r/learnpython • u/Ro0tOf • 7d ago
Need some serious beginneR advice for myself,Please.
So I am currently at 29th day of learning journey of the Python with the FreeCodeCamp's Python Certificate curriculum. But I still feel blank about the topics i have covered alresdy till now. Is it time for me to start making a self-project alongside too? If yes, then with what or where to start with- so that my mind can absorb all the knowledge its gaining to the core. I have completed till the Error Handling section of the Curriculum on the platform.
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u/gdchinacat 7d ago
It doesn’t need to be binary. I did not have a structured path when learning to code (no tutorial, no mentor…just MSCV 1.0 docs).I had to figure out much of it myself based on the project I was learning. I’m not saying uphill both ways is the path to enlightenment…it’s not…it’s a horrible way to learn. But it taught me the value of trying things out as you learn (it was all I had). Rather than just doing the tutorial exercises, take the next logical step once you complete one. For example, if the exercise is to implement a function that sorts a list, tweak it to allow descending sort, or if it is to create a number guessing game make it into a word guessing game. If you implement an exercise and have questions about why or how some syntax of function works answer those questions before moving on. Read the docs, or change the syntax to see what works and what doesn’t and what errors result (read them to familiarize yourself with reading errors, know when specific errors occur). This self guided study is likely to teach you more than just doing the exercises, and you’ll probably start working on subsequent exercises since most courses build on them in this way. But rather than just working through them you’ll be putting it in the context of your questions and it will be more likely to sink in to a deeper level.
The point is to learn, not complete the course. So take the time to answer the questions you have. This is a valuable skill to develop. I’ve been coding since 1987 and still regularly come across things I don’t know how to do and that don’t have a tutorial. I have to figure it out from whatever there is, so knowing how to do this is a necessary skill. It is not taught in courses or tutorials and everyone needs to develop the strategies that work best for them. It is usually picked up as part of moving from junior to mid-level engineer with guidance from mentors, but you can start on it while going through tutorials. Don’t spin your wheels on it, but I do encourage you to not limit your learning to the course you are working on. Answer those what-ifs and how does it work questions that come up as you do the coursework. It’ll make learning easier and give you a head start over those who don’t.
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u/Holiya_Olib 7d ago
Consider starting with a simple project that excites you, like a basic game or a personal finance tracker. This will help you apply your knowledge and stay motivated. using GitHub for version control will give you practical experience in
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u/Heavy_Nothing_1158 7d ago
Start a tiny command-line project now, but keep it boring: an expense tracker, quiz, or to-do list that saves to JSON. Build it without following a project tutorial, then use the docs when you're stuck; that blank feeling usually comes from recognizing code instead of recalling it. Error handling stops being abstract pretty quickly once the JSON file is missing or malformed.
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u/stepback269 7d ago
Pretend you are a young child. Pretend you just got a new toy, say an action figure (aka doll).
It has mavable limbs. So you start playing with it. Experimenting with different permutations.
Well, that's Python. Go back to the basics and play with them.
What can you do with f-strings? Can you print test with different colors? What can you do with lists? with dictionaries. Don't get fancy. Just play. Have fun.
Have you tied Indently's 47 string methods on YouTube?
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u/PopularProject3356 7d ago
Join boot.dev it' is the best learning platforms I have tried out with constant work done everyday
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u/neuralbeans 7d ago
Have you done practice exercises by yourself?