you do not need to learn C before Java. In fact, Java can be a good first programming language for beginners.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. How long does it take to land a Java job? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>If you are a beginner, it can take upto 8 months to learn Java and 18 months to learn the related technologies to land your first job. This is possible when you invest 2-4 hours a day and 5-7 days a week.</p>
<p>However, if you attend bootcamps, you can learn and land an entry-level Java job in 3-6 months.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Frame 32

<p>Usually, the time to learn Java depends on factors like your learning approach, ability to grasp new concepts, prior programming experience, learning purpose, etc.</p>

How Long Does It Take to Learn Java?

<p>C is an efficient programming language that helps us develop high-efficiency applications such as compilers, operating systems, databases, etc.</p>
<p>To master C, learning the language alone is not enough. You also need a deeper understanding of the underlying hardware and operating systems.</p>
<p>C is definitely hard to learn, especially if you are a beginner. But don't worry, you can definitely learn to program in C with the right approach.</p>
<p>This blog will guide you through the ways you can learn C programming, with its scope and applications.</p>
<p>So, let's get started.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="why-learn-c">Why Learn C?</h2>
<p>Even though C is hard to learn, it is the perfect language for beginners. How? Well, learning C helps you understand the core programming concepts, like memory management and software and hardware interaction.</p>
<p>C does not provide many libraries, so you need to write almost all code from scratch, which helps to sharpen your programming skills.</p>
<p>Besides this, the reasons to learn C are its application and job scope.</p>
<h3 id="application-and-job-scope">Application and Job Scope</h3>
<p>Although C is pretty old, and you don't often see vacancies for the language these days, companies like Apple, Google, Telegram, and Microsoft still use it.</p>
<p>In fact, these tech giants use C to build low-level storage engines, improve operational efficiency, develop fast software, and many more.</p>
<p>Let's see the list of companies that use C, why they use it, and how much they pay.<br><br></p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Companies That Use C</th>
<th>What Do They Use It For?</th>
<th>Average Salary</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple</td>
<td>Building visualization tools</td>
<td>$187,390</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook</td>
<td>Scripting and automation</td>
<td>$148,640</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Google</td>
<td>Write product or system development code</td>
<td>$162,925</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft</td>
<td>Develop software</td>
<td>$171,929</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mastercard</td>
<td>Design databases</td>
<td>$181,636</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia</td>
<td>Develop product code</td>
<td>$232,484</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Redhat</td>
<td>Optimize backend services</td>
<td>$160,024</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Telegram</td>
<td>Build low-level storage engines</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VMware</td>
<td>Improve operational efficiency</td>
<td>$147,888</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>YouTube</td>
<td>Develop web applications</td>
<td>$186,649</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p><strong>Note:</strong> The data is taken from <a href="https://careerkarma.com/blog/who-uses-c/#:~:text=Top%20companies%20such%20as%20Google,day%2Dto%2Dday%20activities.">CareerKarma</a>.</p>
<p>This table demonstrates the<strong> job scope and applications of C programming</strong> in some of the biggest tech companies. C developers are hard to find, so they have pretty high demand, resulting in lucrative pay.</p>
<p>So learning C is totally worth the effort. But how do you learn it?</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-to-learn-c-programming">How to Learn C Programming?</h2>
<p>The right way to learn C programming differs for every individual. Here are the possible approaches you can consider to learn C.</p>
<h3 id="coding-bootcamps">Coding Bootcamps</h3>
<p>Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that train students to code in a short period of time. These bootcamps usually last for 3-6 months, during which they prepare students to tackle real-life software problems and make them job-ready.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a quick and effective way to learn coding, bootcamps can be a good option. However, these programs cram too much information in short periods, which can overwhelm you.</p>
<p>You can check online <a href="https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-c-programming-bootcamp/?utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=udemyads&amp;utm_campaign=LongTail_la.EN_cc.ROW&amp;utm_content=deal4584&amp;utm_term=_._ag_77879424134_._ad_535397245863_._kw__._de_c_._dm__._pl__._ti_dsa-1007766171312_._li_1011034_._pd__._&amp;matchtype=&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAzKqdBhAnEiwAePEjkmc-V6Yde52uO-hZPSrXaVRNRkJxLpeY1uVdJAMpeOuy84BxbAAkHhoC35EQAvD_BwE">C Bootcamp</a> or find in-person bootcamps in your cities.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="interactive-courses">Interactive Courses</h3>
<p>We often suggest interactive courses to learn coding for beginners. This approach is effective for almost anyone.</p>
<p>Interactive courses provide an online platform to learn coding. But what makes it effective is that after each major concept, you need to solve quizzes, challenges, and projects to test your understanding.</p>
<p>As a beginner, you will need to write a lot of code and practice a lot of problems. You simply cannot learn programming by reading or watching tutorials passively; what you need is active learning.</p>
<p>And Interactive courses are just for that. It ensures you are actually learning and provides you a certificate after you complete given quizzes, challenges, and projects.</p>
<p>You can try our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-c-programming?ref=cp">Programiz Pro</a> to start your programming journey. Other sites that provide interactive courses are <a href="https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-c">Codecademy</a>,<a href="https://www.coursera.org/search?query=C%20programming&amp;"> Coursera</a>, <a href="https://www.edx.org/search?q=C+programming">edX</a>, etc.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/learn-programming-for-beginners/">How to Learn Coding for Beginners?</a></p>
<hr>
<h3 id="tutorials">Tutorials</h3>
<p>Tutorials are free resources that explain programming concepts with good examples. It is best when you want a quick revision of a particular concept.</p>
<h4 id="web-tutorials"><strong>Web Tutorials</strong></h4>
<p>Web tutorial sites provide unguided but structured information. Some great web tutorial sites to learn C are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.programiz.com/c-programming">Programiz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.w3schools.com/c/index.php">W3 School</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cprogramming/index.htm%5C">TutorialsPoint</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/c-programming-language/?ref=ghm">GeeksForGeeks</a></li>
</ul>
<h4 id="video-tutorials"><strong>Video tutorials</strong></h4>
<p>Video tutorials are excellent for understanding complex programming concepts. Some good video tutorials to learn C are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnvbUiSxvbM&amp;list=PL98qAXLA6aftD9ZlnjpLhdQAOFI8xIB6e&amp;ab_channel=Programiz">Programiz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJgsSFOSQv0&amp;ab_channel=freeCodeCamp.org">Freecodecamp</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Tutorials can be a great help in learning particular programming concepts. However, we don't recommend beginners rely solely on tutorials. You might passively consume too many tutorials but understand nothing or even fall into tutorial hell!</p>
<p>We highly recommend that you consistently practice what you have learned from the tutorials.</p>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. How can I learn C programming myself? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>You can learn C programming yourself through</p>
<ul>
<li>C Programming Books</li>
<li>Interactive Courses</li>
<li>Tutorials</li>
</ul>
<p>No matter which way you choose, make sure you consistently practice everything you learn.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. Is C easy to learn? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>No, C is not an easy language to learn but with the right learning approach and practice, you can definitely learn it.</p>
<p>We suggest you learn C through an interactive course to make your learning relatively easy.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. How can I learn C fast? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>The fastest way to learn C is to attend coding bootcamps. They provide a short and intensive program to teach you C and make you job-ready in 3-6 months.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. How do I begin learning C? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>The best way to start your learning journey is by enrolling in an interactive learning platform. You can also follow programming books, but it might not put your knowledge to the test as interactive courses do.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">5. Is C better than C++? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Both C and C++ are strong and widely used programming languages. So we can not say which is better.</p>
<p>C++ is an extension of C programming, widely used in application development, game development, and other high-performance computing software.</p>
<p>C is also primarily used to develop software requiring faster execution and high performance, such as compilers, databases, and operating systems.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Frame 31

<p>C is definitely hard to learn, especially if you are a beginner. But don't worry, you can definitely learn to program in C with the right approach.</p>

How to Learn C Programming?

<p>Java is a powerful programming language used for developing mobile and desktop applications, big data processing, embedded systems, and so on.</p>
<p>As it is used in many areas, Java has been consistently popular for years. According to the <a href="https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/">TIOBE index</a>, Java continues to fall under the top 3 programming languages in 2022.</p>
<p>Java is considered a hard language to learn for beginners. But what makes Java hard?</p>
<p>In this blog, we will discuss if Java is indeed hard to learn, what makes it hard, and how much time it takes to master Java.</p>
<p>So continue reading this blog if you want to learn Java but don't know how difficult it is.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="is-java-hard-to-learn-for-beginners">Is Java Hard to Learn for Beginners?</h2>
<p>Java has a lengthy syntax compared to other languages. So it can be a little complicated for beginners.</p>
<p>To demonstrate this fact, let's write a <strong>"Hello, World!"</strong> program in Java and Python (a language with easy and short syntax).</p>
<p><strong>Java Program</strong></p>
<pre class="java-exec"><code>class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!"); 
    }
}</code></pre>
<p><strong>Python Program</strong></p>
<pre class="java-exec"><code>print("Hello, World!")</code></pre>
<p><strong>Output</strong></p>
<pre>Hello, World!</pre>
<p>Here, both codes give the same output. However, the Java code is longer than its Python counterpart. And while beginners can understand the Python code at a single glance, the same cannot be said for Java.</p>
<p>So, when compared to easier languages like Python, Java's syntax can be hard to get used to.</p>
<p>But besides the syntax, Java is not harder than other languages since the logic required to solve programming problems is the same in all languages.</p>
<p>Even beginners can learn Java if they seriously want to get into programming. This is because Java has the following advantages:</p>
<ul>
<li>With Java, beginners can understand core programming concepts like object-oriented programming, multithreading, and many more.</li>
<li>Java is powerful and has a wide range of applications. So once you get used to Java, you will definitely be rewarded with its efficiency and versatility.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2 id="java-difficulty-influencing-factors">Java Difficulty: Influencing Factors</h2>
<p>Let us now move on to the major factors that determine the difficulty level of Java:</p>
<p><strong>Purpose of Learning</strong></p>
<p>Your purpose of learning Java determines how difficult it can get to you. For instance, if you just want to cover the basics of programming, learning Java won't be very difficult for you.</p>
<p>But if you want to master Java and land a job, you will have to tackle complex topics like object-oriented and multithreading. This will make learning Java harder for you.</p>
<p><strong>Prior Programming Experience</strong></p>
<p>Learning Java can be much easier if you have prior programming knowledge. Since you already know the basic coding concepts, you only have to learn Java syntax.</p>
<p><strong>Learning Approach</strong></p>
<p>Your learning approach is another factor determining how difficult Java will get for you. Let's look at some common learning approaches:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Self-learning</strong> - You will be learning Java on your own without any guidance. This will make it quite difficult for you to learn complex concepts.<br><br>And, since you don't have any strict deadlines, there is a high chance for you to procrastinate. In addition, you may give up learning Java when you get stuck, as there won't be anyone to help you.</li>
<li><strong>Bootcamps</strong> - Bootcamps are intensive learning programs that usually last 3 to 6 months. Bootcamps usually hire professional programmers to guide and assist you. So learning through bootcamps is a better option to quickly gain Java skills.<br><br>However, one disadvantage of bootcamps is that they cram too much learning into a few months.</li>
<li><strong>Interactive Courses</strong> - Interactive courses are the recommended approach to learning Java.<br><br>With most interactive courses, you get lessons, quizzes, and challenges. These features help to make sure you don't procrastinate while learning. It also makes the content digestible, and you can grasp complex concepts easily.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Time and Effort</strong></p>
<p>The time and effort you invest in learning Java is the most important factor in your programming journey. The more time you invest, the easier Java will get.</p>
<p>As you progress into increasingly complex topics, you will need even more practice and consistency to master the concepts.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-java">How Long Does It Take To Learn Java?</h2>
<p>The time it takes to learn Java depends on many factors like how fast you can grasp new concepts, the time you can commit, prior programming knowledge, and many more.</p>
<p>According to a survey by <a href="https://codegym.cc/groups/posts/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-java">Codegym</a>, if you can commit around 2-3 hours per day and 5-7 days a week, you can learn Java in 8 weeks (if you are a complete beginner ).</p>
<p>Here's a summary of the survey:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Level</th>
<th>Time To Learn Java</th>
<th>Time To Learn Related Technologies To Land First Job</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Beginner</strong><br><br>Zero Experience</td>
<td>8 weeks</td>
<td>18 weeks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Average</strong> <br><br>Learned programming a little bit at school</td>
<td>5.5 weeks</td>
<td>14 weeks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Experienced</strong><br><br>Proficient in one or more programming languages</td>
<td>1 week</td>
<td>4 weeks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<p><br>This shows that to learn core Java concepts, a complete beginner can take up to 8 weeks. But to land a Java job, you need to learn related technologies for further 18 weeks.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-to-learn-java">How To Learn Java?</h2>
<p>There are different ways to learn Java, like bootcamps, through mentors or professors, online resources, etc.</p>
<p>Here are some online learning platforms you can use to learn Java.</p>

<p>Interactive Java Courses</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Out of all the approaches mentioned above, we believe that the best way to learn Java is by taking an interactive course. Interactive courses provide quizzes, challenges, and projects after each lesson to test your knowledge.</p>
<p>Furthermore, they provide a certificate at the end of the course to keep you motivated. If you don't know where to start, you can try our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-java">Java Interactive Course</a>.</p>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. What makes Java hard to learn? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>The major factors that make Java hard are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Java has a lengthy syntax compared to other languages.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The basics of Java are easy to learn, but it is hard to master the language. This makes for a steep learning curve.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Java has advanced concepts like multithreading and object-oriented programming, which can be difficult to understand for beginners.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. Can I learn Java in 3 months? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can learn Java in 3 months. If you are an absolute beginner, you can learn Java in 8 weeks if you can commit 5-7 days per week and 2-3 hours a day. However, the time required depends on your pace of learning, don't totally rely on the <a href="https://codegym.cc/groups/posts/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-java">Codegym</a> data.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. Can I start learning Java as a beginner? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Yes, you can start learning Java as a beginner. Even though Java has a lengthy syntax, it is a highly recommended language for beginners as it helps them understand the core concepts of programming.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. What can I do after learning Java? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>You can either find yourself a programming job or try experimenting with Java projects.</p>
<p>Some of the Java projects that are worth trying are Snake Game, Brick Breaker Game, Currency Converter, Tic-Tac-Toe, Word Counter, etc.</p>
<p>And if you are applying for a job, here is a list of Java jobs you can look into:</p>
<ul>
<li>Desktop Application Developer,</li>
<li>Mobile Application Developer,</li>
<li>Web Application Developer,</li>
<li>Video Game Developer,</li>
<li>IoT Application Developer, and many more.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Frame 25

<p>Here are some of the reasons that make Java hard to learn:</p>
<ul>
<li>Java has a lengthy syntax.</li>
<li>The basics of Java are easy to learn, however, it is hard to master the language.</li>
<li>Java includes advanced concepts like multithreading.</li>
</ul>

Is Java Hard To Learn?

How to Learn Programming for Beginners

<p>Here are <strong>7</strong> tried and tested steps to learn to code for absolute beginners:</p>
<ul class="none">
<li><strong>Step 1:</strong> Define Your Goal</li>
<li><strong>Step 2:</strong> Choose a Programming Language</li>
<li><strong>Step 3:</strong> Find Coding Resources</li>
<li><strong>Step 4:</strong> Master the Fundamentals</li>
<li><strong>Step 5:</strong> Tutorial Hell - Avoid This Trap!</li>
<li><strong>Step 6:</strong> Build Projects</li>
<li><strong>Step 7:</strong> Make Google Your Friend</li>
</ul>

<p>Python is a high-level programming language used in areas such as Machine Learning, AI, Web Development, Automation, etc.</p>
<p>The heavy use of this programming language in these advanced fields might make you wonder, "Is Python hard to learn?"</p>
<p><strong>Well, Don't Worry! </strong>It is an easy programming language thanks to its simple syntax that closely resembles English.</p>
<p>But how easy is Python for beginners? What is its exact difficulty level? These are some questions that we'll answer today.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="is-python-hard-to-learn-for-beginners">Is Python Hard to Learn for Beginners?</h2>
<p>No, Python is actually an easy language to learn. Here are three reasons that make Python perfect for beginners:</p>
<ul>
<li>Python's syntax is easy to read. Beginners can understand what the code is doing with just a glance.</li>
<li>Writing code in Python is very intuitive. It is like writing a form of English. Python does all the complex tasks for you. So, you can focus on the code's logic rather than the syntax.</li>
<li>Python is an interpreted language (the code is executed line by line). This is super helpful as the debugger in Python will show one error instead of a list of errors. So you can fix errors more easily.</li>
</ul>
<p>To show how much easier it is to write code in Python, here is a simple program to print "Hello World" in <strong>C</strong>, <strong>Java</strong>, and <strong>Python</strong>:</p>
<p><strong><strong><strong>C- Programming</strong></strong></strong></p>
<figure class="kg-card kg-code-card">
<pre><code class="language-c">#include&lt;stdio.h&gt;

int main(){

printf("Hello, World!");
return 0;

}</code></pre>
<figcaption>C Program to print "Hello World"</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong><strong><strong>Java</strong></strong></strong></p>
<figure class="kg-card kg-code-card">
<pre><code class="language-java">class HelloWorld {public static void main(String[] args) {

System.out.println("Hello, World!");

}

}</code></pre>
<figcaption>Java Program to print "Hello World"</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong><strong><strong>Python</strong></strong></strong></p>
<figure class="kg-card kg-code-card">
<pre><code class="language-python">print("Hello World")</code></pre>
<figcaption>Python program to print "Hello World"</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br>As you can see, the <strong>Python</strong> code is just one line of simple English, whereas the <strong>Java</strong> and <strong>C</strong> codes are complicated to understand.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-hard-is-it-to-learn-python">How Hard Is It to Learn Python?</h2>
<p>While we've said that Python is easy, certain aspects of this language can still prove to be difficult. Here are a few of them:</p>
<p><strong>Indentation</strong></p>
<p>Indentation is arguably what beginner coders hate the most about Python. Indentation refers to the white spaces before a line of code. You might wonder, "So, what's the big deal with white spaces?"</p>
<p>Well, that's the thing - indentation doesn't matter in other programming languages. But Python uses indentation to divide the code into blocks (like the curly braces in other programming languages).</p>
<p>Incorrect use of whitespaces will produce errors in the code. But the problem is that white spaces are invisible.</p>
<p>So when there is a missing white space or an extra white space, beginners can only scratch their heads in confusion as they search for the error.</p>
<p><strong>Lengthy Learning Curve</strong></p>
<p>The basics of Python are easy to learn. But we cannot say the same about its frameworks and libraries. Since Python is used in such a wide range of applications, there are tons of frameworks available.</p>
<p>Frameworks are tools with ready-made components that can be used as a foundation to build applications.</p>
<p>Programmers find frameworks very helpful when they are working on a project. But beginners have to learn a bunch of them to do simple tasks, which can be pretty tedious.</p>
<p>So if you want to learn Python to develop projects or learn some new technology like Data Science or Machine Learning, you will need to dedicate a lot of time to learning their respective frameworks.</p>
<p>Among these frameworks, beginners often complain that Django and Tensorflow are the most challenging.</p>
<p><strong>Database Access</strong></p>
<p>A database is an organized collection of data. Programming languages must connect with databases to insert and retrieve data from them.</p>
<p>So database access is an integral part of programming. Sadly, Python's database access is considered very primitive compared to languages like Java. While writing code is easy in Python, interacting with databases is very complicated.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="python-difficulty-influencing-factors">Python Difficulty: Influencing Factors</h3>
<p>Let us now move on to the major factors that determine the difficulty level of Python:</p>
<p><strong>Purpose of Learning</strong></p>
<p>Your reason for learning Python determines how difficult the language can get for you. For example, it's not that difficult if you just want to cover the basics of programming.</p>
<p>But if you want to tackle complex topics like object-oriented programming, exception handling, and inheritance, you might want to take your time.</p>
<p>Also, learning Python casually differs from learning Python to get a job. Casual learning won't require much effort, and you can learn at your own pace.</p>
<p>But if you want a job with Python, you'll only have a set time frame to learn the language. By the time you're done, you must be good at Python and have some projects on your Github.</p>
<p>In addition, you will also need strong interpersonal skills to get through an interview and land a job. Here's a rundown of the skills you need to land a Python job:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mastery of Python fundamentals</li>
<li>Knowledge of Advanced Python Concepts</li>
<li>Knowledge of one or two frameworks (depending on your area of interest)</li>
<li>GitHub repository with a few projects (in your interest area)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Prior Programming Experience</strong></p>
<p>If you have prior programming knowledge, learning Python can be much easier. Since you already know the coding basics, you only need to learn the syntax.</p>
<p>At the same time, there are many new concepts in Python, such as indentation, mutable and immutable objects, decorators, lambda functions, and more.</p>
<p>So even experienced programmers may need to learn a few new things to master Python.</p>
<p>But there's no need to worry if you have no prior programming experience; you'll just have to practice a little longer.</p>
<p><strong>Learning Approach</strong></p>
<p>Your learning approach will determine how difficult Python will be for you. You can go with the following approaches while learning Python:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Self-learning</strong> - You will be learning on your own without any guidance. This will make it quite difficult for you to learn complex concepts. Since you won't have any set syllabus and a time frame to follow, you have to learn the concepts yourself. <br><br>You can also procrastinate when you are learning Python by yourself. In addition, you may give up learning Python when you get stuck as there won't be anyone to help you out.</li>
<li><strong>Bootcamps</strong> - With a <strong>3</strong> to <strong>6</strong> months Python Bootcamp, you get guidance and assistance. So, it will be easier to learn the language. One disadvantage of bootcamps, however, is that they cram too much learning into a few months.</li>
<li><strong>Interactive Courses</strong> - Interactive courses can help you learn Python more easily. With most interactive courses, you get lessons, quizzes, and challenges. These features help to make sure you don't procrastinate while learning. It also makes the content digestible, and you will be able to grasp complex concepts easily.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Time and Effort</strong></p>
<p>The time and effort you invest in learning Python is the final factor that determines the difficulty level of Python. The more time you invest, the easier Python will get.</p>
<p>As you continue learning, you will encounter increasingly difficult topics. Just remember to practice consistently, and you will master these concepts in no time.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-python">How Long Does It Take to Learn Python?</h2>
<p>Learning the basics of Python can take you around <strong>3</strong> to <strong>6</strong> months. From here, you can take different learning paths.</p>
<p>Since Python is used in various fields like web development, automation, and machine learning, the basics are not enough to land you a job. If you want to get a job as a Python developer, you need to master a specific area.</p>
<p>For instance, if you want to learn web development after you have finished Python basics, you will need <strong>3</strong> to <strong>6</strong> more months to learn Django, a web framework.</p>
<p>So, you will have to learn Python for around <strong>1</strong> year to be a hireable Python web developer.</p>
<p>Similarly, you will need to spend <strong>2</strong> to <strong>3</strong> additional months learning Python automation once you have finished learning the basics.</p>
<p>Check this guide to find out <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/how-long-it-takes-to-learn-python/">how long it will take a beginner to learn Python</a>.</p>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. Is Python easier than C++? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>C++ is comparatively more feature-packed than Python, but it is more difficult. For example, here is a program to add two numbers in C++ and Python:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Python</strong></li>
</ul>
<pre><code>print(20 + 30)</code></pre>
<ul>
<li><strong>C++</strong></li>
</ul>
<pre><code>#include &lt;iostream&gt;
using namespace std;

int main() {
  cout &lt;&lt;  20 + 30;
  return 0;
}</code></pre>
<p>As you can see, the Python code is much easier to understand and write compared to the <strong>C++</strong> code.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. How to learn Python easily? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>You can enroll in an interactive course to learn Python easily. In addition, you can follow some of the tips mentioned below:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do not jump straight into learning a Python framework. Learn the basics first.</li>
<li>Have a clear plan before you start learning Python. You should know where you want to go before you begin.</li>
<li>Don't make the mistake of memorizing keywords. You can always google them. Make sure you understand the logic so you can solve problems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. How hard is it to get a job with Python? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Getting a job with Python depends on factors such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>the level of your Python knowledge</li>
<li>experience with a framework of your interest</li>
<li>projects on your GitHub repository</li>
</ul>
<p>To land a Python job, you first need to learn Python and then get into a sub-field. You could master data science, machine learning, web development, automation, or any other field.</p>
<p>After this, build some projects and try to land an internship. With an internship, you can transition to a job in no time.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p>No, Python is actually an easy language to learn. Here are three reasons that make Python perfect for beginners:</p>
<ul>
<li>Python's syntax is easy to read.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Writing code in Python is very intuitive. It is like writing a form of English.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Python is an interpreted language (the code is executed line by line). This is super helpful as one error will be shown at a time.</li>
</ul>

Is Python hard to learn?

<p>The recent surge of AI technologies has made Python the go-to language for so many aspiring programmers. The reason is the language's direct involvement in Data Analysis, Machine Learning, and AI.</p>

<p>Not only this, Python is heavily used in other different fields like Testing, SEO, Web Development, Automation, and so on.</p>

<p>Let's explore some of the main fields where Python can be used, along with a roadmap for you to get started.</p>

<hr />
<h2>What is Python Used for?</h2>

<p>Python is versatile and used extensively, so let's focus on the important ones where learning Python has major benefits. </p>

<ul>
	<li>Data Science and Data Analysis</li>
	<li>Machine Learning and AI</li>
	<li>Web Development</li>
	<li>Software Testing</li>
	<li>Cybersecurity</li>
	<li>SEO</li>
	<li>Automation</li>
</ul>

<div class="note-tip">
<h3>Tip</h3>
<p>If you are sure about your future and it's one among the above-mentioned, let's save some time and <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python">start learning python</a> right away.</p>
</div>
<p>Want to learn more about Python's involvement in those mentioned areas, continue reading. </p>

<hr />
<h3>1. Data Science and Data Analysis</h3>

<p>In simple words, both data science and data analysis involve extracting valuable insights from data. </p>

<p>This field also requires knowledge of different domains like Mathematics and Business, but Python is at the core of everything. </p>

<p>Here's how you will use Python in data science and analysis:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Analysis and filter information from large data sets.</li>
	<li>Create visual representations like lines, charts, and plots.</li>
	<li>Add text, labels, and animations to the visualizations.</li>
</ul>

<p>If you think this is the right career for you, here's a basic roadmap to get you started.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Roadmap-Data-Science.png" title="Data Science Roadmap using Python" alt="Data Science Roadmap using Python" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<hr />
<h3>2. Machine Learning and AI</h3>

<p>Machine Learning (ML) involves training a system with observations (data) so that it can learn and improve itself without being programmed.</p>

<p> Or, we can say it is a process of creating Artificial Intelligence. </p>

<p>Both ML and AI are highly advanced and require much more information than just a knowledge of a programming language. However, learning Python provides you with a starting point.</p>

<p>Here's how different Python libraries are used in ML and AI:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Pandas and NumPy make data collection easy.</li>
	<li>Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and Pytorch help in model building and training.</li>
</ul>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Note:</strong> Don't worry about the libraries at this point, just understand they are there to help you.</p>

<p>Now, let's see what your pathway will look like if you choose this field.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Roadmap-Machine-Learning.png" title="Machine Learning Roadmap using Python" alt="Machine Learning Roadmap using Python" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<hr />
<h3>3. Web Development</h3>

<p>Python is mainly used in backend web development. It provides frameworks like Django, Flask and Web2Py that help build secure and scalable websites.</p>

<p>In fact, popular websites like Netflix, Spotify, Instagram, and Uber are built using Python. </p>

<p>Here's how Python is used in web development:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Develop backend functionalities like database connectivity, routing, and data transfer.</li>
	<li>Provides modular features like a fast debugger and support for integrated unit testing. </li>
</ul>

<p>You can use the following roadmap as a starting point for your career in web development.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Roadmap-Web-Development.png" title="Web Development Roadmap using Python" alt="Web Development Roadmap using Python" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<hr />
<h3>4. Software Testing</h3>

<p>Software Testing ensures your application is working the way it should. It involves comparing the application with requirements and identifying bugs.</p>

<p>It's safe to say that the quality of an application depends on the quality of testing. And Python helps you automate the testing process.</p>

<p>Here's how Python is used in testing:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Python frameworks like Selenium, PyUnit and Pytest help automate and streamline testing.</li>
	<li>QA engineers can write test code using Python because of its simple and easy-to-understand syntaxes. </li>
</ul>

<p>While you don't need Python to get into a Testing/QA career, you will definitely need it to grow and streamline your process.</p>

<hr />
<h3>5. Cybersecurity</h3>

<p>Cybersecurity is another area where knowledge of Python is not compulsory, but knowing it makes the job a lot easier. </p>

<p>Here's how Python is used in Cybersecurity:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Write scripts to automate responses in case of any incidents to mitigate threats. </li>
	<li>Analyze files and debug programs using <strong>pefile</strong> and <strong>pydbg</strong> for malware analysis.</li>
	<li>Prevent unauthorized access or DDoS attacks by analyzing traffic using <strong>scapy</strong>.</li>
	<li>Automate repetitive tasks like log analysis, alerts, and reports.</li>
</ul>

<p>You don't have to be an expert to use Python in Cybersecurity. Just the ability to write simple Python scripts will be sufficient.</p>

<hr />
<h3>6. SEO</h3>

<p>SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is another area where knowing Python helps streamline your process.</p>

<p>Python in SEO is mostly used in automating tasks and analyzing data. Here are some of the major use cases:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Web scraping </li>
	<li>Report generation</li>
	<li>Analysis (Keywords, Links, etc.)</li>
	<li>Working with CSV</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h3>7. Automation</h3>

<p>Automation helps save time and prevent trivial mistakes by automating repetitive tasks. And the simple syntax of the language makes Python the perfect choice for automation.</p>

<p>Python also provides various libraries to make the process more efficient and easy:</p>

<ul>
	<li>CSV</li>
	<li>Watchdog</li>
	<li>Twilio</li>
	<li>ChatterBot</li>
</ul>

<p><em>Remember, you don't need to worry about these libraries at the moment.</em> </p>

<p>Automations are some of the best projects to practice while learning Python. Here are some popular ones:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Update excel sheets</li>
	<li>Web scraping</li>
	<li>Day-to-day activities like emails, payments, social media posts, and more.</li>
	<li>Share market automation </li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Final Takeaway</h2>

<p>Python is used in a wide variety of areas, so learning the language will be beneficial no matter what you choose to become. However, how much Python you need to learn and what pathway you should follow depends entirely on your career goal.</p>

<p>Instead of directly jumping to any course, first, understand how Python is used in the field of your choice. Then choose the right roadmap as per your needs.</p>
<hr>
<div class="newsletter">
<h3>Get Your Roadmap!</h3>
<p>Sign up to receive your personalized roadmap tailored to your unique goals and needs.</p>
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<div class="newsletter__input"><input type="text" placeholder="Enter Email address"></div>
<button class="newsletter__button btn">Join</button></div>
</div>

<p>Python is versatile and used extensively in the following fields:</p>
<ul>
<li>Data Science &amp; Data Analysis</li>
<li>Machine Learning &amp; AI</li>
<li>Web Development</li>
<li>Software Testing</li>
<li>Cybersecurity</li>
<li>SEO</li>
<li>Automation</li>
</ul>

What is Python Used for? [7 Areas with Roadmap]

<p>Learning Python takes a decent amount of time - usually 2 to 4 months.</p>

<p>However, the exact duration is debatable. Some people have completed the course in a week, and some did it in a year.</p>

<p>It all depends on various factors like</p>

<ul>
	<li>your definition of learning Python</li>
	<li>time you are investing each day</li>
	<li>background knowledge in programming</li>
	<li>and your approach</li>
</ul>

<p>Let's explore how each of these factors impacts your Python journey. </p>

<p>But first, we will see how long it takes to complete the entire Python course in Programiz PRO.</p>

<hr />
<h2>How long does it take to learn Python? [Timeline]</h2>

<p>Let's first define the factors mentioned above so you get a better understanding of the timeline. </p>

<ul>
	<li>We will assume the definition of learning Python means being confident to approach a Python career.</li>
	<li>You are investing at least 1 hour per day.</li>
	<li>No background knowledge of programming.</li>
	<li>You are taking an online guided course to learn Python.</li>
</ul>

<p><em>We will look into these factors in detail in the later part of this blog.</em></p>

<p>Let's start with the timeline first.</p>

<h3>1. Completing the Course [1.5 months]</h3>

<p>As per the data, people are taking about <strong>1.5 months</strong> to learn the <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python">entire Learn Python course</a>. However, this data only accounts for the time people are spending to complete the course.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Course Background:</strong></p>

<p>Programiz Python Course is a learning path that includes <strong>5</strong> different courses: Learn Python Basics, Python Basic Challenges, Python Beyond Basics, Python Beyond Basic Challenges, and Python Interview Questions. </p>

</div>
<p>Although Programiz courses provide hands-on learning with challenges and quizzes, it can be debatable that completing a course is not the same as learning Python.</p>

<h3>2. Improving Skills [15-20 days]</h3>

<p>To solve this, we looked into readers completing our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/python-coding-challenges">Python Coding Challenge course</a>.</p>

<p>On average, it's taking about <strong>15 to 20 days</strong> to complete challenges.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Course Background:</strong></p>

<p>Python Coding Challenge includes <strong>140+</strong> coding problems forcing people to write code themselves. Solving challenges ensures that people are actually learning, not just completing the course.</p>

</div>
<h3>3. Building Portfolio [1-2 months]</h3>

<p>So far, we are at <strong>2 months</strong> timeline.</p>

<p>Now to actually learn Python, you will need to build real-world projects, build your portfolio, learn Git & GitHub, and prepare for job interviews.</p>

<p>Luckily, our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/python-interview-questions">Python Interview Questions</a> helped us give an estimation for this as well, i.e., <strong>1 to 2 months</strong>. </p>

<p><strong>After combining all this, it will take 2 to 4 months to learn Python.</strong> </p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Timeline-to-learn-Python.png" title="Timeline to Learn Python" alt="Timeline to Learn Python" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Timeline: Time it Takes to Learn Python</figcaption></figure>
<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Important:</strong></p>

<p>The above estimation is what we have seen through data; however, we highly recommend you get a job/internship as early as possible. No course can help you learn Python the way jobs/internships do.</p>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Factors Impacting the Time to Learn Python</h2>

<p>As mentioned earlier, some factors hugely influence the time it takes to learn Python:</p>

<ul>
	<li>your definition of learning Python</li>
	<li>time you are investing each day</li>
	<li>background knowledge in programming</li>
	<li>and your approach</li>
</ul>

<p>Let's see what this means.</p>

<h3>1. Your Definition of Learning Python</h3>

<p>Definitions directly come from the reason why you are learning Python. Based on your goal, there can be different definitions of what learning Python means. </p>

<p>Here are some examples:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Suppose you are learning Python not for jobs or projects but just to have a better conversation with your team members. Then, your definition can be <strong>"ability to understand syntaxes and jargon"</strong>. <br />
<br />
It can take you about <strong>a month</strong> to learn.</li>
	<li>Suppose your goal is to get a job (Data Science, Web Development, Machine Learning, etc.). Your definition can be <strong>"become job-ready in Python"</strong>. <br />
<br />
For this, you might have to learn Python for about <strong>6 months to 2 years</strong>.</li>
	<li>If you want to perform some automation and web scraping, your definition can be <strong>"ablility to use Python libraries"</strong>.<br />
<br />
It can take you about 2 months to learn Python for this goal.</li>
</ul>

<p>Based on these definitions, it can take from <strong>a month to 2 years</strong> to learn Python.</p>

<h3>2. Time You Are Investing Each Day</h3>

<p>This one is obvious - the more time you invest daily, the faster you will learn.</p>

<p>But, there is an optimal time that you should invest in learning per day, i.e., <strong>1-2 hours</strong>. Remember, <strong>1-2 hours</strong> is just for learning.</p>

<p>You can invest as much time as you can in practice.</p>

<p>In coding, the more practice you have, the more you will learn. So, invest about <strong>1 to 2 hours</strong> in learning new concepts and the rest of the time in practicing the concept.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Tip:</strong></p>

<p>No matter how much time you invest, be consistent with it. Remember, coding is difficult, so take your time and be consistent.</p>

</div>
<h3>3. Background Knowledge in Programming</h3>

<p>We can categorize people learning Python into two groups:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Group 1</strong> - People who have zero experience in programming and are starting fresh with Python.</li>
	<li><strong>Group 2</strong> - People who have some experience in programming (maybe familiar with other languages) and want to switch to Python.</li>
</ul>

<p>There can be massive differences in the time it will take for these two groups to learn Python.</p>

<p>People in <strong>Group 2</strong> will take less time to learn because some of the fundamental concepts remain the same. However, people in <strong>Group 1</strong> will take a bit more time. </p>

<h3>4. Your Approach</h3>

<p>There are different approaches to learning Python, however, we can summarize them into two categories: Online Courses (Self Learning) and Offline Bootcamps.</p>

<p>And the time duration can vary depending on these approaches. </p>

<p><strong>Online Bootcamps</strong></p>

<p>Bootcamps are more job-focused, so they can be extensive, covering a lot in a short duration. However, direct interaction with instructors for doubts and assessments makes it a bit easier.</p>

<p>And there is generally a fixed time durations for bootcamps - 3-months, 6-months, or 12-months bootcamp. </p>

<p>So, the time it takes to learn Python through bootcamps entirely depends on the one you enrolled in. </p>

<p><strong>Online Courses (Self-Learning)</strong></p>

<p>Learning through courses can be tricky because you can complete a course and earn certifications just by clicking <strong>Next</strong> or watching videos.</p>

<p>But this is not learning. If it were, everyone would learn Python in just a day.</p>

<p>That's not the truth, though. You cannot learn to code without actually typing code and making errors. </p>

<p>And, there are platforms like <strong>Codecademy</strong> and <strong>Programiz</strong> that force <em>(strong word, but it's the only way)</em> you to write code to progress and complete a course.</p>

