1.6) Benefits Of Learning Python

• Boost your productivity: Because Python is easy and quick to write and run, and because it is versatile, you’ll save time on code writing, debugging and you won’t have to switch from one language to another for different tasks. You can produce and plot your results within the same programs. It will make your life easier and save you time so that you can focus on the science.
• Learn a programming language: Today, having programming skills is a great benefit on the job market. Python has been systematically ranked in the top 10 most popular programming languages (TIOBE index; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIOBE_Programming_Community_Index). It is used in web software and games development. If you haven’t learned a programming language before, Python is a great one to start with; once you’ve learned one language, others are easy to pick up.
• Save research money: Matlab and IDL are a huge expense in academia. If you move group or institute, or work from home, you may not have access to a Matlab or IDL licence and might have to buy your own.
• Share your work: All your colleagues will be able to run your Python code whatever system they use, and the IPython Notebook makes documenting and sharing your work a breeze.

If you’re now convinced that Python is for you, you may be wondering how much effort it will be to learn it. Good news again: it’s pretty easy! It’s also free, and help is easy to find on the web.