A Python is revered as one of to be the longest snakes in the world, however, we are not talking about that type of python today. We are talking about python, one of the most popular and simple programming languages there is. 

Why Python you may ask? 

Python – the programming language has now become one of the most popular open-source languages available today. It is used by programmers large corporations including Google and NASA. Google even offers a free course in Python, for people with a bit of programming experience who want to learn Python. The class includes written materials, lecture videos, and lots of code exercises to practice Python coding. 
 
Python is also one of the most sought programming languages for jobs. Many more developers every day are moving their projects to python because it’s such a powerful and easy language used to program. Most languages aren’t user-friendly because of a lot of syntaxes (explain what syntax is in this bracket); when you get anything wrong the program will reject your input. However, the difference with python is,   it always does what you ask it to do and its learning curve is quite simple even for a beginner. The only reason many people may not want to learn python is that they are intimidated and frightened by the notion of coding. 

 
 
What can one do with Python? 
 
Python has a variety of areas it can be used,, such as data science, web development, software development, data analysis and task automation, among others. Its simplicity has made it popular even for non-programmers for various tasks. 
 
One of the reasons Python is sort after is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Artificial Intelligence allows machines to analyze problems by thinking up an efficient solution. Thanks to librari Intelligence and Machine Learning. Artificial Intelligence enables machines to analyze problems by thinking up an efficient solution. Thanks to libraries such as es such as Keras and Tensorflow Python is able to implement machine learning algorithms. 
 

How AIMS is training well-rounded data scientists?

Big Data is indispensable in today’s technology-driven world. Big data and analytics can provide evidence-based solutions to real challenges. While there is a significant need for Big Data analysis in different fields and industries, the lack of human capital and equipment to conduct Big Data analysis is a serious hindrance to Africa’s ability to use data science and analytics for purposes of human development, business and governance. It is these industry capacity challenges that the AIMS industry initiative is addressing, gradually through the Big Data for Development short courses and connecting AIMS graduates with public and private institutions to bridge the skills gap in STEM industries by leveraging the AIMS world-class master’s degree in mathematical sciences, leadership, and professional skills to contribute to Africa’s economy through human capital, knowledge transfer, and applied research in Rwanda and beyond. 

The AIMS Industry Initiative builds and leverages industry partnerships to identify win-win opportunities for AIMS students and alumni as well as industry partners. These include short term work placements, internships and employment. One such example is the AIMS-Ishango Data and AI fellowship program as well as the Work Integrated Learning. All these as components of the AIMS Industry Initiative provided young African Data enthusiasts with the opportunity to tackle African Challenges by giving them access to big data sets and the opportunity to use big data techniques. Guess what, Python is the to-go-to-to language for big data and data analysis.  

Aime Ishimwe, an AIMS alumnus joined the Rwanda Information Society Agency (RISA) for a work-integrated learning internship to apply his skills in data science. His good command of data wrangling, statistical analysis, and machine learning models skills (all attributed to python) led to the identification of mismatch on baseline value on some key government documents such as sector strategic plan (SSP) and National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) on which he performed data analysis to produce reports according to set performance indicators which he informed his superiors for correction, “Through my knowledge of python, I found those errors, and I reported them”, he says. 

 
Python is a major language in data science and it’s the first language students are exposed to AIMS. Python allows data scientists to manipulate and analyze data, conduct complex statistical calculations, and do other data-related tasks easily.  

We remain committed to training young Africans on world-class skills such as Python to prepare Africa for the upcoming quantum revolution.  

Have you used Python before, do you intend to pursue Python or data science as a career?

Please share with us your experiences & thoughts in the comment box!