<p>Based on the time duration of this course, it can take about 2 to 4 months to learn Python.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Tip:</strong></p>

<p>While self-learning is more cost-effective than bootcamps, you need to have a proper structure. Otherwise, you can fall into the trap of Tutorial Hell.</p>

<p>You can get information from everywhere, but just follow one learning path provided by either platform. </p>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Final Takeaway</h2>

<p>The time to learn Python is subjective. It depends on various factors which we have discussed above.</p>

<p>However, there are a few things that can help you make your journey efficient:</p>

<p><strong>1. Practice</strong> </p>

<p>Write code yourselves, make and fix errors, and build things on your own. Don't just rely on courses. This is the only way.</p>

<p><strong>2. Be consistent</strong></p>

<p>No matter what, try to show up daily. Just read one concept or write a line of code; do it daily. If possible, maintain the daily streak provided on most platforms. </p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Coding-daily-streak-Programiz.png" title="Programiz Daily Streak" alt="Programiz Daily Streak" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Daily Coding Streak </figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>3. Join Communities</strong></p>

<p>Meet fellow learners, exchange experiences, and ask questions through communities on Discord or Reddit.</p>

<p><strong>4. Get a Job/Internship</strong></p>

<p>No courses can match the knowledge you get while working on real jobs with real projects.</p>

<p>Try to get into jobs/internships as early as possible. </p>

<p>It's okay to feel underconfident. You can continue learning on your job. Remember, there is no better way to learn than learning by doing.</p>
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Frame 16

<p>It takes about 2 to 4 months to learn Python. Here's how we came to this conclusion.</p>
<ol>
<li>Using real timeline of people who have completed Python courses.</li>
<li>Using our 11 years of experience in creating Python learning materials.</li>
</ol>

How Long Does it Take to Learn Python? [With Timeline]

<p>As a beginner, you probably wonder how long it will take to become a respectable coder.</p>
<p>While various factors directly influence how much time you'll need to learn to code, there are a few that stand out:</p>
<ul>
<li>learning approach (bootcamps, self-learning, university)</li>
<li>the time you are willing to invest daily</li>
<li>the programming language you are learning</li>
<li>the reason you're learning the language (projects, job, personal goals, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<p>With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, coding skills are in high demand and of high value.</p>
<p>As a result, the internet is filled with biased information and unrealistic timeframes that frankly do nothing but scare beginners.</p>
<p>So, in this blog, we'll cut through the noise and give you a clear timeframe to learn to code (based on your goals).</p>
<p>Let's get started!</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="time-to-learn-to-code-university-bootcamps-or-self-learning">Time to Learn to Code: University, Bootcamps, or Self-Learning</h2>
<p>We've all met students with a University Degree in CS who can&rsquo;t write a for loop to save their lives. And we also have teenagers making industry-standard software off a <strong>3-month</strong> coding bootcamp.</p>
<p>So, it's safe to say that learning to code can take anywhere from 3 months to forever to never!</p>
<p>And before you start thinking, "<strong>well, maybe coding is not for everyone</strong>," let us remind you again that if a teenager can learn to code and build software, so can you.</p>
<p>Coding Bootcamps are perfect if you want to learn coding in a guided manner. A bootcamp typically lasts for 3 months, and at the end, you will turn into a decent enough coder.</p>
<p>But it has its disadvantages, like a fixed syllabus you can't change and information overload (too much course content in a short period).</p>
<p>As a result, self-learning is the best way to go if you are a beginner. But the time you will take to teach yourself code depends on how much you want to learn and your goals.</p>
<p>For instance, if you want to learn the fundamentals of a language (say Python), you could do it in one to two months.</p>
<p>But if you are learning for a goal (say, a job or a project), you will probably need more time. A project might take <strong>3</strong> to <strong>6</strong> months to get through, and preparing for a coding job could take well over a year.</p>

<div class="recommend">
<div class="recommend__image"><img src="/resources/assets/images/programiz-logo.svg" alt=""></div>
<div class="recommend__content-wrapper">
<h3>Programiz Recommends</h3>
<p><strong>Binayak Adhikari, Software Engineer, Programiz</strong> - "After dedicating more than a year to self-learning, I managed to secure a position as a backend developer. But because of my independent venture into the field, I had to exercise self-discipline and establish a structured learning approach. For beginners, I suggest covering the basics of a programming language in a sequential manner when embarking on your coding journey. Additionally, it's crucial to continuously learn and stay current with the latest technological advancements and trends."</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<h2 id="learning-speed">Learning Speed</h2>
<p>Not everyone learns at the same speed. Some people can learn to code faster than others.</p>
<p><br>In the earlier example, we saw how Binayak landed a job in <strong>1</strong> year. But it might not be what you want to do, right? What if you want to learn coding to build projects?</p>

<div class="recommend">
<div class="recommend__image"><img src="/resources/assets/images/programiz-logo.svg" alt=""></div>
<div class="recommend__content-wrapper">
<h3>Programiz Recommends</h3>
<p><strong>Aatish Shakya, Software Engineer, Programiz</strong> - "It only took me three months to develop a project and start my journey in frontend development. Though grasping the fundamentals of programming came naturally, perfecting my skills required time and effort. Patience is key in coding, and troubleshooting can be a trying task, even with google. I believe the beauty of coding lies in its ability to enhance critical thinking and facilitate problem-solving in both personal and professional life. I draw inspiration from the systematic nature of coding and aspire to transfer this knowledge to my personal life."</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<h2 id="background-isnt-a-factor">Background isn't a Factor</h2>
<p>While most people assume that only a computer science student can become a programmer, the assumption is not true at all.</p>
<p>In fact, many programmers come from non-technical backgrounds and are still able to learn a language without much issue.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="purpose-of-learning">Purpose of Learning</h2>
<p>From the experiences we've shared above, different people have different reasons for learning to code. And this purpose largely determines the time it actually takes to learn to code.</p>

<div class="recommend">
<div class="recommend__image"><img src="/resources/assets/images/programiz-logo.svg" alt=""></div>
<div class="recommend__content-wrapper">
<h3>Programiz Recommends</h3>
<p><strong>Kiran Ghimire</strong>, <strong>Security Analyst</strong>, <strong>Programiz</strong> - "The world of Cybersecurity has always captured my imagination. So, I learned coding to get into this field. But since I'm still young, I know there is always more to learn. That's why I'm determined to continue learning to code."</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<h2 id="varied-career-options">Varied Career Options</h2>
<p>Since the coding world is vast, not everyone wants to learn the same language or technology.</p>
<p>Some see a future in frontend development, while others want to do Java programming. Some prefer to build desktop applications, and others want to write programs for embedded systems.</p>
<p>So, the time it can take you to learn coding can vary with your career choice.</p>

<div class="recommend">
<div class="recommend__image"><img src="/resources/assets/images/programiz-logo.svg" alt=""></div>
<div class="recommend__content-wrapper">
<h3>Programiz Recommends</h3>
<p><strong>Saurav Upadhyay, Data Analyst, Programiz</strong> - "I graduated college with little clarity on what I wanted to do. But after attending a bootcamp, I found Data Science to be my calling. I decided to get into the field and was able to land a data scientist job shortly after. I found learning to code for my Data science career relatively easy, but it did get challenging when I had to apply my learnings in real life. This is why I recommend beginners to solve problems and challenges that are a level or two above. You may not succeed and have to look for a solution but that's how you will get better at googling, and in the end, that's what matters."</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<h3>Timeframe for Learning to code</h3>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Learning Approach</th>
<th>Goals</th>
<th>Timeframe</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bootcamp</td>
<td>Get skilled in a specific domain</td>
<td>3 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University</td>
<td>Depends on an individual</td>
<td>4 years</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Self-Learning</td>
<td>Master a language fundamental</td>
<td>3 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Self-learning</td>
<td>Complete a project</td>
<td>3 to 6 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Self-learning</td>
<td>Get a Job</td>
<td>6 to 12 months</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h3 id="what-next">What Next?</h3>
<p>Now that you know exactly how long it takes to learn coding depending on your requirement, why not take our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python?ref=chn">Learn Python</a> course and give it a shot?</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h3>
<p>1. Do I need a degree to become a programmer?</p>
<p>No, you don't. While a Computer Science degree provides a better understanding of the tech world, most successful programmers are actually self-taught.</p>
<p>2. How do I know if I am making progress in learning to code?</p>
<p>We recommend you track your progress. You can start off by dividing a language you want to learn into sections and learn each section individually. This way, you know where you are in the learning process.</p>
<p>But if you are too busy to do it, why not take our Learn Python course, which can help you track your progress!</p>
<p>3. How much time should I dedicate to learning coding?</p>
<p>As a beginner, you should spend 2 to 3 hours per day practicing coding if you want to learn a language in a month or two.</p>

What Is API

<p>While various factors directly influence how much time you'll need to learn to code, there are a few that stand out:</p>
<ul>
<li>learning approach (bootcamps, self-learning, university)</li>
<li>the time you are willing to invest daily</li>
<li>the programming language you are learning</li>
<li>the reason you're learning the language (projects, job, personal goals, etc.)</li>
</ul>

How Soon Can a Beginner Start Coding Like a Pro?

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}]],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;a&quot;,[&quot;href&quot;,&quot;https://top10codingbootcamps.com/blog/coding-bootcamp-statistics-in-2022#:~:text=The%20first%20coding%20bootcamps%20appeared%20in%202011.&quot;]],[&quot;strong&quot;],[&quot;a&quot;,[&quot;href&quot;,&quot;https://www.coursereport.com/blog/coding-bootcamp-cost-comparison-full-stack-immersives&quot;]],[&quot;a&quot;,[&quot;href&quot;,&quot;https://www.coursereport.com/reports/coding-bootcamp-job-placement-report-2019#:~:text=bootcamp%C2%A0grad%20is-,%2466%2C964.,-This%20year%27s%20Outcomes&quot;]]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Coding bootcamps have become an excellent option for students to learn coding. &quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Students today want to opt for bootcamps rather than college degrees, which require considerable time and financial investment. As a result, bootcamps have seen massive popularity in recent times.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Due to this, people are wondering whether coding bootcamps are that good or if it" is="">
<div>
<p>Coding bootcamps have become an excellent option for students to learn coding.</p>
<p>Students today want to opt for bootcamps rather than college degrees, which require considerable time and financial investment. As a result, bootcamps have seen massive popularity in recent times.</p>
<p>Due to this, people are wondering whether coding bootcamps are that good or if it's just hype.</p>
<p>In this guide, you will learn everything you need to understand about bootcamps, and by the end, you will have a better idea of whether coding bootcamps is worth it.</p>
<h2>What Are Coding Bootcamps?</h2>
<p>A coding bootcamp is a technical training program to prepare students for careers in the tech industry. They're usually short-term, intensive, and streamlined to teach essential coding skills to students.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://top10codingbootcamps.com/blog/coding-bootcamp-statistics-in-2022#:~:text=The%20first%20coding%20bootcamps%20appeared%20in%202011.">first coding bootcamp</a> started in 2011. Since then, the industry has seen significant growth, with the US alone hosting more than a hundred bootcamps today.</p>
<p>The primary purpose of these bootcamps is to teach you to code and help you become employable within a few months. But one thing you need to realize is that a coding bootcamp is not a substitute for a college degree.</p>
<h2>Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?</h2>
<p>As a beginner coder, you might wonder if coding bootcamps are worth it in 2022.</p>
<p>If you are okay with not getting an accredited degree (authorized qualification) and just want to learn to code, then coding bootcamps are very much worth it.</p>
<p>Many students don't want to spend three to four years making a substantial financial investment for a degree. Instead, they choose coding bootcamps that are short, precise, and cost you far less than college.</p>
<p>Fresh college graduates with minimal skills and experience can also join these bootcamps. There, they can learn specific skills and build a fantastic portfolio, thus becoming ready for entry-level jobs.</p>
<p>In addition to fresh graduates, professionals looking to switch careers will also benefit from bootcamps.</p>
<p>Since coding bootcamps usually last for a short duration (from 3 to 6 months), they teach the most in-demand skills in a fast-paced, concentrated curriculum.</p>
<p>Therefore, bootcamps are worth it for their time-saving and efficient nature. They are precise about what you will learn, giving you a clear idea of what you can do next.</p>
<p>And due to their limited time constraint, you will be able to concentrate on your goal without being distracted.</p>
<p>With that out of the way, let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages of coding bootcamps in detail.</p>
<h2>What Are the Benefits of Coding Bootcamps?</h2>
<p>As mentioned earlier, coding bootcamps are beneficial for their cost and time effectiveness. But they have many other benefits as well. So here are some of their major advantages:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Time Saver: </strong>Coding bootcamps follow a very streamlined curriculum, making it possible to complete the course within a few months. Thus, they are good for quickly developing coding skills and getting into tech jobs.</li>
<li><strong>Affordable: </strong>Coding bootcamps cost comparatively less than college. Therefore, bootcamps can be the best alternative for anyone looking to develop their skills affordably.</li>
<li><strong>Job Placement:</strong> Coding bootcamps prepare you for the job market by helping you with specific coding skills and portfolio development. Some coding bootcamps assist their students with internships and job opportunities.</li>
<li><strong>Mentorship:</strong> The best coding bootcamps usually connect the learners with experienced professionals and mentors with industry experience.</li>
<li><strong>Networking: </strong>When you attend a bootcamp, you will meet many people from the tech industry. This will build your professional network and help you secure future opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What Are the Disadvantages of Coding Bootcamps?</h2>
<p>Most bootcamp grads who have built a good portfolio can find a job within six months. So, a coding bootcamp is one of the best options you have to get hired quickly.</p>
<p>However, bootcamps also have a few disadvantages. Some of them are:</p>
<p><strong>1. No Accreditation</strong></p>
<p>Most bootcamps have no accreditation (authorized qualification) like universities and colleges. Without accreditation, your certification doesn't validate your qualification. Instead, you need to build a good portfolio to prove your capability.</p>
<p><strong>2. No Job Guarantee</strong></p>
<p>Many coding bootcamps market themselves with false guarantees of job placement. And then, graduates complain about bootcamps being unable to land them a job. This is because there is no such thing as guaranteed job placement. At the end of the day, it's all up to you. You need to rely on your own skills to get a job. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Narrow Focus</strong></p>
<p>The<strong> </strong>bootcamp model focuses on short-term results. The curriculum is precise, creating a narrow focus that allows it to be completed in a limited time.</p>
<p><strong>4. Bootcamps Can Be Expensive</strong></p>
<p>In comparison to a college degree, a bootcamp is a much cheaper way of learning to code. But it's still costly, considering that a bootcamp lasts for a short duration and only covers a specific syllabus. In addition, bootcamps cost you way more than learning to code on your own.</p>
<h2>Coding Bootcamps vs. College Degree</h2>
<p>You can follow different paths to break into the tech world. Most students prefer to either get a college degree or go to a coding BootCamp.</p>
<p>College degrees are traditional but proven methods of teaching students to code. But bootcamps are more innovative; they cover the same content in less time.</p>
<p>Even so, deciding between coding bootcamps and a college degree is challenging as both have pros and cons.</p>
<p>A college degree requires more than three years and a significant financial investment. Unlike bootcamps, college courses are not intense and don't focus on practical approaches to getting jobs.</p>
<p>And since colleges need full-time commitment, it is almost impossible to hold a full-time job as a student. So you must wait for the course's completion to start your career.</p>
<p>But on the positive side, computer science degrees have a more in-depth curriculum. You'll dive deeper into theoretical concepts that can help you program better, creating a solid foundation.</p>
<p>On top of building a foundation for your career, you also get certified with an accredited degree.</p>
<p>On the other hand, bootcamps are short and affordable, making you job-ready in a short period of time. Due to this limited time frame, bootcamps are very intense. You won't get distracted while attending a bootcamp as it requires you to focus entirely on what you are learning.</p>
<p>Most students join coding bootcamps instead of a computer science program to learn a set of skills and get a job in IT companies quickly.</p>
<p>And although you may get a job in IT without a college degree, sometimes the pay for a non-graduate can be slightly less.</p>
<h2>How to Choose the Right Coding Bootcamp?</h2>
<p>Before enrolling at a coding bootcamp, you first need to choose your field of interest.</p>
<p>Since hundreds of programming languages have widely different applications, you need to be clear about your goals from the start.</p>
<p>Why are you attending a bootcamp? Do you want to get into mobile development? Web development? Or Backend API development? Or do you prefer working with data? Make sure you can answer these questions clearly</p>
<p>After selecting a programming language in your field of interest, you can now decide the time you want to dedicate to a bootcamp.</p>
<p>Another equally important factor while deciding on a bootcamp is how much you are willing to invest. When you have sorted this out, you can determine what kind of bootcamp you want to get in.</p>
<p>Now, you can search and list down all the potential bootcamps that best fit you. And then choose the appropriate one.</p>
<h2>Top Companies Hiring Bootcamp Graduates</h2>
<p>After you have completed a bootcamp, you probably want to land a job, right? Some bootcamps will help you out in this regard. But in most bootcamps, you need to search for jobs yourself.</p>
<p>As a bootcamp graduate, you don't need to worry about getting a job if you have a solid portfolio.</p>
<p>Nowadays, even top companies don't have a strict college degree requirement. You can get hired if you ace your coding interview since most companies believe bootcamp graduates can do the job if they have the required skills.</p>
<p>That being said, here are a few top companies that hire bootcamp graduates:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cisco</strong></li>
<li><strong>Razorfish</strong></li>
<li><strong>Slack</strong></li>
<li><strong>Eventbrite </strong></li>
<li><strong>Mobify</strong></li>
<li><strong>Vimeo</strong></li>
<li><strong>Scribd</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<p><strong>1. Are coding bootcamps a good alternative to university?</strong></p>
<p>It depends. If you are okay with not getting an accredited degree and just want to learn specific coding skills to get a job, then it can be a good alternative. But one thing you need to realize is that a coding bootcamp is not a substitute for a college degree.</p>
<p><strong>2. How much do coding bootcamps cost?</strong></p>
<p>A coding bootcamp's cost depends on factors such as time duration, type of curriculum, the type of bootcamp, and many other factors.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.coursereport.com/blog/coding-bootcamp-cost-comparison-full-stack-immersives">Course Report</a>, the average full-time coding bootcamp in the US costs $13,584. Bootcamp tuitions can range from $7,800 to $21,000.<strong> </strong></p>
<p>Some bootcamps provide scholarships to their students. And there are free bootcamp programs as well that you can explore.</p>
<p><strong>3. What is the time duration of coding bootcamps?</strong></p>
<p>Generally, a coding bootcamp lasts for 24 weeks. However, some bootcamps are as short as two weeks, while others may take more than a year to complete.</p>
<p>The factors that influence the duration of a coding bootcamp include the depth of syllabus covered, what the bootcamp's goal is, and what teaching approach it uses.</p>
<p><strong>4. Can you get jobs with coding bootcamps?</strong></p>
<p>Bootcamp graduates with a good portfolio can find jobs easily. Some of the most common jobs you may get offered include web developer, web designer, software engineer, technical content writer, etc.</p>
<p><strong>5. What is the entry-level salary of coding bootcamps graduates?</strong></p>
<p>The most recent study by Course Report (which regularly analyzes the bootcamp market) found that the <a href="https://www.coursereport.com/reports/coding-bootcamp-job-placement-report-2019#:~:text=bootcamp%C2%A0grad%20is-,%2466%2C964.,-This%20year%27s%20Outcomes">average starting salary </a>for bootcamp graduates is $66,964 per year.</p>
<p><strong>6. How do employers perceive coding bootcamps?</strong></p>
<p>Employers have a positive outlook on bootcamp graduates since they know that bootcamp students specialize in a particular technology till they are job ready. In fact, more than half of coding graduates land a programming job within six months of graduation.</p>
</div>
</div>

Frame 17

<p>If you are okay with not getting an accredited degree (authorized qualification) and just want to learn to code, then coding bootcamps are very much worth it.</p>

Are Coding Bootcamps worth it in 2022?

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;strong&quot;],[&quot;em&quot;]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;h3&quot;,[]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Aaron Sang is a husband, a father, and a salesman. But before he was any of that, he wanted to be Tony Stark and make robots. This is his story.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;1. What inspired you to learn to code?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I loved robots growing up. When I was young, I saw myself as Tony Stark &mdash; working with robots. Not just working but being able to build them and create them on my own.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I come from an enterprise networking background in tech sales. And I" is="">
<h2><strong>1. What inspired you to learn to code?</strong></h2>
<p>I loved robots growing up. When I was young, I saw myself as Tony Stark &mdash; working with robots. Not just working but being able to build them and create them on my own.</p>
<p>I come from an enterprise networking background in tech sales. And I've been doing that for almost ten years. But last year, I thought now was the time to turn my childhood fantasy into reality.</p>
<h2><strong>2. How has your experience with coding been?</strong></h2>
<p>One of my biggest learnings after I began this process, was understanding and appreciating the balance between theory and practical application.</p>
<p>Striking that balance between learning and doing is critical, and it's also the single most important thing I appreciate about Programiz PRO &mdash; the harmony of theory and practice.</p>
<p>When I am writing code, I often think, "Ok, I got the right answer. But is this the best way to get this answer?" For me, both arriving at the solution and understanding the <em>why</em> behind that solution are equally important.</p>
<h2><strong>3. How has learning to code impacted your career pursuits?</strong></h2>
<p>I'm actively working to become a full-stack engineer as fast as possible so that I can get into the industry. My ultimate goal is to be working on autonomous vehicles, whether cars, drones, or robots; who knows!</p>
<h2><strong>4. Anything you'd like to share with the Programiz PRO team?</strong></h2>
<p>I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the entire Programiz team. The platform you've created is wonderful and will continue to be a step above the rest of what's out there right now.</p>
</div>

Aaron (1)

<p>Aaron Sang is a husband, a father, and a salesman. But before he was any of that, he wanted to be Tony Stark and make robots. This is his story.</p>

Aaron’s Story — The Salesman Who Wanted to Be Tony Stark

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;strong&quot;]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Landan Devencia is a first year student at the University of California studying Computer Science. He needed some help expanding his coding knowledge beyond the classroom. This is his story. &quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;1. What inspired you to learn to code?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I picked up coding in my second year of high school when my school offered its IT Academy to expose students to the wonders of computer science.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Just a teenager, however, I had absolutely no idea what I was learning. And it was quite hard to grasp and get the hang of coding, which many beginners would agree with. Once I transitioned into college, I had to tackle this obstacle in my CS journey.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;2. How has your experience with coding been?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I was lucky to come across Programiz PRO because it instantly changed my experience of learning to code. Programiz PRO is remarkable; it gives you all the tools you need to learn your chosen programming language.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Most notably, Programiz PRO has recently been an aid in my &lsquo;Introduction to C++&rsquo; class. In need of help, I picked up the course about C++ basics to save me in a challenging course and teach me beyond the scope of the classroom.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I was never able to grasp while loops. It was always a complicated concept for me. But after five minutes of engaging with that content on Programiz PRO, it became easy to understand.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;3. How has learning to code impacted your career pursuits?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;With finals around the corner, Programiz PRO has come to my aid and prepared me to succeed in school. It&rsquo;s not only helped just me, but I&rsquo;m also sure it is preparing many other programmers for a career in technology.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Learning to code is hard, but Programiz PRO has made it easy by being right by my side in my coding journey.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[1,[],0,0]]]]}">
<h2><strong>1. What inspired you to learn to code?</strong></h2>
<p>I picked up coding in my second year of high school when my school offered its IT Academy to expose students to the wonders of computer science.</p>
<p>Just a teenager, however, I had absolutely no idea what I was learning. And it was quite hard to grasp and get the hang of coding, which many beginners would agree with. Once I transitioned into college, I had to tackle this obstacle in my CS journey.</p>
<h2><strong>2. How has your experience with coding been?</strong></h2>
<p>I was lucky to come across Programiz PRO because it instantly changed my experience of learning to code. Programiz PRO is remarkable; it gives you all the tools you need to learn your chosen programming language.</p>
<p>Most notably, Programiz PRO has recently been an aid in my &lsquo;Introduction to C++&rsquo; class. In need of help, I picked up the course about C++ basics to save me in a challenging course and teach me beyond the scope of the classroom.</p>
<p>I was never able to grasp while loops. It was always a complicated concept for me. But after five minutes of engaging with that content on Programiz PRO, it became easy to understand.</p>
<h2><strong>3. How has learning to code impacted your career pursuits?</strong></h2>
<p>With finals around the corner, Programiz PRO has come to my aid and prepared me to succeed in school. It&rsquo;s not only helped just me, but I&rsquo;m also sure it is preparing many other programmers for a career in technology.</p>
<p>Learning to code is hard, but Programiz PRO has made it easy by being right by my side in my coding journey.</p>
</div>

Landan (1)

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[],&quot;cards&quot;:[],&quot;markups&quot;:[],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Landan Devencia is a first year student at the University of California studying Computer Science. He needed some help expanding his coding knowledge beyond the classroom. This is his story. &quot;]]]]}">
<div>
<p>Landan Devencia is a first year student at the University of California studying Computer Science. He needed some help expanding his coding knowledge beyond the classroom. This is his story.</p>
</div>
</div>

Landan’s Story  — The Student Who Found His Personal Tutor

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;strong&quot;]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Baik &lsquo;Suzy&rsquo; Lingo works as an Instrument Editor in the sterilization department of an Australian hospital. As a complete beginner in the uncharted waters of programming, she needed a guiding light. This is her story.&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[0],1,&quot;1. What inspired you to learn to code?&quot;]]],[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;I">
<h2><strong>1. What inspired you to learn to code?</strong></h2>
<p>I've always had an interest and curiosity to learn about coding, and then just recently, I commenced an IT course that requires some coding knowledge.</p>
<p>So I searched online for a supplementary course and came across Programiz PRO, which I found very clear, well explained, and just what I was looking for, especially for me, who had no prior detailed knowledge in coding.</p>
<h2><strong>2. How has your experience with coding been?</strong></h2>
<p>I&rsquo;ve been learning Python from scratch as a complete beginner.</p>
<p>One of the aspects of Programiz PRO that was most beneficial was how features such as the online compiler, quizzes, and challenges facilitate the learning-from-scratch approach.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Anything you&rsquo;d like to share with the Programiz PRO team?</strong></h2>
<p>I want to commend the team for building a well-designed learning path. My learning experience using Programiz PRO has been both rewarding and enjoyable. It&rsquo;s a freeing experience &mdash; you can learn in your own time without pressure.</p>
<p>I also appreciate the innovative approach to teaching that Programiz PRO offers, and that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s something I also recommend to others.</p>
</div>

Suzy (1)

<p>Baik &lsquo;Suzy&rsquo; Lingo works as an Instrument Editor in the sterilization department of an Australian hospital. As a complete beginner in the uncharted waters of programming, she needed a guiding light. This is her story.</p>

Suzy’s Story — The Instrument Editor with an Interest in Python

<div data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;strong&quot;]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Ayushma Malla Thakuri is a marketing professional with a Bachelor" is="">
<h2><strong>1. What inspired you to learn to code?</strong></h2>
<p>Since the beginning of my career, I've been working in the marketing field of different IT companies. Around a year ago, I intended to acquire new skills to enhance my competitiveness. And to achieve that, I considered delving into data analytics, specifically marketing analytics.</p>
<p>While I was aware of alternatives like using Excel, I decided against that path because it would require me to learn everything from the beginning. Instead, drawing upon my existing background in Computer Science, I chose to learn Python as my tool of choice.</p>
<h2><strong>2. How has your experience with coding been?</strong></h2>
<p>A lot of research is involved in finding the right path when learning something new. On Programiz PRO, the research work is already done by an expert in the background; all you need to do is focus on your learning. So the intuitive learning path is extremely useful.</p>
<p>Similarly, the interactive challenges were quite beneficial. Challenges should be easy enough so that I don't give up on those challenges, thinking they are too difficult for me to complete. But they should be hard enough that I am also growing my skills.</p>
<p>Programiz PRO strikes that balance, and the challenges are genuinely interactive &mdash; I could see the results of my code immediately. These practical challenges were really well thought out.</p>
<h2><strong>3. How has learning to code impacted your career pursuits?</strong></h2>
<p>Thanks to Programiz PRO, I'm currently working as the Marketing and Content Manager for a US-based SaaS company. I also serve as the marketing DRI for the entire company.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Anything you&rsquo;d like to share with the Programiz PRO team?</strong></h2>
<p>I recently realized that Programiz PRO also upgrades the learning paths. That&rsquo;s a commendable thing. Initially, I had completed four courses, but now they have more courses that they have upgraded, and I am really excited to enroll in those as well.</p>
<p>I do have a request &mdash; I hope the team will add more courses in the future related to data science and, if possible, marketing analytics.</p>
</div>

Ayushma (1)

<p>Ayushma Malla Thakuri is a marketing professional with a Bachelor's in Computer Science and an MBA. She was searching for a tool to help maximize her competitive advantage. This is her story.</p>

Ayushma’s Story  — The Marketing Master Who Wanted To Master Coding

<p>Everybody wants to become a data superhero in today's data-driven mid-AI invasion world. So, it should come as no surprise that everyone in tech wants to know how long it takes to learn SQL.</p>
<p>The answer isn't straightforward, though. The time it takes to master <strong>SQL</strong> is an amalgamation of factors such as learning style, dedication, and availability of resources.</p>
<p>However, the good news is that anyone can learn SQL relatively quickly with the right tools and approach.</p>
<p>And in this blog, we'll explore precisely how long it could take you to master SQL.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="4-factors-that-impact-your-time-to-learn-sql">4 Factors that Impact Your Time to Learn SQL</h2>
<p>Four main factors impact your learning time when it comes to SQL. Here's a brief explanation of each:</p>
<p><strong>Prior Programming Experience</strong></p>
<p>Since concepts in one programming language are transferable to another, learning SQL might be a walk in the park if you are already familiar with any other high-level programming language.</p>
<p><strong>Learning Approach</strong></p>
<p>Not everyone is the same. People have different learning styles and approaches that might work for them. So, depending on the kind of learner you are, learning SQL may take a different time.</p>
<p>If you learn visually, you might need to watch tutorials, which may take longer. On the other hand, if you can learn from reading, going through the official SQL documentation might prove beneficial.</p>
<p>Similarly, people new to programming might consider taking an interactive SQL Course to help them learn the concepts in a structured manner, with bite-sized lessons and hands-on exercises.</p>
<p><strong>Dedicated Time and Effort</strong></p>
<p>The time you dedicate to learning SQL will impact how quickly you can learn. Consistent practice and dedication can help you progress faster. The reason behind learning SQL also affects your time and commitment.</p>
<p>If you are learning SQL to land a job, you are probably putting in relatively more time and effort, which will reflect on the total time it takes you to learn the language.</p>
<p><strong>Resources </strong></p>
<p>It matters where you learn SQL from. If you learn from a high-quality resource, your learnings are more valuable.</p>
<p>And although you could learn SQL for free, a paid course with a structured syllabus and interactive features can prove more fruitful and take less time.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="how-to-learn-sql-the-right-way">How to learn SQL the right way?</h2>
<p>Learning SQL the right way can turn you into a professional SQL developer in a matter of months.</p>
<p>And while there isn't <strong>ONE</strong> right way to learn a language, here's a rough approach you can use to get the most out of your time:<br><br><strong>Master the Fundamentals</strong></p>
<p>The first step to learning SQL is to master the fundamentals. And unlike other programming languages where you must learn about variables and data types, you can jump right back to writing SQL queries.</p>
<p>Make sure you know how to use the <strong>SELECT</strong> statement and learn to combine it with operators. After this, remember to use other essential concepts, such as CRUD.</p>
<p><strong>Practice with Real Data</strong></p>
<p>Once you are comfortable writing basic queries in SQL, the next step is to get your hands dirty with some real data.</p>
<p>To practice SQL, you must first download a DBMS like MySQL or PostgreSQL. You will also need datasets to work with. You can download tons of test data from <a href="https://www.kaggle.com/">Kaggle</a> to practice your queries.</p>
<p><strong>Learn Joins</strong></p>
<p>SQL becomes powerful when you can combine and manipulate data from multiple tables. In SQL, joins allow you to access data from two or more tables.</p>
<p>Therefore, it is super important to learn SQL Joins to become an SQL developer.</p>
<p>For example, consider we've got two tables in a database - <strong>customers</strong> and<strong> orders</strong>.</p>
<p>If we want to combine data such as <strong>customer name, contact, order date, </strong>and <strong>order amount </strong>from these two tables, we can join the two tables using a common field, which would be the <strong>customer ID</strong> on both tables.</p>
<p>Here's how we would write the query:</p>
<figure class="kg-card kg-code-card">
<pre><code>SELECT customers.name, customers.contact, orders.date, orders.amount
FROM customers
INNER JOIN orders ON customers.id = orders.customer_id
ORDER BY customers.name;
</code></pre>
<figcaption>SQL Code for Inner Join</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<h3>Time Frame to Learn SQL</h3>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Learning Approach</th>
<th>Goals</th>
<th>Timeframe</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bootcamp</td>
<td>Get skilled in a specific domain</td>
<td>3 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Interactive Courses</td>
<td>Get Job Ready</td>
<td>3 to 6 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Self-Learning</td>
<td>Master the fundamentals</td>
<td>3 months</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Self-learning</td>
<td>Get Job Ready</td>
<td>6 to 12 months</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>
<p>If you are starting to learn <strong>SQL</strong> from scratch, it may take several weeks to understand <strong>SQL</strong> syntax and database fundamentals.</p>
<p>But with consistent practice and dedication, becoming a proficient <strong>SQL</strong> developer in a few months is possible. Remember to set clear expectations and goals before you start learning and get as much help as possible. <br><br>It is also good to join online <strong>SQL</strong> communities to get their feedback and support as you learn. Learning <strong>SQL</strong> is a continual process, as you will always discover more techniques to master as you progress.</p>

SQL Vs Nosql

<p>Four main factors impact your learning time when it comes to SQL.</p>
<ol>
<li>Prior Programming Experience</li>
<li>Learning Approach</li>
<li>Dedicated Time and Effort</li>
<li>Resources</li>
</ol>

How Long Does it Take to Learn SQL?

