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What's the best way to learn Python?
Tips on learning how to efficiently use Python.
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9 answers
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Learning Python can be a rewarding experience, and here are some tips to help you efficiently learn and use the language:
Start with the Basics:
Begin with the fundamentals like variables, data types, and basic operations.
Familiarize yourself with control structures (if statements, loops) and functions.
Hands-On Coding:
Practice regularly by working on coding exercises and projects.
Apply what you learn to real-world problems to solidify your understanding.
Online Courses and Tutorials:
Utilize online platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy for structured courses.
Platforms like Python.org, W3Schools, and Real Python offer excellent tutorials.
Read Documentation:
Get comfortable reading and understanding Python documentation. It's a valuable skill for any developer.
Use Interactive Platforms:
Platforms like Jupyter Notebooks or Google Colab allow interactive coding and experimentation.
Contribute to Open Source:
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. It provides practical experience and exposure to collaborative coding practices.
Build Projects:
Start small and gradually take on more complex projects. This helps you apply your skills and keeps you motivated.
Join Coding Communities:
Participate in forums, communities, and social media groups related to Python (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit, Twitter). You can learn from others and seek help when needed.
Read Code:
Read code written by experienced developers. This can provide insights into best practices and different coding styles.
Learn Python Libraries:
Familiarize yourself with popular Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and others based on your interests (e.g., data science, web development).
Understand Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):
Python supports OOP principles. Learn how to use classes and objects effectively.
Stay Updated:
Python is an evolving language. Keep up with the latest updates, features, and best practices.
Practice Problem Solving:
Solve coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeSignal to enhance your problem-solving skills.
Peer Review:
Share your code with peers for feedback. Constructive criticism helps improve your coding skills.
Be Patient and Persistent:
Learning a programming language takes time. Be patient, stay persistent, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Remember, the key is consistent practice and applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Start small, build your foundation, and gradually take on more complex challenges as you progress.
Start with the Basics:
Begin with the fundamentals like variables, data types, and basic operations.
Familiarize yourself with control structures (if statements, loops) and functions.
Hands-On Coding:
Practice regularly by working on coding exercises and projects.
Apply what you learn to real-world problems to solidify your understanding.
Online Courses and Tutorials:
Utilize online platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy for structured courses.
Platforms like Python.org, W3Schools, and Real Python offer excellent tutorials.
Read Documentation:
Get comfortable reading and understanding Python documentation. It's a valuable skill for any developer.
Use Interactive Platforms:
Platforms like Jupyter Notebooks or Google Colab allow interactive coding and experimentation.
Contribute to Open Source:
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. It provides practical experience and exposure to collaborative coding practices.
Build Projects:
Start small and gradually take on more complex projects. This helps you apply your skills and keeps you motivated.
Join Coding Communities:
Participate in forums, communities, and social media groups related to Python (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit, Twitter). You can learn from others and seek help when needed.
Read Code:
Read code written by experienced developers. This can provide insights into best practices and different coding styles.
Learn Python Libraries:
Familiarize yourself with popular Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and others based on your interests (e.g., data science, web development).
Understand Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):
Python supports OOP principles. Learn how to use classes and objects effectively.
Stay Updated:
Python is an evolving language. Keep up with the latest updates, features, and best practices.
Practice Problem Solving:
Solve coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeSignal to enhance your problem-solving skills.
Peer Review:
Share your code with peers for feedback. Constructive criticism helps improve your coding skills.
Be Patient and Persistent:
Learning a programming language takes time. Be patient, stay persistent, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Remember, the key is consistent practice and applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Start small, build your foundation, and gradually take on more complex challenges as you progress.
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Learning Python can be a great step in leveling up your coding knowledge. Karl below I've outlined 5 steps to help you learn Python.
STEP 1 PYTHON FUNDAMENTALS
Getting started with Python is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to install Python. To do this, simply go to the official Python website and download the latest Python 3 version. Once you have it installed, you can start coding immediately, you should start thinking like a programmer and learn how to build logic. You can build small functions while talking through your problems, collaborating with other programmers, breaking down coding problems into smaller steps, and reading documentation.
STEP 2 START BUILDING PROJECTS
As you continue to hone your programming skills, it’s important to work on projects that you can add to your online portfolio on a site. However, be sure to only work on worthy projects, i.e., ones that can showcase your skills and demonstrate your proficiency in using Python to solve problems. When selecting projects, focus on those that capture your interest and challenge you. They will ultimately keep you engaged longer, and you will be motivated to complete them. Other examples include gaming apps if you are an avid gamer.
