Hey everyone! I'm trying to learn Python through Brocode's 12-hour YouTube videos, but I've seen many experienced programmers suggest that learning from YouTube isn't the best route. Since I can't afford to buy courses, I'm relying on YouTube and open-source resources. I want to make the most of my learning experience. Currently, I watch a segment of a video, then I attempt to recreate about two-thirds of the code myself. It usually takes me about an hour to get through 20 minutes of lecture. Is that a good approach? Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
Starting with YouTube videos is totally fine if you're a beginner! Just be sure to actively engage with what you're watching. After watching a section, try to create your own mini-projects based on what you learned. It's important to practice by doing. A good approach would be to watch a little, then put it into action with your own projects. Here are some fun Python project ideas to try: 1. Make a game using pygame, 2. Build a Discord chatbot, or 3. Create a PDF generator. Good luck!
I wouldn't recommend just passively absorbing information without doing anything with it. If you don't practice, your brain tends to forget the details pretty quickly. What you’re doing now—watching a bit, then coding it out—is on the right track! Keep at it!
Don't be afraid to leverage AI tools! You could ask GPT for explanations or even a crash course while you're coding. It's a great way to clarify concepts as you learn. Just dive in and start coding—practice makes perfect!
If you really want to dive deeper, consider taking a structured course. The MOOC 'Python Programming 2025' from the University of Helsinki is free and offers great content. It really helps to have a clear path laid out than just random YouTube videos. You might notice a huge improvement!

Totally agree! Engaging actively with the material will definitely help solidify your understanding.