<p>C++ is a powerful, high-performance programming language used primarily for building operating systems, embedded system software, and video game engines.</p>

C++ Cheat Sheet

Frame 36

<p>Java is so vast that even experienced programmers will find it difficult to remember everything. Use this cheat sheet to get a detailed picture of Java concepts like variables, data types, loops, operators, classes, objects, and more.</p>

Java Cheat Sheet

<p>SQL (<strong>Structured Query Language</strong>) is the most widely-used language for interacting with relational databases.</p>
<p>While SQL is a powerful data manipulation and management tool, it can also be quite complex. So, Whether you're just starting with SQL or looking to refresh your knowledge, this cheat sheet will be a valuable resource for quickly finding the information you need.</p>
<p>This cheat sheet will cover some of the most common and essential SQL commands, statements, and concepts like constraints, keys, clauses, joins, and operators.</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-tables">SQL Tables</h2>
<p>A table is structured data in a database. It comprises <strong>rows</strong> (records) and <strong>columns</strong> (fields).</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="creating-a-table">Creating a Table</h3>
<p>To create a table in <strong>SQL</strong>, you use the <code>CREATE TABLE</code> statement. The basic syntax for creating a table is:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE table_name (
	column_name1 data_type(size),
	column_name2 data_type(size),
	...
);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to create a table called "<code>employees</code>" with columns "<code>id</code>", "<code>name</code>", and "<code>salary</code>", you would use the following SQL statement:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE employees (
	id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
	name VARCHAR(255),
	salary NUMERIC(10,2)
);</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="altering-tables">Altering Tables</h3>
<p>To modify an existing table in SQL, you use the <code>ALTER TABLE</code> statement. The basic syntax for altering a table is</p>
<pre><code>ALTER TABLE table_name
{ ADD | DROP } [ COLUMN ] column_name data_type(size);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to add a new column called "<code>department</code>" to the "<code>employees</code>" table, you would use the following SQL statement:</p>
<pre><code>ALTER TABLE employees
ADD COLUMN department VARCHAR(255);</code></pre>
<p>To drop a column from a table, you would use the <code>DROP</code> keyword instead of <code>ADD</code>:</p>
<pre><code>ALTER TABLE employees
DROP COLUMN department;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="renaming-tables">Renaming Tables</h3>
<p>To rename an existing table in <strong>SQL</strong>, you use the <code>RENAME TABLE</code> statement. The basic syntax for renaming a table is:</p>
<pre><code>RENAME TABLE old_table_name TO new_table_name;</code></pre>
<p>For example, to rename the "<code>employees</code>" table to "<code>staff</code>", you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>RENAME TABLE employees TO staff;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="dropping-tables">Dropping Tables</h3>
<p>To delete a table in <strong>SQL</strong>, you use the <code>DROP TABLE</code> statement. The basic syntax for dropping a table is:</p>
<pre><code>DROP TABLE table_name;</code></pre>
<p>For example, to delete the "<code>employees</code>" table, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>DROP TABLE employees;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-constraints">SQL Constraints</h2>
<p>While creating tables, you can specify constraints on the columns. Some typical constraints include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>NOT NULL</strong>: ensures that a column cannot contain a null value</li>
<li><strong>UNIQUE</strong>: ensures that all values in a column are unique</li>
<li><strong>PRIMARY KEY</strong>: a unique identifier for each row in a table</li>
<li><strong>FOREIGN KEY</strong>: a reference to the primary key of another table</li>
</ul>
<p>For example, to create a table with a primary key and a unique constraint, you would use the following SQL statement:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE employees (
	id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
	email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE,
	name VARCHAR(255),
	salary NUMERIC(10,2)
);</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-datatypes">SQL DataTypes</h2>
<p>Each column in a table has a specific data type, which determines the kind of data that can be stored in that column. Some common SQL data types include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>INTEGER</strong>: a whole number</li>
<li><strong>VARCHAR</strong>: a variable-length string</li>
<li><strong>DATE</strong>: a date in the format <strong>YYYY-MM-DD</strong></li>
<li><strong>NUMERIC</strong>: a decimal number</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-commands">SQL Commands</h2>
<p>SQL uses a variety of commands to perform different actions on a database. Some common SQL commands include</p>
<h3 id="select">SELECT</h3>
<p>We use <code>SELECT</code> to retrieve data from a database. The basic syntax for a <code>SELECT</code> statement is:</p>
<pre><code>SELECT column1, column2, ...
FROM table_name
WHERE condition;</code></pre>
<p>To retrieve all rows from the "<code>employees</code>" table, you can use the wildcard character (<strong>*</strong>):<br><br></p>
<pre><code>SELECT * FROM employees;</code></pre>
<p>To retrieve specific columns, specify the column names instead of using the wildcard (*):</p>
<pre><code>SELECT name, salary FROM employees;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="insert">INSERT</h3>
<p>We use <code>INSERT</code> to add new data to a database. The basic syntax for an <code>INSERT</code> statement is:</p>
<pre><code>INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, ...)
VALUES (value1, value2, ...);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to insert a new row into the "<code>employees</code>" table, you would use the following SQL statement:</p>
<pre><code>INSERT INTO employees (name, salary)
VALUES ('John Smith', 60000);</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="update">UPDATE</h3>
<p>We use <code>UPDATE</code> to modify existing data in a database.</p>
<p>The basic syntax for an <code>UPDATE</code> statement is:</p>
<pre><code>UPDATE table_name
SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2, ...
WHERE condition;</code></pre>
<p>For example, to update the salary of an employee with the name "<code>John Smith</code>" in the "<code>employees</code>" table, you would use the following SQL statement:</p>
<pre><code>UPDATE employees
SET salary = 65000
WHERE name = 'John Smith';</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="delete">DELETE</h3>
<p>We can use the <code>DELETE</code> command to delete data from a database.</p>
<p>The basic syntax for a <code>DELETE</code> statement is:</p>
<pre><code>DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition;</code></pre>
<p>For example, to delete all rows from the "<code>employees</code>" table, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>DELETE FROM employees;</code></pre>
<p>To delete rows that meet a specific condition, you can use a <code>WHERE</code> clause:</p>
<pre><code>DELETE FROM employees WHERE salary &lt; 50000;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="important-sql-keywords">Important SQL Keywords</h2>
<p><strong>SQL</strong> uses a variety of keywords to perform different actions on a database. Some important <strong>SQL</strong> keywords include:</p>

<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Keyword</th>
<th>Functions</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>SELECT</strong></td>
<td>Retrieves data from a database</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>FROM</strong></td>
<td>Specifies table(s) from which to retrieve data</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>WHERE</strong></td>
<td>Specifies a condition for data retrieval</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>AND/OR</strong></td>
<td>Combines multiple conditions in a query</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>GROUP BY</strong></td>
<td>Groups data based on one or more columns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>HAVING</strong></td>
<td>Specifies a condition for the groups created</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>ORDER BY</strong></td>
<td>Sorts the results of a query</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>LIMIT</strong></td>
<td>Limits the number of rows returned by a query</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>OFFSET</strong></td>
<td>Specifies the starting point for the rows returned by a query</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>AS</strong></td>
<td>Gives a column or table a temporary name</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>DISTINCT</strong></td>
<td>Returns only unique values</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>COUNT</strong></td>
<td>Counts the number of rows in a table</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>SUM</strong></td>
<td>Calculates the sum of values in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>AVG</strong></td>
<td>Calculates the average of values in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>MIN</strong></td>
<td>Find the minimum value in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>MAX</strong></td>
<td>To find the maximum value in a column</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-operators">SQL Operators</h2>
<p><strong>SQL</strong> uses various operators to perform different data operations. Some common <strong>SQL</strong> operators include</p>

<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Operators</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>=</strong></td>
<td>Tests for equality</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>&lt;&gt;</strong></td>
<td>Tests for non-equality</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>&gt;</strong></td>
<td>Greater than</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>&lt;</strong></td>
<td>Less than</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>&gt;=</strong></td>
<td>Greater than or equal to</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>&lt;=</strong></td>
<td>Less than or equal to</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>IN</strong></td>
<td>Tests if a value is in a list of values</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>BETWEEN</strong></td>
<td>Tests if a value is within a range</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>LIKE</strong></td>
<td>Searches for a specific pattern in a string</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>IS NULL</strong></td>
<td>Tests if a value is null</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>EXISTS</strong></td>
<td>Tests if a subquery returns any rows</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2 id="keys-in-sql">Keys in SQL</h2>
<p>In <strong>SQL</strong>, a key is a field in a table that is used to identify a specific row. There are several types of keys in <strong>SQL</strong> like:</p>
<h3 id="primary-key">Primary Key</h3>
<p>To create a primary key in <strong>SQL</strong>, we can use the <code>PRIMARY KEY</code> constraint. The basic syntax for creating a primary key is:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE table_name (
column_name1 data_type(size) PRIMARY KEY,
...
);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to create a table with a primary key on the "<code>id</code>" column, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE employees (
	id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
	name VARCHAR(255),
	salary NUMERIC(10,2)
);</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="foreign-key">Foreign Key</h3>
<p>To create a foreign key in SQL, we can use the <code>FOREIGN KEY</code> constraint. The basic syntax for creating a foreign key is:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE table_name (
column_name1 data_type(size),
...
FOREIGN KEY (column_name1) REFERENCES other_table_name(other_column_name)
);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to create a table with a foreign key on the "<code>department_id</code>" column that references the "<code>id</code>" column in the "<code>departments</code>" table, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE employees (
	id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
	department_id INTEGER,
	name VARCHAR(255),
	salary NUMERIC(10,2),
	FOREIGN KEY (department_id) REFERENCES departments(id)
);</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="candidate-key">Candidate Key</h3>
<p>We can use the <code>UNIQUE</code> constraint to create a candidate key in <strong>SQL</strong>. The basic syntax for creating a candidate key is:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE table_name (
	column_name1 data_type(size) UNIQUE,
	...
);</code></pre>
<p>For example, to create a table with a candidate key on the "<code>email</code>" column, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TABLE employees (
	id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
	email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE,
	name VARCHAR
};</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="functions-in-sql">Functions in SQL</h2>
<p>SQL provides a number of built-in functions that can be used to perform operations on data. Some common SQL functions include:</p>

<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Functions</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>COUNT</strong></td>
<td>Counts the number of rows in a table</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>SUM</strong></td>
<td>Calculates the sum of values in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>AVG</strong></td>
<td>Calculates the average of values in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>MIN</strong></td>
<td>Finds the minimum value in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>MAX</strong></td>
<td>Find the maximum value in a column</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>CONCAT</strong></td>
<td>Concatenate strings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>LENGTH</strong></td>
<td>Find the length of a string</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>UPPER/LOWER</strong></td>
<td>Convert a string to uppercase/lowercase</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>SUBSTR</strong></td>
<td>Extract a substring from a string</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>TRIM</strong></td>
<td>To remove leading and trailing spaces from a string</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>NOW()</strong></td>
<td>To get the current date and time</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr>
<h2 id="joins-in-sql">Joins in SQL</h2>
<p>In <strong>SQL</strong>, a join is a way to combine data from multiple tables based on a related column between them.</p>
<h3 id="inner-join">INNER JOIN</h3>
<p>The <code>INNER JOIN</code> keyword returns only the rows with matching values in both tables.</p>
<p>Here's the syntax:</p>
<pre><code>SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table1
JOIN table2
ON table1.column_name = table2.column_name;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="left-join">LEFT JOIN</h3>
<p>The <code>LEFT JOIN</code> or <code>LEFT OUTER JOIN</code> keyword (which are the same) is used to return all the rows from the left table and the matching rows from the right table. NULL values are returned for non-matching right table rows.</p>
<p>Here's the syntax:</p>
<pre><code>SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table1
LEFT JOIN table2
ON table1.column_name = table2.column_name;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="right-join">RIGHT JOIN</h3>
<p>The <code>RIGHT JOIN</code>, or <code>RIGHT OUTER JOIN</code> keyword, returns all the rows from the right table and the matching rows from the left table. It returns the <strong>NULL</strong> values for non-matching left table rows.</p>
<p>Here's the syntax:</p>
<pre><code>SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table1
RIGHT JOIN table2
ON table1.column_name = table2.column_name;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="full-join">FULL JOIN</h3>
<p>The <code>FULL JOIN</code>, or <code>FULL OUTER JOIN</code> keyword, returns all rows from both tables, with NULL values for non-matching rows.</p>
<p>The basic syntax for a <code>FULL JOIN</code> is:</p>
<pre><code>SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table1
FULL JOIN table2
ON table1.column_name = table2.column_name;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="triggers-in-sql">Triggers in SQL</h2>
<p>In <strong>SQL</strong>, a trigger is a set of instructions that are automatically executed in response to a specific event, such as an <code>INSERT</code>, <code>UPDATE</code>, or <code>DELETE</code> operation on a table.</p>
<p>We can use triggers to enforce data integrity and maintain data consistency.</p>
<h3 id="creating-triggers">Creating Triggers</h3>
<p>The <code>CREATE TRIGGER</code> statement creates a new trigger. The basic syntax for creating a trigger is:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE TRIGGER trigger_name
AFTER INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE
ON table_name
FOR EACH ROW
BEGIN
-- trigger instructions
END;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="dropping-a-trigger">Dropping a Trigger</h3>
<p>The <code>DROP TRIGGER</code> statement is used to delete an existing trigger. The basic syntax for dropping a trigger is:</p>
<pre><code>DROP TRIGGER trigger_name;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h2 id="sql-stored-procedures">SQL Stored Procedures</h2>
<p>In <strong>SQL</strong>, a stored procedure is a pre-compiled collection of <strong>SQL</strong> statements that can be executed with a single call.</p>
<p>Stored procedures perform complex operations, such as data validation or complex business logic, in a single call.</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="creating-procedures">Creating Procedures</h3>
<p>The <code>CREATE PROCEDURE</code> statement returns a new stored procedure. Here is the basic syntax for creating procedure:</p>
<pre><code>CREATE PROCEDURE procedure_name
(
	IN/OUT/INOUT parameter_name data_type,
	...
)
BEGIN
-- SQL statements
END;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="dropping-procedures">Dropping Procedures</h3>
<p>The <code>DROP PROCEDURE</code> statement is used to delete an existing stored procedure. The basic syntax for dropping a stored procedure is:</p>
<pre><code>DROP PROCEDURE procedure_name;</code></pre>
<p>For example, to drop the stored procedure "<code>get_employee_info</code>" created before, you would use the following <strong>SQL</strong> statement:</p>
<pre><code>DROP PROCEDURE get_employee_info;</code></pre>
<hr>
<h3 id="executing-procedures">Executing Procedures</h3>
<p>The <code>EXEC</code> statement is used to execute a stored procedure. The basic syntax for running a stored procedure is</p>
<pre><code>EXEC procedure_name parameter_value, ...;</code></pre>

Frame 13

<p>While SQL is a powerful data manipulation and management tool, it can also be quite complex. So, Whether you're just starting with SQL or looking to refresh your knowledge, this cheat sheet will be a valuable resource for quickly finding the information you need.</p>

SQL Cheat Sheet

<div translate="" data-mobiledoc="{&quot;version&quot;:&quot;0.3.2&quot;,&quot;atoms&quot;:[[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}],[&quot;soft-return&quot;,&quot;&quot;,{}]],&quot;cards&quot;:[[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}],[&quot;hr&quot;,{}]],&quot;markups&quot;:[[&quot;strong&quot;],[&quot;a&quot;,[&quot;href&quot;,&quot;https://programiz.pro/resources/6-easiest-programming-language-to-learn/&quot;]],[&quot;a&quot;,[&quot;href&quot;,&quot;https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/c-plus-plus-programmer-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20C%2B%2B,falls%20between%20%2469%2C836%20and%20%2482%2C176.&quot;]]],&quot;sections&quot;:[[1,&quot;p&quot;,[[0,[],0,&quot;Even as a beginner programmer, you" is="">
<div>
<p>Even as a beginner programmer, you've probably heard of C++.</p>
<p>It is one of the most popular languages in the world and is used in different domains like video game development, IoT devices, Databases, Operating Systems, etc. In this blog, we will explore the history of the C++ language, various areas where it is used, and the benefits and drawbacks of using C++.</p>
<h2>History of C++</h2>
<p>C++ is a programming language developed in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup, a Danish computer scientist at Bell Labs.</p>
<p>Stroustrup was working on a research project that involved creating a new C-based programming language with additional features.</p>
<p>The first version of C++, called "<strong>C with Classes</strong>," was released in <strong>1979</strong>, which introduced the concept of "classes" and object-oriented programming. Classes allow programmers to create reusable code, which makes it easier to develop large, complex programs.</p>
<p>C++'s new version introduced many features like function overloading, inline functions, default arguments, and more.</p>
<p>Over the following decades, C++ adoption skyrocketed, and in 1989, the first official standard for C++ was released. This version of C++ changed the language's syntax and semantics, and introduced a formal specification. C++ is used in various industries today, which include software development, IoT devices, finance, and even video game development. As C++ has widespread use, it remains one of the most popular choices for developers.</p>
<h2>What is C++ used for?</h2>
<p>C++ is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to develop a wide range of applications.</p>
<p>Here are some significant areas where C++ is used heavily:</p>
<h3>Operating Systems</h3>
<p>C++ is widely used in operating systems because of its efficiency, flexibility, and ability to support object-oriented programming.</p>
<p>The primary use of C++ in operating systems is to create the core components that make up the operating system, which includes the kernel.</p>
<p>The kernel is the central part of the operating system that manages resources such as memory, CPU, and device drivers, allowing the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, keyboards, and displays.</p>
<p>C++ is also used to develop word processors, spreadsheet programs, games, and multimedia applications. It is suited for these types of applications because C++ allows developers to create highly efficient and responsive programs that can take advantage of the underlying hardware resources of the system.</p>
<p>In addition to its use in operating systems and applications, C++ is also commonly used to develop middleware, software that provides a bridge between different applications or systems. For example, a middleware program might allow a program written in one language to communicate with a database written in another.</p>
<h3>Game Development</h3>
<p>C++ is a high-performance programming language great for coding resource-intensive video games.</p>
<p>Since video games need to access hardware like CPU, RAM, and graphics cards for low-level control, we need a language that can interface between the game and the hardware. That's where C++ comes in.</p>
<p>C++ developers can access features like memory management and pointers to manipulate hardware and get optimal performance. They can also efficiently use these resources with extensive C++ libraries.</p>
<p>In addition, there are tons of &nbsp;C++ developers in the video game industry to share knowledge and experience. There are many C++ tools to help you create video game mechanics and engines.</p>
<p>Video game creation platforms such as Unreal Engine and Unity are also made with C++.</p>
<h3>IoT Devices</h3>
<p>IoT (<strong>Internet of Things</strong>) refers to a network of physical devices (like sensors, computers, and appliances) connected in a way that allows them to exchange data. Smart TVs, Light-bulbs, refrigerators, watches, phones, computers, etc., make up the modern IoT ecosystem. IoT devices also need software to run on, and C++ is a popular choice for coding them. The language is often used for IoT devices because of its efficiency and performance.</p>
<p>Since C++ is compiled, it is translated into machine code directly so that the computer's processor can execute it. This makes it faster than interpreted languages like Python.</p>
<p>C++ also provides a wide range of features and libraries that help us create robust and scalable applications. Here's how C++ might be used in IoT:</p>
<ul>
<li>We can develop firmware for IoT devices with C++ and run them on microcontrollers such as sensors and actuators.</li>
<li>C++ can help develop software for IoT devices like routers and hubs.</li>
<li>We can also create IoT applications with C++ on smartphones and laptops through APIs or other communication methods.</li>
<li>C++ is also often used to develop backend services that run on the cloud and provide services like data storage, data processing, and creating analytics for IoT applications.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Databases</h3>
<p>A database is a collection of data stored in a structured manner for easy and efficient access.</p>
<p>We can use C++ around Database technologies in multiple ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>We can embed SQL statements inside C++ code and then pass it to DBMS for execution. The DBMS will then translate the SQL statements into appropriate commands for the underlying database and return the results to the C++ program.</li>
<li>C++ programs can use libraries like ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) or JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) to connect and query databases. These libraries provide a standard interface allowing C++ programs to work with multiple database systems.</li>
<li>Database drivers, which are libraries that implement the protocols used by the database, are also made with C++.</li>
<li>C++ programs can be integrated with databases through APIs or other methods. This also allows the C++ programs to retrieve and modify data in the database as needed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Web Browsers</h3>
<p>A web browser is an application that enables us to access and view web pages and other content on the internet.</p>
<p>C++ can be used to develop multiple web browser components like extensions, browser engines, and even web applications. Popular browser engines like Mozilla's Gecko and Google's Chrome engine are written in C++.</p>
<p>We can also create extensions with C++. Extensions are tiny programs that add a few bonus functionality to a web browser.</p>
<p>C++ is also used heavily while creating network libraries to connect to web servers, send HTTP requests, process responses, and more.</p>
<p>In addition, we can use C++ to create backends for websites running on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.</p>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-12">
<div class="faq-area">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. How is C++ used in real life? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>C++ is a widely used programming language to develop operating systems, web browsers, and other applications that require high performance and efficiency.<br><br>In addition, developers use C++ to create games and simulations.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. Is learning C++ harder than Python? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Difficulty in learning a language depends on factors such as prior programming experience, time investment, and resources used.</p>
<p>In general, C++ is considered more challenging to learn than Python because C++ is closer to machine code.</p>
<p>However, this does not mean that C++ is necessarily hard for everyone. Some people may find C++ easier to learn, especially if they have some prior programming experience.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. What projects can I do with C++? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Here are a few examples of projects we can build with C++:</p>
<p><strong>Games:</strong> C++ is often used to create video games, as it allows for creating fast and efficient game engines.</p>
<p><strong>Simulations</strong>: C++ can be used to build simulations for scientific research, such as modeling physical phenomena or analyzing data sets.</p>
<p><strong>Operating systems:</strong> C++ can be used to develop the core components of an operating system, such as the kernel and device drivers.</p>
<p><strong>Web Browsers:</strong> Many web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, are written with some C++ code.</p>
<p><strong>Applications:</strong> C++ can build applications for various purposes, including productivity tools, financial software, and more.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. What is the salary of a C++ developer? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>The salary of a C++ developer can vary depending on factors like experience, location, position, company, and more. <br><br>But on average, C++ developers make around <a href="https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/c-plus-plus-programmer-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20C%2B%2B,falls%20between%20%2469%2C836%20and%20%2482%2C176.">$77K</a> yearly in the United States.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">5. Can I learn C++ without experience? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Learning C++ without prior programming experience is possible, although it may be more challenging than learning a language like Python.</p>
<p>C++ has a complex syntax, which can take months to get used to. The language also has advanced applications and low-level features that can take time to learn.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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</div>
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</div>

Frame 6

<p>C++ is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to develop a wide range of applications.</p>
<ul>
<li>Operating Systems</li>
<li>Game Development</li>
<li>IoT Devices</li>
<li>Databases</li>
<li>Web Browsers</li>
</ul>

5 Main Uses of C++ in 2023

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<div>
<p>C programming is a popular and widely used programming language that has been around for decades. It is known for its efficiency, flexibility, and portability, making it a terrific choice for many developers.</p>
<p>C has historically been used to develop operating systems such as Unix, database software, compilers, and utility software.</p>
<p>In this blog, we will explore what C programming language is, the history of this language, and, more importantly, what C programming is used for.</p>
<h2>History of C language</h2>
<p>The C programming language was developed in the 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. C's syntax is based on &nbsp;B, another language developed at Bell labs in the 1960s.</p>
<p>C was designed to write system-level software, including operating systems. The language became popular quickly as programmers began adopting it because of its efficiency, flexibility, and portability.</p>
<p>The first significant use of the C language was to develop the Unix operating system. Today, almost all popular operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and even macOS, are based on Unix.</p>
<p>In addition, C has been widely used to develop software such as compilers, text editors, database systems, and more.</p>
<p>As C is very efficient, hardware programmers use it to code firmware for embedded systems. Over the years, C has maintained its popularity and is still considered one of the essential programming languages in the world.</p>
<p>Many other programming languages, such as Python and C++, are C-based.</p>
<h2>What is C Used For?</h2>
<p>C is used in many areas like building databases, compilers, operating systems, kernels, drivers, browsers, and application software.</p>
<p>Let us now explore these application areas in detail.</p>
<h3>Building Databases</h3>
<p>Programmers can use C to build database management systems, which are software to organize, store, retrieve and manipulate data.</p>
<p>Veteran programmers also build database engines with C, which is quite efficient and provides better performance. C is also used to develop database libraries. Most database libraries have pre-built functions to provide a convenient way for programmers to access and manipulate data.</p>
<p>Sometimes, programmers use C to write database applications like a Database Administration tool or a database-backed web application.</p>
<p>These applications can use many database libraries and interfaces to interact with a DBMS and perform tasks like querying and updating records.</p>
<h3>Designing Compilers</h3>
<p>A compiler is a program that translates source code written in a programming language into machine code that can be executed by a computer. Compiler development can be a complex and time-consuming process, and C is well-suited to handle it. With C, we can write compilers with features such as lexical analysis, parsing, and code generation.</p>
<p>Programmers use C to write support libraries or utilities for compilers. These libraries provide functions for tasks such as error handling, memory management, and code optimization.</p>
<p>C helps us build command-line tools or graphical user interfaces that allow users to interact with the compiler.</p>
<h3>Developing Operating Systems</h3>
<p>An operating system is a software program that acts as a bridge between the hardware and software of a computer. We need an OS to handle a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, managing resources like RAM and CPU, controlling input/output devices, and more.</p>
<p>Operating systems contain many components like kernels, system libraries, and utility software, all of which can be built with C. An operating system kernel written in C is efficient, this is why almost all operating systems are based on Unix (which, as we mentioned, is written in C).</p>
<p>Using C, programmers can code operating system utilities like network applications, I/O functions, and process management. In addition, file managers, networking software, and system administration features are also written in C.</p>
<h3>Graphical User Interface</h3>
<p>While C is not necessarily the go-to language for GUI software, you can still build decent GUIs with it. C does not have built-in support for features such as widgets, buttons, and other GUI elements, and it requires a lot of low-level coding to implement these features.</p>
<p>But thankfully, there are third-party libraries and frameworks to provide support for GUI development in C.</p>
<p>A few of these libraries are GTK+, Qt, and wxWidgets. You can use these to provide a set of functions and tools we can use to create graphical user interfaces using C.</p>
<h3>Gaming And Animation</h3>
<p>C does not have built-in support for animation and gaming. It lacks features such as 3D graphics, audio, and other multimedia elements, requiring low-level coding to implement these features.</p>
<p>But despite these limitations, C can still be used in game and animation development thanks to third-party libraries such as OpenGL, SDL, and SFML. These libraries provide a set of functions and tools that can be used to create graphics, audio, and other multimedia elements using C.</p>
<p>On the other hand, C++ is used extensively in developing game engines, and most of the credit goes to C, as C++ is based on the C programming language.</p>
<h3>Embedded Systems</h3>
<p>Embedded systems are typically small, low-power devices that are designed to perform a specific task, such as controlling a motor or monitoring a sensor.These systems often have limited memory and processing power. So, C is a good choice for programming them because it allows developers to write efficient code to effectively use the resources.</p>
<p>One of the key features of C that makes it well-suited for use in embedded systems is its support for a wide range of data types and control structures.</p>
<p>C allows developers to create programs that can perform various tasks, such as reading and writing to memory, interacting with hardware devices, and controlling the flow of data.</p>
<p>In addition, C programs can run on various platforms and devices, making it easy to write code for multiple types of embedded systems, which is necessary for developing complex systems.</p>
<h3>Browser Engines</h3>
<p>Programmers use C to write parts of browsers that need low-level system access and performance optimization.</p>
<p>For instance, every browser has a rendering engine responsible for displaying web pages on the user screen. We can use C or C++ to write these engines so the websites load faster.</p>
<p>In addition to browser engines, C is also used for writing plugins and extensions for web browsers.</p>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
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<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. Where is C language used in real life? </span></div>
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<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>C is a widely used programming language that you can find in various real-life applications:</p>
<p><strong>Operating systems</strong>: Operating systems like Windows and Linux are written in C as it allows them to interact with the hardware of a computer at a low level.</p>
<p><strong>Embedded systems</strong>: C is often used to program small, low-power devices that are designed to perform specific tasks, such as controlling a motor or monitoring a sensor.</p>
<p><strong>Applications</strong>: Many applications, such as word processors, web browsers, and media players, are written in C for its performance and flexibility.</p>
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</div>
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<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. Is C or C++ more useful? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>C and C++ are both useful programming languages.</p>
<p>C is a relatively simple, low-level language that is well-suited for tasks that require close interaction with hardware or low-level system functions.</p>
<p>C++ is an extension of C that adds additional features, such as object-oriented programming and templates, which make it more powerful and flexible.</p>
<p>Your project needs will determine the best language for you. C might be the better choice if you need a language that is simple, efficient, and easy to learn. <br><br>But if you need a language that is more powerful and flexible, with features like object-oriented programming and templates, C++ might be a better choice.</p>
</div>
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<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. Should I learn C or Python? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>C might be a good choice if you want to learn a simple and efficient language and are interested in tasks requiring low-level access to hardware or system functions.</p>
<p>But if you want to learn a language that is more flexible and easy to use, and you are interested in tasks that require rapid development and high-level abstractions, Python might be a better choice.</p>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. Which language should I learn first? </span></div>
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<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>It can be difficult to decide which programming language to learn first, as different languages have different strengths and use cases.</p>
<p>If you are just starting out, it might be helpful to start with a simple and easy language, such as Python or C. These languages are widely used and can provide a good foundation for learning more advanced concepts.</p>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">5. Is C still used in 2022? </span></div>
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<p>Yes, C is still widely used in 2022, it is a popular programming language that has been around for decades. It continues to be used in various applications, including operating systems, embedded systems, and games.</p>
<p>C is also a widely taught programming language in schools and universities to teach programming fundamentals.</p>
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</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">6. How long does it take to learn C programming? </span></div>
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<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>If you have some prior programming experience, you may be able to learn the basics of C relatively quickly, perhaps in a few weeks or a couple of months.<br><br>However, it can take longer to become proficient in C and to understand more advanced concepts.</p>
<p>If you are a complete beginner with no prior programming experience, it may take longer as you will need to learn the fundamentals of programming first. In this case, it might take you several months to learn C.</p>
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Frame 42

<p>C programming is a popular and widely used programming language. It is used in:</p>
<ul>
<li>Building Databases</li>
<li>Designing Compilers</li>
<li>Developing Operating Systems</li>
<li>Graphical User Interface</li>
<li>Game and Animation</li>
</ul>

8 Main Uses of C Programming in 2023

<h2 id="installing-and-configuring-git">Installing and Configuring Git</h2>
<p>Before we begin, you must install Git on your system. You can follow the <a href="https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2/Getting-Started-Installing-Git" title="Install Git">Official Git Blog</a> to learn more about installing Git on different operating systems:</p>
<p>After you have installed Git, you need to configure it. Here's how you do it:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Configurations</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git --version</td>
<td>Check Git Installation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git config --list --show-origin</td>
<td>View all your Git settings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git config --global user.name "Your Name"</td>
<td>Set your Username</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git config --global user.email yourname@example.com</td>
<td>Set your Email</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git config --global init.defaultBranch main</td>
<td>Change Default Branch Name</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git config --global core.editor "'path to the code editor app'"</td>
<td>Change your Code Editor</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Git Basics</h2>
<p>After configuring Git, you can use different commands for performing tons of operations. Here are a few of them:</p>
<h3>Initialize a repo</h3>
<p>The first thing to do while using Git is to initialize a repository with the <strong>git init</strong> command.</p>
<p>You can also initialize a directory to a certain folder on your computer using the following command:</p>
<p><strong>git init &lt;directory&gt;</strong></p>
<p>Example: <strong>git init C:\Program Files\Project</strong></p>
<p>The <strong>git init</strong> command creates a hidden folder named <strong>.git/</strong> in your project folder, which tracks changes to the files.</p>
<hr>
<h3>Add to the Staging Area</h3>
<p>Git has a staging area, which is a temporary space where you add files you have made changes to before you commit those changes.</p>
<p>To add a file to the staging area, you can type the <strong>git add</strong> command. There are two versions of this command:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git add</td>
<td>Adds certain files to the staging area.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git add</td>
<td>Adds the entire directory to the staging area.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h3>Commit Changes</h3>
<p>You can commit changes to your local repository once you have entered the files into the staging area.</p>
<p>Here's the Git commit command:</p>
<p><strong>git commit -m &lt;message&gt;</strong></p>
<p>where <strong>&lt;message&gt;</strong> can be any information about the commit.</p>
<p>Example: <strong>git commit -m "New feature added"</strong></p>
<hr>
<h3>Status Commands</h3>
<p>These commands are used to track changes, view folder history, and see the files in different stages. Here's how you use them:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git log</td>
<td>Display the entire commit history.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git status</td>
<td>Show the status of files in the repository, i.e., if the files are staged or not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git diff</td>
<td>Show the difference between your staging area and the working directory.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Git Branches</h2>
<p>Creating a new branch in Git is basically creating a new version of your file. As a developer, you need to be able to work with branches. Here are some commands for it:</p>
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<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git branch</td>
<td>List the branches in your repository.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git branch -r</td>
<td>Check remote branches that Git is tracking.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git branch branch_name</td>
<td>Create a new branch.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git checkout branch_name</td>
<td>Switch to a new branch.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git checkout -b branch_name</td>
<td>Create a new branch and switch to it at once.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git branch -d branch_name</td>
<td>Delete a branch.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Git Merges</h2>
<p>Git also allows you to merge different file versions, i.e., branches. Here are some Git merge commands:</p>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git merge branch_name</td>
<td>Merge the branch you are currently working in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git merge origin/main</td>
<td>Merge remote repo with a local repo.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git merge --abort</td>
<td>Abort a merge and start over.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Connecting With Remote Repositories</h2>
<p>The best part about Git is that we can connect it with a remote repository and share our files with others. Here are a few commands for this purpose:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git remote add</td>
<td>Create a new connection to a remote repo using its name and URL.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git push -u origin branch_name</td>
<td>Push a new branch to the remote repo.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git push --all</td>
<td>Push all of the changes in your local branches to the specified remote repository.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git push</td>
<td>Push the changes and commits in the local repository to the main branch of the remote repository.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git remote -v</td>
<td>See all the remote repositories for your local repository.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git push -f</td>
<td>Force a Push request.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git fetch</td>
<td>Fetch a specific branch from the repository.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git pull</td>
<td>Get the remote copy of the current branch and merge it to the local repo.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Reverting Changes</h2>
<p>When you mistakenly perform a commit, you need to be able to revert the changes back. You might also need to remove files from the staging area.</p>
<p>Git allows you to do this with these commands:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Tasks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git revert</td>
<td>Create a commit that undoes all the changes made.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git reset</td>
<td>Remove files from the staging area.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git clean -n</td>
<td>Show the files that will be removed from the working directory.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git clean -f</td>
<td>Delete files from the working directory.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<h2>Miscellaneous Commands</h2>
<p>Here are a few miscellaneous Git commands that you might need to use in some scenarios:</p>
<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Commands</th>
<th>Task</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git tag [name] [commit sha]</td>
<td>Add a reference tag name to a commit id.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git tag</td>
<td>List all tags.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git clone</td>
<td>Clone a repo located at onto local machine.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>git rebase</td>
<td>Transfer completed work between branches.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr>
<div class="faq-section">
<h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
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<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">1. What is a Git cheat sheet? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>A Git cheat sheet is basically a list of important Git commands with short descriptions that you can use when you can't remember a command.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">2. What are the basic Git commands? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>Some of the most basic Git commands include:</p>
<ul>
<li>git init</li>
<li>git add</li>
<li>git commit</li>
<li>git push</li>
<li>git pull</li>
<li>git merge.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">3. How many Git commands are there? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>It depends on the Git version you are using. But generally, there are <strong>135</strong> to <strong>164</strong> commands. But don't worry, you probably won't be using all of them. Also, most of these commands are sub-commands.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion__nodes">
<div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">4. How do I run a Git command? </span></div>
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="editor-contents--accordion">
<p>After you have installed Git, you can run it with the Command Prompt in Windows and the terminal in Linux and Mac. Alternatively, you can use Git Bash with Windows.</p>
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</div>

Frame 3

<p>We can't remember every single Git command, no matter how hard we try. Remembering these commands is also unnecessary as we can easily search them on Google.</p>
<p>In this blog, we will briefly cover some of the most important Git commands. So, let us jump right into it.</p>

Git Cheat Sheet for Beginners

Roadmap to Become a Software Engineer

<p>The roadmap to becoming a software engineer is a fun, rewarding journey. It's not easy, but it's not as difficult as you might have heard, either.</p>

<p>So, which one should you go with?</p>

<p>If you are a beginner looking to get certified in Python, here are our picks for the best Python certification courses — based on your learning needs and what they offer.</p>

<hr />
<div class="note-tip">
<p>Note: Though certifications are nice to have, they are not detrimental to your chances of landing a Python-related job. Today, employers care more about whether you can work with Python than if you have certifications.</p>

<p>Having said that, gaining certifications can help in two ways:</p>

<ol>
	<li>If you benefit from having an external motivator, taking certification courses or preparing for a certification test can be helpful.</li>
	<li>A reputable certification can be a great addition to your resume, especially if you're trying for your first job or internship.</li>
</ol>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>PCEP - Certified Entry-level Python Certification</h2>

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> those looking for a standardized Python certification</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-institute-entry-level-certification.png" title="Python Institute's entry-level Python programmer certification" alt="Python Institute's Entry-level Python programmer certification" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>If you are a Python beginner looking for certifications, Python Institute's certifications will be one of the first options you find.</p>

<p>Python Institute's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep" target="_blank">PCEP—Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer</a> is the perfect certification for beginners just getting their hands dirty with Python. This lifetime certification unlocks after a fairly standardized test and lets you call yourself an entry-level Python programmer.</p>

<p>And, if you feel like getting another certification down the line, Python Institute has an entire roadmap of certifications — in areas like data science, security, network programming, and web development, and for associate and professional levels.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Standout features:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Partnerships with reputed organizations like Pearson VUE and Cisco Networking Academy for study materials and tests</li>
	<li>Standardized tests</li>
</ul>

</div>
<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Focuses on Python basics</li>
	<li>Test duration: 40-45 minutes</li>
	<li>30 questions</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Exams start at $59</li>
	<li>Practice test costs $29</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Master Python Certification</h2>

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> those looking to build a solid foundation in Python programming with hands-on learning</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/programiz-pro-landing-page.png" title="Programiz PRO's Master Python Learning Path" alt="Programiz PRO's Master Python Learning Path" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Python certifications are valuable because they show you have put in the reps and know what you claim to know.</p>

<p>So, if you want a certification course that lets you learn, practice, and struggle with problems, our Master Python learning path will be the best for you.</p>

<p>Our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">learning path</a> consists of 6 curated courses — <strong>Learn Python Basics</strong>, <strong>Python Basics Challenges</strong>, <strong>Python Beyond Basics</strong>, <strong>Beyond Basics Challenges</strong>, <strong>DSA with Python</strong>, and <strong>Python Interview Questions</strong> — all of which teach you Python from scratch and unlock a professional certificate at the end.</p>

<p>Within the learning path are dedicated challenge courses — <strong>Python Basics Challenges</strong> and <strong>Beyond Basics Challenges</strong>. You <em>have</em> to complete these to unlock the certification, which means you will be as good at Python as after any standardized tests.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Standout features:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Integrated quizzes, challenges, and projects to give you a well-rounded understanding of Python</li>
	<li>Designed to force you to code and solve problems — you cannot unlock the certification unless you pass all the challenges</li>
</ul>

</div>
<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Basic and Advanced Python concepts</li>
	<li>Duration: 2 months</li>
	<li>Course type: Interactive</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>$30/month (with a 14-day money-back guarantee)</li>
	<li>$10/month (Annual Plan)</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python</h2>

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: those looking for a reputable, free certification course with video lectures</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/HarvardX-CS50-Python-Course.png" title="HarvardX CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python Course" alt="HarvardX CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python Course" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Looking for a reputable certification in Python programming but on the fence about spending money? Harvard University has you covered.</p>

<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/python/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-programming-with-python">CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python</a> from Harvard University is a great beginners' course on Python programming. Besides being a well-recommended course for Python (with <strong>problem sets</strong> and a <strong>final project</strong>), it also lets you choose between two kinds of certifications.</p>

<p>The first is a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/python/2022/certificate/" target="_blank">free CS50 certification</a>, which you unlock if you score at least 70% on each of its problems and the final project.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/CS50P-certificate.png" title="CS50 Python Programming course free certificate" alt="CS50 Python Programming course free certificate" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>The second kind is an edX-verified certification, for which you must enroll in the course through edX.</p>

<p>The only drawback would be that the course doesn't force you to code. You are encouraged to code, but you can binge on the lectures without typing any code if you wish.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Standout features:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Taught by David J. Malan, a renowned programming instructor</li>
	<li>Options for both free and paid certifications</li>
</ul>

</div>
<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Covers Python basics</li>
	<li>Duration: 10 weeks</li>
	<li>Course type: Video lectures</li>
	<li>Problem sets, final project</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Free through Harvard OpenCourseWare (CS50 Certificate)</li>
	<li>$299 through edX (Verified Certificate)</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Python for Everybody</h2>

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> those interested in data science and looking for a university-issued career certification</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-for-everybody-Coursera.png" title="Python for Everybody Specialization by University fo Michigan" alt="Python for Everybody Specialization by University fo Michigan" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python" target="_blank">Python for Everybody Specialization</a> is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to Python for anyone interested. And it comes with a certificate from the University of Michigan, which is great if you are looking for a career certification from a reputable organization.</p>

<p>But this specialization offers you more than just certification.</p>

<p>First, it is especially focused on working with data using Python. So, it is great if you are thinking of getting into data science.</p>

