The Python Community in Russia: 5 Reasons to Join Today

Contents:

• History and structure of the Russian Python community
• The size of the Python community in Russia
• Python community events: from meetups to conferences
• Tips for newcomers to the community
• Overview of events in the Python community over the past year
• The community - a variety of opinions and a constructive approach
• Ways to support the Python community

Python consistently maintains its position in global programming language rankings. Every year, the number of developers choosing this language to implement their projects continues to grow. This increases the need for support and training. In response to the growing interest in Python, the community actively organizes conferences, meetups, and training courses, providing access to high-quality materials and resources.

History and structure of the Russian Python community

On the official website moscowpython.ru, users can find the current schedule of events and the latest news from the Python community in Moscow. The community leadership consists of five leading specialists who actively promote the development and popularization of programming languages, and also organize various events for developers. Get access to important information and stay up to date with the Python community in Moscow.

• Valentin Dombrovsky — co-founder of MoscowPython and CEO of Drylabs;
• Zlata Obukhovskaya — team lead at NVIDIA;
• Ilya Lebedev — CTO at Zipsale;
• Mikhail Korneev — team lead at BestDoctor;
• Vladimir Filonov — co-founder of LearnPython, CTO and founder of Itcanfly.

The idea of ​​organizing meetups was born over 10 years ago, when Valentin Dombrovsky, working in IT, decided to create a platform for sharing experiences among developers. The first meeting attracted only 20 participants, but interest in the event rapidly grew: 50 people already attended the next meetup. Meetups currently attract hundreds of participants, and Python conferences, podcasts, and specialized schools are also actively held. These events foster the development of the developer community, knowledge sharing, and skill improvement, making them an important element in the educational process and professional growth in programming.

I actively participate in conferences and host a podcast, which helps develop my communication skills. Organizing community events allows me to make many valuable contacts. Whenever there is a need for a skilled Python developer on my team, I always reach out to the community and receive responses. This inspires me to continue investing my time and effort in developing the community, as I am truly passionate about my work.

The Python community has several main areas that are actively developing and making a significant contribution to the language ecosystem. One key area is web development, where Python is used to create powerful and scalable web applications, thanks to frameworks such as Django and Flask.

Another important area is scientific research and data analysis. Python has become a popular tool for processing large amounts of data and performing complex calculations, thanks to libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and SciPy.

Also worth noting is the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, where Python holds a leading position thanks to the TensorFlow and scikit-learn libraries, which allow developers to create and train highly efficient models.

Furthermore, automation and scripting remain important aspects of Python, allowing users to streamline routine tasks and increase productivity.

Thus, Python continues to evolve, covering new areas of application and attracting the attention of developers around the world.

• Testing;
• Automation;
• Infrastructure tasks;
• Integration tasks;
• Web development;
• Machine learning.

Machine learning is an independent field that actively interacts with Data Science and software development, but is not limited to them. Our community is represented by a wide range of specialists from various fields, including a group of neuroscientists, which highlights the interdisciplinary approach and diversity of scientific interests of our members. This diversity allows us to find innovative solutions and expand the boundaries of knowledge in the field of machine learning.

Participation in our Python community is voluntary, with no membership fees or mandatory registration. This is a volunteer movement that provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the development of the community. Join us and share experiences, knowledge, and projects to foster growth and information exchange in the Python world.

In our online technical community, the primary rule is compliance with the laws of the country in which we operate. We discuss current topics in information technology and strive to maintain mutual respect. Criticism in our community is directed solely at opinions, not at the personalities of participants, allowing us to maintain a polite and constructive dialogue. Topics of religion, politics, sexuality, and finance are not the subject of our discussion, as they can cause misunderstandings and negative emotions.

The Size of the Python Community in Russia

In Russia, the largest number of Python developers is concentrated in large cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Voronezh, Krasnodar, and Rostov-on-Don. These cities are becoming key hubs for the exchange of experience and knowledge among Python programming specialists. Communities are actively developing here, meetups, hackathons, and conferences are held, which facilitate professional growth and expand the network of contacts for developers. The concentration of Python developers in these regions also attracts the attention of employers, creating new career opportunities and interesting projects in the tech sector.

It is difficult to determine the exact number of members of our community. Many interested people attend our events, listen to podcasts, and watch videos on YouTube, but do not subscribe to our social media. We have 6.5 thousand subscribers on Facebook and 1 thousand on Telegram. Our YouTube channel, where the Moscow Python podcast is published, has 21,500 subscribers, and individual videos reach 40,000-80,000 views. This demonstrates significant interest in our content and the community's activity.

