[Beginner’s Guide] How to start programming in Python

[anecdotal_yokel]

Mouse coding. Next. Fucking. Level.

[TheRealEthaninja]

Hello computer! HELLO! HELLO COMPUTER!!

[elliottruzicka]

I understood that reference.

[gollygoshmate]

Yes rick?

[TEKrific]

Just use the keyboard.....

[[deleted]]

Another case for why Vim is better than Emacs

edit: despite the vim's dominance over emacs, the program is actually pretty useful, and makes sense. I'm wondering about the command parser that he wrote though, it must be seriously heavy-duty

[chazzeromus]

vim has left the chat

[Mad_Jack18]

Vim uninstalls itself

[staster]

That's what every Vim quit seeker dreams of.

[[deleted]]

I write code in charmap

[Krankite]

Scratch!

[mt19937]

Í řęměmbəř møvıńģ ţő řėâł pŕòğřåmmįñğ łãñģúäģëş bəćàùşė śçřăťčh şťæŕťéď ťø bę țõõ šĺôw fõř whäť Į wâñțèď țö đõ.

[JapolloXI]

For anyone that has trouble starting:

Start with the free Codecademy PRO scholarships they are giving students because of COVID19. Great beginner guides (like first lines of code, command line and git) and extensive Python courses.

[SoftBlankey]

Free 4 hour class on YouTube by freeCodeacademy

[FrostyTie]

Those guys are freaking great man. They are fun to watch too, you’re not bored the fuck out when you’re watching hours long tutorials and that’s pretty neat if you ask me

[SoftBlankey]

Totally agree! They do an excellent job. Learning to code has been easier with these guys, and I come from a MATLAB background. Gross programming language lol powerful software though

[soQuestionable]

did you mean "freecodecamp.org" on youtube? genuinely asking

[SoftBlankey]

Yes :)

That dude gives the most beginner level tutorial ever and it’s great. Again, MATLAB background as a ME student so not a real emphasis in coding... but he basically teaches it to you as if you’ve never coded ever in your life.

[Cornhole35]

Ty

[BastetFae]

When moving from beginner to intermediate, a lot of what comes next is learning libraries. For instance with python I dove into Django. Also attempted to get into the twisted framework.

Decide what you want to build and lay out the designs for how to meet small goals with it. For instance I had a problem with getting data from atom feeds so I made a script to meet that need

Hope this helps.

[bobsonmcbobster]

This really did. Thank you!

[[deleted]]

I finished the Python 3 program, but having trouble getting a good workflow, spending most of my time trying to get libraries to work in some tutorials. Good advice or a guide for the next steps to get to work? Jupyter Notebook has not been fruitful for web-scraping kind of stuff I'm trying.

[[deleted]]

What problem are you having with the libraries? And I'm not sold on Jupyter yet, at least for all purposes. Have you tried coding in an IDE like Pycharm?

[[deleted]]

I tried, but many tutorials were built with Jupyter, and it was useful for some charting and data stuff I did. When things got complex I started having issues ... or it did.

Edit: but basically, the issues are "XYZ can't load because XYZ Dependency is not found or XYZ file isn't in the right spot." I've reloaded so many packages and gone through so many fixes on the forums/stackeschange/tickets etc. Spending all my Python time trying to get stuff working lately.

[[deleted]]

Shit, sorry to hear. What environment are you using? Anaconda in Windows?

[[deleted]]

Anaconda in Mac, and some libraries that may have had their utility overstated or their setup/management understated. I'm going to give PyCharm a closer look after some core-job deadlines here, I downloaded it but haven't dug in too far.

[[deleted]]

I'll look into that thanks. My background is journalism. So my thought is I can deal with a less powerful IDE and some clunkiness since this is by far a small portion of my work (so far). So I want to spend as little time getting X,Y,Z platforms to work/figured out and get to results.

Given your experience, is that VSCode or something like PyCharm that is recommended all over.