<p>Second, Python for Everybody is designed to be a preview of sorts to their <strong>Master of Applied Data Science</strong> program. If you are considering pursuing higher education in data science, doing this course should tell you if you are made for it.</p>

<p>Its one drawback is that it <strong>doesn't offer much interactivity</strong> — the course itself does not force you to write code.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Standout features:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Focused on data science with Python rather than general programming in Python</li>
	<li>Helps people make decisions about further education and prepare for a degree</li>
</ul>

</div>
<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Basic and advanced Python concepts</li>
	<li>Duration: 2 months</li>
	<li>Course type: Video lectures</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>$49/month after a 7-day Free Trial</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>Python certifications, even though not essential, can help in <strong>improving self-confidence</strong> and <strong>keeping you motivated when learning.</strong></p>

<p>The certification courses mentioned above are all great options. The only thing you should pay attention to is what you want out of your resource. These include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Do you prefer videos or text?</li>
	<li>How much interactivity and hands-on experience do you want?</li>
	<li>Do you want a course that focuses on a specific domain with Python?</li>
</ul>

Best Python Certification Courses for Beginners

<p>With so many good Python certification courses available from various platforms, it can be difficult to pick one.</p>

Best Python Certification Courses for Beginners in 2024 [Free and Paid]

<p>This blog will go into detail on how much you should pay to learn Python, depending on the different learning avenues and how much value they offer.</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Learning Resources</th>
<th>How much can they cost?</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Free Python Tutorials and Courses</td>
<td>$0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paid Python Certification Courses</td>
<td>$100 to $200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coding Bootcamps</td>
<td>$1,000 to $20,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>University Degrees</td>
<td>Around $55,000</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<hr />
<h2>$0</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> self-disciplined learners committed to learning Python</p>

<p>If you are committed to learning Python, you can do so for <strong>absolutely free</strong>. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.</p>

<p>Being the most popular language, Python has plenty of free resources of top-notch quality, no matter if you are a beginner or someone experienced.</p>

<p>If you have the discipline and motivation to stick with it, free resources are all you need to master Python.</p>

<p>However, there are a few drawbacks:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Free tutorials and courses <strong>can often lack interactivity</strong> and <strong>lead to tutorial hell</strong>.</li>
	<li>They can be <strong>unorganized</strong> and <strong>difficult to understand at times</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Here are the best resources to learn Python for free, depending on whether you prefer to read or watch videos:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Text-based Tutorial</strong>: <a href="https://www.programiz.com/python-programming" target="_blank">Programiz Python Tutorials</a></li>
	<li><strong>Text and Video-based Course</strong>: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://programming-24.mooc.fi/" target="_blank">Python Programming - MOOC</a></li>
	<li><strong>Video-only tutorials:</strong> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-osiE80TeTskrapNbzXhwoFUiLCjGgY7" target="_blank">Corey Schafer's Python Tutorials</a></li>
</ul>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>$100 to $200</h2>

<div>
<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> those who want interactivity and structure from their Python resource</p>

<p>For around $100 to $200 (sometimes even less), you can find Python resources that offer a much better learning experience than free ones.</p>

<p>Paid Python courses, like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>, are designed to address the drawbacks that free courses and tutorials have. They:</p>

<ul>
	<li>offer a more hands-on, interactive learning experience.</li>
	<li>offer more organization and structure throughout the learning process.</li>
	<li>do not beat around the bush about where and how to start.</li>
</ul>

<p>Further, many even provide code editors in the browser, real-time assistance, and access to a community of like-minded learners. And almost all of them come with certifications.</p>

<p>If you are serious about learning Python without spending a fortune, you should try our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>.</p>

<p>It includes everything you need to learn about Python when starting out — at as low as $10/month.</p>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>$1,000 to $21,000</h2>

<div>
<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: landing a job quickly and money is no issue</p>

<p>Coding bootcamps are intensive, job-focused training programs where students acquire the most in-demand skills in the industry in a short time. They usually have a condensed curriculum but usually teach you everything you need to know for a particular job.</p>

<p>They also <strong>often assist in job placements</strong>, getting you into the industry of your choosing quicker than other ways of learning.</p>

<p>The main reason to stay away from coding bootcamps is their <strong>cost</strong>.</p>

<p>Depending on the curriculum and length, bootcamps in the US can cost <strong>anywhere from $1,000 to $21,000</strong>.</p>

<p>Other than this, bootcamps are also not great for those:</p>

<ul>
	<li>who like to learn at their own pace</li>
	<li>who would rather avoid a fast-paced environment</li>
	<li>who are looking for accreditation</li>
</ul>

<p>If you feel like you prefer bootcamps, start your exploration with this one:</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://hackbrightacademy.com/software-engineering-program/"><strong>Software Engineering Bootcamp</strong></a><br />
(Covers software engineering fundamentals, including Python, JavaScript, and databases.)</li>
</ul>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Over $55,000</h2>

<div>
<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: students who are looking for accreditation and ready to commit a significant amount of time</p>

<p>University degrees are the "traditional" method of learning tech. They require a lot of money and a serious time commitment — <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/235651/us-university-attendance-cost/" target="_blank"><strong>about $55,000 per year</strong></a> and <strong>usually four years</strong>.</p>

<p>However, unlike other learning methods, tech degrees do not prepare you in only one language. Their focus is much broader.</p>

<p>For example, you will not find a degree that focuses only on Python. Instead, they might deal with data science as a whole, including how to use Python in that domain.</p>

<p>Therefore, university degrees are not for someone</p>

<ul>
	<li>just exploring Python</li>
	<li>looking to learn a particular language</li>
	<li>searching for ways to land a job quickly</li>
</ul>

<p>They are for <strong>those able and willing to invest plenty of time and money</strong> into their academic pursuits and in <strong>no rush for jobs</strong>.</p>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>How much should you pay to learn Python?</h2>

<p>Depends.</p>

<p>We suggest you <strong>do not spend a dime</strong> on learning Python if you can stick to free resources. Give the free resources your best shot before you even think about spending money.</p>

<p>But, if you have decided to invest a bit, <strong>you should not spend over $200</strong>. Within this range, you will find enough great Python certification courses.</p>

<p>As for bootcamps, plenty of people still pay for them. You can learn a lot quickly and become job-ready, which makes it worth the price for some people. But, if you are considering paying for a bootcamp, we recommend you <strong>do not spend over $5,000</strong>.</p>

<p>And, since we are discussing how much you <strong>should</strong> pay, <strong>university degrees are a no-go</strong> simply because they cost a fortune.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>We recommend you always give the free resources a try before you spend any money. And if you are spending money, always start with online courses as they are the most reasonable option.</p>

<p>If you are looking for a great course to start your Python journey, you should start learning right now with our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank"><strong>Master Python learning path</strong></a>.</p>

How Much Does It Cost to Learn Python

<p>Learning Python might not cost you a dime, or it might cost you over $55,000. It all depends on what your learning preferences are and how much you are willing to invest.</p>

How Much Does It Cost to Learn Python?

<p>In this blog, we will tell you exactly where to start your preparations and what steps to follow so you do not get lost and overwhelmed during your journey.</p>

<hr />
<p class="note-tip"><em>Note: This blog only focuses on Python Institute's</em> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep" target="_blank"><strong><em>PCEP</em></strong></a> <em>and</em> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcap" target="_blank"><strong><em>PCAP</em></strong></a> <strong><em>–</em></strong> <em>the most-recognized Python certifications. To explore other Python certifications, read our blog about</em> <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/best-python-certification-courses-for-beginners/" target="_blank"><em>Python Certification Courses</em></a><em>.</em></p>

<hr />
<h2>Steps to Prepare for a Python Certification</h2>

<p>To ensure your preparations go smoothly, we recommend you follow these steps in order – do not skip any of them. We also encourage you to use the mentioned resources as best you can to get the most out of your effort.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/how-to-prepare-for-python-certification-steps.png" title="Steps to prepare for a Python certification" alt="Steps to prepare for a Python certification" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<h3>1. Review the test format and syllabus</h3>

<p>The first step in preparing for any certification is to know what the test will be like. Going in blind and hoping things somehow work out is a surefire way to get overwhelmed.</p>

<p>So, you should first review the details of your certification exam. This includes the test format, structure, syllabus, duration, number of questions, etc.</p>

<p>Knowing these will help you manage your time properly and plan what concepts to focus on.</p>

<p>You can review the PCEP certification's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep#:~:text=30-,Format,-Single%2D%20and%20multiple" target="_blank">test format</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep-exam-syllabus" target="_blank">syllabus</a> through these resources.</p>

<hr />
<h3>2. Brush up on your Python knowledge</h3>

<p>If you are not confident about Python basics, you should learn and revise these fundamental concepts to prepare effectively.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Data Types</li>
	<li>Control Flow and Loops</li>
	<li>Functions</li>
	<li>Objects and Classes</li>
	<li>Exception and File Handling</li>
</ul>

<p>The most effective way of doing this is to first learn/reacquaint yourself with the concepts and write code yourself, then solve coding challenges of increasing difficulty, and finally, build projects.</p>

<p>If you are just starting out and need a beginner-friendly resource or are just looking to revise, our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics</a> course is perfect for you. It covers all Python fundamentals and requires you to write code from the first lesson.</p>

<p>You can also skip chapters and focus only on topics you find difficult. You do not have to complete the entire course to get the most out of it.</p>

<hr />
<h3>3. Assess your skills with challenges and mock tests</h3>

<p>After learning and revising Python, you need to check if you are ready for the test. You can do this in two ways: solving coding challenges and taking mock tests.</p>

<p>You can use our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/python-basics-challenges" target="_blank">Python Basics Challenges</a> to see if you have a good grasp of the fundamentals — this flows in nicely after the Learn Python Basics course and checks your knowledge about the concepts you learned in the course.</p>

<p>Or, you can also use coding challenge platforms, like our <a href="https://app.programiz.pro/community-challenges/home" target="_blank">Community Challenges</a> or <a rel="nofollow" href="https://leetcode.com/problemset/" target="_blank">LeetCode</a>, to test how good you are.</p>

<p>After that, you can start taking mock tests. Even though not compulsory, mock tests allow you to:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Finding knowledge gaps and areas of improvement</li>
	<li>Build your confidence about the exam setting and structure</li>
	<li>Figure out which sections and questions require more attention</li>
	<li>Improve your in-test time management</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h3>4. Join study groups and communities</h3>

<p>Joining study groups and communities provides a valuable platform to discuss challenging topics, clarify doubts, and practice coding together.</p>

<p>Engaging with students who have already passed the Python certification can provide guidance and valuable insights, such as exam strategies and study tips.</p>

<p>It also helps you stay motivated and accountable to each other while learning.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Tips to Prepare for Python Certification</h2>

<p>Now that you know the steps to prepare for a certification test, let's go through a few tips that will help you prepare more quickly and efficiently.</p>

<p><strong>Practice, Practice, Practice</strong></p>

<p>Repetition is key in coding. You must practice coding daily – even if only for 30 minutes – to improve your skills, logical thinking, and muscle memory.</p>

<p>Our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/python-coding-challenges" target="_blank">Python Coding Challenges</a> should help you get those reps in – it contains all kinds of challenges that you will need to ace the certification test.</p>

<hr />
<p><strong>Learn</strong> <strong>Python best practices</strong></p>

<p>Even though following the best practices is not a must to pass the certification exam, it will definitely help you in the long run.</p>

<p>Some of the best practices you can follow as a beginner are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>4 spaces per indentation level</li>
	<li>Commenting on your code</li>
	<li>Using descriptive variable names, etc.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<p><strong>Set clear goals</strong></p>

<p>Setting clear goals with fixed deadlines will help you with the following:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Be accountable to yourself</li>
	<li>Track your progress</li>
	<li>Stay motivated throughout the learning process</li>
</ul>

<p>For example, you can try learning data types and control flows in two weeks, and start learning functions the next week.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>If you follow the steps and tips given above, your preparations for Python certification should be fairly straightforward.</p>

<p>The important thing is not to give up. Take a break, seek some help, and try to approach a difficult concept from a different perspective.</p>

<p>If you are just starting out, use our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics</a> course and build a solid foundation in Python programming.</p>

How to Prepare for Python Certification Thumbnail

<p>Aside from being dedicated and disciplined, effectively preparing for a Python certification involves knowing three things:</p>
<ul>
<li>Where to start</li>
<li>What to focus on</li>
<li>How not to get overwhelmed</li>
</ul>

How to Prepare for Python Certification? Follow these 4 Simple Steps

<p>The best way to learn Python as a non-programmer is to learn how to use Python to ease and simplify your day-to-day tasks. This begins by understanding the basics and then learning how to do specific tasks.</p>

<p>Here, we will go into specific non-programming fields and recommend courses based on how Python can help with your day-to-day tasks.</p>

<div class="recommend">
<div class="recommend__image"><img src="assets/images/programiz-logo.svg" alt="" /></div><div class="recommend__content-wrapper"><h3>Programiz Recommends</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, you should learn the basics of Python before you learn any specific applications. It will help you avoid many pitfalls that beginners fall into when starting with something unfamiliar.</p>

<p>If you want a good course to understand Python basics, start our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics course</a>.</p>

</div></div><hr />
<h2>For Business Analysts</h2>

<p>As a business analyst, your day-to-day mostly consists of:</p>

<ul>
	<li>gathering and analyzing data</li>
	<li>conducting market research</li>
	<li>generating business reports</li>
	<li>understanding business needs and objectives</li>
</ul>

<p>So, basically, staring at numbers all day.</p>

<p>In these, you are spending a lot of time and energy sifting through numbers manually. Here is where Python comes in handy.</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Task</th>
<th>How Python Can Help</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gathering and analyzing data</td>
<td>Provides libraries like Pandas and NumPy for efficient data manipulation and analysis, enabling quick extraction of insights from large datasets.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Conducting market research</td>
<td>Automates data gathering from online sources and facilitates analysis for identifying trends and patterns with libraries like BeautifulSoup.    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Generating business reports</td>
<td>Automates report generation by processing and visualizing data, and allows for interactive report creation with Jupyter Notebooks.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>After you are comfortable with Python basics, you should go with the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/ibm-data-analyst" target="_blank"><strong>IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate</strong></a> on Coursera.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/IBM-data-analyst-professional-certificate-coursera.png" title="IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera" alt="IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>It will teach you how to work with data quickly with Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy.</p>

<hr />
<h2>For Digital Marketers</h2>

<p>Digital marketers deal with repetitive tasks like performance numbers analysis and campaign setups often — sometimes too often to focus on important creative tasks like marketing messages and product positioning.</p>

<p>Python can help reduce this monotony and free up time for more important stuff.</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Task</th>
<th>How Python Can Help</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marketing automation</td>
<td>Facilitates automation of marketing workflows through Pandas, allowing marketers to streamline repetitive tasks such as email campaigns, lead generation, and content distribution.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Campaign performance analysis</td>
<td>Automates the analysis of campaign data through Matplotlib and NumPy, providing insights into performance metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and ROI.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data analysis and visualization</td>
<td>Offers tools for processing and visualizing data, enabling marketers to analyze trends and patterns and communicate insights effectively.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SEO analysis</td>
<td>Automates the analysis of website data for SEO purposes, helping identify areas for improvement and optimizing search engine rankings through BeautifulSoup.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gathering information from the web</td>
<td>Automates web scraping tasks to collect data from various online sources, including competitor websites, industry news sites, and social media platforms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Social media sentiment analysis</td>
<td>Analyze social media data with NLTK and TextBlob to gauge audience sentiment, identify trends, and monitor brand perception, enabling you to adapt strategies accordingly.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>As a beginner, we think you should start with small automation-related things, like emails.</p>

<p>For that, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.udemy.com/course/automate/?couponCode=2021PM25" target="_blank"><strong>Automate The Boring Stuff with Python Programming</strong></a> course on Udemy should be a great resource, particularly the 'Email' section of the course.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/automate-the-boring-stuff-with-python-udemy.png" title="Automate The Boring Stuff With Python course on Udemy" alt="Automate The Boring Stuff With Python course on Udemy" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Or you can read <strong>Automate The Boring Stuff with Python</strong> for free. The course is inspired by the book, and you can directly <a rel="nofollow" href="https://automatetheboringstuff.com/2e/chapter18/" target="_blank">jump to the email-related chapter</a>.</p>

<p>Of course, know the basics first. If you do not know it yet, start learning <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>For Financial Planners</h2>

<p>As a financial planner, your job consists mainly of three things: financial calculations, investment portfolio analysis, and risk assessment. The things you value the most are time and accuracy of your calculations and predictions.</p>

<p>Learning Python helps you with all of them and more.</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Task</th>
<th>How Python Can Help</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Financial calculations</td>
<td>Automates complex financial calculations, including cash flow analysis, present value calculations, and loan amortization schedules, saving time and reducing errors.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Investment portfolio analysis</td>
<td>Provides tools like Pandas for analyzing investment portfolios, including performance metrics, asset allocation, and risk-adjusted returns, enabling planners to make informed investment decisions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Risk assessment</td>
<td>Facilitates risk assessment by analyzing historical data, simulating potential scenarios, and calculating risk metrics such as value at risk (VaR) and conditional value at risk (CVaR).</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>Learn all these skills through the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/learn/python-statistics-financial-analysis" target="_blank"><strong>Python and Statistics for Financial Analysis course</strong></a> from Coursera to improve your worth as a financial planner and analyst.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-for-statistics-and-financial-analysis-coursera.png" title="Python for statistics and Financial Analysis course on Coursera" alt="Python for statistics and Financial Analysis course on Coursera" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>It will teach you Python and its useful libraries by using examples that financial analysts and planners will be familiar with.</p>

<hr />
<h2>For Accountants and HR Professionals</h2>

<p>Accountants and HR professionals deal with plenty of important things daily, like</p>

<p>going through and analyzing financial statements, budgeting, asset maintenance, policy and compliance management, etc.</p>

<p>Many of these end up being manual tasks that consume hours, if not days. Here is how Python can help you with them:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Task</th>
<th>How Python Can Help</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data analysis</td>
<td>Provides tools for analyzing large datasets, identifying patterns, and extracting insights to inform decision-making.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Report generation</td>
<td>Automates report generation by processing and visualizing data, and allows for customized report templates and formatting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Process optimization</td>
<td>Facilitates process automation and streamlining, allowing the elimination of manual tasks, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Compliance management</td>
<td>Automates compliance checks, generates reports, and monitors adherence to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>You should, however, start with something really simple, like automating your Excel sheets. For that, we recommend the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.udemy.com/course/accountingpy/?couponCode=LETSLEARNNOW" target="_blank"><strong>Python for Accountants</strong></a> course on Udemy.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-for-accountants-udemy.png" title="Python for Accountants course on Udemy" alt="Python for Accountants course on Udemy" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>As an additional resource, use this <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxEus0qxF0wciRWRHIRck51EJRiQyiwZT" target="_blank"><strong>Pythonic Accountant YouTube playlist</strong></a>. It has videos about dealing with trial balances and extracting account data.</p>

<hr />
<h2>For Educators and Trainers</h2>

<p>Python can be very helpful to someone working in the education sector, especially because it can automate many of the more repetitive tasks. These could be anything from grading students and creating mark sheets to sending bulk emails and coming up with curriculum and test schedules.</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Task</th>
<th>How Python Can Help</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Student assessment and grading</td>
<td>Python can automate grading processes, analyze student performance data, and generate personalized feedback reports, saving time and providing valuable insights.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lesson planning and curriculum development</td>
<td>Python can assist educators in organizing and managing lesson plans, creating interactive learning materials, and developing curriculum resources.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Classroom management</td>
<td>Python can help educators manage classroom resources, schedule activities, and communicate with students through automation tools and interactive platforms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Professional development and research</td>
<td>Python can support educators in conducting research, analyzing educational data, and exploring new teaching methodologies through data analysis and visualization.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>Grading students and analyzing their records is one of the more tedious tasks that you might have to do. So, you should learn how to do that using Python first.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-numpy-for-data-science-course.png" title="Python NumPy for Data Science course on Programiz PRO" alt="Python NumPy for Data Science course on Programiz PRO" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/python-numpy-for-data-science" target="_blank"><strong>Python NumPy course</strong></a> teaches you all you need to learn about it, plus a final project that teaches you exactly that: analyzing student records.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>As a non-programmer, you should learn Python for a task that lets you apply your Python knowledge daily. This will not only keep the learning process interesting but also make your effort worthwhile.</p>

<p>However, jumping in blind is bad. If you are learning Python to simplify your tasks, start with the very basics, become proficient, and only then learn particular, specialized applications.</p>

<p>If you are just starting out with Python, we recommend you build a solid programming foundation first with our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics</a> course before you learn the advanced stuff.</p>

Best Python Course for Non Programmers

<p dir="ltr">Find course recommendations for specific non-programming fields and their day-to-day tasks that Python can help with.</p>

Best Python Courses for Non-programmers: Learn to Use Python in Your Workflow

<p>Computer science degrees are becoming more niche with each passing day, while online coding certifications are becoming the norm.</p>

<p>They do the same thing: teach programming. But they take different approaches to doing so.</p>

<p>In this blog, you will get an idea if one of these is for you. We will also discuss how it is not always necessary to choose one.</p>

<hr />
<h2>College Degree</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Traditional method of getting higher education</li>
	<li>Often has a comprehensive syllabus that does not focus on only one subject or concept</li>
	<li>Provides formal academic accreditation</li>
	<li>Typically lasts two to four years, depending on whether it is an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree</li>
	<li><a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-learn-python/" target="_blank">Can cost over $55,000 per year</a></li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Online Certifications</h2>

<ul>
	<li>A more modern approach to learning tech</li>
	<li>The syllabus is narrower – mostly focused on a particular field or specialized skill set</li>
	<li>Usually does not have formal academic accreditation</li>
	<li>Can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the skills being taught and the curriculum</li>
	<li>Costs lower than college degrees – can start as low as $100</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>How to Decide between College Degrees and Online Certifications?</h2>

<p>Choosing between a college degree and an online certification will come down to what you want to do and how much you can pay for it. The more important among them should be what you aim to do with the degree/certification.</p>

<p>However, it is not always an either/or choice. You can study for a four-year college degree and still benefit greatly from online certification courses.</p>

<p>For example, suppose you are enrolled in a Computer Science degree program and are enjoying the college experience.</p>

<p>But nine months in, you realize that cybersecurity is your area of interest, something you have yet to study in college.</p>

<p>Here, you can find a good cybersecurity certification course that lets you get a head start in your journey. Using certifications as a supplement to your college classes is a great way to stay ahead of the pack.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Who are College Degrees For?</h2>

<p>With the recent growth in the remote education and self-study sectors, college degrees are suitable only for a small group of people, all of whom should ideally be able to pay for it. We recommend college degrees only for:</p>

<h3>Getting into higher education and academic research</h3>

<p>If you enjoy researching and spending hours on end working on problems no one else has thought of solving, a university setting is the perfect environment for you.</p>

<p>Academic degrees are usually research-heavy, and that holds true even when you move up the levels. You will get to dive deeper into the concepts you find interesting in your Master's and Ph.D. levels than in your Bachelor's.</p>

<p>However, university degrees also mean you have to sit through long lectures and even longer hours of self-study. But, if you are okay with these, you should pursue a college degree.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Those who love the college environment</h3>

<p>If you are a fresh high school graduate and you loved your high school experience — hanging out with friends, studying together, building connections, collaborating on projects, etc. — you might enjoy going to a college regularly.</p>

<p>A normal four-year Bachelor's degree provides plenty of time to build up your personality, important connections, and a wealth of relevant experience. If you consider all these important, you will emerge as a well-rounded individual ready to tackle your professional life.</p>

<p>Still, you should consider if thousands of dollars per year is a suitable price.</p>

<hr />
<p class="note-tip">Regardless of which group you belong to, you should get a taste of your study environment. For this, we suggest you check out the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LPJfIKxwWc&list=PLhQjrBD2T381WAHyx1pq-sBfykqMBI7V4" target="_blank">MIT CS50 lectures</a>. These will give you a feel of how the lectures will be and whether that style of learning is what you prefer.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Who are Online Certifications For?</h2>

<p>Online certifications are growing because they provide a low entry point for everyone interested in tech, whether they have the financial resources and the academic background for it or not.</p>

<p>As such, they are more versatile, more readily accessible, and easier to recommend for more groups of people than college degrees are.</p>

<p>Here is a list of the kinds of people for whom we think online certifications are a better option:</p>

<p>We recommend online certifications for:</p>

<h3>Quickly landing a tech job</h3>

<p>If you know that you want to pursue a career in tech but do not want to wait too long to be job-ready, online certifications (and coding bootcamps) are the way to go.</p>

<p>There are two things to pay attention to:</p>

<ul>
	<li>You should know what you want to do in your career</li>
	<li>You should know how to keep yourself motivated</li>
</ul>

<p>If you know both these things, the next step is simple: find a good online course about the technology you are interested in and start studying.</p>

<p>Or, if you do not know what to pursue yet, we suggest you <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">start with Python</a>. It's the best entry point for everything programming.</p>

<p>When choosing an online certification program or course, check these things:</p>

<ul>
	<li>If the course teaches you the things you want to learn</li>
	<li>If the course lets you practice as you learn – does it have a hands-on experience?</li>
	<li>If the course encourages you to build projects – projects are a must for a self-taught programmer</li>
	<li>If the course is well-reviewed and well-liked among the programming community</li>
</ul>

<p>The certification, coupled with your portfolio of projects, should quickly prepare you for a job in your desired field.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Switching to a career in tech</h3>

<p>If you are already a professional working in a non-tech field and wish to switch to a tech career, online certifications are your best bet.</p>

<p>These certifications offer you exactly what you need:</p>

<ul>
	<li>a job-focused approach to learning</li>
	<li>flexible, hands-on learning environment</li>
	<li>beginner-friendly breakdown of the basics</li>
	<li>a chance to make mistakes with fewer consequences</li>
</ul>

<p>They also require a shorter time commitment and teach you skills that you can put into use immediately. Further, certification programs like bootcamps might even help you search for jobs.</p>

<p>So, if you are looking to switch careers and need a great entry point, you should start with Python through our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>. It teaches you Python, the most beginner-friendly, in-demand programming language, in an interactive way covering only the most important concepts.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Learning a new skill</h3>

<p>If you are already in tech but want to upskill or reskill on a certain technology, online certifications are the best way to do it.</p>

<p>When we compare their curricula, these certifications are usually narrower than college degrees. Thus, they can keep their curriculums updated with the latest changes in a particular technology.</p>

<p>This means you will get more value out of taking an online degree for your upskilling needs than with a college degree. There are higher chances of having to deal with an outdated curriculum with college courses.</p>

<p>Also, online certifications are way cheaper than degrees.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing between college degrees and online certifications. Each has its own merits and drawbacks – the right choice ultimately depends on what you are looking to get out of your learning resources and what your eventual goal is.</p>

<p>College is still a great way to learn new technology, but only if you can pay for it.</p>

<p>However, if you are on the fence about it, try a certification course like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Python Basics course</a> and see if the tech landscape is for you.</p>

College Degrees Vs Online Certifications Thumbnail

<p>College degrees and online certifications are two great ways to learn programming and get into tech. But, do you <em>have</em> to choose one between the two?</p>

College Degrees vs. Online Certifications: Which One Should You Pick?

<p>But it can be difficult to pick one if you do not know what to look for and what is important.</p>

<p>This blog will help you choose among the many Coursera alternatives for Python certification, considering the most important aspects when choosing a certification course: learning preferences and hands-on experience.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">Something to note:

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">How we came up with this list

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><p>We had to make a few considerations so as not to make this a generic list. They are:</p>

<p><strong>Focus on learning approach</strong></p>

<p>Since learning approach is the most important when learning programming, we listed out platforms focusing on how they teach programming instead of focusing on how similar/different they are to Coursera.</p>

<p><strong>Removal of similar platforms</strong></p>

<p>We excluded platforms with similar offerings because they only make decision-making more complex. We want you to spend less time choosing between platforms and more time actually learning.</p>

<p><strong>Reader's search intent</strong></p>

<p>Not everyone who looks for alternatives to Coursera will be looking for a similar platform. They could also be searching for alternative approaches to learning or simply exploring new methods and platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Industry acceptance and reputation</strong></p>

<p>We have considered the chosen platforms' industry acceptance and reputation. This allows you to make decisions based solely on your preferences without worrying about the platform's quality.</p>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Programiz PRO</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> building a great Python programming foundation and getting certified — interactively</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/programiz-pro-landing-page.png" title="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" alt="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>The whole point of having a Python certification is to say that you know what you are talking about and have put in the reps. This is exactly what Programiz PRO's <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a> focuses on.</p>

<p>With Programiz PRO, you unlock a Python certification after completing a curated Python learning path. It includes <strong>six courses with quizzes, coding challenges, and projects</strong> that you <em>have</em> to build to get the certification.</p>

<p>There's <strong>no skipping</strong> any of it — we force you to write code to help you grasp the fundamentals as well as possible.</p>

<p>Among the six courses are a detailed course about Data Structures and Algorithms and an interview preparation course, all of which add to your certification's value.</p>

<h3>Standout Features</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interactive learning environment with quizzes, challenges, and projects</li>
	<li>Real-time AI assistance</li>
	<li>Professional Certification at the end of the learning path</li>
</ul>

<h3>Pricing:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>$30/month (with 14-day money-back guarantee)</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>The Python Institute</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> getting a standardized Python certification</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Python-institute-entry-level-certification.png" title="Python Institute's Entry Level Python Certification" alt="Python Institute's Entry Level Python Certification" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>OpenEDG Python Institute is known for its fairly standardized Python programming certifications.</p>

<p>Their certifications are arranged in a roadmap of sorts <strong></strong>— they include a general-purpose Python programming certification and other particular ones for fields like data science, security, web development, and network programming.<br />
Among these Python certifications, <strong>PCEP and PCAP are the most popular</strong>. If you are a beginner, <strong>we recommend you start with the</strong> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pythoninstitute.org/pcep" target="_blank"><strong>PCEP - Certified Entry-Level Python Programming certification</strong></a> and work your way up.</p>

<p>Since these are simply certification tests and not courses, these are not suitable for people who want to learn Python first. Also, the test pricing is quite steep.</p>

<h3>Standout Features</h3>

<ul>
	<li>free courses for each certification with quizzes and coding exercises</li>
	<li>Has built an independent standard in Python Programming certification</li>
</ul>

<h3>Pricing</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Certification exams cost from $59 to $295</li>
	<li>Practice test costs $49</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Harvard OpenCourseWare</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> those looking for a reputed, free Python certification</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/harvard-cs50p-ocw.png" title="Harvard's CS50 with Python course" alt="Harvard's CS50 with Python course" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python, taught by Professor David J. Malan, is one of the best Python courses offered by Harvard OpenCourseWare. It provides a solid foundation in Python programming and other computer science concepts like data structures and algorithms.</p>

<p>You have two certification choices, <strong>depending on whether you want to spend money</strong>.</p>

<p>If you score at least 70% marks on each of the course's problems and its final project, you get a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/python/2022/#how-to-take-this-course" target="_blank">free completion certificate</a> from CS50, signed by Malan himself.</p>

<p>However, if you want a verified or professional certificate, you have the option to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/python/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-programming-with-python" target="_blank">enroll in the course through edX</a>. It is a platform like Coursera but with slightly different payment options.</p>

<p>But remember, this course might not be great for those who do not like college lectures or prefer an interactive learning environment.</p>

<h3>Standout Features:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Courses are as they are taught at Harvard University</li>
	<li>Taught by renowned professors</li>
</ul>

<h3>Pricing:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Free through Harvard OCW</li>
	<li>Free audit or paid options available through edX</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>DataCamp</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> getting a data science-specific certification</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/datacamp-data-analyst-associate-certificate.png" title="DataCamp's Data Analyst Associate certification" alt="DataCamp's Data Analyst Associate certification" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>If you want a Python certification that is specific to data science, DataCamp is a great alternative to Coursera for this purpose.</p>

<p>DataCamp is one of the leaders in courses about data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. It also provides an <strong>interactive learning environment</strong> and a fairly well-recognized certification.</p>

<p>If you are a beginner looking to get into data science, you should start with the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://app.datacamp.com/certification/get-started/associate-data-analyst/overview" target="_blank">Data Analyst Associate certification</a>. It prepares you for your first data-related job and sets a path for upward mobility in your career.</p>

<p>However, since DataCamp's certifications are specifically about careers in data science, they are <strong>not for those who are searching for a general Python certification</strong>. Other options on this list will be a better fit for non-specific learners.</p>

<h3>Standout Features:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hands-on, interactive learning</li>
	<li>Fairly recognized data science-related certifications</li>
	<li>Timed Exams and Practical Exams to unlock certifications</li>
</ul>

<h3>Pricing:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>$29/month</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>Coursera, despite being an industry go-to for Python certifications and courses, has a lot of good competition when we look a bit deeper. There are many other platforms that give you the same, if not better, quality learning materials and certifications, and cater to different learning approaches and styles.</p>

<p>When deciding, consider these questions:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Do you want a general or a field-specific certification?</li>
	<li>What learning style do you prefer?</li>
	<li>What do you want from your learning resource?</li>
	<li>What are Coursera's options not providing you?</li>
</ol>

<p>If you can answer these questions, picking among the options should be simple.</p>

Coursera Alternatives for Python Certification Thumbnail

<p>Coursera is not the only platform for quality Python certification courses. Plenty of others provide the same, if not better, quality resources but with different teaching methods and price points.</p>

4 Best Coursera Alternatives for Python Certification

<p>So, the question is, are any of these for you? Will they meet your needs?</p>

<p>Here is a complete guide on what kind of learner should choose coding courses and who should opt for coding bootcamps.</p>

<hr />
<h2>When Should You Choose Coding Courses?</h2>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Summary:</p>

<p>Coding courses are affordable, flexible resources that let you take your time when learning how to code. They are best for</p>

<ul>
	<li>career switchers,</li>
	<li>those looking to upskill in their roles, and</li>
	<li>those searching for supplementary resources for their college classes.</li>
</ul>

</div>
<p>Coding courses are basically a curated set of coding resources designed to teach people about a particular technology.</p>

<p>They are structured, guided learning resources for people who know little to nothing about a particular topic but who want to learn more about it.</p>

<p>Online courses, like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>, are designed to give the learners as much hands-on experience as possible. They contain quizzes, coding challenges, and other helpful features, making the learning process as well-rounded as possible through an online medium.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Master-Python-learning-path.png" title="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" alt="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<div class="note-tip">
<p>Note: Even though coding courses can be both physical and online, in this blog, when we say coding courses, we are talking about online or remote coding courses.</p>

</div>
<p>Coding courses are best if you are looking for::</p>

<h3>Supplementary resources for college</h3>

<p>Online coding courses are your best bet if you want supplementary resources for college. They can fill in for slow-moving classes, help you revise for exams, and even let you explore your interests outside of the college syllabus.</p>

<p>Further, coding courses are also a great way to get a head start in your computer science degree if you are preparing for one.</p>

<h3>Resources to learn coding at your own pace</h3>

<p>Not everyone is in a rush to master a technology. If you are looking to learn coding only when you find some free time, coding courses are for you.</p>

<p>With online courses, like our Master Python learning path, you could theoretically take as long as you want to complete the learning path. Some courses might have deadlines for project submissions, but nothing too stringent, like coding bootcamps.</p>

<h3>Upskilling for a newer role but in no rush</h3>

<p>Working at a lower level and learning programming to push for a promotion? You need time, structure, and hands-on experience.</p>

<p>Coding courses usually give you all three without costing an arm and a leg.</p>

<p>They let you practice in off-hours, offer a hands-on feel through coding challenges and projects, and often have well-structured materials, so you actually focus on learning rather than figuring out what comes next.</p>

<h3>Getting into tech but cannot afford to spend too much</h3>

<p>While university degrees can cost upwards of $50,000 and bootcamps can go up to $20,000, coding courses let you learn the same things for just around $100 to $200.</p>

<p>This makes coding courses a really easy, affordable entry point into tech, especially if you are a working professional or a student just out of high school.</p>

<p>Other than these, coding courses are also a great fit for hobby learners, people simply exploring the tech landscape, or people looking for accreditations/certifications.</p>

<h2>When Should You Avoid Coding Courses?</h2>

<p>Avoid coding courses if:</p>

<ul>
	<li>You prefer an in-person learning environment and networking opportunities, like college classes or coding bootcamps</li>
	<li>You prefer having an external motivator when learning, like a dedicated instructor, or strict deadlines for projects</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>When Should You Choose Coding Bootcamps?</h2>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Summary:</p>

<p>Coding bootcamps are intense, specialized programs that teach people coding with the aim of making them job-ready. They are best for people who</p>

<ul>
	<li>are in a rush to land a job in tech, and</li>
	<li>benefit from in-person learning and networking opportunities.</li>
</ul>

</div>
<hr />
<p>Coding bootcamps are specialized learning programs that aim to get people job-ready in a particular tech field. As such, they are designed to be intense, time-bound, and have a extensive curriculum.</p>

<p>Since everything about a coding bootcamp is geared towards job readiness, you can often find bootcamps assisting learners in finding a job.</p>

<p>Bootcamps differ in one other aspect: the breadth of the curriculum.</p>

<p>Since job-ready implies you need to know everything a job role requires, coding bootcamps' curriculum covers a lot of subjects. This means you will rarely come across a bootcamp that only teaches a particular technology, like Python or Java.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/MITxPro-coding-bootcamp-full-stack.png" title="MITxPRO Coding Bootcamp for Full Stack Development" alt="MITxPRO Coding Bootcamp for Full Stack Development" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p class="note-tip">Note: Coding bootcamps can be both physical and online. While physical bootcamps, where you learn and collaborate in person, are more popular, there are online bootcamps that offer you most of the same perks as physical ones.</p>

<p>Coding bootcamps are your best bet when:</p>

<h3>Switching to a tech career quickly</h3>

<p>If you are a working professional looking to switch to a career in coding but do not have the luxury of time, bootcamps are tailor-made for you.</p>

<p>Coding bootcamps intend to take you from being a novice to being job-ready in a really short time, i.e., usually three to six months. This period consists of intense learning and collaborating in an environment similar to a real-world workplace.</p>

<h3>Building an IT career without a college education</h3>

<p>College is not for everyone. It is expensive, lasts two to four years, and is often slow.</p>

<p>If you are keen on entering the workforce as a capable programmer but do not want to spend four years in a CS degree, coding bootcamps are for you.</p>

<p>They cover enough skills and concepts for you to be job-ready but not as extensive and windy as college classes might be — a sweet spot between coding courses and university degrees.</p>

<h3>You need fast-paced learning and networking opportunities</h3>

<p>Bootcamps are intense. Since they aim to teach you everything needed for a particular job in three to six months, the teaching pace is quite fast.</p>

<p>Learning, applying what you have learned in real-life situations, and collaborating with your peers happen simultaneously. This means you build problem-solving skills, coding prowess, and connections with like-minded people and industry experts quickly.</p>

<hr />
<h2>When Should You Avoid Coding Bootcamps?</h2>

<p>Avoid coding courses if:</p>

<ul>
	<li>You prefer learning at your own pace and do not want to be forced to follow the instructor's speed.</li>
	<li>Landing a job is not a priority.</li>
	<li>You do not have a lot of money to spend learning new skills — coding bootcamps cost <a href="https://programiz.pro/resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-learn-python/" target="_blank">anywhere between $1,000 and $20,000</a>.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>Coding courses and coding bootcamps serve different purposes for different kinds of learners. But, as a beginner, we always recommend you start exploring your coding niche with online courses.</p>

<p>Why?</p>

<p>Because coding courses:</p>

<ul>
	<li>are more affordable</li>
	<li>give you enough time to venture deeper into your interests, and</li>
	<li>let you figure out if coding is for you before you commit to something more expensive, like bootcamps</li>
</ul>

<p>For someone just starting out, you should learn Python with a coding course that gives you as much hands-on experience as possible, like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python">Master Python learning path</a>.</p>

<p>After all, that is what really matters and what bootcamps offer, too.</p>

Coding Courses Vs Coding Bootcamps

<p>Coding courses are flexible, affordable, and self-paced. Coding bootcamps are intense and expensive, but they also help you land jobs quicker and teach you more in a short time.</p>

Coding Courses vs. Coding Bootcamps: Which is Better for Learning to Code?

