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Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

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Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#51

Post by ighost »

dkarl wrote: post #37

There's no such thing as a "Python job." Anyone who can't pick up Python in a week isn't worth hiring, and conversely, being productive in Python isn't proof of technical ability. Unlike with C++, Lisp, or even Java, if I was hiring for a Python shop, I wouldn't stress Python as an important qualification for the position.

I guess by pick up Python you mean learn enough Python to translate translate a Java program to Python?

If you can write idiomatic code in a dynamic language a week after switching from C++ or Java, teach me your skills.

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#52

Post by alttab »

alttab wrote: post #22

The limit of my response is but of my own humble opinion. Python is a relatively simple language, with a small learning curve, and many applications. I've seen python used as a tool more than a primary technology for shops (unless they are a web company running Django.) My advice is that it seems like you are looking at your career a little narrowly if you are simply looking for "python jobs" because it doesn't seem…

I can only assume the downvotes are due to my explanation of python as a language.

When looking for jobs, you have to see how the business world views a certainly technology, not a collection of personal opinions.

Python is a great tool no doubt - but I see little in the way of careers revolving around just python knowledge. In most hunts I see it as "icing on the cake."

But again - take my word for what its worth - a guy on the internet. However, the fact the OP even posted this question only supports my argument.

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#53

Post by gurtwo »

I work at a major (the biggest?) telecom equipment provider. For a couple of years, I've been doing ad-hoc Python scripts (say, 3000+ lines) to interact with network nodes, based on customer requests. So yes, there is room for professional, non-web related Python. I try to push the language for more developments, but it's hard to convince managers. I prefer the tools I make to the standard, corporate fat applications we sell for millions. If anyone is hiring on those skills, I'll be glad to hear offers.

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#55

Post by dannyr »

jister wrote: post #25

From what I noticed so far, Python is not hot in the market. Java, .Net and PHP still dominates the market. Again, this is just my observation though.

Depends where you are.

Here in the Bay Area, demand for Python programmers is pretty high.

.Net is almost dead here.

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#57

Post by jheriko »

alttab wrote: post #52
alttab wrote: post #22

The limit of my response is but of my own humble opinion. Python is a relatively simple language, with a small learning curve, and many applications. I've seen python used as a tool more than a primary technology for shops (unless they are a web company running Django.) My advice is that it seems like you are looking at your career a little narrowly if you are simply looking for "python jobs" because it doesn't seem…

I can only assume the downvotes are due to my explanation of python as a language. When looking for jobs, you have to see how the business world views a certainly technology, not a collection of personal opinions. Python is a great tool no doubt - but I see little in the way of careers revolving around just python knowledge. In most hunts I see it as "icing on the cake." But again - take my word for what its worth -…

I upvoted you. I sort of agree with your point.

My opinion is that as a stand-alone language Python can do nothing that can not be done better with other, higher level, faster or more proven languages.

However, I think Python has a solid place in providing scripting support - it sure is a lot faster to install and start using than it is to write a scripting language from scratch in your language of choice, and Python fits most tasks well (the only exception I've come across is real-time rendering applications, although I haven't tried newer versions since about 2005...).

This vaguely fits the data too. :)

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#58

Post by jfager »

gurtwo wrote: post #53

I work at a major (the biggest?) telecom equipment provider. For a couple of years, I've been doing ad-hoc Python scripts (say, 3000+ lines) to interact with network nodes, based on customer requests. So yes, there is room for professional, non-web related Python. I try to push the language for more developments, but it's hard to convince managers. I prefer the tools I make to the standard, corporate fat applications…

3000+ lines is what you're calling an ad-hoc Python script? Or your sum total output of Python is 3000+ lines?

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#59

Post by kevindication »

Josh0 wrote: post #3

What sort of Python job are you looking for? I know that there is definitely demand out there for Python programmers who work with Django (a web framework built on Python, for those who don't know). We (Discovery Creative—part of Discovery Communications, parent company of the Discovery Channel—out of Silver Spring, MD) are currently looking for Django/Python people.

Also in Silver Spring, the company I work for uses Python extensively and has been a diamond sponsor of PyCon. See: http://www.woti.jobs

Re: Ask HN: Where are all the Python jobs?

#60

Post by kaens »

I currently do freelance work, and a lot of it has been "write me a little application that helps me search these websites for these terms relevant to the services my business provides". Python is very well suited to such tasks.

There seem to be quite a few smaller-to-medium web-shops using python.

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