STEP 3 TRY ADVANCED PYTHON PRODUCTS
Don’t just build a simple tic-tac-toe or calculator app and call it a day. You must dive deeper into advanced topics such as software design patterns, object-oriented programming, and data structures and algorithms. Make sure to work through exercises and projects to deepen your understanding of these topics so that you can apply them practically to any personal or open-source projects. This will also come in handy during technical interviews, since interviewers commonly ask about these topics today.
STEP 4 PARTICIPATE IN HACKATHONS
You want to challenge your skills and showcase them to the community, and a good way to achieve this is to participate in hackathons and coding competitions such as Kaggle’s data science competitions. This is a great way to test your coding skills while gaining valuable collaborative experience. While working on Python projects, you can learn from others and explore fresh perspectives to solving problems. Additionally, these events offer excellent networking opportunities with other participants, which can translate into meaningful connections with potential employers.
STEP 5 KEEP UP WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS
Alongside gaining Python certifications and participating in hackathons, staying up to date with developments in the Python world is essential. You can follow popular blogs, social media accounts, and podcasts, and the online communities will also help you stay informed. Furthermore, you can maintain and continually grow your Python skills by attending advanced training and continuing education opportunities, like conferences
Hope this was helpful Karl
STEP 1 PYTHON FUNDAMENTALS
Getting started with Python is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to install Python. To do this, simply go to the official Python website and download the latest Python 3 version. Once you have it installed, you can start coding immediately, you should start thinking like a programmer and learn how to build logic. You can build small functions while talking through your problems, collaborating with other programmers, breaking down coding problems into smaller steps, and reading documentation.
STEP 2 START BUILDING PROJECTS
As you continue to hone your programming skills, it’s important to work on projects that you can add to your online portfolio on a site. However, be sure to only work on worthy projects, i.e., ones that can showcase your skills and demonstrate your proficiency in using Python to solve problems. When selecting projects, focus on those that capture your interest and challenge you. They will ultimately keep you engaged longer, and you will be motivated to complete them. Other examples include gaming apps if you are an avid gamer.
STEP 3 TRY ADVANCED PYTHON PRODUCTS
Don’t just build a simple tic-tac-toe or calculator app and call it a day. You must dive deeper into advanced topics such as software design patterns, object-oriented programming, and data structures and algorithms. Make sure to work through exercises and projects to deepen your understanding of these topics so that you can apply them practically to any personal or open-source projects. This will also come in handy during technical interviews, since interviewers commonly ask about these topics today.
STEP 4 PARTICIPATE IN HACKATHONS
You want to challenge your skills and showcase them to the community, and a good way to achieve this is to participate in hackathons and coding competitions such as Kaggle’s data science competitions. This is a great way to test your coding skills while gaining valuable collaborative experience. While working on Python projects, you can learn from others and explore fresh perspectives to solving problems. Additionally, these events offer excellent networking opportunities with other participants, which can translate into meaningful connections with potential employers.
STEP 5 KEEP UP WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS
Alongside gaining Python certifications and participating in hackathons, staying up to date with developments in the Python world is essential. You can follow popular blogs, social media accounts, and podcasts, and the online communities will also help you stay informed. Furthermore, you can maintain and continually grow your Python skills by attending advanced training and continuing education opportunities, like conferences
Hope this was helpful Karl
Updated
Trent’s Answer
Hi -- an awesome free book on Python can be found at https://python.swaroopch.com/. It's an excellent resource for beginners and provides clear, concise information on Python and programming in general.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Karl, I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding learning Python. Learning Python can be an exciting journey, and I appreciate your interest in delving into this versatile programming language. I hope the information that I have below provides you with some insight and/or help.
Firstly, it's advisable to get a firm grip on Python's basic syntax, data types, and control structures. There's a wealth of excellent resources at your disposal, such as online tutorials, books, and interactive coding platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, or Udemy. These platforms offer well-structured courses designed for beginners. Also, take advantage of Python's official documentation and introductory books like "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes and "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart. These resources offer practical exercises and real-life examples to strengthen your understanding.
