Hey everyone, I'm diving into Python as a beginner and I've noticed a lot of newcomers are wondering where to start. Learning a programming language or even making a career switch can be quite tough, and I think having a supportive community is key to helping us get through it. I'm looking for tips on communities where we can ask questions, share resources, and help each other out, whether that's on Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, or any active platforms. If you're also starting out, let's exchange knowledge! Networking can really boost our journey, and if you're more experienced, I'd love your recommendations for courses, books, or resources that were helpful for you. Also, if you know any Python-focused groups or open-source communities, please share! Let's connect and support one another.
4 Answers
Don't fall for those 'Python in 10 minutes' videos! It's better to invest your time in solid resources and do real coding from the start. Build little projects rather than rushing through tutorials!
Always aim to write clean and organized code. While you’re learning, try using dependency management tools and formatting tools, and practice with list comprehensions. It builds good habits from the get-go!
Try to find beginner-friendly open source projects to contribute to! It's a fantastic way to learn not only Python but also how the development workflow operates. Plus, you get to build connections with others in the community.
One solid piece of advice I’d give is to focus on understanding type annotations in Python. They help you think more critically about your code and lead to better programming practices. However, don’t get too hung up on them right away; keep the mindset of learning at your own pace!
Can you elaborate a bit on why type annotations are helpful?
This is funny because for those of us who started Python years ago, type annotations felt unnecessary since Python was built around duck typing!
That's great advice! Having good coding practices early on really sets you up for success.