Linux and Python have emerged as two of the most essential skills for aspiring tech professionals, shaping careers in cloud computing, cybersecurity, automation, and data science, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes
Linux and Python are two of the most essential skills for anyone looking to build a career in technology, according to industry experts.
As businesses continue to adopt cloud computing, automation, and artificial intelligence, these technologies have become fundamental in modern computing.
Their widespread use in areas such as server management, cybersecurity, data science, and DevOps makes them indispensable for aspiring tech professionals.
The demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry is increasing, with companies looking for individuals who are proficient in cloud computing, automation, and software development.
Experts say Linux remains the backbone of computing infrastructure, powering more than 90 per cent of the world’s servers and microservices.
It is widely used in cloud computing, enterprise applications, and embedded systems, making proficiency in Linux an increasingly valuable skill for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and cybersecurity experts.
Founder of Hyperspece and NeuRal AI, Oluwaseyi Akindeinde, said that if he were starting out in tech today, he would focus primarily on Linux and Python.
“Mastering these two skills lays a strong foundation for various tech roles. Linux is widely used in server environments and cloud computing, making it crucial for infrastructure, DevOps, and cybersecurity, he wrote on LinkedIn.
“Python’s versatility makes it valuable in software development, data analysis, automation, and AI. Together, they empower individuals to solve complex problems efficiently and adapt to the evolving tech landscape,” he explained.
In 2023, Python ranked as the second most-used programming language on GitHub, with more than 15.7 million active developers worldwide. Its adoption has continued to grow across Europe, particularly in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Portugal.
Technology executive Karl Amalu reinforced this view, describing Linux as the backbone of modern computing.
“More than 90 percent of the world’s servers and microservices run on Linux,” he said. He noted that as the industry moves towards containerisation and microservices, Windows has seen a decline in enterprise environments.
Amalu also described Python as a “Swiss Army knife” in the tech industry. “It’s a one-size-fits-all language that can be used for automation, scripting, web development, and AI,” he added.
For structural engineer Juba T, Linux and Python are essential tools for innovation. “Mastering Linux and Python is like having a reliable toolkit in tech. With these skills, you can build anything from websites to groundbreaking data-driven insights,” he said.
Some experts argue that learning Linux before Python provides a stronger foundation for understanding software development and system operations.
Tech professional Harshil Kothari explained that Linux serves as the basis for modern operating systems, and mastering it can make software development and problem-solving easier.
“Linux helps learners understand system processes, networking, and file management, which are critical in IT roles. Once you’re comfortable with Linux, learning Python becomes much easier because you only need to focus on syntax and logic rather than system operations,” he said.
However, not everyone agrees that Python is the best programming language for beginners. Software engineer Ben Baert noted that while Python is beginner-friendly, it can sometimes give new learners a false sense of competence.
“I used to say without hesitation that Python should be your first language. But after years of tutoring students, I’ve changed my mind. Python hides a lot of the complexity, and beginners don’t always grasp what’s happening under the hood. Java, being more explicit and structured, might be a better first language for some,” he said.
Others, like Amal Jain, who transitioned from hardware engineering to analytics, said Python was easier to learn than Linux.
“I was in the hardware industry in Bangalore, and Linux was a part of my job. Many of my colleagues were die-hard Linux fans, but personally, I never liked it much. Now, as I move into analytics, I am studying Python, and I genuinely enjoy it,” he said.
Jain added that different people may prefer different technologies, and it is important to explore both to find the best fit. “If you practice coding enough, you start loving it because there’s always more to learn,” he noted.
Regardless of which technology one learns first, experts agree that hands-on experience is essential. Engineer BJ Black stressed the importance of building a strong portfolio, especially for those without formal credentials.
“If you don’t have a degree or certifications, a strong portfolio is crucial. Contributing to open-source projects, building personal applications, and solving real-world problems can help set you apart in the job market,” he said.
However, Black acknowledged that while self-learning is valuable, some career opportunities might still be limited without a relevant degree or work experience.
He advised aspiring tech professionals to consider an associate degree or additional certifications to improve their job prospects.
Linux and Python play critical roles in various tech fields. Linux is widely used for penetration testing and ethical hacking, while Python is essential for scripting and analysing security vulnerabilities.
In cloud computing, Linux is the preferred operating system for cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, while Python is widely used for cloud automation and API development.
In artificial intelligence and machine learning, Python dominates development, with popular libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch enabling complex data analysis and model training.
Many DevOps tools, including Docker and Kubernetes, run on Linux, while Python is frequently used for scripting automation processes.