<p>Based on these, this blog will help you pick the best Python course, tailored to your specific learning needs and approaches.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Learn Python Basics</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for:</strong> building a solid Python programming foundation with hands-on learning</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/programiz-pro-landing-page-course.png" title="Learn Python Basics course" alt="Learn Python Basics course" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>The two most important things a Python beginner needs are a good, structured syllabus and plenty of hands-on coding practice. Our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics</a> course gives you exactly those things.</p>

<p>One, the course includes only the most important concepts for a beginner, broken down into easy-to-follow lessons. Two, the course forces you to solve Python quizzes and coding challenges — no skipping allowed.</p>

<p>This makes ours one of the more comprehensive courses in this list, ensuring your programming fundamentals are as good as they can be. There is very little hand-holding so you do not end up with a false sense of accomplishment.</p>

<p>Plus, there are learner aids like a real-time AI mentor (sensAI) and a final project to help you put all your learnings into practice. Once you complete the course, you get a completion certificate, and an entire <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">learning path</a> of more advanced courses and challenges.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Duration: 3 weeks</li>
	<li>Type: Interactive</li>
	<li>Coding Exercises: 40+</li>
	<li>Quizzes: 45+</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>$30/month (with 14-day money-back guarantee):</li>
	<li>Unlimited access to all courses and project saves in Playground</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Getting Started with Python</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: those looking for a credit-eligible Python course for college</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-for-everybody-course.png" title="Getting Started with Python course on Coursera" alt="Getting Started with Python course on Coursera" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>If you are a college student looking for a credit-eligible Python course, or preparing for college and would benefit from something that might get you extra credits, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/learn/python?specialization=python" target="_blank">Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)</a> is a great option.</p>

<p>This course, designed by the University of Michigan, is a popular, well-received course. It introduces you to the basics of Python, from teaching you how to install Python to working with functions and loops.</p>

<p>In the end, you will have enough knowledge of the basics to start building small projects and think about further specializations.<br />
Plus, since it is a university-designed course, it could also be credit-eligible, depending on your college policies.</p>

<p>With that said, this course is not for everybody.</p>

<p>Coursera can be a bit too expensive for a beginner to justify the cost, especially if you are not after courses from reputed institutions. It is not for someone looking for an affordable way to learn Python.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Duration: 19 hours</li>
	<li>Type: Video</li>
	<li>Quizzes: 5</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>$49/month</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Python Programming - MOOC</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: those looking for free university-style Python lectures</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-mooc-course.png" title="Python Programming MOOC by the University of Helsinki" alt="Python Programming MOOC by the University of Helsinki" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://programming-24.mooc.fi/" target="_blank">Python Programming - MOOC</a> is a Python course designed by the University of Helsinki. Therefore, it is university-grade Python learning material but completely free.</p>

<p>It is a comprehensive set of resources, too. There are video lectures, slides, and even quizzes and coding exercises — enough in number to help you put those reps in if you are motivated enough.</p>

<p>Plus, you can unlock a certification if you wish to.</p>

<p>However, despite being one of the most recommended Python resources for beginners, it is not for all kinds of learners.</p>

<p>SInce it is video-heavy course and does not force you to write much code, it is a bad choice for someone who prefers a more hands-on learning environment.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Duration: 10 credit hours</li>
	<li>Type: Text + Video</li>
	<li>Quizzes</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Free</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: those looking for a course with a bootcamp-like learning experience</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/zero-to-hero-python-bootcamp-udemy.png" title="The Complete Python Bootcamp Course on Udemy" alt="The Complete Python Bootcamp Course on Udemy" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-python-bootcamp/" target="_blank">The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python</a> attempts to do exactly what the name suggests — take you from a novice in Python to being able to build projects for yourself, bootcamp style.</p>

<p>This course includes quizzes, tests, coding exercises, and assignments, all of which are quite helpful for a beginner. It also has three projects you can use in your portfolio, which is great if you are aiming for a career in tech.</p>

<p>Jose Portilla is a well-reviewed instructor and this course often gets praised, which should give you some peace of mind about its quality.</p>

<p>It is a video course for the most part, and since it is a "bootcamp," expect things to move fairly quickly. You can always rewind the videos, but if you prefer something with a slower teaching pace, interactive courses or lectures might be better for you.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Duration: 22 hours on-demand video</li>
	<li>Coding Exercises: 19</li>
	<li>Type: Video</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>$74.99, but Udemy often has sales on its courses. Always wait for those if you are considering a purchase.</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Corey Schafer's YouTube Python Course</h2>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Best for</strong>: beginners looking for a great free video tutorial for Python</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/corey-schafer-python-tutorials.png" title="Corey Schafer's Python Tutorials on YouTube" alt="Corey Schafer's Python Tutorials on YouTube" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Looking for a great Python course <em>(that is also video-based, free, and on YouTube)</em>? We cannot recommend <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-osiE80TeTskrapNbzXhwoFUiLCjGgY7" target="_blank">Corey Schafer's Python Tutorials</a> enough.</p>

<p>Schafer's Python tutorials are well-explained, comprehensive, and accessible. And it is not just us saying that — you can often find reviews that compare his tutorials to Netflix and credit him with making people fall in love with programming.</p>

<p>But as with all video-only courses, you always run the risk of getting trapped in tutorial hell. You watch the videos and feel like you are learning a lot, but in reality, you do not learn much unless you actually write code yourself.</p>

<p>So, if you have the motivation to follow the instructions and practice on your own, this is a great resource. However, if you want your learning resource to force you to write code, look elsewhere.</p>

<div class="faq-section"><h2 class="section-title faq-section__title">  

</h2><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-12"><div class="faq-area"><div class="accordion"><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Details

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>26 tutorials</li>
	<li>Type: Video</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div><div class="accordion__nodes"><div class="accordion-header"><span class="accordion-header__title">Pricing

</span><svg class="programiz-icon accordion-header__icon"><use xlink:href="/sites/all/themes/programiz/assets/feather-sprite.svg#chevron-right"></use></svg></div><div class="accordion-body"><div class="editor-contents--accordion"><ul>
	<li>Free</li>
</ul>

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>If you seriously consider the two things we mentioned at the start of the blog, you should have an easy time picking a resource for yourself.</p>

<p>As a beginner, your resource should cater to your learning preferences and make you code as much as possible. If you are undecided about the medium of delivery, focus on interactivity and getting your hands dirty.</p>

Best Python Courses for Beginners

<p>When choosing the best Python course for you, there are two important things to consider.</p>
<ol>
<li>What learning medium do you prefer? (videos, text, etc.)</li>
<li>How often does the course make you actually write code?</li>
</ol>

5 Best Python Courses for Beginners [Free and Paid]

<p>So, which one is best for you? In this blog, we will discuss which of these two approaches is best for you, according to your needs.</p>

<p class="note-tip"><em>Note: Nowadays, you can find video courses that incorporate interactivity and interactive programming courses that can contain video lessons. However, in this blog, our recommendations are based on whether videos or interactive elements dominate your experience.</em></p>

<hr />
<h2>Videos vs. Interactive Courses: The Main Considerations</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Point of Consideration</th>
<th>Video Courses</th>
<th>Interactive Courses</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best For</td>
<td>Casual and hobby learners who learn through demonstrations and observation</td>
<td>Complete beginners who require structure, interactivity, and a push to keep learning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hands-on Experience<br /></td>
<td>Video courses often do not force you to write code as you learn. This means there is a lack of hands-on experience.</td>
<td>Interactive courses often force you to write code as soon as you learn a new concept.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Engagement Levels</td>
<td>Video courses are usually less engaging unless the instructor is really interesting and insightful. They are often a passive learning experience.</td>
<td>Interactive courses make you solve quizzes and coding challenges, which is a more active and engaging learning experience. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Availability of Free Resources</td>
<td>You can find plenty of free video resources to learn programming compared to interactive courses.</td>
<td>You will find few free interactive courses and even fewer good ones that provide a well-rounded learning experience.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<hr />
<h2>Who are Video Courses Best For?</h2>

<p>Considering all the above factors, here are the kinds of learners videos and video courses are best for:</p>

<h3>Audio-visual learners</h3>

<p>If you learn best when you see demonstrations, hear explanations, and are inspired by watching someone create cool things, video courses are best for you.</p>

<p>These can be anything from YouTube tutorials about a particular programming language to a YouTube speedrun of someone creating a website, or a programming course from platforms like Udemy or Pluralsight.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Those looking for a community experience</h3>

<p>If you want to learn programming through resources that make you feel like you are a part of something bigger and that has some personal touch, video courses are better at this.</p>

<p>Courses on platforms like YouTube and Udemy are often created by fellow programmers who feel like giving back to the community. These courses have a sense of rawness to them, a feeling of passion to teach and share knowledge, which can, in turn, fuel your passion to learn.</p>

<p>Plus, the comment sections, discussion forums, and conversations with the creators and fellow learners further enhance the feeling of personal touch and community.</p>

<p>Interactive courses usually cannot replicate these experiences, and if you consider them important, video courses are your best bet.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Casual and hobby learners</h3>

<p>Videos give you the flexibility to learn anywhere — all you need is a device.</p>

<p>This makes video courses on platforms like YouTube and Udemy perfect for casual learners and someone already working in the tech sector. You can learn on your own time — no daily time commitments and need to be at your desk to learn.</p>

<p>Plus, if you are a casual learner, you also want the freedom to explore new concepts and niches. Video courses enable this, too, as the aforementioned platforms contain courses about almost anything you can think of.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Those looking for affordable resources</h3>

<p>YouTube and other platforms like Udemy and freeCodeCamp have plenty of free video resources for learning to code, whether that be hours-long, comprehensive courses, or shorter videos explaining particular concepts or use cases.</p>

<p>Despite being free, some publishers, like <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@freecodecamp" target="_blank">freeCodeCamp</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@cs50" target="_blank">Harvard CS50</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@programmingwithmosh" target="_blank">Programming with Mosh</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BroCodez" target="_blank">Bro Code</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@coreyms" target="_blank">Corey Schafer</a>, etc., produce video materials that rival premium offerings from many platforms. So, you are not deprived of quality even if you do not plan on spending money.</p>

<p>But if free videos do not cut it for you, you can always explore Udemy, which often offers tech-related courses for under $20.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Who are Interactive Courses Best For?</h2>

<p>Here are the kinds of learners interactive courses are best for:</p>

<h3>Complete beginners in programming</h3>

<p>If you are a total beginner committed to learning programming, interactive coding courses should be your go-to resource.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Master-Python-learning-path.png" title="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" alt="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Courses like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>, for example, make you code from day one, give you a clear roadmap to follow, and help you track your progress. They also let you learn at your own pace, something more difficult with videos.</p>

<p>Plus, there are guided projects and coding challenges, which develop your fluency and give you a feel for how coding works in real life.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Someone looking for a hands-on learning experience</h3>

<p>Maybe you tried a few video courses, and you quickly realized you wanted to write code yourself immediately after learning something new.</p>

<p>Interactive courses let you do exactly that.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/programiz-pro-python-challenge.png" title="Coding challenge inside the Learn Python Basics course" alt="Coding challenge inside the Learn Python Basics course" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>For example, in our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a>, we have integrated quizzes, coding challenges, and even end-of-course projects — all geared towards giving you a well-rounded, hands-on learning experience.</p>

<p>Because, after all, you cannot learn how to code without actually writing code yourself.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Someone who often finds themselves in tutorial hell</h3>

<p>Picture this.</p>

<p>You go to YouTube, find a course for learning Python, and start watching it.</p>

<p>45 minutes in, you feel great about yourself. You have not written any code yet, but you feel like you have learned so much.</p>

<p>Feeling inspired, you try writing a simple Python program.</p>

<p>But, as you attempt writing the program, it hits you — you do not know how to actually write code.</p>

<p>You think maybe the course was not that great. So, you find another video tutorial and watch that for an hour.</p>

<p>And the cycle repeats.</p>

<p>If this is you, you are in tutorial hell. And you need to get out.</p>

<p>How?</p>

<p>It's simple — forced interactivity.</p>

<p>Interactive courses force you to write code after every new concept, plus there are coding challenges to complete and projects to build.</p>

<p>Further, many courses, like our <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Python learning path</a>, require you to solve all the quizzes and challenges related to a chapter before you can move past it.</p>

<p>All this ensures you actually read, understand, and apply your learning — the best way to stay out of tutorial hell.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>Whether to choose video courses or interactive courses mostly depends on whether you learn better by watching videos and absorbing knowledge or actively writing code while learning new concepts. If you know this, there is only one more step: pick a resource and start learning.</p>

<p>If you are only just getting into programming and looking for something interactive, start by learning Python, the most in-demand programming language, now with our <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_blank">Learn Python Basics</a> course.</p>

Learning Programming  Video Vs. Interactive Courses

<p>Video and interactive courses are both great, effective ways of learning to code. But, if you are a programming beginner, one has a distinct benefit for you.</p>

Learning Programming: Videos vs Interactive Coding Courses

<p>In this blog, we will help you choose one between these three platforms, depending on which suits your learning needs best.</p>

<h2>At a Glance: Codecademy vs. Coursera vs. Programiz PRO</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Codecademy</th>
<th>Coursera</th>
<th>Programiz PRO</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best for</td>
<td>Those looking for directions to build their career in tech</td>
<td>Those looking to pursue higher education remotely</td>
<td>Those who want to build a strong programming foundation with hands-on experience</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pricing</td>
<td>$39.99/month</td>
<td>Single Learning Program: $49- $79/month<br /><br />Coursera Plus: $59/month</td>
<td>$30/month</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Unique offerings</td>
<td>Career-focused resources and skill paths for all major tech fields</td>
<td>Courses, specialization series, and remote degrees from top institutions and universities</td>
<td>Curated learning paths and a community coding challenge platform</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<h2>Codecademy</h2>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Summary:</p>

<p>Codecademy is a learning platform that aims to help people get into the tech field, not just programming. It is the best option for someone just exploring the tech landscape or looking for career-focused learning resources. </p>

</div>
<hr />
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.codecademy.com/" target="_blank">Codecademy</a> is one of the market leaders among online learning platforms, especially for technical skills.</p>

<p>The reason?</p>

<p>They aim to get people into tech, whether for a job or something more personal — not just teach them programming.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Codecademy-homepage.png" title="Codecademy's Homepage" alt="Codecademy's Homepage" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>For that, they have a vast catalog of courses, career paths, and skill tracks for different kinds of learners — skill paths for learning a new skill and career paths for building a career in tech.</p>

<p class="note-tip">Pricing: Codecademy Plus - $39.99/month</p>

<h3>Codecademy is best for:</h3>

<p><strong>Getting into tech</strong></p>

<p>Codecademy is an easy entry point for anyone looking to get into tech (not just programming), regardless of their background. This is possible through their huge course catalog for almost all major tech fields, easy-to-follow courses, and interactive elements.</p>

<p><strong>Finding career-focused resources</strong></p>

<p>Codecademy provides something called a 'Career Path' – a job-focused collection of resources for someone looking to land a tech job or upskill. This includes a roadmap of sorts, skill assessments, and a certification at the end.</p>

<p>For example, if you are interested in frontend development, Codecademy offers a career path for a frontend engineer with coding practice, projects, and portfolio development.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Codecademy-skill-and-career-paths.png" title="Skill and Career Paths on Codecademy" alt="Skill and Career Paths on Codecademy" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>Exploring your interests</strong></p>

<p>If you are still at an exploratory stage and want to get a taste of a few fields before diving deep into one, Codecademy's huge <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.codecademy.com/catalog" target="_blank">catalog</a> of 490+ courses is a great place to start. It also helps that they are tailored for beginners — not overwhelming but can end up being a bit too handhold-y.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Codecademy is not for:</h3>

<p><strong>Learning programming concepts in depth</strong></p>

<p>Courses in Codecademy are easy to follow. But, they are a bit superficial in terms of detail and depth. They teach you programming with a feel-good experience — you feel like you are learning programming really fast.</p>

<p>But you might end up with a false sense of achievement without learning in real life as the lessons do not cover the in-depth concepts and do not let you struggle too much.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Coursera</h2>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Summary:</p>

<p>Coursera is a remote learning platform that offers degrees and courses from reputed universities and institutions. This makes it the best platform for pursuing higher education remotely and for obtaining certifications from reputed institutions. However, the pricing can be steep.</p>

</div>
<hr />
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank">Coursera</a> stands out for its university-issued certifications, credit-eligible courses, and remote degrees, developed in partnership with leading universities like Stanford University and companies such as Google.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Coursera-homepage.png" title="Coursera's homepage" alt="Coursera's homepage" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>These courses are primarily video-based and contain peer-reviewed assignments to enable collaborative learning. Coursera's certifications, too, hold more credibility than certifications from other platforms.</p>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Pricing:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Single Learning Program: $49-$79/month depending on the course</li>
	<li>Coursera Plus subscription: $59/month</li>
</ul>

</div>
<h3>Coursera is the best option for:</h3>

<p><strong>Students who want to pursue university degrees remotely</strong></p>

<p>Coursera provides <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.coursera.org/degrees" target="_blank">online degree programs</a> from top universities, in various tech fields including computer science, data science, etc.</p>

<p>Such programs are self paced and completely remote, making them great for students opting for remote education.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Coursera-university-degrees.png" title="University degrees offered on Coursera" alt="University degrees offered on Coursera" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Further, many Coursera options can also be credit-eligible, helping you with college credits in the future.</p>

<p><strong>Learning through courses from leading companies</strong></p>

<p>If you are looking for courses from top companies like IBM, Google, etc., to supplement your studies, Coursera is best for you.</p>

<p>Coursera collaborates with these companies to bring courses on various tech and non-tech subjects for every kind of learner. This also makes their certifications more valuable than of other platforms.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Coursera is not for:</h3>

<p><strong>Those looking for affordable learning resources</strong></p>

<p>Compared to Codecademy and Programiz PRO, Coursera's pricing is a bit on the expensive side. You get access to an individual course or a specialization for $49 to $79/month and access to all courses with a Coursera Plus subscription for $59/month.</p>

<p>This might not be suitable for those taking their first steps into the world of tech and looking for economical options.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Programiz PRO</h2>

<div class="note-tip">
<p>Summary:</p>

<p>Programiz PRO is a great platform for building your programming foundations. It is best for those focusing on learning the fundamentals well or looking to particularly learn Python — at an affordable price.</p>

</div>
<hr />
<p>Programiz PRO is a platform designed with one aim in mind — to teach people programming effectively. We achieve this through highly interactive, expertly curated coding courses, a gamified challenge platform, and real-time coding assistance.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Programiz-PRO-homepage.png" title="Programiz PRO's homepage" alt="Programiz PRO's homepage" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Our platform is a great place to build a strong foundation in programming, especially using Python programming. That's because Python is the easiest, most beginner-friendly programming language and, thus, the best starting point for anyone looking to get into programming or tech in general.</p>

<p class="note-tip">Pricing: $30/month</p>

<h3>Programiz PRO is the best platform for:</h3>

<p><strong>Building a solid programming foundation</strong></p>

<p>To build a good foundational knowledge in programming, you need three things: clear, structured learning materials, plenty of practice, and a knowledge of how to build things from scratch. We facilitate all three, in one platform.</p>

<p>Our courses are not just another feel-good course that only scratch the surface — we let you struggle and compel you to try solving problems yourself before you take any help. Then come the challenge courses and the <a href="https://app.programiz.pro/community-challenges/home" target="_blank">community challenge platform</a>, where you further develop your coding proficiency and logical thinking.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/Programiz-PRO-Challenge-platform.png" title="Programiz PRO's coding challenge platform" alt="Programiz PRO's coding challenge platform" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>And finally, we have guided projects within the courses, which give you a know-how of how building projects from scratch work in the real world.</p>

<p><strong>Learning Python from scratch</strong></p>

<p>If you are looking to get into programming through Python, Programiz PRO's <a href="https://programiz.pro/learn/master-python" target="_blank">Master Python learning path</a> <strong></strong>should be your first choice.</p>

<p>Why?</p>

<p>It is all about the experience we create – a threefold experience of learning, practicing, and building, all on the same platform.</p>

<p>The learning path is designed to make your Python journey as complete as possible. It lets you interact with the platform, write code yourself, solve challenges, and build projects.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/programiz-pro-landing-page.png" title="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" alt="Programiz PRO's Master Python learning path" width="" height=""/>
</figure>
<p>Plus, there is a real-time AI assistant to help you out when you get stuck, and a separate challenge platform where you can further improve your coding skills.</p>

<p><strong>Those looking for affordable programming resources</strong></p>

<p>Programiz PRO is the more affordable platform for learning programming compared to Codecademy and Coursera. Despite a smaller course catalog, the learning experience we offer is more focused and well-rounded than the other two.</p>

<p>Plus, at just <a href="https://programiz.pro/pricing" target="_blank">$30/month</a>, you get unlimited access to our entire catalog and the challenge platform. Plus, you also get unlimited project saves on Playground – our online IDE, that lets you build, save, and share your projects.</p>

<h3>Programiz PRO is not for:</h3>

<p><strong>Field-specific courses</strong></p>

<p>If you are looking for resources to get you straight into specific tech domains, like software engineering or data science, Programiz PRO is of little help.</p>

<p>This is because we focus on helping people learn the fundamentals. Coursera or Codecademy are both better options for this purpose.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>

<p>Each of these platforms – Codecademy, Coursera, and Programiz PRO – caters to different learner needs and goals. So, if you are clear about what you want, making a choice should be fairly easy.</p>

<p>But, to summarize:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Go with Codecademy if you are looking to get into a tech career.</li>
	<li>Go with Coursera if you are looking for remote CS degrees from reputed universities.</li>
	<li>Go with Programiz PRO if you want to build a strong programming foundation or learn Python from scratch.</li>
</ul>

Codecademy Vs Coursera Vs Programiz Pro

<p>Codecademy, Coursera, and Programiz PRO are all excellent resources for learning to code. However, their value propositions and teaching methods vary greatly.</p>

Codecademy vs. Coursera vs. Programiz PRO: Which is Best for You?

<p>Arithmetic assignment operators are shorthand operators in Python that combine arithmetic operations and assignments in a single step.</p>

<p>Suppose you want to increase the value of a variable by <strong>1</strong>:</p>

<pre class="csharp-exec">
<code>i = 10
i = i + 1

print(i)    # Output: 11</code></pre>

<p>This code adds <strong>1</strong> to the value of <code>i</code> and assigns the updated value back to the <code>i</code> variable.</p>

<p>In such cases, you can use arithmetic assignment operators to make the operation clearer and more concise:</p>

<pre class="csharp-exec">
<code>i = 10

# Equivalent to: i = i + 1
i += 1

print(i)    # Output: 11</code></pre>

<p>Here, the <code>+=</code> operator adds <strong>1</strong> to the variable <code>i</code> and updates its value.</p>

<hr />
<h2>List of Arithmetic Assignment Operators</h2>

<p>Python supports arithmetic assignment operators for all standard arithmetic operators. Here's the summary:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Operator</th>
<th>Example</th>
<th>Equivalent To</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>+=</code></td>
<td><code>x += 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x + 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>-=</code></td>
<td><code>x -= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x - 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>*=</code></td>
<td><code>x *= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x * 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>//=</code></td>
<td><code>x //= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x // 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>/=</code></td>
<td><code>x /= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x / 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>%=</code></td>
<td><code>x %= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x % 5</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>**=</code></td>
<td><code>x **= 5</code></td>
<td><code>x = x ** 5</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>Let's see some of these operators in practice. </p>

<h3>Example: Subtraction with -= Operator</h3>

<pre class="csharp-exec">
<code>total = 100
discount = 20

total -= discount

print(total)    # Output: 80</code></pre>

<h3>Example: Division with /= Operator</h3>

<pre class="csharp-exec">
<code>number = 1000.0
divisor = 5

number /= divisor
number /= divisor

print(number)    # Output: 40.0</code></pre>

<p>Now, try using arithmetic assignment operators in your code to make your operations more concise and readable!</p>



Arithmetic Assignment Operators Summary

<p><span data-sheets-root="1">This article is a complementary resource to the<a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_self"> Learn Python Basics</a> course.</span></p>

Python Arithmetic Assignment Operators

<p>Python is a programming language used in machine learning (ML), data science, web applications, and software development.</p>

<p>Because Python is used in many industries, it is a great choice for building a strong foundation for a successful career in technology.</p>

<p>Python is also a good choice for beginners because it is easier to learn than many other programming languages.</p>

<p>Consider this code to add two numbers in Python and C++ programming.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basic-blog-how-python-works-python-vs-cpp.png" title="Comparison between Python and CPP code" alt="Comparison between Python and CPP code" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Comparison between Python and CPP code</figcaption></figure>
<p>As you can see, the Python code is easier to understand and read, while the C++ code is more complicated and needs extra steps.</p>

<hr />
<h2>How does Python work?</h2>

<p>Much like English or German are languages for communicating with people, think of programming as a language for communicating with computers. </p>

<p>In English, we use words and grammar in certain ways to convey meaning. Similarly, Python uses specific syntax and keywords to instruct  a computer on what actions to perform.</p>

<p>Once you understand the basic keywords and how to use them, you can write instructions that enable a computer to  solve different problems.</p>

<p>As you might have noticed, the code in Python and C++ is different. Python is simpler and more straightforward, while C++ requires more detailed instructions for the same task.</p>

<p><strong>So, why do Python and C++ require different code to perform the same task (like adding two numbers)?</strong></p>

<p>Computers do not directly understand the code you write.</p>

<p>When you write and run code, Python uses an interpreter to convert your code into machine code that the computer can understand.</p>

<p>In the case of C++, a compiler is used to convert the code into machine code that the computer understands.</p>

<p>These tools (the Python interpreter and the C++ compiler) are designed differently, so the syntax for writing code in these languages varies.</p>

<p>Although the syntax of programming languages is different, the basic concepts are the same. So once you learn one language, it becomes easier to learn another.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Python Interpreter</h2>

<p>As mentioned, the Python interpreter translates your Python code into instructions that your computer can understand.</p>

<p>The interpreter works line by line, meaning:</p>

<ol>
	<li>The Python interpreter reads the first line of code.</li>
	<li>It translates the code into machine-readable instructions that your computer can execute.</li>
	<li>The interpreter then runs the instructions.</li>
	<li>It moves on to the next line and repeats the process.</li>
</ol>

<p>Here's a visual representation of how the Python interpreter works:</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basic-blog-how-python-works-python-interpreter.png" title="Working of Python Interpreter" alt="Working of Python Interpreter" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Working of Python Interpreter</figcaption></figure>



Python Blog Fallback

<p dir="ltr">This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_self">Learn Python Basics</a> course.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Understanding Python: How It Works

<p>As you know, we use the <code>print()</code> function to display output on the screen. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>name = "John"
age = 10

print("Name:", name)
print("Age:", age)</code></pre>

<hr />
<h2>A few things to notice about print()</h2>

<p>The <code>print()</code> function in Python automatically adds a space between variables. Any extra spaces you include in the code are disregarded. For example:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print("Age:", age)

#Output: Age: 10</code></pre>

<p>You might think that the space between <code>"Age:"</code> and <code>age</code> is caused by the space after the comma. </p>

<p>However, that's not the case—the space is automatically added by <code>print()</code>, regardless of how many spaces you have after the comma. </p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10

print("Age:", age)
print("Age:" , age)
print("Age:"     ,     age)</code></pre>

<p>Here, all the print line provides same output: </p>

<pre>
<samp>Age: 10
Age: 10
Age: 10</samp></pre>

<p><strong>What if you don't want the space and want the output to be like this?</strong></p>

<pre>
<code>Age:10</code></pre>

<p>You can use an <strong>f-string</strong> to gain more control over formatting:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print(f"Age:{age}")

#Output: Age:10</code></pre>

<p>This will print exactly as you want, without any spaces between <code>"Age:"</code> and the value of variable.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Python sep </h2>

<p>Previously, we discussed that <code>print()</code> automatically adds a space between variables, even if there is no space explicitly written. This happens because Python uses a space as the default separator.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print("Age:", age)

#Output: Age: 10</code></pre>

<p>is essentially the same as:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print("Age:", age, sep=" ")

#Output: Age: 10</code></pre>

<p>The <code>sep</code> parameter specifies the string that will be used to separate multiple values when printed, replacing the default space between them.</p>

<p>Now, if you don't want space after <code>"Age:"</code> and <code>age</code>. You can simply use the following code:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print("Age:", age, sep="")

# Output: Age:10</code></pre>

<p>We can also add a custom separator as:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
print("Age:", age, sep="&lt;--&gt;")

# Output: Age:&lt;--&gt;10</code></pre>

<hr />
<h2>Python end</h2>

<p>Whenever you use <code>print()</code> in Python, the next statement automatically starts on a new line. This is because, by default, <code>print()</code> adds a newline character (<code>\n</code>) at the end of the output.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
name = "John"
print("Age:", age)
print("Name:", name)</code></pre>

<p><strong>Output</strong></p>

<pre>
<samp>Age: 10
Name: John</samp></pre>

<p>is same as </p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
name = "John"
print("Age:", age, end="\n")
print("Name:", name, end="\n")</code></pre>

<p><strong>Output</strong></p>

<pre>
<samp>Age: 10
Name: John</samp></pre>

<p>Here, <code>end="\n"</code> adds a new line after each <code>print()</code> statement. You can customize the end parameter to change this behavior.</p>

<p>For instance, you can use an empty string (<code>end=""</code>) if you don't want a newline after the output:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 10
name = "John"
print("Age:", age, end=" ")
print("Name:", name)</code></pre>

<p><strong>Output</strong></p>

<pre>
<samp>Age: 10 Name: John</samp></pre>

<p>You can also use other string:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>name = "John"
age = 10

print("Age:", age, end="------")
print("Name:", name)

#Output: Age: 10------Name: John</code></pre>

<hr />
<h2>Takeaway:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Use f-strings for printing multiple variables, like <code>print(f"Age: {age}")</code>, as they offer better readability than using <code>sep</code>.</li>
	<li>To avoid a newline after <code>print()</code>, use the <code>end</code> parameter: <code>print("Age:", age, end="")</code>.</li>
</ul>



<p dir="ltr">This article is a complementary resource to the<a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_self"> Learn Python Basics</a> course.</p>

The Basics of Printing in Python

<p>A
  <strong>nested loop</strong>
  is a loop inside another loop. For example,
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># List of car attributes
attributes = ['Electric', 'Fast']

# List of car brands
cars = ['Tesla', 'Porsche']

# Outer loop: Iterating through each attribute
for attribute in attributes:
    # Inner loop: Iterating through each car brand
    for car in cars:
        print(attribute, car)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Electric Tesla
Electric Porsche
Fast Tesla
Fast Porsche</samp></pre>

<p>Here,
</p>

<ul>
  <li>The outer loop iterates over the
    <code>attributes</code>
    list. It first picks
    <code>'Electric'</code>, then
    <code>'Fast'</code>.</li>
  <li>For each iteration of the outer loop, the inner loop runs through all the items in the
    <code>cars</code>
    list. In this case, it goes through
    <code>'Tesla'</code>
    and
    <code>'Porsche'</code>
    for each attribute.</li>
</ul>

<p>Nested loops are useful for printing patterns like squares or triangles and help in building logical thinking. Let's see how they work.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Square Pattern</h2>

<p>Let's say you want to print a star pattern like follows:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * *  
* * *  
* * *  </samp></pre>

<p>To create this pattern, we will use
  <strong>nested loops</strong>:</p>

<ul>
  <li>The outer loop controls the number of rows (one for each line).</li>
  <li>The inner loop controls how many stars are printed in each row.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ol>
  <li>You need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars in each row.</li>
  <li>This means the inner loop will run
    <strong>3</strong>
    times for each row.</li>
</ol>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ol>
  <li>You need
    <strong>3</strong>
    rows (so the outer loop will run 3 times, one for each row).</li>
</ol>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Outer loop: Controls how many rows (or lines) to print (3 rows)
for i in range(3):  
    # Inner loop: Controls how many stars to print in each row (3 stars per row)
    for j in range(3):  
        print("*", end=" ")  # Print a star on the same line
    # Move to the next line after printing 3 stars in the row
    print()  </code></pre>

<p>Notice that:</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <code>end=" "</code>
    keeps the stars on the same line by adding a space instead of moving to the next line.</li>
  <li>
    <code>print()</code>
    without any arguments moves the cursor to the next line after completing each row.</li>
</ul>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Right-Angled Triangle Pattern</h2>

<p>A right-angled triangle has one side that increases in length with each row:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* 
* * 
* * * 
* * * * 
* * * * * </samp></pre>

<p>Now, let's build logic to create a right-angled triangle.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you need
    <strong>1</strong>
    star.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you need
    <strong>2</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the third row, you need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
</ul>

<p>This means the number of stars printed in each row increases with each new row.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need
    <strong>5</strong>
    rows (one for each line from
    <strong>1</strong>
    star to
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars).</li>
  <li>The outer loop will run
    <strong>5</strong>
    times, once for each row.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>The inner loop controls stars per row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you print 1 star.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you print 2 stars.</li>
  <li>The inner loop will run as many times as the current row number (<code>i</code>).</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>height = 5
for i in range(1, height + 1):  # Outer loop for rows
    for j in range(i):  # Inner loop for printing stars
        print("*", end=" ")
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>* 
* * 
* * * 
* * * * 
* * * * * </samp></pre>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Inverted Right-Angled Triangle Pattern</h2>

<p>An inverted right-angled triangle starts with the widest base and reduces the number of stars in each row:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * * * *  
* * * *  
* * *  
* *  
*  </samp></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you need
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you need
    <strong>4</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the third row, you need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
</ul>

<p>This means the number of stars decreases with each new row.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need
    <strong>5</strong>
    rows (one for each line).</li>
  <li>The outer loop will run
    <strong>5</strong>
    times, starting from
    <strong>5</strong>
    and decreasing to
    <strong>1</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>The inner loop controls stars per row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you print
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you print
    <strong>4</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
  <li>The inner loop will run
    <code>i</code>
    times, where
    <code>i</code>
    is the current row number.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>height = 5
for i in range(height, 0, -1):  # Outer loop for rows (starting from height)
    for j in range(i):  # Inner loop for printing stars
        print("*", end=" ")
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * * * *  
* * * *  
* * *  
* *  
*  </samp></pre>

<p>Here, the outer loop
  <code>for i in range(height, 0, -1)</code>
  starts at
  <strong>5</strong>
  and decreases to
  <strong>1</strong>, controlling the number of rows.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Hollow Square</h2>

<p>A hollow square has stars on the border, with spaces inside:</p>

<pre>
<code>
* * * * *
*        *
*        *
*        *
* * * * *
</code>
</pre>



<p>Now, let's build logic to create a hollow square.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>The first and last rows have stars all the way across.</li>
  <li>The middle rows have stars at the beginning and end, with spaces in between.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows and columns:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need a square with size x size dimensions.</li>
  <li>The outer loop controls the rows, and the inner loop controls the columns.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Logic for printing stars or spaces:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Print stars (<code>*</code>) for the first and last rows (<code>i == 0 or i == size - 1</code>).</li>
  <li>Print stars at the borders (first and last columns) for middle rows (<code>j == 0 or j == size - 1</code>).</li>
  <li>Otherwise, print spaces.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>size = 5
for i in range(size):  # Outer loop for rows
    for j in range(size):  # Inner loop for columns
        if i == 0 or i == size - 1 or j == 0 or j == size - 1:
            print("*", end=" ")  # Print stars on the border
        else:
            print(" ", end=" ")  # Print spaces inside
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<pre>
<pre>
<code>
* * * * *
*       *
*       *
*       *
* * * * *
</code>
</pre>