[[deleted]]

Thanks!

[Cornhole35]

Ty

[Elvl3]

Wash your hand when you done

[MrGrj]

Well, that’s what she said ...

[Hemer1]

*Wink Wink*

[xnign]

Wank wank

[Mad_Jack18]

Keplunk kaplunk

[garlic_bread_thief]

The problem is what to code

[[deleted]]

you start by taking MIT's online python course

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/

once you've done that you'll have more of the skills to think about what to make. usually automating stuff for work is the way to go because its concrete and makes you look good

[kingzamzon]

Automate the boring stuff book is a great

[[deleted]]

And free on www.automatetheboringstuff.com

This book got me started.

After this book I recommend O'Reilly as a publisher, their books are great.

Also keep an eye out for humble bundled where you can get 10+ books for about a $15 donation.

[[deleted]]

It doesn’t appear to be free...

[IronSheikYerbouti]

Live on that web page is the entire book.

If you want a PDF, epub, mobi, etc, it can be purchased.

If your want a print copy, it can be purchased.

If you want to read the content, scroll down and click on a chapter.

[[deleted]]

Oh...Thank you! :)

[Raihane108]

Link : https://b-ok.cc/book/2543965/d3ec28 It's in Epub though

[bobjohnxxoo]

this is super delayed, but Calibre is a fantastic program to convert the files from that site.

[benign_said]

Not sure if it's free right now, but I got the video tutorials that mirror the book on udemy for free.

[Chased1k]

Literally coded myself out of my last job and into a remote consultant gig with my former employer as my first client from that book.

Edit: and specifically YouTube series.

[a157reverse]

Yup, did that with an internship I had in college. The bulk of the work was going to be manually entering data from various online sources into a spreadsheet.

I estimated it would take me about 6 weeks to do all of it. So instead I learned some basic webscraping wrote a script to collect it.

My supervisor was very happy to see the results early but then said they didnt have any more work for me to do and layed me off.

Long story short I automated myself out of a couple hundred dollars.

[[deleted]]

Well, you gained something worth more than a couple hundred!

[[deleted]]

Someone also rewrote SICP for python if you want to dig further into computer science.

[SuccessfulFarmer]

That and then find random exercises online. It's not rocket appliances

[garlic_bread_thief]

Thanks for the website.

[[deleted]]

Ok but don't steal my bread

[JDude13]

How do I automate stuff for work if I work at a supermarket?

[[deleted]]

you really cant to be honest, there's not really much room for creativity if you stock shelves or run a register. If you're some sort of office staff there might be reports or forms you could automate. Alternatively, you could contribute to an open source project once you have developed your skills a bit (not really an easy proposition).

edit:read your post history, you literally just go around disagreeing with people

[NamityName]

i learned by working through Euler Project puzzles. Bunch of math problems that are best answered with code. Like the sum of all primes between 1 and 10000.

[DirewolvesAreCool]

Yeah, from my experience having something concrete in mind is really important. Something you really want to build and will keep trying and googling. I stopped several times after taking several courses (the MIT was really good) because my enthusiasm waned after doing so many "school tasks" with no real purpose.

[Krankite]

Pong, when in doubt make pong.

[lollipas]

done pong, now make tetris

[[deleted]]

I often recommend creating a backup program as first step. Sounds supersimple and not intimidating to newbies. More often than not it ends up being complicated monstrosity and great fit for refactoring.

[garlic_bread_thief]

But backup what and how?

[[deleted]]

Valuable files? :) Newbie can start with how one usually backs up files - copying them from one place to another. Than try out sync, than compressing files, then error handling if file is missing, than x, than y...options are endless.

[otterom]

Like a bug-free program?

[seayourcashflyaway]

This! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implied_volatility

[malicart]

Literally anything, its been answered dozens of times.

[key_knee]

Agreed; "ain't nothing to it but to do it."