After you've mastered the basics, make it a habit to practice frequently by tackling coding challenges and projects. Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Project Euler provide a range of coding problems for all skill levels. Additionally, consider participating in open-source projects on platforms like GitHub. This will allow you to work with other developers and gain hands-on experience with real-world projects.
To truly excel in Python, it's crucial to understand its libraries and frameworks. Get acquainted with popular libraries like NumPy for numerical computing, Pandas for data manipulation, Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization, and TensorFlow or PyTorch for machine learning and deep learning tasks. Depending on your personal interests and career aspirations, you might want to delve into specific areas such as web development with Django or Flask, data science, or automation scripting with libraries like Selenium or BeautifulSoup.
Lastly, nurture a culture of lifelong learning and stay abreast of the latest developments in the Python world. Engage with blogs, join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/learnpython, and consider attending Python meetups or conferences to connect with other enthusiasts and professionals.
By immersing yourself in hands-on coding exercises, exploring the various uses of Python, and staying active within the developer community, you'll steadily gain proficiency and become adept at using Python for a multitude of projects and pursuits.
Firstly, it's advisable to get a firm grip on Python's basic syntax, data types, and control structures. There's a wealth of excellent resources at your disposal, such as online tutorials, books, and interactive coding platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, or Udemy. These platforms offer well-structured courses designed for beginners. Also, take advantage of Python's official documentation and introductory books like "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes and "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart. These resources offer practical exercises and real-life examples to strengthen your understanding.
After you've mastered the basics, make it a habit to practice frequently by tackling coding challenges and projects. Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Project Euler provide a range of coding problems for all skill levels. Additionally, consider participating in open-source projects on platforms like GitHub. This will allow you to work with other developers and gain hands-on experience with real-world projects.
To truly excel in Python, it's crucial to understand its libraries and frameworks. Get acquainted with popular libraries like NumPy for numerical computing, Pandas for data manipulation, Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization, and TensorFlow or PyTorch for machine learning and deep learning tasks. Depending on your personal interests and career aspirations, you might want to delve into specific areas such as web development with Django or Flask, data science, or automation scripting with libraries like Selenium or BeautifulSoup.
Lastly, nurture a culture of lifelong learning and stay abreast of the latest developments in the Python world. Engage with blogs, join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/learnpython, and consider attending Python meetups or conferences to connect with other enthusiasts and professionals.
By immersing yourself in hands-on coding exercises, exploring the various uses of Python, and staying active within the developer community, you'll steadily gain proficiency and become adept at using Python for a multitude of projects and pursuits.
Malini Masilamani
Ex Pega Developer/ I.T. Analyst @ Tata Consultancy Services
1
Answer
Updated
Malini’s Answer
Thanks Karl for posting your question. It helps others with similar questions or ideas. Some are some of the steps that you can consider to help start.
1)First Pass on Basic Syntax: Skim through the official Python documentation to get an overview of the language syntax, common functions, data types, control structures, and standard libraries. This initial exposure will provide a foundation for your understanding of Python.
2)Simulate a Simple Application or Project: Choose a straightforward application or project idea and attempt to implement it in your development environment. This hands-on approach allows you to apply the syntax and concepts you've learned in a practical context, reinforcing your understanding.
3)Repeat and Rinse: Iterate through the process of learning, practicing, and reinforcing your knowledge. As you become more familiar and comfortable with Python, gradually tackle more complex applications or projects. Regularly revisit the basics to solidify your understanding and explore advanced topics or techniques.
4)Problem Solving on Coding Platforms: Challenge yourself by solving problems on coding platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeSignal. These platforms offer a variety of coding challenges that range in difficulty and cover different aspects of programming. Solving problems not only sharpens your problem-solving skills but also exposes you to different algorithms and data structures commonly used in Python.
1)First Pass on Basic Syntax: Skim through the official Python documentation to get an overview of the language syntax, common functions, data types, control structures, and standard libraries. This initial exposure will provide a foundation for your understanding of Python.
2)Simulate a Simple Application or Project: Choose a straightforward application or project idea and attempt to implement it in your development environment. This hands-on approach allows you to apply the syntax and concepts you've learned in a practical context, reinforcing your understanding.
3)Repeat and Rinse: Iterate through the process of learning, practicing, and reinforcing your knowledge. As you become more familiar and comfortable with Python, gradually tackle more complex applications or projects. Regularly revisit the basics to solidify your understanding and explore advanced topics or techniques.
