I just wrapped up watching a beginner Python course, and while I found it informative, I'm left feeling like I only scratched the surface. I'm really eager to dive deeper into programming and am looking for advice on a productive learning workflow. I've been dabbling in Python for a couple of days, so I understand the basics, but I'm not sure how to keep building on that foundation. Here are some things I'm curious about:
- Is self-studying and experimenting enough, or should I look for a more structured environment?
- Should I focus on reading books as the main resource, and use online videos and websites to supplement that?
- Am I on the right track by starting with Python, or should I be focusing on understanding programming concepts more broadly first?
- What mindset should I have as I start this journey?
I recently left a labor job for mental health reasons, and I've always had an interest in programming. I want to make the most out of my next eight months, aiming for an ICT job in the army, so I'm keen to learn as much as possible!
2 Answers
You might want to avoid relying too heavily on YouTube for learning programming. While it's a useful resource, I find that text-based materials like books or tutorials make it easier to grasp concepts without needing to pause or rewind. The key is to actually code for yourself rather than just watching videos. If you binge-watched a 12-hour course without actively practicing, that could be counterproductive. Take your time with the fundamentals; programming isn’t a race! Also, consider that self-teaching can be challenging, especially if you're aiming for employment, but it's certainly doable. Just know that competition can be tough out there.
Here’s a good online Python course you might find helpful: https://programming-26.mooc.fi/
I appreciate it, and I hear you! Sometimes platforms don't dive deep enough into details. It's all about finding the right balance!
Look into some small projects that interest you. Maybe you could create a random goal generator or a planner for date nights! Don’t hesitate to borrow code from others—tweaking existing code can be a great learning method. Just steer clear of relying on AI to generate your code completely. Using it for debugging is fine, but coding with AI is like using a calculator—it gives you the answer without learning the underlying concepts. So, experiment by changing things in the code you find, for example, make "Hello World" say "Hello Reddit"!
That’s a great idea! I never thought about using projects to figure out what coding can offer me. Thanks for the inspiration!
Exactly! Making projects personal makes learning way more relevant!
I totally get that! I've learned the hard way that just watching doesn't stick. Glad you liked the course link, though! I can just see how easy it would be to rush through without really digesting the material. It's good that you're not putting pressure on yourself for a job just yet.