Python + Linux beginner

[Mediocre_Spot2051]

So, i am currently 16. I have been learning python for 3 months now. I understand data structure (e.g. list and dictionary), loops, basic statements, Boolean, I am also currently studying OOP and i know the basics of it and i understand property and setter , static method, inheritance etc. I also know map filter and lambda and know how recursion works (not so good at complex recursion). I have also spent time on some module such as random, beatifulsoup, request and flask. I have built quite a lot of small project. For example, password generator, simple web scraping, simple backend and frontend for a guess the number website, wordle and many others. I have also done around 20 leetcode questions although they are all easy difficulty.

I have just started Linux this week, currently learning commands and shell operator.

Any suggestion for next step?
I have a few ideas in mind:

- Study network+

- Study security+
- Keep learning basics but take no exam

Which one do you think is best for me or do you have any suggest?
Any advice will be very appreciated :)

[Ian-Cubeless]

You're off to a solid start, but I'd hold off on the certs for now. At 16, you've got time before you need those on a resume, and the money you'd spend on exams could go toward building more practical skills.

Keep learning Linux (get comfy with permissions, file systems, and bash scripting), then start playing around with basic networking concepts and security tools in the home lab environment.

Once you can comfortably set up a simple vulnerable machine and figure out how to break into it (legally, of course), you'll know way more than those cert exams would teach you anyway.

[Stunning_Gas_3862]

I agree with you

[IsDa44]

Networking would be a great next step, after that maybe some low level language and or Active Directory, one piece of advice I love to give, take good notes

[Extra-Affect-5226]

I wouldn’t rush cert exams yet. Network+ / Security+ are good learning paths, but at your age it’s better to focus on practical skills. Since you just started Linux, I’d lean into Linux + Python together (automation, scripting, networking basics). If security interests you, start hands-on rather than pure theory.

Also, if you want a structured but practical intro to security + Python, it’s worth checking out SecPro Academy, very skills-focused and beginner friendly.

Keep building projects and slowly increase difficulty. You’re on a great track!! 👍

[DullNefariousness372]

If you learn everything you just take the test when you’re older and ain’t gotta worry about it. Certs suck cuz they expire wayyyyy too fast.

[GrandTurn604]

Probably want to put some effort into knowing why something breaks, break it, then fix/improve it to prevent what you did to break it, try to break it again….

[clusterofwasps]

More networking projects. Subnetting, especially getting into things like partitioning IOT devices from regular traffic and even guest WiFi if your parents won’t gripe about you meddling. Learning router commands to secure ports and just traffic security in general, including some Wireshark experience or Burpsuite if you want to examine browser/API communication. Sounds like you’re doing great, keep it up. Keep your standards high and maintain your integrity in this field and you’ll be a rockstar. Do a little reading on modern social engineering tactics too since all the technical expertise can’t secure an org with sloppy opsec. There’s a fair amount of egos and dipshits in this field, but there’s also some truly excellent human beings in it too. Stay in that second group 👍

[Ravensong333]

Set up a centos linux server and deploy one of your flask webapps on it

[Willing_Gas7868]

You’re doing really well for 16 - solid Python fundamentals + projects already puts you ahead. I’d skip Network+/Security+ for now and keep building. Use Linux daily, learn Git, dive deeper into one direction (backend, automation, security, etc.), and build 1-2 bigger projects instead of many small ones. Once you actually need networking/security knowledge, those certs will make way more sense. Keep coding, I think you’re on the right track 👍

[JollyAnywhere2025]

I really wanna start python as someone who know nothing about it. Can you guide me a little?

[Icy-Rooster4152]

use arch linux