I'm studying B.Com while also preparing for CA exams, so my schedule is fairly demanding. I'm completely new to programming and recently got a beginner-friendly Python book with step-by-step lessons and exercises. Because laptops aren't allowed during most of my classes, I can usually practice programming for only about an hour at home, plus a few extra hours on holidays. I'm interested in technology and want to know whether I should start learning Python despite the limited practice time, or focus first on computer hardware and general computer basics. Is it realistic to make progress mainly through reading during class and practicing code when I have access to my laptop?
3 Answers
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to learn programming with an hour a day. At the beginning, you’ll spend plenty of time reading, understanding examples, and thinking through problems. The important thing is to practice consistently whenever you have access to a computer, even if you can’t code during class. Try writing small programs at home instead of only reading, because programming skills improve through hands-on repetition.
An hour of focused practice is enough to make steady progress, especially if you keep it up over several months. Reading can help you understand syntax and concepts, but it can’t completely replace writing and debugging code. You could use class time to study a chapter, predict what example programs will do, and solve exercises on paper, then test your answers later on your laptop.
Reading more can help while you’re away from your laptop, but make sure each study session eventually leads to some real coding practice. Even short programs are more useful than passively finishing many chapters.
You don’t need to choose between programming and hardware as if one is required before the other. Basic computer knowledge is useful, but you can learn it naturally along the way. Since you’re interested in technology, start with Python because it’s beginner-friendly and can later help with automation, data analysis, and business-related tasks. Focus on practical skills that could complement your commerce and accounting background rather than trying to learn all of computer hardware first.
Hardware basics are worth learning casually, but they shouldn’t delay you from starting Python. Learn the essentials when you’re curious, then spend most of your limited practice time building small Python projects.
So I should keep studying the concepts during class and do the actual coding when I get home, even if that only gives me about an hour?