4)Problem Solving on Coding Platforms: Challenge yourself by solving problems on coding platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeSignal. These platforms offer a variety of coding challenges that range in difficulty and cover different aspects of programming. Solving problems not only sharpens your problem-solving skills but also exposes you to different algorithms and data structures commonly used in Python.
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
-Dive into the basics of Python, exploring its syntax, data types, variables, operators, and control flow such as if statements and loops. Discover the power of functions and data structures like lists, tuples, and dictionaries.
-Get comfortable with foundational concepts such as input/output, managing files, and handling errors.
-Online Learning: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and edX are treasure troves of Python courses designed specifically for beginners. Embrace the opportunity to learn at your own pace and in your own space.
-Get comfortable with foundational concepts such as input/output, managing files, and handling errors.
-Online Learning: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and edX are treasure troves of Python courses designed specifically for beginners. Embrace the opportunity to learn at your own pace and in your own space.
Updated
Nan’s Answer
Learning Python can be a rewarding experience, and there are several effective ways to do so. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Understand Your Motivation:
Identify why you want to learn Python. Whether it's for web development, data analysis, machine learning, or another purpose, knowing your motivation can help tailor your learning path.
Set Up Your Environment:
Install Python on your computer. You can download the latest version from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/). Consider using an integrated development environment (IDE) like PyCharm, VSCode, or Jupyter Notebooks.
Start with the Basics:
Begin with the fundamentals, such as variables, data types, and basic operations. Familiarize yourself with control structures like loops and conditional statements.
Online Courses:
Enroll in online courses tailored for beginners. Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer comprehensive Python courses with hands-on exercises and projects.
Read Python Documentation:
Get comfortable with reading and understanding Python documentation. The official Python documentation is a valuable resource that can provide in-depth information about the language and its libraries.
Practice Regularly:
Practice coding regularly. Apply your knowledge by working on small projects, solving coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, and participating in coding exercises.
Join Coding Communities:
Join online coding communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/learnpython, or local Python meetups. Engage with other learners and experienced developers to seek help, share knowledge, and stay motivated.
Build Projects:
Apply your skills by working on real-world projects. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding and showcase your abilities to potential employers.
Read Books:
Supplement your learning with books on Python programming. Recommended titles include "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart, and "Fluent Python" by Luciano Ramalho.
Explore Specialized Areas:
Once you have a solid understanding of the basics, explore specialized areas based on your interests. This could include web development with Django or Flask, data science with libraries like NumPy and Pandas, or machine learning with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Version Control (Git):
Learn the basics of version control using Git. Platforms like GitHub provide a collaborative environment where you can contribute to open-source projects and showcase your work.
Stay Updated:
Python is a dynamic language, and new features are regularly introduced. Stay updated with the latest developments by following Python-related blogs, podcasts, and forums.
Remember, consistency is key when learning a new programming language. Break down your learning into manageable steps, and don't hesitate to seek help from the community when needed. Happy coding!
Understand Your Motivation:
Identify why you want to learn Python. Whether it's for web development, data analysis, machine learning, or another purpose, knowing your motivation can help tailor your learning path.
Set Up Your Environment:
Install Python on your computer. You can download the latest version from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/). Consider using an integrated development environment (IDE) like PyCharm, VSCode, or Jupyter Notebooks.
Start with the Basics:
Begin with the fundamentals, such as variables, data types, and basic operations. Familiarize yourself with control structures like loops and conditional statements.
Online Courses:
Enroll in online courses tailored for beginners. Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer comprehensive Python courses with hands-on exercises and projects.
Read Python Documentation:
Get comfortable with reading and understanding Python documentation. The official Python documentation is a valuable resource that can provide in-depth information about the language and its libraries.
Practice Regularly:
Practice coding regularly. Apply your knowledge by working on small projects, solving coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, and participating in coding exercises.
Join Coding Communities:
Join online coding communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/learnpython, or local Python meetups. Engage with other learners and experienced developers to seek help, share knowledge, and stay motivated.
Build Projects:
Apply your skills by working on real-world projects. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding and showcase your abilities to potential employers.
Read Books:
Supplement your learning with books on Python programming. Recommended titles include "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart, and "Fluent Python" by Luciano Ramalho.