<p>Here, the inner loop
  <code>for j in range(size)</code>
  determines if the cell is a border.</p>

<p>If the cell is in the first/last row (<code>i == 0</code>
  or
  <code>i == size - 1</code>) or the first/last column (<code>j == 0</code>
  or
  <code>j == size - 1</code>), it prints a star (<code>*</code>) . Otherwise, it prints a space.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Nested loops allow you to work with multi-dimensional structures, making them ideal for creating grids and patterns.</li>
  <li>The outer loop controls the number of iterations of the inner loop.</li>
  <li>By combining conditions and loops, you can create complex shapes like squares, triangles, and hollow patterns.</li>
</ul>

<p>Nested loops are a versatile tool in Python for solving pattern-based problems and working with multi-dimensional data!</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Optimized Methods for Patterns in Python</h2>

<p>Nested loops are computationally heavy, especially for larger patterns. However, Python provides simple alternatives to create patterns without nested loops.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Square Pattern:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>n = 5
for i in range(n):
    print('*' * n)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>*****
*****
*****
*****
*****</samp></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Triangle Pattern:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>n = 5
for i in range(1, n + 1):
    print('*' * i)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong><br/>
    Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>*
**
***
****
*****</samp></pre>

<p>These methods are more efficient as they leverage Python's string multiplication, reducing the overhead of nested iterations.
</p>

<p>While nested loops are great for understanding the structure, these approaches are cleaner and faster for generating patterns in Python.</p>

<hr/>
<p>
  <strong>Can you write a program to print a full pyramid pattern using nested loops?</strong>
</p>

<p>This will be a great way to understand how nested loops work. You'll gain a strong understanding of how to use nested conditions effectively.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/learn-python-basics" target="_self">Learn Python Basics</a> course.</p>

Understanding Nested If-Else in Python

<p>The <code>match...case</code> evaluates a given expression, and based on the evaluated value, it executes certain associated statement(s).</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>fruit = "grapes"

match fruit:
    case "banana":
        print("It's a banana!")
    case "orange":
        print("It's an orange!")
    case "apple":
        print("It's an apple!")
    case other:
        print("Unknown fruit")

# Output: Unknown fruit</code></pre>

<p>Here, the value of <code>fruit</code> doesn't match with any of the cases. So the statement inside <code>case other:</code> is executed, printing <code>"Unknown fruit."</code></p>

<hr />
<h2>Syntax of match...case</h2>

<p>The basic syntax of the <code>match...case</code> statement in Python is:</p>

<pre>
<code>match expression:
    case value1:
        # statements

    case value2:
        # statements

    ...

    case other:
        # default statements</code></pre>

<p>Here,</p>

<ul>
	<li>If the value of the expression matches any of the specified values (e.g., <code>value1</code>, <code>value2</code>, etc.), the corresponding statements for the matching case are executed.</li>
	<li>If no match is found, the default case (<code>case other</code>) is executed.</li>
</ul>

<div class="note-tip">
<p><strong>Note</strong>: You can use <code>_</code> instead of <code>other</code> as a default case as: </p>

<pre>
<code>case _:
  print("Unknown")</code></pre>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Python match...case Flowchart</h2>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basic-blog-matchcase-flowchart.png" title="Python match...case Statement" alt="Python match...case Statement" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Working of match...case in Python</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Example: Basic match...case</h2>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>number = 48

match number:
    case 29:
        print('Small')
    case 42:
        print('Medium')
    case 44:
        print('Large')
    case 48:
        print('Extra Large')
    case other:
        print('Unknown')

# Output: Extra Large</code></pre>

<p>Here, the value of <code>number</code> matches <code>case 48:</code>, so the associated code is executed.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Using Tuples in match...case</h2>

<p>Python <code>match...case</code> allows tuples in cases, enabling structured pattern matching.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>plot = (0, 4)

match plot:
    case (4, 0):
        print('on x-axis')
    case (0, 4):
        print('on y-axis')
    case (0, 0):
        print('center')

# Output: on y-axis</code></pre>

<p>Here, the tuple <code>plot</code> is compared with each case. Since it matches <code>case (0, 4):</code>, the associated statement is executed.</p>



Python match case Statement

<p>Loops are a fundamental concept in programming, allowing you to repeat blocks of code. In Python, both
  <code>for</code>
  and
  <code>while</code>
  loops serve this purpose.</p>

<p>However, the key question is:
  <strong>When should you use each type?</strong>
</p>

<p>Both types of loops are crucial tools in Python programming. Understanding when to use each will help you write more efficient, readable, and maintainable code.</p>

<p>Let's compare for loops and while loops with examples to better understand their use cases.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Example 1: Find the Sum of Numbers from 1 to 5</h2>

<p>Let's compare how the
  <code>for</code>
  loop and the
  <code>while</code>
  loop can be used to accomplish the same task: calculating the sum of numbers from
  <strong>1</strong>
  to
  <strong>5</strong>.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Using a For Loop</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>total = 0
for i in range(1, 6):
    total += i
print(total)  # Output: 15</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Using a While Loop</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>i = 1
total = 0
while i &lt;= 5:
    total += i
    i += 1
print(total)  # Output: 15</code></pre>

<p>Both loops achieve the same result.
</p>

<p>However, the
  <code>for</code>
  loop is cleaner and more concise when the number of iterations is known ahead of time. The
  <code>while</code>
  loop, on the other hand, requires manual initialization and updating of the loop variable (<code>i</code>).</p>

<p>If you know in advance how many times a task needs to be repeated, a
  <code>for</code>
  loop is generally the better choice for simplicity and readability.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Example 2: Find the Smallest Number that Reaches the Given Sum</h2>

<p>In some cases, you don't know in advance how many iterations are needed. For instance, consider the task of finding the smallest number that, when added incrementally, reaches a given sum.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Using a While Loop</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>target_sum = 15
i = 1
total = 0
while total != target_sum:
    total += i
    i += 1
print(i - 1)  # Output: 5</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Can this be done with a for loop?</strong>
</p>

<p>Technically, yes—but not efficiently. A
  <code>for</code>
  loop requires a predefined range. To handle this task, you'd need to set up an arbitrarily large range and then add a
  <code>break</code>
  condition.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>target_sum = 15
total = 0
for i in range(1000000):  # Large range to be sure we reach the target sum
    total += i
    if total == target_sum:
        print(i)  # Output: 5
        break</code></pre>

<p>While this works, it's not ideal. The
  <code>while</code>
  loop is more intuitive and efficient in this case, as it doesn't require guessing the range or dealing with unnecessary iterations.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaway:</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Use
    <code>for</code>
    loops when the number of iterations is fixed or known in advance.</li>
  <li>Use
    <code>while</code>
    loops when the number of iterations is uncertain, but you know the stopping condition.</li>
</ul>

Python for Loop VS while Loop

<p>A Python function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. For example:</p>

<pre>
<code>def greet(user):
    print(f"Hello, {user}!")</code></pre>

<p>Here, <code>greet()</code> is a function that prints a greeting message. To use this function in your code, you simply need to call it:</p>

<pre>
<code>greet("Mufasa")
greet("Moana")</code></pre>

<p>Each time you call <code>greet()</code> with a different name, it will print a personalized greeting.</p>

<p>As you know, functions can have arguments, return values, or neither. As a beginner, it can be tricky to decide which type of function to use.</p>

<p>Let's explore different ways to write a function for calculating the sum of natural numbers and see how adding arguments and return values makes the function more flexible.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Example 1: Function Without Arguments or Return Value</h2>

<p>Let's start by finding the sum of the first <strong>10</strong> natural numbers using a simple function:</p>

<pre>
<code>def sum_of_natural_numbers():
    total = 0
    n = 10
    for i in range(n):
        total += i
    print(f"The sum is {total}.")
    
# Call the function
sum_of_natural_numbers()</code></pre>

<p>You can use this function as it is, but it limits you to calculating the sum of the first <strong>10</strong> natural numbers. </p>

<p>If you want to find the sum of, say, the first <strong>11</strong> natural numbers, you'd need to modify the function or create a new one.</p>

<p>While this works for the current task, it lacks flexibility and reusability.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Example 2: Function with Arguments</h2>

<p>If you want your function to calculate the sum of any number of natural numbers, you can use arguments to make it more flexible.</p>

<pre>
<code># Function with arguments
def sum_of_natural_numbers(n):
    total = 0
    for i in range(n):
        total += i
    print(f"The sum is {total}.")
    
# Call the function
sum_of_natural_numbers(10)
sum_of_natural_numbers(20)</code></pre>

<p>By using arguments, you avoid hardcoding values. Now, the function can calculate the sum for any number of natural numbers you pass in, making it more reusable and adaptable to different inputs.</p>

<p>This works well.</p>

<p><strong>But what if you need to add 5 to the total value after calling the function?</strong> </p>

<p>With a return value, you can store the result and directly perform further calculations, like adding <strong>5</strong> to it.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Example 3: Function with Both Argument and Return Values</h2>

<pre>
<code># Function with arguments and return value
def sum_of_natural_numbers(n):
    total = 0
    for i in range(n):
        total += i
    return total
    
# Call the function and store the result
sum_result = sum_of_natural_numbers(10)

# Now you can use this value in any operation
sum_result_plus_5 = sum_result + 5
print(f"The sum plus 5 is: {sum_result_plus_5}")</code></pre>

<p>We explored different approaches to writing a function for calculating the sum of natural numbers, each with its advantages and limitations.</p>

<p>For finding the sum of natural numbers, using both arguments and return values was the best option, as it offered the most flexibility.</p>

<p>However, the optimal approach always depends on the specific task your function needs to accomplish.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Best Practices for Functions</h2>

<p>While using arguments and return values is generally the best approach, there are cases where simpler functions are more appropriate.</p>

<p>For example, if the function's only job is to perform an action, such as printing or modifying variables, you do not need a return value.</p>

<pre>
<code>def display_message(user):
    print(f"Hello {user}")</code></pre>

<p>Similarly, if the function performs a predefined task that doesn't rely on input, you can omit arguments.</p>

<pre>
<code>def show_greeting():
    print("Welcome!")</code></pre>

<p>Or, as seen above, you can omit both arguments and return values.</p>

<hr />
<h2>When to Use Which Type of Function</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Question</th>
<th>Yes</th>
<th>No</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Does the function need to work with different input values?</td>
<td>Use a parameterized function</td>
<td>Use a function without parameters</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Does the function's result need to be reused or stored?</td>
<td>Use a function with a return value</td>
<td>Use a function without a return value</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



Functions in Python: Why and How to Use Them Efficiently

<p>Python offers various sequence types—<strong>lists</strong>,
  <strong>tuples</strong>,
  <strong>sets</strong>, and
  <strong>dictionaries</strong>—to help you manage data efficiently.
</p>

<p>The choice of sequence depends on your specific use case.
</p>

<p>Here's a quick guide to help you understand their features and when to use them.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>List</h2>

<p>A list is an ordered, mutable collection that allows duplicates.
</p>

<p>Suppose you need to manage a to-do list where you can add, remove, or update tasks as needed.</p>

<p>Lists are perfect for this because they maintain the order of items and allow modifications. For example,
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>tasks = ["Buy groceries", "Clean the house", "Pay bills"]
tasks.append("Walk the dog")  # Adding an item
tasks[1] = "Clean the kitchen"  # Modifying an item
print(tasks)  

# Output: ['Buy groceries', 'Clean the kitchen', 'Pay bills', 'Walk the dog']</code></pre>

<p>Here, you can see how easy it is to modify tasks by adding or updating items in the list. Lists are ideal for collections that may change over time.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Tuple</h2>

<p>A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection that also allows duplicates.
</p>

<p>Suppose you need to store fixed data, such as geographic coordinates or configuration settings, that should not be modified.</p>

<p>Tuples are perfect for this purpose because they prevent accidental changes.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>coordinates = (10, 20)  # A fixed pair of values
# coordinates[0] = 15  # This would raise an error
print(coordinates)

# Output: (10, 20)</code></pre>

<p>Since tuples are immutable, trying to change their values results in an error. Tuples are great for representing constant data that should remain unchanged.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Sets</h2>

<p>A set is an unordered, mutable collection that only allows unique items.
</p>

<p>Suppose you need to store email addresses for a newsletter subscription, and you want to ensure there are no duplicates.
</p>

<p>A set is perfect for this, as it will automatically eliminate any repeated values. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>email_addresses = {"john@example.com", "jane@example.com", "john@example.com", "doe@example.com"}
print(email_addresses) 

 # Output: {'john@example.com', 'jane@example.com', 'doe@example.com'}</code></pre>

<p>Here, the duplicate
  <code>"john@example.com"</code>
  is automatically removed, and only unique email addresses are retained. Sets are perfect for situations where uniqueness is crucial, such as storing a list of email addresses, user IDs, or tags.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Dictionary</h2>

<p>A dictionary is an unordered, mutable collection of key-value pairs.
</p>

<p>Suppose you need to store student scores where each student's name is linked to their corresponding score.
</p>

<p>A dictionary allows you to efficiently store and retrieve this type of data.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>student_scores = {"Alice": 90, "Bob": 85}
student_scores["Charlie"] = 92  # Add a new student
print(student_scores)

# Output: {'Alice': 90, 'Bob': 85, 'Charlie': 92}</code></pre>

<p>Here, each student's name serves as a key, and their score is the value. Dictionaries are ideal for mapping relationships, such as associating user details with their profiles or items with their prices.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Quick Comparison</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
  <table>
    <tr>
      <th>Sequence</th>
      <th>Mutability</th>
      <th>Order</th>
      <th>Duplicates</th>
      <th>Best For</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <strong>List</strong>
      </td>
      <td>Mutable</td>
      <td>Ordered</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Collections that change over time (e.g., to-do lists, tasks)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <strong>Tuple</strong>
      </td>
      <td>Immutable</td>
      <td>Ordered</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Fixed collections that should not change (e.g., coordinates, configurations)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <strong>Set</strong>
      </td>
      <td>Mutable</td>
      <td>Unordered</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>Storing unique items (e.g., email addresses, tags)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <strong>Dict</strong>
      </td>
      <td>Mutable</td>
      <td>Unordered</td>
      <td>No (keys only)</td>
      <td>Key-value pairs (e.g., user profiles, settings, student marks)</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
</div>

<hr/>
<p>
  <strong>Suppose you have the marks of three students (Alice, John, and Meera) for five subjects. Which sequence should you use to store the marks, and how would you access them?</strong>
</p>

<p>You should use a dictionary to store the students' marks, as it allows you to associate each student with their marks efficiently.</p>

When to use which sequence in Python: A Quick Guide

<p>The
  <code>None</code>
  keyword in Python represents the absence of a value or a null value.</p>

<p>Let's explore some common scenarios where
  <code>None</code>
  is used in Python and see how it helps in different situations.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>How None Works in Functions</h2>

<p>When a function doesn't explicitly return a value, it implicitly returns
  <code>None</code>. Let's look at an example:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def greet(name):
    print("Hello,", name)

result = greet("Alice")
print(result)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Hello, Alice
None</samp></pre>

<p>Here,
  <code>greet()</code>
  does not have a
  <code>return</code>
  statement, so it implicitly returns
  <code>None</code>. Hence, when we print the
  <code>result</code>
  of calling
  <code>greet()</code>, we see
  <code>None</code>
  as the output.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Assigning None to Variables</h2>

<p>You can assign
  <code>None</code>
  to a variable to signify that it currently holds no value. This is useful when initializing variables that will be updated later. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>user_input = None

if user_input is None:
    print("No input provided yet.")
else:
    print("User input:", user_input)

# Output:  No input provided yet.</code></pre>

<p>In this example, the
  <code>user_input</code>
  variable initialized with
  <code>None</code>
  indicates that it has no value yet.</p>

<p>The condition
  <code>if user_input is None</code>
  checks whether
  <code>user_input</code>
  is still unset. Since
  <code>user_input</code>
  is indeed
  <code>None</code>, the program executes the first branch of the
  <code>if...else</code>
  statement</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<ul>
  <li>
    <code>None</code>
    is a unique Python constant used to represent the
    <strong>absence of a value</strong>.</li>
  <li>When a function has no
    <code>return</code>
    statement, it implicitly returns
    <code>None</code>.</li>
  <li>You can assign
    <code>None</code>
    to a variable to signify
    <strong>no value yet</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<p>Using
  <code>None</code>
  effectively in your code can help you manage variables, handle missing data, and design clear, intuitive functions.</p>

Python None

<p>The
  <code>pass</code>
  statement in Python acts as a placeholder that allows you to create empty functions, loops, or conditional blocks without causing an error.</p>

<p>In Python, empty code blocks are not allowed.</p>

<p>For example, if you leave a block empty while working on a program, Python raises an
  <code>IndentationError</code>.</p>

<p>Let's see what happens when you try to leave the
  <code>if</code>
  block empty:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 18

if age &gt; 18:
   # Code to be written later

print("Hello World!")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<code>IndentationError: expected an indented block after 'if' statement on line 3</code></pre>

<p>Python requires that every block of code (like if, for, or function definitions) must contain at least one statement. You can use the
  <code>pass</code>
  statement to fulfill this requirement.</p>

<p>The
  <code>pass</code>
  statement does nothing–it's a no-op. Its only purpose is to make the code syntactically correct.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>age = 18

# notice the use of pass statement inside if
if age &gt; 18:
   pass

print("Hello World!")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Hello World!</samp></pre>

<p>Here,</p>

<ul>
  <li>The
    <code>pass</code>
    statement ensures the
    <code>if</code>
    block is valid.</li>
  <li>The program runs without any errors, and you can implement the
    <code>if</code>
    block later.</li>
</ul>

<hr/>
<h2>Use Case in Development</h2>

<p>When building programs, you might know where functions, loops, or conditionals will go but may not want to implement them right away.
</p>

<p>Using
  <code>pass,</code>
  you can focus on other parts of your program without being interrupted by errors.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Example: Empty Function</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def process_data():
    # functionality to be added later
    pass

print("Program is running smoothly.")

# Output: Program is running smoothly.</code></pre>

<p>Here,
  <code>pass</code>
  allows the
  <code>process_data()</code>
  function to exist without implementation, enabling the rest of the program to run.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Use the
    <code>pass</code>
    statement to create syntactically valid but currently empty blocks for functions, loops, and conditionals.</li>
  <li>Ensure your code runs without errors, even when certain parts are incomplete.</li>
</ul>

<p>Use
  <code>pass</code>
  to keep your workflow smooth and error-free while building complex Python programs!</p>

Python pass Statement

<p>A
  <strong>nested loop</strong>
  is a loop inside another loop. For example,
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># List of car attributes
attributes = ['Electric', 'Fast']

# List of car brands
cars = ['Tesla', 'Porsche']

# Outer loop: Iterating through each attribute
for attribute in attributes:
    # Inner loop: Iterating through each car brand
    for car in cars:
        print(attribute, car)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Electric Tesla
Electric Porsche
Fast Tesla
Fast Porsche</samp></pre>

<p>Here,
</p>

<ul>
  <li>The outer loop iterates over the
    <code>attributes</code>
    list. It first picks
    <code>'Electric'</code>, then
    <code>'Fast'</code>.</li>
  <li>For each iteration of the outer loop, the inner loop runs through all the items in the
    <code>cars</code>
    list. In this case, it goes through
    <code>'Tesla'</code>
    and
    <code>'Porsche'</code>
    for each attribute.</li>
</ul>

<p>Nested loops are useful for printing patterns like squares or triangles and help in building logical thinking. Let's see how they work.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Square Pattern</h2>

<p>Let's say you want to print a star pattern like follows:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * *  
* * *  
* * *  </samp></pre>

<p>To create this pattern, we will use
  <strong>nested loops</strong>:</p>

<ul>
  <li>The outer loop controls the number of rows (one for each line).</li>
  <li>The inner loop controls how many stars are printed in each row.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ol>
  <li>You need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars in each row.</li>
  <li>This means the inner loop will run
    <strong>3</strong>
    times for each row.</li>
</ol>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ol>
  <li>You need
    <strong>3</strong>
    rows (so the outer loop will run 3 times, one for each row).</li>
</ol>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Outer loop: Controls how many rows (or lines) to print (3 rows)
for i in range(3):  
    # Inner loop: Controls how many stars to print in each row (3 stars per row)
    for j in range(3):  
        print("*", end=" ")  # Print a star on the same line
    # Move to the next line after printing 3 stars in the row
    print()  </code></pre>

<p>Notice that:</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <code>end=" "</code>
    keeps the stars on the same line by adding a space instead of moving to the next line.</li>
  <li>
    <code>print()</code>
    without any arguments moves the cursor to the next line after completing each row.</li>
</ul>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Right-Angled Triangle Pattern</h2>

<p>A right-angled triangle has one side that increases in length with each row:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* 
* * 
* * * 
* * * * 
* * * * * </samp></pre>

<p>Now, let's build logic to create a right-angled triangle.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you need
    <strong>1</strong>
    star.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you need
    <strong>2</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the third row, you need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
</ul>

<p>This means the number of stars printed in each row increases with each new row.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need
    <strong>5</strong>
    rows (one for each line from
    <strong>1</strong>
    star to
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars).</li>
  <li>The outer loop will run
    <strong>5</strong>
    times, once for each row.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>The inner loop controls stars per row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you print 1 star.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you print 2 stars.</li>
  <li>The inner loop will run as many times as the current row number (<code>i</code>).</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>height = 5
for i in range(1, height + 1):  # Outer loop for rows
    for j in range(i):  # Inner loop for printing stars
        print("*", end=" ")
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>* 
* * 
* * * 
* * * * 
* * * * * </samp></pre>

<hr/>
<h2>Building Inverted Right-Angled Triangle Pattern</h2>

<p>An inverted right-angled triangle starts with the widest base and reduces the number of stars in each row:</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * * * *  
* * * *  
* * *  
* *  
*  </samp></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you need
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you need
    <strong>4</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the third row, you need
    <strong>3</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
</ul>

<p>This means the number of stars decreases with each new row.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need
    <strong>5</strong>
    rows (one for each line).</li>
  <li>The outer loop will run
    <strong>5</strong>
    times, starting from
    <strong>5</strong>
    and decreasing to
    <strong>1</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>The inner loop controls stars per row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>In the first row, you print
    <strong>5</strong>
    stars.</li>
  <li>In the second row, you print
    <strong>4</strong>
    stars, and so on.</li>
  <li>The inner loop will run
    <code>i</code>
    times, where
    <code>i</code>
    is the current row number.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>height = 5
for i in range(height, 0, -1):  # Outer loop for rows (starting from height)
    for j in range(i):  # Inner loop for printing stars
        print("*", end=" ")
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>* * * * *  
* * * *  
* * *  
* *  
*  </samp></pre>

<p>Here, the outer loop
  <code>for i in range(height, 0, -1)</code>
  starts at
  <strong>5</strong>
  and decreases to
  <strong>1</strong>, controlling the number of rows.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Hollow Square</h2>

<p>A hollow square has stars on the border, with spaces inside:</p>

<pre>
<code>
* * * * *
*        *
*        *
*        *
* * * * *</code></pre>

<p>Now, let's build logic to create a hollow square.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the stars in each row:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>The first and last rows have stars all the way across.</li>
  <li>The middle rows have stars at the beginning and end, with spaces in between.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Think about the number of rows and columns:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>You need a square with size x size dimensions.</li>
  <li>The outer loop controls the rows, and the inner loop controls the columns.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Logic for printing stars or spaces:</strong>
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Print stars (<code>*</code>) for the first and last rows (<code>i == 0 or i == size - 1</code>).</li>
  <li>Print stars at the borders (first and last columns) for middle rows (<code>j == 0 or j == size - 1</code>).</li>
  <li>Otherwise, print spaces.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Code Implementation:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>size = 5
for i in range(size):  # Outer loop for rows
    for j in range(size):  # Inner loop for columns
        if i == 0 or i == size - 1 or j == 0 or j == size - 1:
            print("*", end=" ")  # Print stars on the border
        else:
            print(" ", end=" ")  # Print spaces inside
    print()  # Moves to the next line</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<code>
* * * * *
*        *
*        *
*        *
* * * * *</code></pre>

<p>Here, the inner loop
  <code>for j in range(size)</code>
  determines if the cell is a border.</p>

<p>If the cell is in the first/last row (<code>i == 0</code>
  or
  <code>i == size - 1</code>) or the first/last column (<code>j == 0</code>
  or
  <code>j == size - 1</code>), it prints a star (<code>*</code>) . Otherwise, it prints a space.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Nested loops allow you to work with multi-dimensional structures, making them ideal for creating grids and patterns.</li>
  <li>The outer loop controls the number of iterations of the inner loop.</li>
  <li>By combining conditions and loops, you can create complex shapes like squares, triangles, and hollow patterns.</li>
</ul>

<p>Nested loops are a versatile tool in Python for solving pattern-based problems and working with multi-dimensional data!</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Optimized Methods for Patterns in Python</h2>

<p>Nested loops are computationally heavy, especially for larger patterns. However, Python provides simple alternatives to create patterns without nested loops.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Square Pattern:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>n = 5
for i in range(n):
    print('*' * n)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>*****
*****
*****
*****
*****</samp></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Triangle Pattern:</strong>
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>n = 5
for i in range(1, n + 1):
    print('*' * i)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong><br/>
    Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>*
**
***
****
*****</samp></pre>

<p>These methods are more efficient as they leverage Python's string multiplication, reducing the overhead of nested iterations.
</p>

<p>While nested loops are great for understanding the structure, these approaches are cleaner and faster for generating patterns in Python.</p>

<hr/>
<p>
  <strong>Can you write a program to print a full pyramid pattern using nested loops?</strong>
</p>

<p>This will be a great way to understand how nested loops work. You'll gain a strong understanding of how to use nested conditions effectively.</p>

Understanding Nested Loops in Python with Logic Building

<p>As you know, a variable is a container for storing data that can change during program execution. For example:</p>

<pre>
<code>temp = 5</code></pre>

<p>Here,
  <var>temp</var>
  could represent anything—<strong>temperature</strong>,
  <strong>a temporary value</strong>, or
  <strong>something else</strong>.
</p>

<p>While it may be clear when you're writing the code, it can become confusing when someone else reads it (or when you return to it after a few weeks).</p>

<p>Let's explore why it's so important and how to name variables effectively.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>What Makes a Variable Meaningful?</h2>

<p>Good variable names improve readability, maintainability, and help avoid confusion.
</p>

<p>When names are descriptive, they instantly convey what the variable represents, making it easier for others to understand and modify the code.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Good Names:</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<code>item_price = 50
tax_rate = 0.07
total_price = item_price + (item_price * tax_rate)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Bad Names:</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<code>x = 50
y = 0.07
z = x + (x * y)</code></pre>

<p>It's not clear what
  <var>x</var>,
  <var>y</var>, or
  <var>z</var>
  represent. Clear names reduce confusion, especially as your project grows.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Practical Tips for Naming Variables</h2>

<p>
  <strong>Be Descriptive</strong>
</p>

<p>Use names that describe what the variable holds (e.g.,
  <var>student_name</var>,
  <var>purchase_amount</var>).</p>

<p>
  <strong>Keep It Concise</strong>
</p>

<p>While being descriptive is important, you should also try to keep variable names concise. Avoid excessively long names.</p>

<pre>
<code># Good
student_name

# Bad
student_full_name_for_registration_purposes</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Avoid Abbreviations</strong>
</p>

<p>Using abbreviations can make variable names harder to understand. For example:</p>

<pre>
<code># Good
first_name = "John"
count = 5

# Bad
fn = "John"
cnt = 5</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Avoid Reserved Words</strong>
</p>

<p>Don't use Python's reserved keywords like
  <code>class</code>,
  <code>sum</code>, or
  <code>all</code>
  as variable names.</p>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  It's okay if you don't know all reserved words yet—just make sure to avoid the ones you do know.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Naming Conventions</h2>

<p>Naming conventions help keep code consistent and readable. Choose a naming convention and stick with it:</p>

<ol>
  <li>
    <strong>Snake Case</strong>: Lowercase words separated by underscores (<var>user_name</var>).</li>
  <li>
    <strong>Camel Case:</strong>
    Words are concatenated without spaces, with the first letter of each subsequent word capitalized (<var>userName</var>).</li>
  <li>
    <strong>Pascal Case:</strong>
    Similar to camel case, but with the first letter of the first word also capitalized (<var>UserName</var>).</li>
</ol>

<p>Choose a convention that fits your language or team standards, and stick with it consistently.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Guidelines for Specific Variables</h2>

<p>
  <strong>Booleans</strong>:
</p>

<p>Use names indicating true/false values:</p>

<pre>
<code>is_active = True  
can_edit = False</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Counters:</strong>
</p>

<p>Variables that act as counters should be named counter or index:</p>

<pre>
<code>index = 0  
counter = 5</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Collections:</strong>
</p>

<p>For lists or other collections, use plural names:</p>

<pre>
<code>scores = [90, 80, 85]  
users_list = ["John", "Jane", "Doe"]</code></pre>

<p class="note-tip">
  <strong>Note:</strong>
  If you are unfamiliar with collections, they are variables that store more than one value. We've covered this in detail in Chapter 4 of our course.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaway</h2>

<p>Choosing meaningful variable names is essential for making your code:</p>

<ol>
  <li>Readable</li>
  <li>Maintainable</li>
  <li>Easier to debug</li>
</ol>

<p>Clarity in naming is a small effort that pays off in the long run, making your code more understandable for you and others.</p>

Writing Meaningful Variables and Why It Matters

<p>The
  <code>type()</code>
  function in Python tells you the type of data you're working with. This is useful for confirming whether a value is a number, string, boolean, or another data type. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Check the type of the word "Pikachu"
data_type = type("Pikachu")
print(data_type)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>&lt;class 'str'&gt;</samp></pre>

<p>Here,
  <code>type("Pikachu")</code>
  shows that
  <code>"Pikachu"</code>
  is a string (<code>str</code>).
</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Check Types of Different Data</h2>

<p>Let's check the types of various other values:</p>

<pre>
<code># Check the type of different data
data_type_int = type(65)
data_type_float = type(65.50)
data_type_bool = type(True)

print(f"65 is of type {data_type_int}")
print(f"65.50 is of type {data_type_float}")
print(f"True is of type {data_type_bool}")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>65 is of type &lt;class 'int'&gt;
65.50 is of type &lt;class 'float'&gt;
True is of type &lt;class 'bool'&gt;</samp></pre>

<hr/>
<h2>Example Scenario: Processing Sales Data</h2>

<p>Suppose you are given daily sales data in the following format:</p>

<pre>
<code>sales_data = [500, 500, "no sale", 700, "nosale", 200, "no sale"]</code></pre>

<p>Your goal is to calculate the total sales, but the data includes both valid numbers and invalid entries (like
  <code>"no sale"</code>). You can use the
  <code>type()</code>
  function to ensure that only valid numbers are added to the total.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Sales data (includes valid numbers and invalid entries)
sales_data = [500, 500, "no sale", 700, "nosale", 200, "no sale"]

# Initialize total sales to 0
total_sales = 0

# Process each entry in the sales data
for sale in sales_data:
    if type(sale) == int or type(sale) == float:
        total_sales += sale  # Add valid numbers to total sales

# Output the total sales
print(f"Total Sales: ${total_sales}") # Total Sales: $1900</code></pre>

<p>This is just a simple example. In practice, there will be many more complex scenarios where data can come in different formats or types, and
  <code>type()</code>
  will be useful for validation.
</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaway</h2>

<p>Knowing the type of data you're working with is crucial because:</p>

<ol>
  <li>
    <strong>Identify Data Types:</strong>
    Ensures you're working with the right type (e.g., numbers for math).</li>
  <li>
    <strong>Avoid Mistakes:</strong>
    Prevents errors, like adding a string to a number.</li>
  <li>
    <strong>Ensure Correct Logic</strong>: Helps apply the right operations for accurate results.</li>
</ol>

Understanding Python's type() Function

<p>In Python, operator precedence and associativity determine the order in which operations are performed in an expression.</p>

<p>Consider the following expression:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 10 - 5 + 3 * 2
print(result) </code></pre>

<p>You might expect the result to be
  <code>-6</code>
  (i.e.,
  <code>(10 - (5 + 3)) * 2</code>), but Python evaluates it as:</p>

<pre>
<code>10 - 5 + (3 * 2) = 10 - 5 + 6 = 11</code></pre>

<p>This happens due to operator precedence and associativity. Now, let's dive deeper into each concept.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>What is Operator Precedence?</h2>

<p>Operator precedence determines which operator is evaluated first in an expression. Operators with higher precedence are executed before those with lower precedence.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 10 - 5 + 3 * 2
print(result)  # Output: 11</code></pre>

<p>In this case, multiplication (<code>*</code>) has a higher precedence than addition (<code>+</code>) and subtraction (<code>-</code>), so it gets evaluated first.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Operator Precedence Table</h2>

<p>Here's an overview of operator precedence in Python (from highest to lowest):</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
  <table>
    <tr>
      <th>Operator
      </th>
      <th>Description</th>
      <th>Precedence</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>()</code>
      </td>
      <td>Parentheses</td>
      <td>Highest</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>**</code>
      </td>
      <td>Exponentiation</td>
      <td>High</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>*</code>,
        <code>/</code>,
        <code>//</code>,
        <code>%</code>
      </td>
      <td>Multiplication, Division, Modulo</td>
      <td>Medium</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>+</code>,
        <code>-</code>
      </td>
      <td>Addition, Subtraction</td>
      <td>Lower</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>&lt;</code>,
        <code>&gt;</code>,
        <code>&lt;=</code>,
        <code>&gt;=</code>
      </td>
      <td>Comparisons</td>
      <td>Low</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>
        <code>==</code>,
        <code>!=</code>
      </td>
      <td>Equality/Inequality</td>
      <td>Lowest</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
</div>

<hr/>
<h2>What is Operator Associativity?</h2>

<p>Associativity determines how operators of the same precedence are evaluated. Python follows two types of associativity:</p>

<ol>
  <li>
    <strong>Left-to-right associativity:</strong>
    Most operators, like
    <code>+</code>,
    <code>-</code>,
    <code>*</code>, and
    <code>/</code>, are evaluated from left to right.</li>
  <li>
    <strong>Right-to-left associativity:</strong>
    Operators like exponentiation (<code>**</code>) and assignment (<code>=</code>) evaluate from right to left.</li>
</ol>

<hr/>
<h3>Example: Left-to-Right Associativity</h3>

<p>Consider the following expression:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 20 - 5 - 3
print(result)  # Output: 12</code></pre>

<p>Here, subtraction is evaluated left to right:
  <code>(20 - 5) - 3 = 12</code>.</p>

<p>Now, let's look at another example:</p>

<p>.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 10 / 2 * 3
print(result)  # Output: 15.0</code></pre>

<p>In this case, both multiplication (<code>*</code>) and division (<code>/</code>) share the same precedence and are evaluated from left to right. So, division is performed first:</p>

<pre>
<code>(10 / 2) * 3 = 15.0</code></pre>

<hr/>
<h3>Example: Right-to-Left Associativity</h3>

<p>Exponentiation is right-to-left associative. Lets see an example,
</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 2 ** 3 ** 2
print(result)  # Output: 512</code></pre>

<p>This is evaluated as
  <code>2 ** (3 ** 2)</code>.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Ambiguity in Complex Expressions</h2>

<p>Without understanding precedence, it's easy to make mistakes. For example:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 10 / 2 / 2
print(result)  # Output: 2.5</code></pre>

<p>You might expect
  <strong>10.0</strong>, but Python evaluates it as
  <code>(10 / 2) / 2 = 5 / 2 = 2.5</code>.</p>

<p>To avoid such errors, always use parentheses to clarify your intentions.</p>

<pre>
<code>result = 10 / (2 / 2)
print(result)  # Output: 10.0</code></pre>

<hr/>
<h2>Takeaway</h2>

<p>To avoid confusion and ensure clarity, always use parentheses to explicitly define the order of operations in complex expressions.For example:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 10 / (2 * 3)
print(result)  # Output: 1.6666...</code></pre>

<p>Here, parentheses ensure that
  <code>2 * 3</code>
  is evaluated first, changing the result of the division. Without parentheses, the division would be performed first, leading to a different result.</p>

<p>Using parentheses makes your intentions clear, eliminates ambiguity, and helps prevent logic errors.</p>

Understanding Operator Precedence and Associativity in Python

<p>Loops are essential in Python for automating repetitive tasks. But the real magic happens when you use them creatively and efficiently.
</p>

<p>This blog skips the theory and dives straight into practical tips, tricks, and real-world applications of loops.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Choose the Right Loop for the Job</h2>

<h3>When to Use for Loops</h3>

<p>You use for loops when the number of iterations is known in advance or when you need to iterate over a sequence such as a list, tuple, or range.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>for i in range(5):
    print(i)</code></pre>

<p>Here, the
  <code>for</code>
  loop iterates the range of numbers from
  <strong>0</strong>
  to
  <strong>4</strong>
  and prints each number. It's efficient when the task has a predictable iteration count.</p>

<h3>When to Use while Loop</h3>

<p>You use
  <code>while</code>
  loops when the number of iterations isn't predetermined and depends on a condition being true. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>num = 1
while num &lt;= 100:
    print(num)
    num *= 2</code></pre>

<p>Here, the
  <code>while</code>
  loop executes as long as the condition (<code>num &lt;= 100</code>) is
  <code>true</code>. This makes it ideal for scenarios where the stopping point is fixed, but the number of iterations isn't fixed in advance.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Breaking Out of Loops</h2>

<p>Sometimes, you don't want a loop to run until its natural end. In such cases, Python provides the
  <code>break</code>
  and
  <code>continue</code>
  statements to control the flow of the loop.
</p>

<p>These are especially useful when you need to exit early or skip certain iterations based on specific conditions.</p>

<h3>Stop Early with break</h3>

<p>You use
  <code>break</code>
  when you want to
  <strong>stop the loop early</strong>
  based on a specific condition.
</p>

