How to hire a Python developer

Python got its name because its founder, Guido van Rossum, loved Monty Python’s Flying Circus. But while its name may be based in comedy, the language is anything but.

Python is an interpretive, object-oriented, high-level language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built-in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development, as well as for use in scripting. Python is ranked in the top three popular programming languages on GitHub, with over 160,000 active Python repositories, and since 2008, Python has consistently ranked in the top eight most popular programming languages.

Python can serve as a scripting language for web applications, e.g., via mod_wsgi for the Apache web server. Web application frameworks like Django, Pylons, Pyramid, TurbGears, web2py, Tornado, Flask, Bottle and Zope support developers in the design and maintenance of complex applications. Besides that, Python covers many aspects of mathematics, including algebra, combinatorics, numerical mathematics, number theory and calculus.

With so many applications, it’s hard to find a good Python developer, even though it’s one of the most popular languages out there. Luck for you, this article has tips on how to find the best Python developers and attract them to your company.

Here is the vital guide to hiring a Python developer.

When looking for the best Python developer, keep this hiring guide in mind!

1. Define the developer you need

This helps you and your applicants by giving both parties clarity. To get the best developers, you need to have a crystal clear image of what you’re trying to build and what you need from your developers, and you need to be able to communicate that vision to them.

Many job posts on freelancing sites look something like, “Python developer needed for super cool new application,” which is sure to yield an enormous volume of applications but no qualified candidates. Instead, when crafting a job post it’s important to include information that details what the company does, the role of the job in question, working conditions, and the responsibilities and qualifications expected of the candidate.

Without these details, good developers won’t even consider the job. Crafting a good job description takes time, so start with a Python job description template and customize it as needed. This will save you time and ensure that you will get better candidates.

Once you know what you are looking for, start your search. While you should use standard search channels, remember that the best spots for finding developers are their natural habitats.

Hackathons are great events where you can find talented developers, but many hackathons are narrowed down with a specific focus, so be sure to target those that are relevant to your product.

Search online repositories like GitHub for developers who contribute to Python-based open source projects. Q&A sites like Stack Exchange and technical blogs are also great spaces where elite developers can be found.

2. Interview rigorously

3. Assign test projects