I'm a second-year student studying AI and machine learning, but I'm unsure where to begin. I want to learn Python, data structures and algorithms, AI, and machine learning, although I currently only understand very basic programming concepts such as arrays. Should I start with a practice site like CodeChef, HackerRank, or LeetCode, or follow a different path? I'd appreciate a beginner-friendly roadmap that explains what to learn first and how to progress without getting overwhelmed.
3 Answers
Don’t try to learn Python, DSA, AI, and ML all at the same time. A better order is to start with Python fundamentals: variables, conditions, loops, functions, lists, dictionaries, sets, modules, exceptions, file handling, and basic object-oriented programming. Build a few small projects before moving on. Then study data structures and algorithms and use one practice platform to reinforce the concepts. After that, learn NumPy, Pandas, data visualization, statistics, and probability before starting machine learning with tools such as scikit-learn. Practice sites are useful for problem-solving, but they don’t replace learning the underlying ideas. Focus on understanding your code, debugging it, and eventually building projects without copying a tutorial line by line.
Jumping straight into LeetCode with almost no programming experience can be frustrating. Those platforms are mainly for practicing problem-solving after you already understand a language, and many exercises are geared toward interviews. Learn Python first, then use coding challenges to improve your DSA skills. For AI and ML, it can also help to use an AI tutor for explanations, practice exercises, and project ideas, but make sure you understand and can reproduce the code yourself instead of blindly accepting generated solutions.
If you’re still new to programming, begin with a structured Python course or tutorial and focus on getting comfortable with the syntax. Once you can write simple programs on your own, choose one platform for DSA instead of trying to use all three. LeetCode, HackerRank, or a similar site is enough for practice. You can start with small projects immediately, even if they seem simple, because writing and fixing code will teach you more than only watching lessons.

Thanks, I’m starting with the Python basics and a small project now.