I'm looking to dive into learning Python and want to gather input from experienced programmers. I'm curious about how many of you learned a programming language—did you go through a course, read books, or watch videos? Is there a particular option that you think works best for beginners like me? I've spent a lot of time learning about concepts like compilation and interpretation, but I've actually been struggling to get my hands on actual coding. I'm currently enrolled in a Python course from Cisco, but I haven't really coded anything yet. I enjoy problem-solving, but I want to engage in actual coding instead of just theoretical concepts like translations or networking topologies.
5 Answers
Honestly, Cisco's Python course isn't the best. You might want to try some YouTube channels instead—CodeBro has a lot of great free tutorials. If you prefer books, I recommend 'Automate the Boring Stuff' as a superb starting point!
The big issue is that you're not coding yet! Jump right in and start experimenting. Just a simple line like `print("I've been doing a Python course on Cisco but haven't actually coded anything yet")` can get you started. The more you code, the more you'll learn!
I get the basics of Python from school, but I'm wanting to pick it back up again too!
Check out exercism.io! It's a fantastic way to start coding right away with puzzles and it's free. Another good resource is freeCodeCamp; it covers the basics and has some live coding projects. And if you're having a tough time with Python setup, Google Colab can be a lifesaver. Just dive in and have fun with projects—like building a snake game! You’ll catch on quicker than you think.
Awesome, thanks for the tips!
There's no one-size-fits-all answer here; everyone learns differently. While most people seem to favor videos, others prefer reading books or attending lectures. Personally, I'm a bookworm and I learn best by reading. It's all about figuring out what suits you best and trying out different approaches!
I appreciate the advice!
If you're set on Python, I'd recommend the CS50p course—it’s part of a renowned introduction to computer science taught entirely in Python. After that, go for the CS50 Web course to use Python with a backend framework. But if you think you might be open to other languages, the Odin Project is amazing for new developers, with excellent resources on Ruby or Node. It's a comprehensive way to learn programming as a whole, including setting up your development environment.
Wait… does the Odin Project not actually have an Odin track?
Oh, you mean 'Bro Code'? Yeah, I'm considering it. I really like structured courses, so I'm looking for something that lays it all out step-by-step.