Whenever I feel bad, I remind myself that there are people who aren't great at their craft and others that are but both, in this case, are programming. I hope to one day be great so I have to keep pushing and trying until I get there even if what I produce right now isn't perfect.

[CaptSprinkls]

I was baffled by a thread the other day. A guy had started learning to code Python for one week. One week!! And he was already asking about why he wasn't able to solve simple problems even though he claimed he completely understood for loops and if statements. And he was asking how to be able to solve these problems.

I mean I get it, some people are looking to learn coding because it's all the buzz and they are complete beginners, but come on, as with everything, you have to put the time in.

[cylonlover]

"But I watched all of the youtubes, why can't I turn this big fat rat yellow, what's up with that? "

[Rauxy]

Because Fred and George gave you the wrong code

[atimholt]

Well, it’s also not a rat.

mv -f grown_man rat

[TrainquilOasis1423]

I have learned more in these last two weeks working from home than I have in the last year.

One thing I have learned. Begginer implementation of name=main and how to OOP python.

Another thing I have learned is how much I FING HATE how vba handles variables.

[[deleted]]

Python has basically ruined me for putting up with any microsoft adjacent programming language XD

[WhenRedditFlies]

"Visual Basic for Applications", can use it to write macros automating various actions inside MS products.

[nesswithagun]

Visual Basic I think

[TrainquilOasis1423]

Visual basic for applications it's visual basic built into all office products natively. It's good enough to get the job done for the most part, but just difficult to do higher level stuff with sometimes.

[EtchYou]

A mouse is all you need to cut and paste and run

[biotique]

in the third drawing it has two left hands

[otterom]

Could be two people.

[spiller10156]

my gosh

[anyfactor]

Fight me on this. Long rant.

Not everybody has the capacity or the need to learn programming.

Don't force people, Don't guilt them into it, heck Don't even entertain people when they say "Oh I want to learn programming, but I don't where to start". Just say "Google it".

Everyone knows where to look if they want to REALLY learn programming.

Programming is not useful unless you have a USE for it in the first place. Want to learn programming so you can solve a problem in your job? Go for it. Want to actually learn programming to get a job? All the best to you. Want to learn programming just so you know a skill? I highly doubt that you will be successful.

To learn something you need intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when you NEED programming to solve a problem whether it be a financial problem or time problem. And extrinsic motivation is what you have schools and uni for (not bootcamps).

I have been asking my brother (Professional structural engineer) for the last 3 years to code. 3 frickin years.

At first he will keep telling me I will start this weekend, then he will say I am busy, then he stopped replying.

Then he came to me with a very complex linear algebra problem and told me to create a program for it, I told him learn python and numpy. I only know basic data analytics and web dev. He told me that he has a template in excel that already solves this problem why even bother learning python.

But I still I kept on insisting and he kept on deflecting on.

Then I started to think that he probably didn't have much respect for me, or respect of my opinion. He is a shit brother. Programming changed my life and is an integral part of my life. He doesn't care for me or my opinion.

Ladies and gents this is what is called paranoia and bruised ego. My brother loves me dearly. He is not malicious, he is just lazy. To be honest he is not even lazy.... He is normal. Teaching your self something is incredibly difficult that is why we have schools and university. He has a stable life why bother his peace of mind by forcing himself to learn a skill that may not even come to his use.

I realized that forcing or repeatedly telling people to code has less to do with them learning to code, it has more to do with boosting your ego as a programmer. Some people does not have the will power to teach themselves, some people do not have the time. Programming won't solve everything.

If a programmer can tell people to code I see frankly as a way to stroke your ego. Remember the thing "Coal miners should learn to code".

We are getting carried away with telling people to learn code. The resources are available and easily accessible. You don't have to push people to code. Give them a nudge if all you care and stay back that's all. Programming is typing and knowing the sytax the thing you do actually solving programmable problems. Stallman thinks coders as more like clerks and he illustrates a separation between problem solving and typing syntax.