The Open Data Science (ODS) community plays a key role in the Python developer ecosystem. Founders Nikolay Markov and Petr Ermakov actively engage with members, although ODS remains an independent organization. The ODS Slack channel has 50,000 registered members, including many Python developers and mathematicians. The community also organizes meetups and conferences that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience. Participating in ODS provides unique opportunities for professional growth and networking in the field of data science.

Python Community Events: From Meetups to Conferences

The Python community actively hosts both formal and informal events, offering participants a unique opportunity to interact with experienced developers. These events promote discussion of current topics and the exchange of best practices, allowing for deeper knowledge of the programming language and its applications. Participating in such events helps expand professional networks and stay up to date with the latest trends in the Python world.

Moscow Python Conf++ is one of the largest professional Python conferences in Russia, attracting between 400 and 700 participants. At this event, mid- and senior developers have the opportunity to interact with leading experts, discuss current programming trends, and receive practical advice on developing their skills. The conference provides a unique platform for exchanging experiences, establishing professional contacts, and immersing themselves in modern Python technologies. Participation in Moscow Python Conf++ helps deepen knowledge and expand horizons in software development.

The conference runs for two days and offers participants a diverse program, including four tracks, workshops, and seminars. Speakers from well-known companies share their experience and knowledge. Tickets are typically paid for by employers, as attending such events significantly enhances developers' professional skills and advances their careers.

In addition to Moscow Python Conf++, other significant events for Python developers are regularly held in Russia. One such event is PyCon, organized by the IT-People recruiting agency. Also worth noting is PiterPy, organized by IT-Dominanta. Smaller-scale meetups are held in various cities throughout the year to promote the exchange of experiences and the development of the Python developer community. These events not only help deepen knowledge but also create opportunities for networking and career advancement in Python programming.

Two years ago, before the pandemic, Moscow Python meetups were a key platform for developer interaction. At these meetings, newcomers could ask questions and receive valuable advice from more experienced professionals. Meetups facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance participants' professional skills, creating a community that supports the development of Python developers.

Meetups feature emerging speakers sharing their experience and knowledge. These events are organized in partnership with large companies such as Mail.ru and Yandex. They provide platforms and light refreshments for participants, creating a comfortable atmosphere for networking and exchanging ideas. Meetups are an excellent opportunity for networking and gaining new knowledge in various fields, making them attractive to professionals and students.

A typical meetup attracts between 200 and 300 participants. Presentations held during the event are 30 minutes long. Between presentations, participants have the opportunity to exchange opinions and discuss what they heard. After the formal part of the meetup, communication often continues in an informal setting, which facilitates the establishment of new contacts and the exchange of experience.

With the onset of the pandemic, traditional meetups have changed. We are introducing Python Breakfast and Python Beer Meetup – new formats for informal get-togethers. These events attract 50 to 100 participants and create an excellent opportunity for developers of all skill levels to share knowledge, discuss current topics, and find like-minded people in the field of Python development.

Python Breakfast is held twice a month and brings together a small group of 10–15 participants. In an informal atmosphere, we discuss current Python programming issues, share industry news, and exchange experiences. This is a great opportunity for developers to expand their knowledge and establish useful contacts in the community. Come learn more about the latest trends and improve your Python development skills.

A meeting is taking place in a cozy cafe, where participants can enjoy breakfast and discuss current topics. Python Beer Meetup offers an informal atmosphere for discussing Python development. Participants have the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and receive advice from peers, fostering community growth and advancing their programming knowledge.

The community offers Learn Python courses taught by experienced developers. These courses are designed for both beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge. Participants receive high-quality training and the opportunity to master the Python programming language in practice, which contributes to a deeper understanding of its features and application in various projects.

The primary goal of the courses is to provide high-quality training for specialists, not profit. Instructors share their practical experience, enabling students not only to acquire new knowledge but also to establish useful connections in the industry. This creates a unique atmosphere for professional growth and development, significantly increasing graduates' chances of successful employment.

The demand for online education has increased significantly in recent years, leading to the active development of Python programming courses. These courses are becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals seeking to master programming skills. Python, as a versatile language, offers a wide range of opportunities in various fields, from data analysis to web development. The variety of online courses allows everyone to find a suitable learning format, whether it's interactive classes, video lectures, or hands-on projects. This growing interest in learning Python opens new opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Tips for Newbies in the Community

If you're just starting out in programming, join our active community on Facebook and subscribe to our Telegram channel. This is a great opportunity to get support and advice from more experienced programming professionals. Connecting with like-minded people will help you quickly master new skills and develop in this in-demand field. Don't miss the chance to become part of a community that inspires and supports you every step of the way.

