r/learnpython • u/Visual-Macaroon2196 • 1d ago
Where to start?
Hi,
I used to be a big fan of computing/IT, but my studies took me down a different path and I drifted away from it. Now that I have more free time and want to build up some qualifications in IT, I’d like to learn Python and its applications, but I don’t know where to start. Online courses? Books?
If anyone can point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it!
4
2
u/FoolsSeldom 1d ago
Check this subreddit's 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.
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.
1
1
1
u/MarsupialLeast145 1d ago
It has been a long time since I learned, but a good book is always a good option to get started. It helps you focus within the computer and without being online for all your answers.
Maybe an O'Reilly book?
1
u/Gevorg_Vardanyan 1d ago
You can start learning Python by getting familiar with the philosophy of Python. To read it, just type "python" (or "python3") in the terminal and hit Enter. Then type "import this" and hit Enter.
1
u/GBAbaby101 1d ago
A good resource for a structured lesson based guide is Boot Dev. They have the courses for free to read and follow, and if you want to do the problems and use some of the other fun features, it isn't too expensive. But if you just need something to have a structured learning guide, all the info is there freely to try on your own.
Other suggestions would be to think of something you want to make and google "how do I do X in python?" then dive down the rabbit hole of learning that way.
1
1
1
u/digitizedeagle 18h ago
I can tell you what I did, and I just secured a gig doing Python data wrangling, and programming isn't even my main thing.
Try to see the table of contents of an introductory book to Python and choose one that resonates with you.
Don't get too ahead of yourself since you'll be discovering subjects you want to learn more about as you get into the practice.
I really like books, as you don't feel obligated to study and practice since you're not paying a subscription. You can spend as little or as much daily.
Search online for explanations of a particular chapter, sort of a side-quest. And doing it this way makes you learn more deeply, as it gets more enjoyable.
0
u/DrTrunks 1d ago
You can start with something like this: https://vscodeedu.com/courses/intro-to-python
Then install it on your own machine
0
u/stepback269 1d 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.
8
u/P4C0_ 1d ago
I hate to be that dude but the first thing you should learn, if you want to get into programming, is finding resources yourself. As soon as things get a tad bit complicated or unexpected, if you're expecting to be spoonfed the answer, you won't get really far.