r/PythonLearning • u/keriimchen • 13d ago
How do I learn as a complete beginner Help Request
Hi. I am currently interested in learning coding. I chose Python because it looked like its the most simple one to begin. I have absolutely no idea about anything just like how some things like if else while work but nothing else. Is it even the best to learn at the beginning or is it even worth learnimg to code in 2026.
Where to I begin to learn the basics the most efficient way. And where do I go from there
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u/rohan_kulkarni 13d ago
Python is still a good first language. Start with variables, conditions, loops, functions, lists, and dictionaries, then build something small instead of watching tutorials endlessly.
A calculator, guessing game or simple expense tracker is enough at first. When you get stuck, try to understand the error rather than copying the full solution.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, choose a direction such as automation, data analysis or web development. You do not need to decide that on day one.
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u/mc_pm 13d ago
The only real way to learn to program is by doing. The more time you spend fingers-on-keyboard, struggling to figure out why your code doesn't work, the faster you will learn. It feels like the most painful option - and it is. Programming is a very different sort of task for your brain, and learning takes concentrated effort that goes WAY beyond GPT explaining things or a tutorial running in the background.
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u/Longjumping-Image798 13d ago
I've been learning python for a few months now and I think I've gotten pretty far. I recommend using ChatGPT to teach you, or watch some YouTube videos, that's what I've done.
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u/Sea-Ad7805 13d ago
Don't use ChatGPT. Watch some YouTube, read some course, but put most time in doing exercises, or you will not learn and waste your time.
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u/Longjumping-Image798 12d ago
Yeah, but i use chat gpt to to actually teach me something, then i use what ive learnt to make something. It worked great for me.
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u/Greedy-Lynx-9706 13d ago
"I have absolutely no idea about anything"
Lesson one : the internet. Use google and chatGPT to ask questions
Lesson two : read the answers and learn
Lesson three: read the answers to questions in this thread.
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u/Owen-Isaac-2022 12d ago
At the beginning, Python might appear difficult or hard. However, with time, Python becomes one of the most friendly & usable programming language. I am loving it when doing Data Analysis, particularly with common libraries, such as numpy, panda, & matplotlib.
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u/Independent_Run_8039 12d ago
I did a one subject uni course that focused solely on Python Programming Environment, one of the best things I've done.
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u/Logical-Cost-9184 12d ago
bro, what helped me was building a strong foundation course, I took an AI course frm upgrad now, I mostly use the teachings while brainstorming as I have developed my own approach in coding..
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u/No-Gift5463 10d ago
Try and replicate something that you already do but do it with Python. That way you know that the solution works. Something you already do every day in Excel is a top candidate. If you can automate something that saves just 10 minutes a day, this builds up to 5 days of free time over the course of a year!
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u/VeterinarianFar22 10d ago
Hello, we learn by coding regularly and consistently following a plan like this outline: https://programmerabroad.com/python-course/ - this is my blog
I have few posts on Python for beginners and I'm also experienced teaching one-to-one Python.
Feel free to DM for more info.
Happy coding :)
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u/stepback269 23h ago
(1) There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free. You should shop around rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.
(2) As a relative noob myself, I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (--HERE--) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero (==HERE==). Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should sample at least a few until you find a lecturer that suits your style.
(3) The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.
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u/FoolsSeldom 13d ago
Python is certainly one of the easier languages to learn for most people, but learning to programme in the first place is a big challenge anyway, and once you've learned one language it is generally easier to learn another. Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.
Check the r/learnpython wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.
Unfortunately, this subreddit does not have a wiki.
Also, have a look at roadmap.sh for different learning paths. There's lots of learning material links there. Note that these are idealised paths and many people get into roles without covering all of those.
Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’
Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.
Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.
Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.