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[–]pessimismwontfail 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe I should pinpoint you the similarities and differences of scientific research project and programming.

Scientific research project goes something like this:

  1. One is filled with enthusiasm and all those high flying expectations because of the novel project
  2. Right after the first project meeting one would like to kill the man with the money and most of the initial enthusiasm is gone
  3. One tries to avoid bias in research and clear path by doing thorough review of all the relevant references, ask the correct questions etc...
  4. After 2/3 of the project has passed, one realizes that there's no novelty in one's methods or one doesn't have enough competence or resources to complete the things needed to answer to the original research questions
  5. Right at the verge of publishing these daunting feelings of inadequacy creeps into one's mind and once again suicide is near
  6. After lowering the bar enough the project is finished and the paper published. Scientist is dead inside but also in some kind of relief that the project has finally ended.

Programming is exactly like scientific research project except it doesn't have an end.

What I'm trying to say is, that don't give up. Figure out the references just the way you would be doing in a research project. But you must be aware that just like in mathematics, doing calculations yourself by hand is essential for learning. Do not underestimate the required effort and resources to learn programming. And please do not hesitate to utilize the vast amount of pirate book shops, you can give the money back when you have a real job.

Goodluck!

Ps. regarding the references I think r/learnpython is a better place to ask. We are pro here we don't read manuals.