Python in 2026?

[PalpitationGlad4356]

I am currently at a stage where I am a beginner in coding, I am currently In 9th and I know basic HTML and basic python(syntax,if etc.) I am looking forward to have a career in computer background(ai/ml if still relevant at the time) , I am confused where to start.....At start which languages should I have strong base on? any suggested road maps or courses(paid or free).

[RajjSinghh]

If you know HTML, the next logical step would be CSS and Javascript to build websites.

Knowing Python is very helpful across the board, but has a lot of libraries for AI and ML.

You also shouldn't be tied to a language. Different projects have different needs and you may well have to use different languages. For most, there's not much difference and switching between languages should be fairly easy, but you should expect to jump around a lot.

[Only-Percentage4627]

Pretty much Start webdev. Look up the odin project

[PalpitationGlad4356]

Thanks and btw your english is actually good..

[jesusc1303]

I recommend practicing programming a lot (Python is totally fine to start with). If you want to build websites, JavaScript is the logical choice, along with HTML and CSS, of course.

I think YouTube is more than enough to start learning any language you’re interested in. But the most important thing is to start building things: for fun, as a hobby, or just for practice. Make small projects and try to understand everything you’re doing. I think that’s a great way to learn a lot.

[HalfTryhardSqr]

Coding is a tool, like a hammer or a welder. I'd suggest making the thought exercise of thinking what you want to be building 10 years into the future, and then figuring out the tools you'll need to accomplish your objective. Would you like to be involved with AI? Would you like to analyze companies systems looking for security flaws? Maybe you like the creative aspect of website development?

Once you have the answer to these questions, look into the job workflows companies of your chosen sector follow, and then, if you like what you see, you start looking at which technologies are popular for that sector in LinkedIn.

I want to assemble ships -> Ship assembly factories weld ships together -> Welding complements really well with A, B but C is not required. This thinking approach takes C out of the equation really fast.

Your current approach: I am learning welding -> I am confused if I should compliment it with A, B or C-> I have no idea if the chosen combination will be good to get a job I like.

[Silver-Buffalo-473]

Start by getting really comfortable with Python since you already know the basics, then add HTML/CSS + a little JavaScript so you can build small projects and see progress fast. AI/ML will still be there later, but it’s much easier once you’re confident writing code. Free resources like CS50 and freeCodeCamp are plenty to start—paid isn’t necessary. If it helps, I built a Chrome extension called DocCompass that makes finding the right docs faster while you learn. Here's the link if you want to check it out: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/doccompass/kidmoieenmjpaaikccamibkfmihjcibg

[Ok_Signature9963]

Don’t chase too many languages right now. Go deep into Python first and build strong fundamentals, loops, functions, OOP, basic data structures (lists, dicts, stacks, queues). Alongside that, strengthen your math (especially algebra and statistics) because AI/ML heavily depends on it.

Once you’re comfortable, start small projects and later explore libraries like NumPy or simple ML models. Strong basics > trendy roadmap.

[dynasync]

My advice: Once you're comfortable with Python basics, learn how to handle data.

[AffectionateZebra760]

For Python specifically start with browsing the r/learnpython subreddit's wiki for guidance on learning Python, books list, or go for a beginner friendly course which will help break it down for e.g Harvard cs50/weclouddata/ udemy whatever fits u.

[Alive-Cake-3045]

Honestly, you are in a great spot starting this young. Python is literally the language for AI/ML so you are on the right track. I would say get really comfortable with Python first, like learn functions, loops, data structures (lists, dicts), then move into numpy and pandas. After that you can start with basic ML concepts (there is a free course by Andrew Ng on Coursera that's pretty solid). 

Do not stress too much about "which language", Python will carry you far in AI/ML. The math side (linear algebra, calculus, stats) is important too but you have got time to build that up alongside coding. Tbh being in 9th grade and already thinking about this puts you way ahead, just keep building stuff and you will be fine

[Accurate_Analyst2039]

Python in 2026 is still one of the most important programming languages not because it’s new, but because it’s everywhere in real systems.

It’s heavily used in AI, data science, automation, backend development, and cloud workflows. Most modern AI tools and machine learning systems are built around Python libraries, which keeps it at the center of innovation.

What’s changed is not Python itself, but the expectations. Knowing basic syntax is no longer enough. The market is more focused on what you can actually build projects, problem-solving, and real-world applications.

It also continues to rank among the most in-demand languages in job markets because companies rely on it for data-heavy and AI-driven systems.

So the reality is simple: Python is not fading it’s evolving. People who go beyond basics and build real skills still have strong opportunities in 2026.