<p>This is especially helpful when searching for an item where further iterations are unnecessary once the condition is met.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>numbers = [1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11]

for num in numbers:
    if num % 2 == 0:  # Check if the number is even
        print(f"First even number found: {num}")
        break  # Exit the loop as soon as the first even number is found</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>First even number found: 8</samp></pre>

<p>Here, the loop exits immediately after finding the first even number, optimizing performance by avoiding unnecessary iterations.</p>

<h3>Skip Iterations with continue</h3>

<p>Use
  <code>continue</code>
  when you want to
  <strong>skip the current iteration</strong>
  based on a condition but keep the loop running for the remaining elements.
</p>

<p>It is particularly useful when you want to ignore specific cases without breaking the loop entirely. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

for num in numbers:
    if num % 2 != 0:  # Check if the number is odd
        continue  # Skip odd numbers
    print(num)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>2
4
6</samp></pre>

<p>In this case, odd numbers are skipped, and the loop continues with the next iteration, printing only even numbers.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Optimize Loops for Performance</h2>

<p>Efficient loop design can significantly improve the performance of your code. Here are
  <strong>three key tips</strong>
  to optimize loops:</p>

<p>
  <strong>1. Define Variables Outside the Loop</strong>
</p>

<p>Calculations or variables that don't change should be defined outside the loop to reduce redundant computations.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>result = 2 ** 10  # calculated once
for i in range(5):
    print(result)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>1024
1024
1024
1024
1024</samp></pre>

<p>Here, the
  <code>result</code>
  variable is calculated outside the loop, avoiding unnecessary recalculations during each iteration.</p>

<p>
  <strong>2. Avoid Recalculating Inside Loops</strong>
</p>

<p>If you're reusing results, store them in variables instead of recalculating each time.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
length = len(my_list)  # Calculate length once
for i in range(length):
    print(my_list[i])</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>1
2
3
4
5</samp></pre>

<p>In this case,
  <code>len(my_list)</code>
  is calculated only once, saving processing time for large lists.</p>

<p>
  <strong>3. Run Loops in Descending Order if Necessary</strong>
</p>

<p>For certain tasks like reversing sequences, looping in descending order can simplify logic and improve readability. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>for i in range(5, 0, -1):
    print(i)</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>5
4
3
2
1</samp></pre>

<p>Here, the loop iterates in reverse order, often useful for operations like countdowns or reverse processing.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Practical Tricks for Real Problems</h2>

<p>Loops are incredibly versatile, and their applications go beyond basic iterations. These practical techniques demonstrate how to handle real-world challenges efficiently using loops.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Iterating Until Valid Input</strong>
</p>

<p>Sometimes, you need to ensure the user provides valid input. A
  <code>while</code>
  loop is ideal for repeatedly asking for input until the condition is met.</p>

<p>Let's look at an example.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>while True:
    number = int(input("Enter a positive number: "))
    if number &gt; 0:
        break
print(f"You entered: {number}")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Enter a positive number: -5
Enter a positive number: 0
Enter a positive number: 10
You entered: 10</samp></pre>

<p>Here, the
  <code>while True</code>
  ensures that only valid input (a positive number) is accepted.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Looping Without a Variable</strong>
</p>

<p>When the loop variable isn't needed, use
  <code>_</code>
  as a convention to indicate it's unused. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>for _ in range(5):
    print("Hello, world!")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Programiz Pro
Programiz Pro
Programiz Pro
Programiz Pro
Programiz Pro</samp></pre>

<p>In this example,
  <code>_</code>
  signifies that the loop variable isn't used in the loop body.</p>

<hr/>
<h2>Debugging Loop Logic</h2>

<p>When loops don't behave as expected, debugging becomes crucial. By tracking progress and identifying issues, you can pinpoint errors and fix them effectively.
</p>

<p>Here are some techniques to debug your loops.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Track Iterations</strong>
</p>

<p>Insert print statements to monitor loop progress during debugging. For example,</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>for i in range(5):
    print(f"Iteration: {i}")</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Iteration: 0
Iteration: 1
Iteration: 2
Iteration: 3
Iteration: 4</samp></pre>

<p>Here, the print statement helps track the loop's current iteration, making debugging easier.</p>

<p>
  <strong>Watch for Infinite Loops</strong>
</p>

<p>Ensure your loop has an achievable exit condition to avoid infinite loops.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>count = 0
while True:
    print("Running...")
    count += 1
    if count &gt; 10:  # Exit after 10 iterations
        break</code></pre>

<p>
  <strong>Output</strong>
</p>

<pre>
<samp>Running...
Running...
Running...
Running...
Running...
Running...</samp></pre>

<p>In this example, the
  <code>count</code>
  variable is used to stop the loop after a fixed number of iterations, preventing an infinite loop.</p>

Python Looping Techniques

<p>Caching is a technique for storing data temporarily in <strong>memory</strong> to enable quick retrieval of frequently used data.</p>

<p>LRU (Least Recently Used) is an algorithm employed in caching to manage data stored in the cache. </p>

<p>Before we dive deeper into LRU, let's first explore how caching works and why it's needed.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Why Caching?</h2>

<p>Computers use fast memory types like <strong>RAM</strong> or <strong>cache</strong> memory to store frequently used data. These memories are much faster than other mediums such as SSDs (solid-state drives).</p>

<p>However, these high-speed memories are expensive and have limited capacity. You might be familiar with RAM sizes like <strong>16 GB</strong> or a cache memory of <strong>6 MB</strong>, which are smaller than a typical hard disk.</p>

<p>When data stored in these memories gradually accumulates, we may need to replace the existing data with new information. </p>

<p>That's where the LRU algorithm comes in—it provides a simple yet effective method to determine which data to discard when the memory is full.</p>

<p>Let's explore how this works. </p>

<hr />
<h2>How Does an LRU Cache Work?</h2>

<p>In LRU caching, we maintain the order of the data based on its recent usage, specifically tracking the data that is least recently used.</p>

<p>When the cache is full, and we need to add new data to the cache, we follow a two-step process:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Remove the least recently used data from the cache. </li>
	<li>Insert the new data into the cache.</li>
</ol>

<hr />
<h2>Choosing the Right Data Structure</h2>

<p>In LRU caching, the primary requirement is to <strong>identify the data that is least recently used</strong> and to <strong>maintain the order of the data</strong> based on its usage.</p>

<p>A singly linked list could satisfy this requirement because it allows tracking the order of data usage based on their position in the list.</p>

<p>Specifically, the data at the front of the list is the most recently used, while the data at the back is the least recently used.</p>

<p>However, an LRU cache requires us to delete the least recently used data, which means deleting the last node in the list. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, deleting the last node in a singly linked list requires a linear time complexity <code>O(n)</code>, which is inefficient for this case.</p>

<p>This problem can be solved using a doubly linked list (DLL), which maintains a <code>tail</code> pointer to the last node, reducing the time complexity of deletion to <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-lru-linked-list.png" title="A doubly linked list structure" alt="A doubly linked list structure" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A doubly linked list structure</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Optimizing Lookup Time</h3>

<p>A cache also requires efficient lookup time. Unfortunately, the lookup time for a doubly linked list is typically <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>To achieve faster lookups, insertion, and deletion, we need an LRU cache that combines the benefits of different data structures.</p>

<p>We know that a hashmap offers fast lookups, while a doubly linked list enables fast deletion and insertion.</p>

<p>Thus, we can use a mix of a hashmap and a doubly linked list to implement a LRU Cache.</p>

<ul>
	<li>The <strong>hashmap</strong> stores cache keys and their corresponding values, which are pointers to nodes in the DLL.</li>
	<li>The <strong>DLL</strong> stores the cache entries in the order of usage, where the <strong>most recently used node</strong> is at the head and the <strong>least recently used node</strong> is at the tail.</li>
</ul>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-lru-optimizing-lookup-time.png" title="Using a Hash map and a doubly linked list to implement a LRU Cache" alt="Using a Hash map and a doubly linked list to implement a LRU Cache" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Using a Hash map and a doubly linked list to implement a LRU Cache</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Cache Operations</h2>

<h3>Accessing Cache Entries</h3>

<p>The following conditions must be met when accessing a cache entry:</p>

<p><strong>Condition 1:</strong> </p>

<ul>
	<li>If the key exists, move the corresponding node to the head of the DLL, marking it as the most recently used.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Condition  2:</strong> </p>

<ul>
	<li>If the key doesn't exist, return a miss (e.g., null or an error).</li>
</ul>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-lru-accessing-cache-entry.png" title="Accessing cache entries" alt="Accessing cache entries" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Accessing cache entries</figcaption></figure>
<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def get(self, key):
    # Return the value for the key if it exists
    if key in self.cache:
        self.cache.move_to_end(key)  # Mark as recently used
        return self.cache[key]
    return None</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Function to access an entry in the hash map
std::optional&lt;int&gt; get(int key) {

    // Condition 1: Key exists
    if (hashmap.find(key) != hashmap.end()) {
        // Get the iterator (pointer) to the node
        list&lt;Node&gt;::iterator node = hashmap[key];

        // Make node the head because
        // it is recently accessed
        dll.splice(dll.begin(), dll, node);

        // Return the value
        return node-&gt;value;
    }

    // Condition 2: Key doesn't exist
    return {};
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<h3>Inserting (and Replacing) Cache Entries</h3>

<p>The following conditions must be met when inserting a new entry into the cache.</p>

<p><strong>Condition 1:</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>If the cache is full, remove the least recently used node (tail) and add the new node to the head of the DLL.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Condition 2:</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>If the key already exists, update the value and move the node to the head of the DLL.</li>
</ul>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-lru-inserting-cache-entry.png" title="Inserting (and Replacing) cache entries." alt="Inserting (and Replacing) cache entries." width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inserting (and Replacing) cache entries.</figcaption></figure>
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Function to insert(and replace) entries in the cache
void put(int key, int value) {

    // Condition 2: Key already exists
    // Remove the associated node      
    if (hashmap.find(key) != hashmap.end()) {
        dll.erase(hashmap[key]);
    }

    // Condition 1: Cache is full
    else if (dll.size() == capacity) {
        // Remove the tail
        // i.e. least recently-used node
        hashmap.erase(dll.back().key);
        dll.pop_back();
    }

    // Create a new node and make it the head
    dll.push_front(Node(key, value));

    // The new node is the head now
    hashmap[key] = dll.begin();
}</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def put(self, key, value):
    # Insert or update the key-value pair in the cache
    if key in self.cache:
        self.cache.move_to_end(key)
    self.cache[key] = value
    if len(self.cache) &gt; self.capacity:
        self.cache.popitem(last=False)  # Remove least recently used item</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Source Code</h2>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>#include &lt;iostream&gt;
#include &lt;list&gt;
#include &lt;optional&gt;
#include &lt;unordered_map&gt;

using namespace std;

class Node {
public:
    int key;
    int value;
    Node(int k, int v) : key(k), value(v) {}
};

class LRUCache {
private:
    int capacity;

    // C++ list is an implementation of a doubly linked list
    list&lt;Node&gt; dll;

    // C++ unordered_map is an implementation of a hash map
    unordered_map&lt;int, list&lt;Node&gt;::iterator&gt; hashmap;

public:
    LRUCache(int capacity) : capacity(capacity) {}

    std::optional&lt;int&gt; get(int key) {
        // Check if key exists
        if (hashmap.find(key) != hashmap.end()) {
            // Get the iterator (pointer) to the node
            list&lt;Node&gt;::iterator node = hashmap[key];

            // Make the node the head
            // because it is recently accessed
            dll.splice(dll.begin(), dll, node);

            // Return the value
            return node-&gt;value;
        }

        return {};
    }

    void put(int key, int value) {
        // Condition: Key already exists:
        // Remove the associated node
        if (hashmap.find(key) != hashmap.end()) {
            dll.erase(hashmap[key]);
        }

        // Condition: Cache is full
        else if (dll.size() == capacity) {
            // Remove the tail
            // i.e. least recently-used node
            hashmap.erase(dll.back().key);
            dll.pop_back();
        }

        // Create a new node and make it the head
        dll.push_front(Node(key, value));

        // The new node is the head now.
        hashmap[key] = dll.begin();
    }

    void display() {
        cout &lt;&lt; "Cache Contents (Most Recently Used -&gt; Least Recently Used):\n";
        cout &lt;&lt; "Key\tValue\n";
        for (const auto& node : dll) {
            cout &lt;&lt; node.key &lt;&lt; "\t" &lt;&lt; node.value &lt;&lt; '\n';
        }
        cout &lt;&lt; "----------------------\n";
    }
};

int main() {

    // Cache with a capacity of 2.
    LRUCache cache(2);

    // Add a value to cache
    cache.put(1, 1);
    cout &lt;&lt; "Added (1,1):\n";
    cache.display();

    // Add another value to cache
    cache.put(2, 2);
    cout &lt;&lt; "Added (2,2):\n";
    cache.display();

    // We are accessing 1, so 1 becomes recently used
    cout &lt;&lt; "Accessed key 1: " &lt;&lt; cache.get(1).value() &lt;&lt; endl;
    cache.display();

    // Cache is full, so tail is replaced
    // i.e., removes value 2
    cache.put(3, 3);
    cout &lt;&lt; "Added (3,3):\n";
    cache.display();

    // Cache Miss: Value 2 not in cache
    // cout &lt;&lt; cache.get(2).value() &lt;&lt; endl; // (not found)
    cache.display();

    return 0;
}</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>from collections import OrderedDict

class LRUCache:

    def __init__(self, capacity):

        # Initialize the cache with a fixed capacity.
        self.capacity = capacity


        # OrderedDict provides a combination of Dictionary and DLL 
        # It stores ordered key-value pairs like a Hashmap
        # And like DLL, it provides constant time complexity
        # for accessing the first and last elements      

        self.cache = OrderedDict()

    def get(self, key):

        # Return the value for the key if it exists
        if key in self.cache:
            self.cache.move_to_end(key)  # Mark as recently used
            return self.cache[key]

        return None

    def put(self, key, value):

        # Insert or update the key-value pair in the cache
        if key in self.cache:
            self.cache.move_to_end(key)
        self.cache[key] = value

        if len(self.cache) &gt; self.capacity:
            self.cache.popitem(last=False)  # Remove least recently used item

    def __str__(self):

        # Return a string representation of the cache contents
        return " -&gt; ".join(f"{key}: {value}" for key, value in self.cache.items())


# Driver code

if __name__ == "__main__":

    # Create a cache with a capacity of 2
    cache = LRUCache(2)

    # Add key-value pairs to the cache
    cache.put(1, 1)
    print("Added (1, 1):", cache)

    cache.put(2, 2)
    print("Added (2, 2):", cache)

    # Access key 1 to mark it as recently used
    print("Accessed key 1:", cache.get(1))
    print("Cache after accessing key 1:", cache)

    # Add another key-value pair, removing the least recently used key
    cache.put(3, 3)
    print("Added (3, 3)", cache)

    # Attempt to access a missing key (key 2)
    print("Accessed key 2 (should be None):", cache.get(2))

    # Display final cache contents
    print("Final cache contents:", cache)</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<hr />
<h2>Complexity Analysis</h2>

<h3>Time Complexity</h3>

<p>The time complexity of our LRU cache is <code>O(1)</code> for both <code>get()</code> and <code>put()</code> operations, as they involve constant-time operations such as hashmap lookups, node insertion and deletion.</p>

<h3>Space Complexity</h3>

<p>The space complexity is <code>O(capacity)</code>, where <code>capacity</code> represents the maximum number of elements the cache can hold, since the cache stores a fixed number of nodes in the DLL and the hashmap.</p>



<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/" target="_self">DSA with Python</a> and <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-cpp/" target="_self">DSA with C++</a> courses.</p>

LRU Caching

<p>Time complexity measures the efficiency of an algorithm. It depends on many factors, the primary ones being:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Input Size and Nature</li>
	<li>Programming Logic (Nested Loops, Design Choice)</li>
	<li>Choice of Data Structure</li>
</ul>

<p>Let's explore each of these one by one. </p>

<hr />
<h2>Input Size and Nature</h2>

<p>The input to an algorithm significantly impacts its performance. If the input is predictable, algorithms can be optimized to run more efficiently.</p>

<p>Consider the following algorithm.</p>

<h3>Example: Bubble sort</h3>

<pre>
<code>def bubble_sort(arr):
    n = len(arr)
    for i in range(n):
        swapped = False
        for j in range(0, n-i-1):
            if arr[j] &gt; arr[j+1]:
                # Swap if elements are in the wrong order
                arr[j], arr[j+1] = arr[j+1], arr[j]
                swapped = True
        if not swapped:
            # Stop early if no elements were swapped in the inner loop
            break
    return arr</code></pre>

<p>This code is known as the <a href="https://app.programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/bubble-sort?page=1">Bubble Sort</a> algorithm. For now, it's not essential to know what this code is called. Just know that this code sorts the elements of an array.</p>

<p>If the input is already sorted:</p>

<pre>4, 16, 17, 18</pre>

<p>In the case of sorted data, the inner loop will only run once and terminate as no swaps are made. This results in the best-case time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>When the input is in reverse order:</p>

<pre>18, 17, 16, 4<div class="line-highlight"></div></pre>

<p>In this case, each element is farthest from its correct position. So, two nested loops perform pairwise comparisons and swaps for each element, resulting in a time complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;.</code></p>

<p>Therefore, if input patterns are predictable, choosing the right algorithm based on these patterns can drastically improve performance.</p>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Note</strong>: The size of the input (<code>n</code>) is the most significant factor determining the time an algorithm takes to execute. Algorithms generally take longer to execute with larger inputs unless the time complexity of the algorithm is <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Programming Logic</h2>

<p>The elements of programming logic, like loops, recursion, and algorithmic design choice, can impact the time complexity of the algorithm.</p>

<h3>Nested Loops</h3>

<p>As the depth of nested loops increases, the time complexity becomes worse.</p>

<p>For example, two nested loops generally have a time complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>. However, a single loop generally has a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>Thankfully, we can minimize the number of loops in some DSA problems.</p>

<p>Let's take a simple example where we have to find all the pairs of numbers with a sum equal to a target value.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def find_pairs_nested_loops(arr, target):
    pairs = []  

    # Iterate through each array element
    # as the first element of the pair
    for i in range(len(arr)):

        # Iterate through the elements after
        # the current element to avoid duplicates
        for j in range(i + 1, len(arr)):

            # Check if the current pair sums up to the target
            if arr[i] + arr[j] == target:
                pairs.append((arr[i], arr[j])) 

    return pairs

arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
target = 7
result = find_pairs_nested_loops(arr, target)
print("Pairs that sum to", target, ":", result)</code></pre>

<p><strong>Output</strong></p>

<pre>Pairs that sum to 7 : [(1, 6), (2, 5), (3, 4)]</pre>

<p>Here, we have solved the problem with a nested structure of two loops. Hence, the time complexity is <code>katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</p>

<p>However, we can also solve the above problem using only one loop.</p>

<p><strong>Using a Single Loop</strong></p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def find_pairs_one_pass(arr, target):

    seen = set()  
    pairs = []   

    # Iterate through each number in the array
    for num in arr:
        # Calculate the required complement to reach the target
        complement = target - num  
        
        # Check if the complement has already been seen
        if complement in seen:
            # If found, add the pair (complement, num) to the results
            pairs.append((complement, num))
        
        # Else add the current number to the set of seen numbers
        seen.add(num)
    
    return pairs  

arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
target = 7
result = find_pairs_one_pass(arr, target)
print("Pairs that sum to", target, ":", result)</code></pre>

<p><strong>Output</strong></p>

<pre>Pairs that sum to 7 : [(1, 6), (2, 5), (3, 4)]</pre>

<p>This solution has a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>. Hence, this solution is more efficient.</p>

<p>Therefore, to make our algorithms more efficient, we should minimize the number of loops in the solution.</p>

<hr />
<h3>Algorithmic Design Choice</h3>

<p>The approach taken to solve a particular problem, or simply the design choice of the algorithm, can affect the time complexity.</p>

<p>Let's take a look at the Maximum Subarray problem.</p>

<p><strong>Problem Definition:</strong></p>

<p>Given an array of integers, you need to find the maximum sum of any contiguous subarray.</p>

<p>For example, for the array <code>[-2, 1, -3, 4, -1, 2, 1, -5, 4]</code>, the subarray <code>[4, -1, 2, 1]</code> has the largest sum of <strong>6</strong>.</p>

<p>We can solve this using the brute force approach. The brute force approach involves checking all possible subarrays, calculating their sums, and returning the maximum.</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def max_subarray_brute_force(arr):
    n = len(arr)
    max_sum = float('-inf')  # Initialize to negative infinity
    for i in range(n):
        for j in range(i, n):
            # Calculate the sum of the subarray from index i to j
            current_sum = sum(arr[i:j+1])
            max_sum = max(max_sum, current_sum)
    return max_sum

# Example usage:
arr = [-2, 1, -3, 4, -1, 2, 1, -5, 4]
print("Brute force max subarray sum:", max_subarray_brute_force(arr))</code></pre>

<p>The time complexity of this approach is <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{3})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>. This is because of the following factors:</p>

<ul>
	<li>The two nested loops for generating all possible subarrays, which contribute a time complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</li>
	<li>Since the calculation of the sum is nested inside the loops, its complexity (<code>O(n)</code>) is multiplied to the complexity caused by the loops (<code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>), resulting in a final complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{3})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</li>
</ul>

<p>However, we can also solve this problem using another method called <strong>divide and conquer</strong>. </p>

<p><strong>Divide and Conquer</strong></p>

<p>The divide and conquer approach splits the array into two halves, recursively finding the maximum sum in the left half, the right half, and the cross sum (the sum that spans the middle of the array).</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code>def max_crossing_sum(arr, left, right, mid):
    # Find the maximum sum of the subarray crossing the middle point
    left_sum = float('-inf')
    right_sum = float('-inf')

    # Find maximum sum on left of mid
    total = 0
    for i in range(mid, left - 1, -1):
        total += arr[i]
        left_sum = max(left_sum, total)

    # Find maximum sum on right of mid
    total = 0
    for i in range(mid + 1, right + 1):
        total += arr[i]
        right_sum = max(right_sum, total)

    return left_sum + right_sum

def max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, left, right):
    if left == right:
        return arr[left]

    mid = (left + right) // 2
    left_sum = max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, left, mid)
    right_sum = max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, mid + 1, right)
    cross_sum = max_crossing_sum(arr, left, right, mid)

    return max(left_sum, right_sum, cross_sum)

# Example usage:
arr = [-2, 1, -3, 4, -1, 2, 1, -5, 4]
print("Divide and conquer max subarray sum:", max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, 0, len(arr)-1))</code></pre>

<p>Here, we split the array into two parts to calculate the sum recursively.</p>

<pre>
<code>mid = (left + right) // 2
left_sum = max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, left, mid)
right_sum = max_subarray_divide_conquer(arr, mid + 1, right)
cross_sum = max_crossing_sum(arr, left, right, mid)</code></pre>

<p>This introduces a logarithmic time complexity, making the overall time complexity <code>O(n logn)</code>.</p>

<p class="note-tip"><strong>Note</strong>: Logarithmic time complexity occurs when the problem size is halved or reduced by a constant factor with each iteration or recursive call, such as in binary search or in divide-and-conquer algorithms.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Data Structures Used</h2>

<p>The choice of data structure used can significantly impact the time complexity of the algorithm.</p>

<p>Suppose we need to implement a data structure with key-value pairs in Python.</p>

<p>We can do so using a list of tuples:</p>

<pre>[(key1, value1), (key2, value2), (key3, value3), ...]</pre>

<p>The code implementation is shown below:</p>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Initialize an empty list to store key-value pairs
store = []

# Insert key-value pair
def insert(key, value):
    for i, (k, v) in enumerate(store):
        if k == key:
            store[i] = (key, value)  # Update value if key exists
            return
    store.append((key, value))  # Add new key-value pair if key doesn't exist

# Get value by key
def get(key):
    for k, v in store:
        if k == key:
            return v
    return None  # Return None if key doesn't exist

# Remove key-value pair
def remove(key):
    for i, (k, v) in enumerate(store):
        if k == key:
            del store[i]
            return
    print(f"Key '{key}' not found.")  # Key not found

# Display all key-value pairs
def display():
    for k, v in store:
        print(f"{k}: {v}")


# Example usage
insert("name", "Alice")
insert("age", 25)
insert("city", "Wonderland")

print(get("name"))  # Output: Alice
remove("age")
display()  # Output: name: Alice, city: Wonderland</code></pre>

<p>This implementation uses the <code>store</code> list to store key-value pairs.</p>

<p>Lists in Python don't have built-in indexing by key. To find, update, or delete a key, the entire list has to be traversed.</p>

<p>Therefore the average case time complexity for insertion, deletion, retrieval, and update for this implementation is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p><strong>Improving the Time Complexity</strong></p>

<p>Fortunately, Python has a built-in data structure called a <strong>dictionary</strong> for this purpose. The Python dictionary uses a <em>hashmap</em> to store data in key-value pairs.</p>

<pre>{
key1: value1,
key2: value 2,
key3: value 3,
...
}</pre>

<pre class="python-exec">
<code># Initialize an empty dictionary to store key-value pairs
store = {}

# Insert key-value pair
def insert(key, value):
    store[key] = value  # Adds or updates the key-value pair

# Get value by key
def get(key):
    return store.get(key, None)  # Returns value or None if key doesn't exist

# Remove key-value pair
def remove(key):
    if key in store:
        del store[key]
    else:
        print(f"Key '{key}' not found.")  # Key not found

# Display all key-value pairs
def display():
    for k, v in store.items():
        print(f"{k}: {v}")


# Example usage
insert("name", "Alice")
insert("age", 25)
insert("city", "Wonderland")

print(get("name"))  # Output: Alice
remove("age")
display()  # Output: name: Alice, city: Wonderland</code></pre>

<p>Unlike our previous implementation, the Python dictionary has an average time complexity of <code>O(1)</code> for insertion, deletion, retrieval, and update.</p>

<p>This is because the Python dictionary implements a hashmap, which has a constant time complexity in most cases.</p>

<p>Therefore, you need to choose the best data structure for the given algorithm to optimize time complexity. </p>

<p>For example,</p>

<ul>
	<li>A <strong>hashmap</strong> is ideal for quick <strong>lookups and insertions</strong>.</li>
	<li>A <strong>balanced tree</strong> structure is preferable for <strong>ordered data</strong>.</li>
</ul>



Factors Affecting Time Complexity

<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-complexity-calculation/" target="_self">Complexity Calculation</a> course.</p>

<p>Bubble sort is a simple sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through the list, compares adjacent elements, and swaps them if they are in the wrong order until the list is sorted.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def bubble_sort(arr):
    n = len(arr)
    for i in range(n):
        swapped = False
        for j in range(0, n-i-1):
            if arr[j] &gt; arr[j+1]:
                # Swap if elements are in the wrong order
                arr[j], arr[j+1] = arr[j+1], arr[j]
                swapped = True
        if not swapped:
            # Stop early if no elements were swapped in the inner loop
            break
    return arr</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>template&lt;typename T&gt;
void bubble_sort(vector&lt;T&gt;& arr) {
    
    // Flag to detect if any swapping happened in the current pass
    bool swapped = false; 
    
    for(int i = 0; i &lt; arr.size() - 1; ++i) {
        // Reset swapped to false at the start of each pass
        swapped = false; 
 
        // Stop at arr.size()-1-i to avoid checking sorted elements
        for(int j = 0; j &lt; arr.size() - 1 - i; ++j) {
            // Swap adjacent elements if they are in the wrong order
            if(arr[j] &gt; arr[j+1]) {
                swap(arr[j], arr[j+1]); 
                // Set swapped to true indicating a swap occurred
                swapped = true; 
            }
        }
        
        // If no elements were swapped, 
        // the arr is sorted and we can break early
        if(!swapped)
            break;
    }
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p><strong>Best Case Time Complexity:</strong> <code>O(n)</code></p>

<p>The best-case time complexity occurs when the data is already sorted. Consider this data:</p>

<pre>4, 16, 17, 18<div class="line-highlight"></div></pre>

<p>In the case of sorted data, the inner loop will only run once and terminate as no swaps are made. This results in the best-case time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p><strong>Worst Case Time Complexity:</strong> <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code></p>

<p>The worst-case time complexity occurs when the input data is in reverse order. Consider another set of data:</p>

<pre>18, 17, 16, 4<div class="line-highlight"></div></pre>

<p>When the data is in reverse order, each element is farthest from its correct position. So, two nested loops perform pairwise comparisons and swaps for each element. </p>

<p>Therefore, the time complexity becomes <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</p>

<p><strong>Average Case Time Complexity</strong>: <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code></p>

<p>In the average case, the elements are in random order. For example,</p>

<pre>17, 18, 4, 16<div class="line-highlight"></div></pre>

<p>In this case, the algorithm needs to swap almost half of the elements while it performs a pairwise comparison for each element.</p>

<p>This results in the average case time complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-and-space-complexity-bubble-sort.png" title="Graph for number of operations vs input size" alt="Graph for number of operations vs input size" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Graph for number of operations vs input size</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Space Complexity of Bubble Sort: O(1)</h2>

<p>Bubble sort is an in-place algorithm—it sorts data directly within the array without additional memory, apart from a few variables used for swapping (<code>swapped</code>) and counting (<code>i</code>).</p>

<p>The memory usage does not grow with the size of the input. Regardless of whether you are sorting <strong>10</strong> elements or <strong>10,000,</strong> the same fixed amount of memory is used for the variables.</p>

<p>Hence, the space complexity of bubble sort is <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>When to Use Bubble Sort?</h2>

<p>Bubble sort is a memory-efficient algorithm with a space complexity of <code>O(1)</code>, making it suitable for limited memory environments.</p>

<p>However, its quadratic time complexity (<code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>) makes it inefficient for large datasets.</p>

<p><strong>When to Use:</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Small datasets (for example, 10 elements)</strong>: Bubble sort can be fast and efficient as the number of comparisons and swaps is not very high, even in the worst case.</li>
	<li><strong>Nearly sorted data</strong>: Optimized bubble sort can achieve <code>O(n)</code> in the best case. So, if the data is predictable and very close to the best-case scenario, bubble sort can be used.</li>
</ul>

<p>The table below shows the approximate number of comparisons and swaps in cases of small datasets and nearly sorted datasets:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Scenario</th>
<th>Comparisons</th>
<th>Swaps</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10 elements (random order)</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>~25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12 elements (nearly sorted)</td>
<td>~20–66</td>
<td>~2–4</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>This shows that the number of swaps and comparisons is quite small despite the quadratic time complexity.</p>

<p><strong>When to Avoid:</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Large and unpredictable datasets</strong>: The inefficiency of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code> dominates in the case of large unsorted datasets, making other algorithms like <em>Quick Sort</em> or <em>Merge Sort</em> more suitable.</li>
</ul>



Bubble Sort

Exploring Time Complexity and Space Complexity of Bubble Sort

</div>
<p>Selection sort is a simple sorting algorithm that repeatedly selects the smallest (or largest) element from the unsorted part of the list and swaps it with the first unsorted element.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def selection_sort(arr):
    n = len(arr)

    # Loop through each element in the array
    for i in range(n):
        # Assume the current element is the minimum
        min_idx = i

        # Find the index of the smallest element
        for j in range(i + 1, n):
            if arr[j] &lt; arr[min_idx]:
                min_idx = j  # Update the index

<div class="line-highlight">        # Swap the current element with the smallest element
        arr[i], arr[min_idx] = arr[min_idx], arr[i]</div>

    # Return the sorted array
    return arr</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>template&lt;typename T&gt;
void selection_sort(std::vector&lt;T&gt;& arr) {
    int n = arr.size();

    // Loop through each element in the array.
    for(int i = 0; i &lt; n; ++i) {
        // Assume the current element is the minimum.
        int min_idx = i;

        // Find the index of the smallest element
        for(int j = i + 1; j &lt; n; ++j) {
            if(arr[j] &lt; arr[min_idx]) {
                min_idx = j;  // Update the index
            }
        }

<div class="line-highlight">        // Perform the swap between the current element 
        // and the minimum element
        std::swap(arr[i], arr[min_idx]);</div>
    }
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p><strong>Time Complexity:</strong> <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code></p>

<p>Selection sort has a time complexity of <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code> in all cases.</p>

<p>It's because it repeatedly selects the minimum (or maximum) element from the unsorted portion of the array and swaps it into its correct position. For example,</p>

<pre>
<samp>5, 2, 9, 1, 5, 6</samp></pre>

<p><strong>Steps:</strong></p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Iteration</th>
<th>Comparison</th>
<th>Remarks</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>Compare all 6 elements.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>Compare the remaining 5 elements.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>...</td>
<td>...</td>
<td>...</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>n</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>We are left with the smallest element.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<p>Thus, the total comparisons is:</p>

<pre>
<code>n + (n-1) + (n-2) + ... + 1 = O(n^2)</code></pre>

<p>Therefore, the time complexity of the selection sort is <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-selection-sort.png" title="Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes" alt="Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>When to Use Selection Sort?</h2>

<p>Selection sort is a memory-efficient algorithm with a space complexity of <code>O(1)</code>, making it suitable for limited memory environments.</p>

<p>However, its quadratic time complexity <code>&lt;katex&gt;O(n^{2})&lt;/katex&gt;</code> makes it inefficient for large datasets.</p>

<h4><strong>When to Use:</strong></h4>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Small Datasets</strong>: With fewer elements, the number of comparisons and swaps remains manageable.</li>
	<li><strong>Memory Constraints</strong>: Selection sort's low memory usage makes it favorable when you have limited memory.</li>
</ol>

<h4><strong>When to Avoid:</strong></h4>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Large Datasets</strong>: Its inefficient time complexity makes algorithms like Merge Sort or Quick Sort more suitable.</li>
</ol>



<p dir="ltr">This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python" target="_self">DSA with Python</a> and <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-cpp/" target="_self">DSA with C++</a> courses.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Time and Space Complexity of Selection Sort

<p>Both array and linked list are widely used data structures. However, there are situations in which one is preferable over the other.</p>


<p>In this article, we'll explore the differences between an array and a linked list and discuss the optimal use cases for both. </p>

<hr />
<h2>Array</h2>

<p>An array is a collection of data of the same type. For example, consider a collection of marks scored by students. Each score is an integer, meaning it's an array of marks.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-array-vs-ll-array.png" title="An Array" alt="An Array" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>An Array</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Advantages of Arrays</h3>

<p>The main advantage of an array is its fast lookup and insertion. Through indexing, we can access and insert (update) elements in an array in constant time, <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<h3>Disadvantages of Arrays</h3>

<p>Arrays have fixed sizes. So, they're not very useful in scenarios where we don't know the exact number of elements involved:</p>

<ul>
	<li>If we set a very small size, we cannot include all the elements in our array.</li>
	<li>If we set a very large size, we waste lots of memory.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>Linked List</h2>

<p>A linked list is a linear data structure where elements, known as nodes, are stored in a sequence.</p>

<p>Each node contains two parts:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Data</li>
	<li>Pointer to the next node in the sequence.</li>
</ol>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-array-vs-ll-ll.png" title="A Linked List" alt="A Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Linked List</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Advantages of Linked Lists</h3>

<p>The main advantage of a linked list is its dynamic size.</p>

<p>Unlike arrays, linked lists can grow and shrink in size as needed, making them ideal for scenarios where the number of elements is unknown or changes frequently.</p>

<h3>Disadvantages of Linked Lists</h3>

<p>One of the problems with linked lists is they do not allow for direct access to elements.</p>

<p>To access an element, you must traverse the list from the head node, which has a linear time complexity, <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Takeaway</h2>

<p>Now that we know the pros and cons of both data structures, let's discuss when each should be used.</p>

<h3>When to Use Arrays:</h3>

<ol>
	<li>When the number of elements is known in advance.</li>
	<li>When faster lookup is required.</li>
</ol>

<h3>When to Use Linked Lists:</h3>

<ol>
	<li>When the number of elements is dynamic and can change frequently.</li>
</ol>



Array Vs Linked List

<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-cpp/" target="_self">DSA with C++</a> course.</p>

Array vs Linked List

<p id="introduction">Python is a versatile, high-level programming language that is widely supported across all major operating systems.</p>

<p>Let's see how you can install Python on your computer.</p>

<h2 id="install">Install Python on Your Computer</h2>


<div>
  <div class="tabbed-editor-content">
    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__node">
      <a href="#windows">Windows</a>
    </div>
    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__node">
      <a href="#mac">MacOS</a>
    </div>
    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__node">
      <a href="#linux">Linux</a>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="tabbed-editor-content--items">
    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__item" id="windows">
      <p>To install Python on your Windows, just follow these steps:</p>
      <ol>
        <li>Install VS Code</li>
        <li>Download Python Installer File</li>
        <li>Run the Installer</li>
        <li>Install Python</li>
        <li>Verify your installation</li>
      </ol>

      <h3>Step 1: Install VS Code</h3>
      <p>Go to the VS Code <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/download">Official website</a> and download the Windows installer. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the installation process.</p>
      <p>Click <strong>Finish</strong> to complete the installation process.</p>

      <h3>Step 2: Download the Python Installer File</h3>
      <p>Go to the official <a href="https://www.python.org/downloads/">Python website</a> and download the latest version (Python 3.13.1 at the time of writing this tutorial) for Windows.</p>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-install-download-page.png" title="Python Download Page" alt="Python Download Page" />
        <figcaption>Python Download Page</figcaption>
      </figure>

      <h3>Step 3: Run the Installer</h3>
      <p>Now, go to your <strong>download</strong> folder and run the installer you just downloaded. Depending on your security settings, you might be prompted to allow access. Simply allow it and proceed.</p>

      <h3>Step 4: Install Python</h3>
      <p>Once you have run the installer, you will come across this screen:</p>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-install-windows1.png" title="Install Python on Windows" alt="Install Python on Windows" />
        <figcaption>Install Python on Windows</figcaption>
      </figure>
      <p>On the screen, you will see two options: <strong>Install Now</strong> and <strong>Customize Installation</strong>. We suggest you skip all customization steps and simply click <strong>Install Now</strong>.</p>
      <ul>
        <li>Check on <strong>Add python.exe to PATH</strong> as it ensures Python is added to our system's PATH variable. (Recommended)</li>
        <li>Click <strong>Install Now</strong>, as it will include all the necessary files needed later.</li>
      </ul>
      <p>After using this option, Python will be successfully installed on your device.</p>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-default-installation.png" title="Python Default Installation" alt="Python Default Installation" />
        <figcaption>Python Default Installation</figcaption>
      </figure>