Explore Specialized Areas:
Once you have a solid understanding of the basics, explore specialized areas based on your interests. This could include web development with Django or Flask, data science with libraries like NumPy and Pandas, or machine learning with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Version Control (Git):
Learn the basics of version control using Git. Platforms like GitHub provide a collaborative environment where you can contribute to open-source projects and showcase your work.
Stay Updated:
Python is a dynamic language, and new features are regularly introduced. Stay updated with the latest developments by following Python-related blogs, podcasts, and forums.
Remember, consistency is key when learning a new programming language. Break down your learning into manageable steps, and don't hesitate to seek help from the community when needed. Happy coding!
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I want to expand on some of the great answers here with a higher level summary of learning Python. Whether its for fun projects, building your resume for college or an internship/job, or production level tools at your job in the future, it has so many capabilities as a coding language. Python is also a great place to start if you wish to build on your coding experience in general before moving into lower level languages like Java, C++, Rust, etc.
I think the first key point to learning any new language is that you don't need to know it inside and out to be efficient - you don't need to know every command and how exactly you would code every piece of logic. Rather you just need to know how to search for it on any number of great online sources such as Stack Overflow and other Q&A forums. Python has a great and ENORMOUS community where I guarantee your question has been asked and answered. That will be endlessly helpful as you learn a new language.
The next step is to not take on too big of a task right at the start. Don't try to code an entire game, for example, before you even know how to write "Hello World" (that's a universal step in learning any language, be able to open it and have it print to the screen "Hello World"). My interests started in game design, but when I was learning I would take on basic coding projects to get a handle on the language. Because I went into engineering, these were usually little physics based problems and simulations. Even something as basic as manually coding a sorting algorithm is helpful (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/sorting-algorithms/) - you'd be surprised how many there are and how some are SO much faster than others, so it really teaches you how to optimize. Of course, find a topic you enjoy and try coding something related to that. While these are more advanced projects, you may find this YouTube channel quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/c/SebastianLague.
And finally keep in mind there is no point where you are suddenly an expert in that language. Just remember that you will keep learning and keep improving your skills. Depending on your goals for what you want to code, this may mean focusing heavily in one area or another to really optimize your project. As this focus shifts, so will your learning and eventually you'll have a diverse set of skills. Sometimes I go back to old code to improve it based on new skills I've learned and this helps me hone my skills. Have fun and take a step back if it feels like work because you can have a lot of fun in this world!
I think the first key point to learning any new language is that you don't need to know it inside and out to be efficient - you don't need to know every command and how exactly you would code every piece of logic. Rather you just need to know how to search for it on any number of great online sources such as Stack Overflow and other Q&A forums. Python has a great and ENORMOUS community where I guarantee your question has been asked and answered. That will be endlessly helpful as you learn a new language.
The next step is to not take on too big of a task right at the start. Don't try to code an entire game, for example, before you even know how to write "Hello World" (that's a universal step in learning any language, be able to open it and have it print to the screen "Hello World"). My interests started in game design, but when I was learning I would take on basic coding projects to get a handle on the language. Because I went into engineering, these were usually little physics based problems and simulations. Even something as basic as manually coding a sorting algorithm is helpful (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/sorting-algorithms/) - you'd be surprised how many there are and how some are SO much faster than others, so it really teaches you how to optimize. Of course, find a topic you enjoy and try coding something related to that. While these are more advanced projects, you may find this YouTube channel quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/c/SebastianLague.
And finally keep in mind there is no point where you are suddenly an expert in that language. Just remember that you will keep learning and keep improving your skills. Depending on your goals for what you want to code, this may mean focusing heavily in one area or another to really optimize your project. As this focus shifts, so will your learning and eventually you'll have a diverse set of skills. Sometimes I go back to old code to improve it based on new skills I've learned and this helps me hone my skills. Have fun and take a step back if it feels like work because you can have a lot of fun in this world!
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-automation?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg&utm_campaign=B2C_NAMER_google-it-automation_google_FTCOF_professional-certificates_country-US&campaignid=8986236679&adgroupid=90732373397&device=c&keyword=learn%20python%20for%20free&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adposition=&creativeid=636606106282&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14G8TqYc0Nc6ZbYq3LD_1W4IRZOzX4ecOrZDcrsQuKnblSgIs1Q9fpMaAqBNEALw_wcB
Hi Trevor, thank you for providing this link! Please try to provide context for your links so the user understands why its relevant and what they can expect to find
Gurpreet Lally, Admin