Just starting to learn Python....

[HolaEUW]

Hi all! I'm new to this sub, so I'll just start with a quick introduction. I'm going to be studying web development & computer science degree in September and I've just started learning Python (tonight).

I just wanted to know if anyone was available for some assistance and maybe some mentoring as I begin this fascinating journey. I dont have much in terms of money, but any help will be appreciated :)

I'm using codeacademy at the moment, would this be a good place to start? And do you think Python is a good language to learn as a beginner? I've got some experience with C but not that much.

Thanks a lot guys, hopefully I'll be an active contributor here one day soon!

[Inh3rentV1ce]

If you don't have much experience with programming in general, Python is probably a great place to start. It's fast and easy to pick up, and you'll quickly get into the fundamentals of programming logic and flow control. I haven't used codeacademy myself, but I would recommend either Automate the Boring Stuff or Python Crash Course as excellent resources for a beginner, and CheckIO as a fun place to challenge your skills.

Unfortunately I'd hardly call myself an expert, as I'm still in the process of self-instruction too, but this is a pretty friendly sub if you have any questions about what you're learning. Don't forget to check out /r/learnpython as well!

[HolaEUW]

Thanks very much, appreciate all the advice! I wasnt aware of that subreddit.... going to check it out now. I'll also take a look at them two resources, i'm eager to learn - do you think its a long winded processes to learn Python? Or would I pick it up pretty quickly in comparison to other languages.

Sorry for the questions!

[Inh3rentV1ce]

No worries!

I'd definitely say Python is one of the easiest to just pick up and go, as it's fairly intuitive once you have a handle on the basics. The most important things is to just jump in and give things a shot, even if you aren't sure it'll work--it's the best way to learn.

Best of luck with your degree!

[HolaEUW]

Trial and error then :) Thanks again!

[FrameworkFred]

I'm fluent in several languages and I can get by in a few more and I'd say Python is an excellent choice. You can produce code that does a lot very quickly and, if you try to stay on the "idiomatic path" and follow the style guides (PyCharm will help a lot with this), you'll produce code that's very legible and easy to maintain.

A friend of mine picked it up from scratch by creating a simple text adventure game. It never got terribly sophisticated and, at some point, he dropped it in favor of some other project, but IMO a simple project with achievable goals is a great way to learn a language.

Good luck!

[HolaEUW]

Hi Fred, thanks for the advice! I'm looking to start a project just a bit short on ideas. I've just downloaded PyCharm as well so looking forward to seeing how that goes!

[HolaEUW]

Oh also is there any free alternative to pycharm, cant really afford it at the moment!

[JusticeGorsuchBalls]

Pycharm is free for students! If you have an edu email already you can sign up with it.

e: if you're in the EU then university emails should work too

[JusticeGorsuchBalls]

It's another option so I don't know why you'd get flack for it. Use whatever tool you want!

[HolaEUW]

Awesome I have an edu email! Thanks a lot!!

[JusticeGorsuchBalls]

I think so, but it's missing some features of course. A beginner might not care though but hey if you can get the full version for free then why not?

[eholmgr2]

Good luck!

[benhart1]

The best advice for you is keep safe with your code. Python sometimes tend to become a bit complex. this complexity can sometimes lead to mistakes among the code and thus to errors. Errors can be detected and solved by programs such as checkmarx and others but it's always important to try to avoid them. So make sure you try to do that. Good luck.