      <h3>Step 5: Verify your installation</h3>
      <p>After the installation is complete, you can verify whether Python is installed by using the following command in the command prompt:</p>
      <pre><code>python --version</code></pre>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-installation-verify1.png" title="Python Installation Verification for Windows" alt="Python Installation Verification for Windows" />
        <figcaption>Python Installation Verification for Windows</figcaption>
      </figure>
      <div class="note-tip">
        <p><strong>Note:</strong> The version number might differ from the one above, depending on your installed version.</p>
      </div>
    </div>

    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__item" id="mac">
      <p>To install Python on your Mac, just follow these steps:</p>
      <ol>
        <li>Install VS Code</li>
        <li>Check Python version</li>
        <li>Download the Python Installer File</li>
        <li>Run the Installer</li>
        <li>Follow the Instructions</li>
        <li>Verify your installation</li>
      </ol>

      <h3>Step 1: Install VS Code</h3>
      <p>Go to the VS Code <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/download">official website</a> and download the zipped file. Once the download is complete, open the zipped file.</p>

      <h3>Step 2: Check Python Version</h3>
      <p>Since macOS often comes with an older version of Python (Python 2.x) pre-installed on it, you can check the current version by using the following command in the Terminal app:</p>
      <pre><code>python --version</code></pre>
      <p>or, for Python 3:</p>
      <pre><code>python3 --version</code></pre>
      <p>If you are satisfied with the installed version of Python, you can skip the remaining steps. Otherwise, follow the steps below.</p>

      <h3>Step 3: Download the Python Installer File</h3>
      <p>Visit the official <a href="https://www.python.org/downloads">Python website</a> and download the latest version (Python 3.13.1 at the time of writing this tutorial) for macOS.</p>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-download-page-mac.png" title="Python Download Page for Mac" alt="Python Download Page for Mac" />
        <figcaption>Python Download Page for Mac</figcaption>
      </figure>

      <h3>Step 4: Run the Installer</h3>
      <p>Go to your downloads folder and run the installer you just downloaded.</p>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-run-installer-mac.png" title="Python Run Installer for Mac" alt="Python Run Installer for Mac" />
        <figcaption>Python Run Installer for Mac</figcaption>
      </figure>

      <h3>Step 5: Follow the Instructions</h3>
      <p>You will be prompted to agree to the software license agreement, choose the installation location (we recommend using the default location), and enter your administrator password. Simply proceed through it.</p>

      <h3>Step 6: Verify your installation</h3>
      <pre><code>python3 --version</code></pre>
      <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-installation-verify-mac.png" title="Python Installation Verification for Mac" alt="Python Installation Verification for Mac" />
        <figcaption>Python Installation Verification for Mac</figcaption>
      </figure>
      <div class="note-tip">
        <p><strong>Note:</strong> The version number might differ from the one above, depending on your installed version.</p>
      </div>
    </div>

    <div class="tabbed-editor-content__item" id="linux">
      <p>Linux has various distributions, and the installation process differs slightly for each of them. For now, we will focus on the Ubuntu distribution.</p>
      <p>Most Linux distributions come pre-installed with Python. However, if you need to install or upgrade, follow these steps:</p>
      <ol>
        <li>Install VS Code</li>
        <li>Check Python Version</li>
        <li>Install Python via Package Manager</li>
        <li>Verify your installation</li>
      </ol>

      <h3>Step 1: Install VS Code</h3>
      <p>Open the Terminal and type:</p>
      <pre><code>sudo apt update</code></pre>
      <p>This command updates your package lists to ensure you get the latest versions of your software.</p>
      <p>Proceed to install VS Code with:</p>
      <pre><code>sudo snap install code --classic</code></pre>

      <h3>Step 2: Check Python Version</h3>
      <p>You can check the current version of Python by using the following command in the terminal window:</p>
      <pre><code>python --version</code></pre>
      <p>or, for Python 3:</p>
      <pre><code>python3 --version</code></pre>
      <p>If you are satisfied with the installed version of Python, you can skip the remaining steps. Otherwise, follow the steps below.</p>

      <h3>Step 3: Install Python via Package Manager</h3>
      <p>Update the package list to ensure you get the latest version available:</p>
      <pre><code>sudo apt update</code></pre>
      <p>Install Python 3:</p>
      <pre><code>sudo apt install python3</code></pre>
      <p>This command installs Python along with pip (Python package installer), documentation, and other useful packages.</p>
      <figure>
        <img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-installation-for-linux.png" 
             title="Python Installation for Linux" 
             alt="Python Installation for Linux" />
        <figcaption>Python Installation for Linux</figcaption>
      </figure>
      <p>Wait until the installation finishes to start using Python.</p>

      <h3>Step 4: Verify your Installation</h3>
      <p>Once the installation is complete, you can verify whether Python is installed by using the following command in the terminal:</p>
      <pre><code>python3 --version</code></pre>
      <figure>
        <img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-installation-verify-for-linux.png" 
             title="Python Installation Verification for Linux" 
             alt="Python Installation Verification for Linux" />
        <figcaption>Python Installation Verification for Linux</figcaption>
      </figure>
      <div class="note-tip">
        <p><strong>Note:</strong> The version number might differ from the one above, depending on your installed version.</p>
      </div>
      <p>Now, you are all set to run Python programs on your Linux device.</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

<h2 id="run">Run Your First Python Program</h2>
<p>First, open VS Code, click on the File in the top menu, and then select New File.</p>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-new-file-vs-code-file.png" title="Create a New File in VS Code" alt="Create a New File in VS Code" />
  <figcaption>Create a New File in VS Code</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Then, save this file with a .py extension by clicking on <strong>File</strong> again, then <strong>Save As</strong>, and type your filename ending in .py (e.g., Hello_World.py).</p>

<p>Before you start coding, make sure the Python extension is installed in VS Code. Open VS Code and click on Extensions on the left sidebar. Then, search for the <strong>Python</strong> extension by Microsoft and click on install.</p>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog-vs-code-extension.png" title="Python Extension in VSCode" alt="Python Extension in VSCode" />
  <figcaption>Python Extension in VSCode</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Now, write the following code into your file:</p>
<pre><code>print("Hello World")</code></pre>
<p>Then click on the <strong>run</strong> button on the top right side of your screen.</p>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/python-basics-blog--run-program.png" title="Python Run Program" alt="Python Run Program" />
  <figcaption>Python Run Program</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>You should see Hello World printed to the terminal.</p>



How to Install Python?

<p>In this article, we'll explore the time complexity of common tree operations (traversal and insertion) to understand their performance characteristics better.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-tree-tree.png" title="A Sample Tree" alt="A Sample Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Sample Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Traversal</h2>

<p>Traversing a tree involves visiting each node in the tree.</p>

<p>Here is the source code for the preorder traversal of a tree:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def preorder_traversal(self, node, traversal=[]):
    # if no nodes are left,
    # end the recursion
    if not node:
        return traversal
 
    traversal.append(node.data)
 
    for child in node.children:
        # recursively traverse child nodes
        self.preorder_traversal(child, traversal)

    return traversal</code></pre>
</div>

</div><div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void preorder_traversal(TreeNode&lt;T&gt;* node, vector&lt;T&gt;& traversal) {
    if(!node) return;
    traversal.push_back(node-&gt;data);

    for(const auto& child: node-&gt;children) {
        // Recursively traverse child nodes
        preorder_traversal(child, traversal);
    }
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div><p>The total time required to traverse the tree is proportional to the number of nodes. If the tree contains <code>n</code> nodes, the time complexity is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>This applies to all three types of traversal — inorder, preorder, and postorder traversal — as each method visits every node in the tree exactly once.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-tree-preorder-traversal.png" title="Preorder Traversal of a Tree" alt="Preorder Traversal of a Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Preorder Traversal of a Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Insertion</h2>

<p>Insertion involves adding a new node to the tree.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def add_child(self, child):
    self.children.append(child)</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void add_child(TreeNode&lt;T&gt;* new_child) {
    children.push_back(new_child);
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>To insert a child to a node, we append the node to the array. Appending is a constant time operation, so the time complexity is <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-tree-insertion.png" title="Inserting nodes into a tree" alt="Inserting nodes into a tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inserting nodes into a tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Summary</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Operation</th>
<th>Time Complexity</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Traversal</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



Time Complexity of Tree Operations

Exploring Time Complexity of Tree Operations

<p>Binary Search Trees (BST) are a fundamental data structure in computer science, widely used for efficient data storage and retrieval.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-timee-complexity-bst-bst.png" title="A Simple Binary Search Tree" alt="A Simple Binary Search Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Simple Binary Search Tree</figcaption></figure>
<p>In this article, we'll examine the time complexity of common BST operations — search, insertion, and deletion.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Search </h2>

<p>The search operation in BST involves finding a specific key in the tree.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def search(self, value, current_node=None):

    # Base Case: value not found in tree
    if current_node is None:
        return None

    # Return the current_node if it contains the required value
    if value == current_node.data:
        return current_node

    # Else, if the value is less than current_node,
    # recursively call the left child
    elif value &lt; current_node.data:
        return self.search(value, current_node.left) if current_node.left else None

    # Else, recursively call the right child
    # because the value is greater than current_node
    else:
        return self.search(value, current_node.right) if current_node.right else None</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* search(T value, BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* current_node) {
    // Base Case: value not found in tree
    if(!current_node) {
        return nullptr;
    }

    // Return the current_node if it contains the required value
    if(value == current_node-&gt;data) {
        return current_node;
    }

    // Else, if the value is less than current_node,
    // recursively call the left child
    else if(value &lt; current_node-&gt;data) {
        return search(value, current_node-&gt;left);
    }

    // Else, recursively call the right child
    // because the value is greater than current_node
    return search(value, current_node-&gt;right);
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<h3>Time Complexity of BST Search</h3>

<p>The above function recursively moves towards the leaf node from the root until the desired value is found.</p>

<p>In the best case, the value is found in the root. This results in <code>O(1)</code> time complexity.</p>

<p>For all other cases, however, the search operation eliminates half of the remaining tree at each level of recursion. As a result, the number of recursive calls (or comparisons) is proportional to the height of the tree, <code>h</code>. </p>

<p>Thus, the time complexity for BST search is <code>O(h)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Insertion</h2>

<p>BST insertion involves two phases:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Finding a place where we can insert the node.</li>
	<li>Inserting the node in that position.</li>
</ol>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def insert_node(self, value, current_node=None):
    if self.root is None:
        self.root = BinarySearchTreeNode(value)
        return
 
    if current_node is None:
        current_node = self.root
 
    if value &lt; current_node.data:
        if current_node.left is None:
            current_node.left = BinarySearchTreeNode(value)
        else:
            self.insert_node(value, current_node.left)
    elif value &gt; current_node.data:
        if current_node.right is None:
            current_node.right = BinarySearchTreeNode(value)
        else:
            self.insert_node(value, current_node.right)</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void insert_node(T value, BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* current_node) {
    if (!root) {
      	  root = new BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;(value);
        return;
    }

    if (value &lt; current_node-&gt;data) {
        if (!current_node-&gt;left) {
        	current_node-&gt;left = new BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;(value);
        }
        else {
            insert_node(value, current_node-&gt;left);
        }
    }
    else if (value &gt; current_node-&gt;data) {
        if (!current_node-&gt;right) {
            current_node-&gt;right = new BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;(value);
        }
        else {
            insert_node(value, current_node-&gt;right);
        }
    }
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<h3>Time Complexity of BST Insertion</h3>

<p>Here, the <code>insert_node()</code> function:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Recursively finds the appropriate position in the tree for inserting the new node. It has the same time complexity as search, i.e., <code>O(h)</code>.</li>
	<li>Adds the new node at that position, which has a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code> because it is just a pointer update.</li>
</ol>

<p>Here, the search operation dominates the overall computing cost. Thus, the time complexity of this operation is also <code>O(h)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Deletion</h2>

<p>To delete a node, we first need to find its position.</p>

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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
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<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_node(self, root, value):
    if not root:
        return root
 
    if value &lt; root.data:
        root.left = self.delete_node(root.left, value)
    elif value &gt; root.data:
        root.right = self.delete_node(root.right, value)
    else:
        if not root.left:
            temp = root.right
        	root = None
        	return temp
        elif not root.right:
            temp = root.left
        	root = None
        	return temp
 
    temp = root.right
    while temp.left:
        temp = temp.left
        root.data = temp.data
        root.right = self.delete_node(root.right, temp.data)
    return root</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* delete_node(BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* root, T value) {
    if (!root) {
        return root;
    }

    if (value &lt; root-&gt;data) {
        root-&gt;left = delete_node(root-&gt;left, value);
    }
    else if (value &gt; root-&gt;data) {
        root-&gt;right = delete_node(root-&gt;right, value);
    }
    else {
        if (!root-&gt;left) {
            BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* temp = root-&gt;right;
            delete root;
            return temp;
        }
        else if (!root-&gt;right) {
            BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* temp = root-&gt;left;
            delete root;
            return temp;
        }

        BinarySearchTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* temp = root-&gt;right;

        while (temp && temp-&gt;left) {
            temp = temp-&gt;left;
        }

        root-&gt;data = temp-&gt;data;
        root-&gt;right = delete_node(root-&gt;right, temp-&gt;data);
    }

    return root;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<h3>Time Complexity of BST Deletion</h3>

<p>The <code>delete_node()</code> function:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Recursively finds the position of the node to be deleted in the tree. It has the same time complexity of the search operation, i.e., <code>O(h)</code>.</li>
	<li>Deletes that particular node and updates the pointers. This is a constant time operation, so the time complexity is <code>O(1)</code>.</li>
</ol>

<p>Here, the search operation dominates the overall computing cost. Thus, the time complexity of this operation is also <code>O(h)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Time Complexity: Skewness of the Tree</h2>

<p>If the tree is skewed to a single side, it resembles a linked list.</p>

<p>So, we have to traverse all the nodes in the tree. This results in a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>, where <code>n</code> is the number of nodes in the tree.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-bst-skewed-tree.png" title="Binary Search Tree Skewed to a Single Side" alt="Binary Search Tree Skewed to a Single Side" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Binary Search Tree Skewed to a Single Side</figcaption></figure>
<p>So, it's recommended that we have the nodes distributed as uniformly as possible along the left and right side.</p>

<p>Such trees are called balanced trees, where <code>h = logn</code>. Thus, the time complexity is reduced to <code>O(logn)</code>. </p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-timee-complexity-bst-balanced-bst.png" title="A Balanced Binary Search Tree" alt="A Balanced Binary Search Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Balanced Binary Search Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2> Summary</h2>

<p>In short, here are the time complexities for BST operations in various scenarios:</p>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Scenario</th>
<th>Time Complexity</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average Time Complexity</td>
<td><code>O(h)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BST Skewed on a Single Side</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Balanced BST</td>
<td><code>O(logn)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



Exploring Time Complexity of BST Operations

<p>In this article, we'll explore the time complexity of common binary tree operations — traversal and insertion — to better understand their performance characteristics.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-binary-tree-binary-tree.png" title="A Sample Binary Tree" alt="A Sample Binary Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Sample Binary Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Traversal</h2>

<p>Traversing a binary tree involves visiting each node in the tree. Here is the source code for inorder traversal in a binary tree.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def inorder_traversal(self, node, visited_nodes=[]):
    if node is not None:
        # Traverse the left child
        self.inorder_traversal(node.left, visited_nodes)
        visited_nodes.append(node.data)
        # Traverse the right child
        self.inorder_traversal(node.right, visited_nodes)
    return visited_nodes</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void inorder_traversal(BinaryTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* node, vector&lt;T&gt;& traversal) {
    if (!node) return;
    // Traverse the left child
    inorder_traversal(node-&gt;left, traversal);
    traversal.push_back(node-&gt;data);
    // Traverse the right child    
    inorder_traversal(node-&gt;right, traversal);
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>The total time required to traverse the tree is proportional to the number of nodes. If there are <code>n</code> nodes, the time complexity is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>This applies to all three types of traversal — inorder, preorder, and postorder traversal — as each method visits every node in the tree exactly once.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-binary-tree-inorder.png" title="Inorder Traversal of a Tree" alt="Inorder Traversal of a Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inorder Traversal of a Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Insertion</h2>

<p>Insertion involves adding a new node to the tree. To insert a child to a node, we assign the new node either to the right or left of the node. </p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def add_left_child(self, node):
    self.left = node
 
def add_right_child(self, node):
    self.right = node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void add_left_child(BinaryTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* node) {
    left = node;
}
 
void add_right_child(BinaryTreeNode&lt;T&gt;* node) {
    right = node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Assigning a node is a constant time operation, so the time complexity is <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-binary-tree-insertion.png" title="Inserting Nodes in a Binary Tree" alt="Inserting Nodes in a Binary Tree" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inserting Nodes in a Binary Tree</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Summary</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Operation</th>
<th>Time Complexity</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Traversal</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



Exploring Time Complexity of Binary Tree Operations

<p>In this article, we'll explore the time complexity of common linked list operations (such as traversal, insertion, deletion, and search) to better understand their performance characteristics.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-linked-list-time-complexity-singly.png" title="A Singly Linked List" alt="A Singly Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Singly Linked List</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Traversal</h2>

<p>Here is how you can traverse a singly linked list.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def traverse_linked_list(self):
    current = self.head

    # Iterate until we reach the end node
    while current:
        print(f"{current.data}", end="-&gt;")
        current = current.next

    print(None)</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void traverse_linked_list() {
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;

    // Iterate until we reach the end node
    while (current != nullptr) {
        cout &lt;&lt; current-&gt;data &lt;&lt; "-&gt;";
        current = current -&gt; next;
    }

    cout &lt;&lt; "nullptr";
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-singly-linked-list-traversal.png" title="Traversing a Linked List" alt="Traversing a Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Traversing a Linked List</figcaption></figure>
<p>Traversing a linked list involves visiting each element in sequence, which requires a constant amount of time for each node.</p>

<p>Since the list contains <code>n</code> nodes, the total time required to traverse the list is proportional to the number of nodes, resulting in a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Insertion</h2>

<p>Insertion involves adding a new node to the linked list. The time complexity of insertion depends on the location of the insertion point.</p>

<h3>Insertion at the Beginning</h3>

<p>Here is how you can insert a node at the beginning of a singly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def insert_node_at_beginning(self, data):
    new_node = Node(data)
    new_node.next = self.head

    # Update the head
    self.head = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Inserts a node at the beginning of the list
void insert_node_at_beginning(T data) {
    // Create a new node
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});  
    // New node points to the former head
    new_node-&gt;next = head;  
    // Head now points to the new node
    head = new_node;  
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Inserting at the beginning of the linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. This results in a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-singly-linked-list-insert-at-beginning.png" title="Inserting Node at the Beginning" alt="Inserting Node at the Beginning" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inserting Node at the Beginning</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Insertion at Other Positions</h3>

<p>Here is how you can insert a node at a position other than the beginning of a singly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def insert_node_at_position(self, data, position):
    new_node = Node(data)
    current = self.head

    for i in range(1, position -1 ):
        current = current.next

    new_node.next = current.next
    current.next = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Inserts a node at a specific position (1-based index)
void insert_node_at_position(T data, int position) {
    // If inserting at the beginning,
    // call insert_at_begining
    if (position == 1) {
        insert_node_at_beginning(data);
        return;
    }

    // Create a new node
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;
    int i = 1;
    // Traverse to the position
    // before where the new node will be inserted
    while (i &lt; position - 1) {
        current = current-&gt;next;
        ++i;
    }
    // Insert the new node in its correct position
    new_node-&gt;next = current-&gt;next;
    current-&gt;next = new_node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Inserting nodes at positions other than the beginning requires traversing the list to locate the desired insertion point, which has a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>On the other hand, updating the pointers has a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>. </p>

<p>Since the total computing cost of this operation is dominated by traversal itself, the time complexity of this entire operation is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-singly-linked-list-insert-at-position-other-thatn-beginning.png" title="Inserting Node at a Location Other Than the Beginning" alt="Inserting Node at a Location Other Than the Beginning" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Inserting Node at a Location Other Than the Beginning</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Insertion Into an Empty Linked List</h3>

<p>Here is how you can insert a node into an empty linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
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<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def append_into_empty(self, data):
    new_node = Node(data)
    self.head = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void append_into_empty(T data){
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});
    head = new_node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Inserting into an empty linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. This results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Deletion</h2>

<p>Deletion involves removing a node from the linked list. Like with insertion, the time complexity of deletion depends on the location of the node to be deleted.</p>

<h3>Deleting the First Node</h3>

<p>Here is how you can delete the first node from a singly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
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</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_first_node(self):
    if self.head:
        # make second node as new head node
        self.head = self.head.next </code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Deletes the first node of the list
void delete_first_node() {
    if (head == nullptr) return;
    Node&lt;T&gt;* node_to_delete = head;  
    // Head is moved to the second node
    head = head-&gt;next;
    // Delete the former head node
    delete node_to_delete;  
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Deleting the first node of a linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. This results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-singly-linked-list-deleting-the-first-node.png" title="Deleting the First Node of a Singly Linked List" alt="Deleting the First Node of a Singly Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Deleting the First Node of a Singly Linked List</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Deleting Other Nodes</h3>

<p>Here's how you can delete nodes at positions other than the beginning of the linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_node(self, position):
    # Traverse the list to find the node before the one to be deleted
    for i in range(1, position - 1):
        # condition to handle if position
        # is greater than number of nodes
        if not current.next:
            return
        current = current.next   	 

    if current.next:
        current.next = current.next.next </code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>// Delete a node at a specified position (1- based index)
void delete_node(int position) {
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;
    int i = 1;
    // If position is valid,
    // Traverse to the node before the one to be deleted
    while (i &lt; position - 1) {
        current = current-&gt;next;
        ++i;
     }
    Node&lt;T&gt;* node_to_delete = current-&gt;next;  
    current-&gt;next = node_to_delete-&gt;next;
    delete node_to_delete;  
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Deleting nodes at positions other than the beginning requires traversing the list to locate the node, which has a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>And, updating the pointers has the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<p>Since the total computing cost of this operation is dominated by traversal itself, the time complexity of this entire operation is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-singly-linked-list-delete-node-other-then-head.png" title="Deleting a node at position other than the beginning of the linked list" alt="Deleting a node at position other than the beginning of the linked list" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Deleting a node at position other than the beginning of the linked list</figcaption></figure>
<hr />

<h2>Summary</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Operation</th>
<th>Time Complexity</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Traversal</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion at Beginning</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion at Other Positions</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion Into an Empty Linked List</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deletion at Beginning</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deletion at Other Positions</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/" target="_self">DSA with Pytho</a><a href="app.programiz.pro/course/learn-dsa-python/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">n</a> and <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-cpp/" target="_self">DSA with C++</a> courses.</p>

Exploring Time Complexity of Linked List Operations



<p>In this article, we'll explore the time complexity of common doubly linked list operations (such as traversal, insertion, deletion, and search) to better understand their performance characteristics.</p>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-dll.png" title="A Doubly Linked List" alt="A Doubly Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>A Doubly Linked List</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Traversal</h2>

<p>Traversing a linked list involves visiting each element in a sequence. <figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-dll-traversal.png" title="Traversing a Doubly Linked List" alt="Traversing a Doubly Linked List" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Traversing a Doubly Linked List</figcaption></figure>
</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def traverse(self):
    current = self.head
    print("None", end = " &lt;-&gt; ")
    
    while current is not None:
        print(f"{current.data} &lt;-&gt; ", end="")
        current = current.next

    print("None")</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void traverse() {
    // Start traversal from head
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;
    cout &lt;&lt; "nullptr &lt;-&gt; ";
    while (current != nullptr) {
        cout &lt;&lt; current-&gt;data &lt;&lt; " &lt;-&gt; ";
        // Move to the next node
        current = current-&gt;next;
     }
    cout &lt;&lt; "nullptr\n";
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>The total time required to traverse the list is proportional to the number of nodes. If the list contains <code>n</code> nodes, it results in a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<p>However, for an empty linked list (i.e., when the head is <code>nullptr</code> or <code>None</code>), the traversal loop does not execute, and the time complexity is <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Insertion</h2>

<p>Insertion involves adding a new node to the linked list. The time complexity of insertion depends on the location of the insertion point.</p>

<h3>Insertion at the Beginning</h3>

<p>Here is how we can insert a node at the beginning of the linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
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	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def insert_at_beginning(self, data):
    # create new node
    new_node = Node(data)

    # update pointers
    new_node.next = self.head
    self.head.prev = new_node

    # update head
    self.head = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void insert_at_beginning(T data){
    // Create a new node to append
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});
    // If the list is empty
    // new_node is both
    // the head and tail
    if (head == nullptr){
        head = new_node;
        tail = new_node;
        return;
     }

    // head will be next to new_node
    new_node-&gt;next = head;

    // head is prev to new_node
    head-&gt;prev = new_node;

    // new_node is the head
    head = new_node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-dll-insert-at-end.png" title="Insertion at the end of a doubly linked list." alt="Insertion at the end of a doubly linked list." width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Insertion at the end of a doubly linked list.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Inserting at the beginning of the linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. So, this results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code> .</p>

<h3>Insertion at the End</h3>

<p>Here is how you can add a node to the end of a doubly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
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</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def append_node(self, data):
    # initialize a new node
    new_node = Node(data)

    # update links
    new_node.prev = self.tail
    self.tail.next = new_node

    # update tail
    self.tail = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void append(T data){
    // Create a new node to append
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});
    // If the list is empty
    // new_node is both the
    // head and tail
    if (head == nullptr){
        head = new_node;
        tail = new_node;
        return;
    }

    // prev of new_node is the current tail
    new_node-&gt;prev = tail;

    // new_node is next to current tail
    tail-&gt;next = new_node;

    // new_node is the tail now
    tail = new_node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-dll-delete-first-node.png" title="Deleting the First Node" alt="Deleting the First Node" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Deleting the First Node</figcaption></figure>
<p>Inserting at the end of the doubly linked list only requires an update in the <code>tail</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. So, this results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<h3>Insertion at Other Positions</h3>

<p>Here's how you can insert a node at a position other than beginning or the end of a doubly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def insert_at_position(self, position, data):
    # create new node
    new_node = Node(data)
    # bring a pointer to desired position
    current = self.head
    for i in range(position - 1):
        current = current.next
   	 
    # get a pointer to the next node
    next_node = current.next

    # update pointers
    current.next = new_node
    next_node.prev = new_node

    new_node.prev = current
    new_node.next = next_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void insert_at_position(T data, int position){
    int i = 1;

    // Start from the head
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;
 
    while (i &lt; position - 1){
        // Move to next node
        current = current -&gt; next;
        ++i;
    }

    // Get a pointer to next node
    Node&lt;T&gt;* next_node = current-&gt;next;
 
    // new_node is next to current_node.
    current-&gt;next = new_node;
 
    // new_node is prev to next_node
    next_node-&gt;prev = new_node;
 
    // prev of new_node is current
    new_node-&gt;prev = current;
 
    // next of new_node is
    // next of current node
    new_node-&gt;next = next_node;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-dll-delete-last-node.png" title="Deleting the Last Node" alt="Deleting the Last Node" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Deleting the Last Node</figcaption></figure>
<p>Inserting nodes at positions other than the beginning of the list requires:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Traversing the list to locate the desired insertion point, which has a time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>.</li>
	<li>Updating the pointer, which has a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>. </li>
</ol>

<p>As the total computing cost of this operation is dominated by the traversal, the time complexity of this entire operation is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<h3>Insertion Into an Empty Linked List</h3>

<p>Here is how you can insert a node into an empty list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def append_to_empty(self, data):
    new_node = Node(data)
    self.head = new_node
    self.tail = new_node</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void insert_into_empty(T data) {
    // Create a new node to append
    Node&lt;T&gt;* new_node = new Node&lt;T&gt;({data});
    if (head == nullptr){
        head = new_node;
        tail = new_node;
        return;
    }
} </code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Inserting into an empty linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. So, this results in a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Deletion</h2>

<p>Deletion involves removing a node from the linked list. The time complexity of deletion depends on the location of the node to be deleted.</p>

<h3>Deleting the First Node</h3>

<p>Here is how you can delete the first node from a doubly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_from_beginning(self):
    current = self.head
    self.head = self.head.next
    self.head.prev = None

    # Update the next of current
    current.next = None </code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void delete_from_beginning(){
    if(head == nullptr) return;

    // head is to be deleted
    Node&lt;T&gt;* node_to_delete = head;

    // next of head is the new head
    head = head-&gt;next;

    // prev of head is nullptr
    head-&gt;prev = nullptr;

    // Deallocate the memory
    delete node_to_delete;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-delete-node-other-than-first-and-last.png" title="Deleting a Node at Other Positions" alt="Deleting a Node at Other Positions" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Deleting a Node at Other Positions</figcaption></figure>
<p>Deleting the first node of a linked list only requires an update in the <code>head</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. So, this results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<h3>Deleting the Last Node</h3>

<p>Here's how you can delete the last node of a doubly linked list:</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_from_end(self):
    # Get reference to the tail node
    current = self.tail
    
    self.tail = self.tail.prev
    self.tail.next = None

    current.prev = None</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void delete_from_end(){
    // tail is the end node
    Node&lt;T&gt;* node_to_delete = tail;

    // New tail is the previous
    // of the previous tail
    tail = tail-&gt;prev;
    tail-&gt;next = nullptr;
    node_to_delete-&gt;prev = nullptr;

    // Deallocate the memory
    delete node_to_delete;
} </code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Deleting the last node of a linked list only requires an update in the <code>tail</code> pointer, which is a constant time operation. So, this results in the time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</p>

<h3>Deleting Nodes at Other Positions</h3>

<p>Here is how you can delete a node of a doubly linked list in some position other than the beginning or the end of the list. </p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def delete_from_position(self, position):
    current = self.head
    prev_node = next_node = None

    for i in range(position-1):
        current = current.next

    prev_node = current.prev
    next_node = current.next
    prev_node.next = next_node
    next_node.prev = prev_node

    current.next = None
    current.prev = None</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>void delete_from_position(int position){
    int i = 1;
    Node&lt;T&gt;* current = head;

    // Loop until we reach the position to delete
    while (i &lt; position){
        // Move to next node
        current = current-&gt;next;
        ++i;
    }

    // Get the pointer to prev and next of current node
    Node&lt;T&gt;* prev_node = current-&gt;prev;
    Node&lt;T&gt;* next_node = current-&gt;next;
 
    // Update pointers
    prev_node-&gt;next = next_node;
    next_node-&gt;prev = prev_node;
 
    // Deallocate the memory
    delete current;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p>Deleting nodes at positions other than the beginning or the end requires</p>

<ol>
	<li>Traversing the list to locate the node, which has the time complexity of <code>O(n)</code>. </li>
	<li>Updating the pointers, which has a time complexity of <code>O(1)</code>.</li>
</ol>

<p>As the total computing cost of this operation is dominated by the traversal, the time complexity of this entire operation is <code>O(n)</code>.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Summary</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<th>Operation</th>
<th>Time Complexity</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Traversal</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion at the Beginning</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion at the End</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion Into Other Nodes</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Insertion Into Empty Linked List</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deletion at the Beginning</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deletion at the End</td>
<td><code>O(1)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deletion at Other Positions</td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>



Doubly Linked List Operations

<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/" target="_self">DSA with Python</a> and<a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-cpp/" target="_self"> DSA with C++</a> courses.</p>

Exploring Time Complexity of Doubly Linked List Operations

<p>Merge sort is a comparison-based divide-and-conquer sorting algorithm that works by recursively dividing the array into halves, sorting each half, and then merging them back together.</p>

<div class="tabbed-editor">
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#python-code">Python</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#java-code">Java</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#c-code">C</a></div>                
	<div class="tabbed-editor__node"><a href="#cpp-code">C++</a></div>                
</div>
<div class="code-editor code-editor--tabbed">

<div class="code-editor__area" id="python-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>def merge_sort(arr):
    # If the array has 1 or no elements,
    # return it as it's already sorted
    if len(arr) &lt;= 1:
        return arr

    # Divide the array into two halves
    mid = len(arr) // 2
    left = merge_sort(arr[:mid])  # Recursively sort the left half
    right = merge_sort(arr[mid:])  # Recursively sort the right half

    # Merge the sorted halves and return the result.
    return merge(left, right)

def merge(left, right):
    # Create a result array to store merged elements
    result = []
    # Initialize pointers for the left and right arrays
    i = j = 0

    # Compare elements from both arrays
    # and add the smaller one to the result
    while i &lt; len(left) and j &lt; len(right):
        if left[i] &lt; right[j]:
            result.append(left[i])
            i += 1
        else:
            result.append(right[j])
            j += 1

    # Add remaining elements from the left array to the result
    result.extend(left[i:])
    # Add remaining elements from the right array to the result
    result.extend(right[j:])

    # Return the merged and sorted array
    return result</code></pre>
</div>

<div class="code-editor__area" id="cpp-code">
<pre class="exec">
<code>template&lt;typename T&gt;
std::vector&lt;T&gt; merge_sort(std::vector&lt;T&gt;& arr) {
    // If the array has 1 or no elements,
    // return it as it is already sorted
    if(arr.size() &lt;= 1) return arr;

    // Find the midpoint of the array
    int mid = arr.size() / 2;

    // Divide the array into left and right halves
    std::vector&lt;T&gt; left(arr.begin(), arr.begin() + mid);
    std::vector&lt;T&gt; right(arr.begin() + mid, arr.end());

    // Recursively sort the left half
    left = merge_sort(left);
    // Recursively sort the right half.
    right = merge_sort(right);

    // Merge the sorted halves and return the result
    return merge(left, right);
}

template&lt;typename T&gt;
std::vector&lt;T&gt; merge(std::vector&lt;T&gt;& left, std::vector&lt;T&gt;& right) {
    // Initialize the result vector to store the merged elements
    std::vector&lt;T&gt; result;
    // Initialize pointers for the left and right vectors
    int i = 0, j = 0;

    // Compare elements from both vectors
    // and add the smaller one to the result
    while(i &lt; left.size() && j &lt; right.size()) {
        if(left[i] &lt; right[j]) {
            result.push_back(left[i]);
            i++;
        }
        else {
            result.push_back(right[j]);
            j++;
        }
    }

    // Append the remaining elements from the left vector to the result
    result.insert(result.end(), left.begin() + i, left.end());
    // Append the remaining elements from the right vector to the result
    result.insert(result.end(), right.begin() + j, right.end());

    // Return the merged and sorted vector
    return result;
}</code></pre>
</div>

</div>
<p><strong>Average Case Time Complexity:</strong> <code>O(n logn)</code></p>

<p>Merge sort involves two main operations:</p>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Dividing the Array:</strong> Each step splits the array into two halves.</li>
	<li><strong>Merging Sorted Arrays:</strong> After sorting, it merges the smaller arrays into a larger sorted array.</li>
</ol>

<p>The division occurs recursively, splitting the array into halves every call. So, the recursion depth is <code>O(logn)</code>.</p>

<p>Each merging step involves comparing elements to merge two sorted subarrays into a single sorted array. If there are <code>n</code> elements in total, merging all subarrays at a given level takes <code>O(n)</code> time.</p>

<p>Thus, the total time complexity is:</p>

<pre>
<samp>O(logn) × O(n) = O(nlogn)</samp></pre>

<figure><img src="https://cdn.programiz.pro/programiz-static/programiz-blog/dsa-blog-time-complexity-merge-sort.png" title="Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes in Merge Sort" alt="Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes in Merge Sort" width="" height=""/>
	<figcaption>Comparing the Number of Operations Required for Different Input Sizes in Merge Sort</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>Space Complexity of Merge Sort: O(n)</h2>

<p>Merge sort is not an in-place sorting algorithm—it requires additional space to store the left and right subarrays during the merge process.</p>

<p>Thus, the space complexity is <code>O(n)</code> as it needs extra space to hold temporary arrays during the merging step.</p>

<hr />
<h2>Summary: Time and Space Complexity</h2>

<div class="table-responsive">
<table>
<tr>
<td><strong>Time Complexity</strong></td>
<td><code>O(n logn)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Space Complexity</strong></td>
<td><code>O(n)</code></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<hr />
<h2>When to Use Merge Sort?</h2>

<p>Merge sort is particularly useful when stable sorting is required, and when the data is too large to fit into memory and needs to be processed externally (such as in external sorting).</p>

<p><strong>When to Use:</strong></p>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Large Datasets</strong>: Merge sort performs consistently with <code>O(n logn)</code> time complexity, making it suitable for sorting large datasets.</li>
	<li><strong>Stable Sorting</strong>: Merge sort is stable, meaning it preserves the relative order of equal elements.</li>
	<li><strong>External Sorting</strong>: Merge sort works by dividing the array into manageable parts and merging them. It is ideal for cases where data is too large to fit into memory and must be stored externally (e.g., sorting large databases or files).</li>
</ol>

<p><strong>When to Avoid:</strong></p>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Memory Constraints</strong>: Merge sort requires <code>O(n)</code> additional space, which makes it unsuitable for scenarios where memory is limited.</li>
	<li><strong>Small Datasets</strong>: For small datasets, simpler algorithms such as Insertion Sort or Quick Sort may be more efficient due to their lower overhead.</li>
</ol>



<p>This article is a complementary resource to the <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/" target="_self">DSA with Python</a> and <a href="https://programiz.pro/course/dsa-with-python/" target="_self">DSA with C++</a> courses.</p>

Python Programming Resources [For All Levels]

Programiz: Final Commit 2024

Best Way to Learn Python [A Complete Guide]

Python Programming Resources [For All Levels]

Programiz: Final Commit 2024

Best Way to Learn Python [A Complete Guide]