Hey! š Iām looking for some solid advice on how to learn Python. I want to use it to start working on my own project (more like a passion project). Iāve got very basic programming knowledge from school. Like, I know what variables, loops, and functions are, and I played with some Pascal and a bit of Java years ago. But Iāve never really built anything useful.
My goal is to learn Python not just for the sake of learning it, but so I can actually start developing a real project Iāve been thinking about for a while (itās a small app). So Iām looking for the most efficient and practical way to get up to speed with Python, I mean not just syntax, but actual development skills.
Should I go for any specific bootcamp? A YouTube series, a book, or some kind of interactive course /practical tutorial? Iāve googled a few options but Iād really like to know what you guys would recommend as a trusted source.
Ideally, I want something that can take me from āknows a little bitā to ācan build stuffā without burning me out. Bonus points if it includes project-based learning.
Thanks in advance š
Also, donāt underestimate Stackoverflow, which was already mentioned. The Python tag has answers to everything, from learning basic syntax to real programming cases. And browse Github! Look for projects similar to what you want to build. Read the code, see how others solved problems. That alone will teach you more than any course.
Very basic knowledge from school can mean anything. When was that? What kind of project are you planning to build, whatās that app?
If itās just a calculator or web scraper, cool, learn syntax and go. But if itās something more complex, youāll need to know about architecture, deployment, maybe databases and APIs.
Youāre the architect of your app. Understand which technologies you need to create and run it. Your learning path depends on the actual project.
I think itās totally safe and reasonable to recommend some kind of beginner-friendly learning platform here. Honestly, I wouldnāt rely on any programming knowledge from school or dipping toes in java. You pretty much need to ārebuild the frameā from scratch. In my opinion, the best course to learn Python is on datacamp. You can start with a short intro course and then move on to something more in-depth.
Itās a great way to build a solid foundation, and the rest you can just google, watch on YT, or read in the docs. Iām a big believer in starting small with anything.
David RƔcz, my level: basics (variables, loops, functions) with Pascal/Java 6-8 years ago, Python slightly touched.
Well, for example, I want to make a task tracker (web or desktop) with a database, maybe with features like reminders. I want to make a prototype in 3-6 months.
Xubres, i doubt the stuff on DataCamp will be enough. Itās not really the best python online course ā more like a nice intro to Python programming.
Honestly, you can learn anything if you really want to. Even going through some super expensive bootcamp doesnāt guarantee youāll be able to code in the end. Bootcamps, courses, all that - they only help people who actually want to learn and are capable of keeping up. Iām not falling for a propaganda that programming is for everyone.
If someoneās got the drive and brain for it then they can learn with just google, reading code, digging into docs, and hanging out on forums. But if youāre not built for itā¦ nothingās gonna help.
David RĆ”cz, dude, thatās not the point of this discussion, I dunno how weāve got here.
I mean, if someoneās planning to learn Python to build their own project, that already tells me theyāve got at least some general programming knowledge and a knack for coding.
slavaweb11, your project sounds like a good start for diving into Python, and 6-7 months at 10-15 hours a week is a realistic time for a prototype, if you don't get distracted and stay focused.
As for learning: start with free resources like Python documentation and YouTube. If you want a structured course, Codegym has launched a course on Python. It's not bad, as it covers the basics: syntax, working with files, database basics, etc.
Bro, I learned Python just to build a smart home controller for myself. All I did was read the official docs and experiment. Seriously. That was enough to get going. It took time, but I learned a lot by just doing.
Same here but with a twist. I already work as a developer, just in Java. I wasnāt totally sure what the OP meant by having a āvery basic programming knowledge.ā Like, how deep was that past experience?
Cause if you already know how to code, switching languages isnāt that big of a deal. 2ā3 weeks to get used to Python syntax and naming conventions, and youāre good to go.
But learning from scratch is a whole different story.
I probably canāt name the best beginner python course, cause I learned it independently, thanks to my existing experience as a dev, but if you're totally new, Iād suggest combining a modern online python course (like codegym) with a couple of solid books for theory, and then grind on platforms like leecode.
A few months of focused learning like that should give you the base you need to start building your own stuff.
Not to be dullā¦ but if your only experience is school-level coding, Iād also refresh the basics. Books can help you build that ādeveloper mindsetā which you also pursue.
Try reading these:
1. Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes ā super beginner-friendly.
2. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart ā practical and fun.
3. Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold ā not Python-
specific, but a great foundation.
Then you can hit the project running.
I personally liked Effective Python by Slatkin more - really interesting way of presenting things. The author focuses on the why behind Pythonās best practices, and there are tons of useful tips both for beginners and experienced devs. It helps you shift into a āprogrammer mindsetā and understand the language on a deeper level. In the long run, that makes it easier to feel how to learn Python fast and effectively.
Books are usually a safe bet when it comes to building a strong theoretical base. But yeah, reading alone wonāt get you to confident coding - practice is key.
Cisco has a free Python course on their NetAcad platform.
You can do it at your own pace. It's a long course that has a lot of knowledge to digest.
I'm about to complete it, and I recommend this quality course.
I never heard about Python course on Codegym before, but Iād recommend freeCodecamp and Datacamp when it comes to courses, accessible for newbies, can really teach you something.
I'm honestly familiar with Codegym. I took an interactive Java tutorial a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised. There were tons of tasks at different levels and the way they explained stuff was really engaging. Had no idea they now have mentor-led bootcamps too, and in other programming languages. Thatās cool.
If you're serious about building your own project, Iād say donāt limit yourself with learning just basics. When youāre working on something real, youāre the dev, the architect, and the QA person at once š So youāll need more than just knowing Python syntax.
Frameworks, web stuff, debugging, testing ā that all comes in handy even in āsmallā projects. Thatās why Iād recommend taking a full Python bootcamp rather than sticking to coding platforms. My brother is currently studying python here at CodeGym and he says itās the best Python course heās seen.
He had tried another bootcamp last year, but it was too fast-paced and extremely hard to follow. At CodeGym, he says the mentors are super attentive, thereās tons of coding practice after each live session with a mentor, and students get help whether theyāre ahead or behind, so nobodyās bored or lost in the massive amount of new knowledge.
Theyāve got live mentorship sessions twice a week, tons of lectures on the platform, auto-checked tasks which students solve in the real coding environment, and real projects. Plus, mentors give you extra tasks or help you when you're stuck. I think itās a great setup if your goal is to not only learn but also build your own thing from the start, with guidance.
ilian44, for an outside perspective, you can always post on Stackoverflow. Either share a link to your project on Github or ask a specific question there.
To be honest, I donāt really believe even a mentor from a paid bootcamp will spend their free time reviewing a studentās side project unless this project is a part of the actual course program. Just saying.
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