If you’re itching to share your love of Python with others, then you’re probably wondering where you can find people that love the language as much as you do. Or perhaps you’re working on a project and could use some contributors. Where in the world are you going to find them? Here, we list a few ways to meet other Python programmers that will have you linking up in no time.
Go to conferences
Conferences are a great way to meet other Python programmers. These events occur on almost every continent, so you're sure to find one close to you. Start your search with this list. There will be meet-and-greet events where you'll get a chance to mingle with other developers. And if there isn’t, then feel free to strike up a conversation on your own! These people are here to connect with others. Give them a reason to talk with you.
Meet up with Meetup
If the Python conferences are too far away, then you might be able to find an even smaller local group to join. Meetup.com is a great way to find and connect with other developers in your local community. Just download the app, plug in your location and search for "python" within your desired radius.
It can be easier to connect with others at meet-ups than at conferences. The groups tend to be smaller, and the same people tend to come week after week. If you're looking to establish a long-term connection, then this is a great way to get started.
Rock your swag
“Signalling” is a biological theory that examines how animals communicate to one another. But what has this got to do with meeting other Pythonistas?
To put it simply, “signalling” is sending a message about yourself to something or someone else. You can send a signal to let other Pythonistas know that you're out there, hopefully opening up a channel for deeper communication.
So how do you “signal” yourself as a Pythonista? It's simple: rock your swag in public! Decorate your laptop with these Python stickers, or strut around town in your awesome Python tee. If someone comes up to you and asks about it, then have a chat! They could be a new collaborator in the making.
Join a community
The Internet truly is the be-all end-all for finding like-minded groups of people who love what you love. If you can't find Pythonistas to connect with in person, then going online is your next best bet. Try joining Facebook groups for Python developers or contributing to Python forums. For instance, the PythonistaCafe is a great option for anyone wanting to connect on a deeper level. This private, invite-only forum is full of active members, from professionals to hobbyists, who can't wait to connect and share their knowledge and expertise with you.
Get involved
Volunteering your time will put you in touch with people from all walks of life, and the intimate nature of assisting someone else will forge a foundation for quality relationships.
There are scores of volunteer opportunities that need your rockstar development skills. Conferences always need volunteers, so if there's one you're itching to get to but can't quite make it on your own, see if they have opportunities for you to trade your time for a ticket to the con.
You can also volunteer online by contributing to open source projects. Check out what repos are trending and see if there's one you wouldn't mind contributing to. You might get a chance to work closely with other devs and develop a long-term working relationship.
Take a class
For many people, it was easy to make friends in school. For others, making friends was (and still is) a bit difficult. Still, the nature of school makes the odds of developing a friendship a bit better: you're seeing the same people over and over, so the relationship has a better chance of developing naturally.
Whether in-person or online, taking a class is a great way to meet other Pythonistas, as long as you leverage the built-in network a class gives you. Try to join or organize study groups in your area. Make sure to be an active participant in the discussion forums online. Join your cohort's slack channel and keep up with the latest news. Show up and connect, and you'll find that others gravitate towards you naturally.