Find out about meetups happening in your city. This is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Python and related technologies and make useful contacts. If there are no local meetups in your area, ask questions on social media, being polite and articulate. Be open to communication, but try not to be intrusive. Participating in events and actively engaging with the community can significantly accelerate your professional growth.

Our community is made up of experts with deep knowledge of Python and its tools. Many of them actively participate in leading conferences and are engaged in the development of innovative technologies. Their experience and professional skills can significantly contribute to your development in Python programming. Join us to broaden your horizons and gain relevant knowledge in this in-demand field.

Among the participants are experienced professionals from related fields who use Python as an additional tool in their projects. Most of them have 10-20 years of practical experience, making them valuable sources of information. Don't miss the opportunity to ask them questions; they are ready to share their knowledge and help solve complex problems. Consulting with such experts can significantly accelerate your learning process and improve the quality of your projects.

A Review of Python Community Events Over the Past Year

The past year has been a pivotal year for our community, as we successfully adapted to new conditions by moving the conference online. This decision allowed us to maintain community activity during the pandemic. Despite the reduction in offline events, events like Python Breakfast and Python Beer Meetup continue to attract programming enthusiasts. We are confident that the online format not only ensured the continued interest in the community but also opened up new opportunities for interaction and experience sharing among participants.

The first Python Breakfast, held in the new format, was attended by 5-6 participants, each of whom brought a QR code to confirm their vaccination. With each subsequent event, the number of participants increased, confirming the growing interest in the Python programming language and active interaction in the community. This increase in participation demonstrates that Python events are becoming increasingly popular, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience among programmers. It also underscores the importance of community in developing the skills and professional growth of developers.

Our team has begun recording podcasts from home, releasing four episodes per month. Previously, we used office spaces at well-known companies, but the new environment forced us to seek safer and more comfortable options. We invite CTOs and other professionals to discuss current topics in the world of Python in a cozy atmosphere. This allows us to create high-quality content that will be interesting for both beginners and experienced developers. Our podcasts cover various aspects of the Python language, including its applications, latest trends, and best practices.

We convert my kitchen into a podcast recording studio, which creates a unique atmosphere for our conversations. Every month, we invite a cameraman and set up a camera, allowing us to record high-quality videos. We've already created about 50 episodes, each beginning and ending in a relaxed, after-party atmosphere. This makes our podcasts more lively and interesting for listeners.

The Community Offers a Diversity of Opinions and a Constructive Approach

Our community is distinguished by the high qualifications of its members, which creates a comfortable atmosphere for discussion. Incompetent opponents are virtually absent, significantly reducing the likelihood of conflict. Even the most extravagant theories, such as the idea of ​​a flat Earth, find no support among us. Ultimately, we are a group of passionate programmers focused on discussing current issues in software development and new technologies. Our goal is to share knowledge and experience, which contributes to the professional growth of each member.

Unlike many other communities, we emphasize a constructive approach to gathering facts and applying Bayesian logic, rather than debate. For example, when I assert that most programmers don't need mathematics, I support this opinion with documented evidence. In response, a colleague from Yandex might present their arguments in favor of mathematical training. In this way, we create a space for productive discussions, where each participant can contribute to the development of arguments. This creates a unique atmosphere of knowledge and opinion exchange, promoting a deeper understanding of the topic.

When complex questions arise, our community can split into groups with different points of view. Participants sometimes move between these groups, which emphasizes the flexibility of our thinking. In any discussions, we strive to avoid personal attacks, as we respect the scientific approach and value objectivity. This allows us to focus on the essence of the problem and seek solutions based on facts and arguments.

Ways to Support the Python Community

If you want to actively participate in the development of the Python community but don't know where to start, don't hesitate to contact me or the other organizers. We always welcome new volunteers ready to help update our resources with the latest news, find interesting guests for podcasts, and invite speakers to meetups and conferences. Your contribution will be valuable for growing the community and sharing knowledge among developers. Join us and help make the Python community even more active and diverse.

You can start creating a community in your city. Write to me, and I will provide you with a step-by-step plan to get started. For example, one developer from Barnaul contacted me with a desire to build a community of Pythonists, but didn't know how to bring his idea to life. I shared detailed instructions with him, and in just a few months, he successfully organized an active community. Recently, we even received a gift from him - a large parcel of taiga honey, which we opened during one of our podcasts. Community creation - It's a great way to connect with like-minded people and share programming experiences.

Starting a career in Python is very easy. You'll just need to find experienced mentors and master key aspects of the programming language. We recommend taking the "Becoming a Python Developer" course, which will help you not only learn the language but also integrate into the large and friendly community of Python programmers. This course provides all the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful start in the field of development, as well as the opportunity to exchange experiences with like-minded people.