{"id":93546,"date":"2021-11-26T09:26:32","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T17:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=93546"},"modified":"2021-11-26T09:26:38","modified_gmt":"2021-11-26T17:26:38","slug":"python-for-bioinformatics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/python-for-bioinformatics\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn Python for Bioinformatics: Learning Resources, Libraries, and Basic Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bioinformatics<\/a> has always used computer programs for determining gene and protein functions and establishing evolutionary relationships. Programming languages are useful in bioinformatics for several reasons. If you want to stand out as a bioinformatics specialist, having programming knowledge and skills in Python can be highly beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will learn about the benefits of using Python in bioinformatics, available educational paths, and Python bioinformatics libraries. There\u2019s also a step-by-step learning guide to help get you started. You will gain all the information required to become an expert when it comes to Python and bioinformatics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Python?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Python<\/a> is a general-purpose programming language that is used for website and software development, automation, and data analysis. It is one of the most popular programming languages in the world due to its high-level, accessible, and easy-to-understand design which makes it adequate for many projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Python has been used to write several popular software applications like YouTube, Google, Instagram, Spotify, Reddit, and Quora. It is preferred by programmers because it is more intuitive than other programming languages. It is also one of the common tools used in bioinformatics because of its emphasis on code readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Python Used for in Bioinformatics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Python is used for several tasks in bioinformatics including academic research, data manipulation, protein sequencing, data analysis, data visualization, accessing databases, and statistical learning. It is also used for macromolecular structure analysis, DNA sequence analysis, and microarray data analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most bioinformatics specialists or biologists do not know how to program and prefer to spend their time on other tasks. This makes Python ideal for them because of the numerous libraries available that streamline the programming process. These professionals also find it useful for faster prototyping, easier debugging, and more fruitful results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Will It Take to Learn Python for Bioinformatics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It will take between a few weeks and a few months. This depends on your educational path, learning format, and previous knowledge or programming experience. There are different educational paths for you to learn Python such as a coding bootcamp<\/a> or an online class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding bootcamps typically take between four weeks to nine months depending on your choice of bootcamp and learning format. Part-time and online programs typically last longer than full-time and in-person programs. Online courses are mostly self-paced and depend solely on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Should You Learn Python for Bioinformatics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Python is the preferred programming language for bioinformatics for many reasons. This section will cover brief details on a few of those reasons including its easy-to-use design, vast community and libraries, consistency and reliability, easy data manipulation, and compatibility with existing tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease of Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Python is designed for beginners to be able to take advantage of its benefits with the help of numerous libraries that are freely available. It has a syntax that is similar to the English language making it easy to find your way around programming and web or software development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a bioinformatics specialist, you will have other tasks to focus on and need an easy programming language<\/a> that won’t take too much of your time to master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Python is a very popular language with a large community which has led to the creation of several libraries to support the bioinformatics field. The Python community is made up of millions of software developers willing to help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most popular Python communities include Full Stack Python, PySlackers, Real Python, and Python Discord. As someone willing to learn and use Python, joining any of these communities will come in handy as you can easily reach out to any of the experts available for help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Versatile, Reliable, and Efficient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Python can work efficiently in many environments. Whether you\u2019re working with a web or desktop application, you can expect the same results. This is one of the reasons why Python is so popular among programmers. It is also much faster than many other programming languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy Data Manipulation and Visualization <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a bioinformatics specialist, you will regularly work with data manipulation. Pandas, an open-source library under Python, allows for easy, high-performance data structures<\/a> and data analysis which is necessary for data manipulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Python is also good for data visualization because it is open-source, easily accessible, and has a library for numerous tasks. Many Python data visualization libraries can be used to create live, personalized plots, and interactive presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility With Existing Tools <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things about Python is its ability to integrate with existing technologies. When working on a task with Python, REST APIs<\/a> can help you with integration. Python can also run on almost all platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Learn Python for Bioinformatics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Scientists
Python\u2019s code readability makes it the ideal programming language for bioinformatics professionals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can choose different educational paths to learn Python for bioinformatics. You can join a coding bootcamp, enroll in an online course, or read and practice with Python textbooks. They each have their advantages and the decision depends on what aligns with your career goals and path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coding Bootcamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coding bootcamps are designed to equip students with the relevant skills needed to start a career in technology. They typically offer programs in different technology fields from specific programming languages like Python to tech specializations like data science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are short-term and immersive and can teach you the skills needed in several weeks or months depending on your learning format and bootcamp choice. Thinkful is a top coding bootcamp<\/a> that offers multiple programs including the data science program that teaches Python in its curriculum. It offers a part-time online schedule that lasts for six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Online courses are a good way to become a self-taught programmer. There are several online learning platforms that you can use to your advantage today and gain the skills you need in your own time. The great thing about online programs is the fact they are typically self-paced and may also offer hands-on training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who are on a budget, you can also find several free courses that offer the same curriculum as the paid courses. An example of this is Coursera\u2019s Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners<\/a> that allows you to enroll for free and also get a shareable certificate at the end of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you may be able to learn all the necessary details and steps through books, it may not be enough. However, it can help you get started in the field if you engage in regular hands-on projects to practice the skills you learn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several books available to those who would like to learn about or increase their knowledge in Python for bioinformatics. Some of them include Python for Bioinformatics<\/em> by Sebastian Bassi, Bioinformatics Programming Using Python<\/em> by Mitchell L. Model, and Mastering Python for Bioinformatics<\/em> by Ken Youens-Clark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Python for Bioinformatics Libraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Python has vast libraries that you will find useful as a beginner and expert in the field. For any task you may want to perform using Python, you can be almost guaranteed of finding a library for it. Listed below are some Python for bioinformatics libraries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n