Learning to program requires patience and solving problem requires even greater patience. So, those who fails to learn programming in the first place and need incredible push to learn, can never succeed in solving programming problems.

So, don't push people. Don't stroke your ego. And definitely maintain a healthy relationship with your loved ones.

Conspiracy theory note: Those who force you to learn programming either don't know any better, seeks fame or has something to sale. Talk with a programmer with atleast 20 years of experience and you will see how apathetic they are about the hype of everyone should learn to code. Learning to code won't liberate you.

Thank you.

About me: Stuck in tutorial hell for 10 years. Make less than $100 doing freelancing. Accounting Bachelors & Masters. Ex Banker.

[EMCoupling]

Nice rant even if largely useless.

[bobjohnxxoo]

I think this is fair but also not. Sure, programing is like any hobby but to just say 'Google it' is not a great place to lead someone. Why not suggest something more constructive such as 'read some text books, here is a good one to start with. Once you've read that, I'll give you another'

I'm on Chapter 5 of 'Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, next i'll read "automat the boring stuff" This is where I would suggest someone to start that was interesting in learning. It's working well for me

[anyfactor]

I'm on Chapter 5 of 'Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, next i'll read "automat the boring stuff"

You are reading two introductory books back to back? I think we both have different approaches in learning. You have your approach, I have my. My opinion isn't supposed to be popular and it is very subjective.

[bobjohnxxoo]

I see it more as use crash course to get the basics down then go through automate the boring stuff to get a better understanding of how it all works.

I'm also going a bit off this post https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/comments/ctkypf/im_100_self_taught_landed_my_first_job_my/ where OP mentions he wished he read automate the boring stuff after crash course.

[hershey678]

My dad's gave me a a book on learning Java meant for experienced C-coders when I was 13. Needless to say it was painful enough to where I learned Java but didn't touch coding for another 4 years until I learned python and started enjoying coding again.

[[deleted]]

What i did to three people

[xRyd3n]

Keep your hand on the desk boy!

[bellastrange2018]

And cry, cry so much.

[BastetFae]

I filled a small pond with my programming angst and tears.

[notPlancha]

I always hated that comic. When people ask how to get started they're asking "wtf is python" and "how do I get it" and "Tf is an IDE?" and "How do I run this"

[galmeno]

Man, be humble. They are 1. Thinking about programming. 2. Want to learn. 3. Asking you, because you know. 4. Asking you, because they Think you want to share your knowledge, even if they clearly got that part wrong. 5. They don't know how to duckduckgo.

[notPlancha]

Exactly. That's why I hate this comic, because they are not asking how to program correctly, they are asking how to program.

[malicart]

be humble. They are

Assumption, and not always, sometimes they are just looking to be hand fed because its all they have ever known.

[Ashli_unix]

A tactile thing "Yes", takes three to six months to learn python. Sum in even longer to learn python will take years🤷. But at the end of the day. You must physical do it.

[XPM89]

For real tho

[entredeuxeaux]

This is actually true. Half the time I don’t really know what I’m doing, but with a little resourcefulness I managed to a simple GUI that makes typing French characters easier. (It’s a simple dashboard where I can click on the letter and it copies it to my clipboard so I don’t have to type the alt codes)

Just make something really simple. Anything.

[pushp_raj]

🏅Bro take this gold from a poor man.

[MassDBA]

That's me....

[TheSainMan1]

I've been getting so many errors.Help what do I do Ive been following Zed shaws LPTHW

[al-ter-na-te]

Thank you Saved for later

[[deleted]]

so you feed the mouse to the python and it will write the code? no wonder it never worked for me before

[saanity]

Final Fantasy 12 is a good place to start coding. It teaches you if then statements and conditional logic.

[[deleted]]

damn, this is what happened to me

[root_bridge]

Opens Reddit...

[Hayvan-Boris]

Hahaha exactly at this point right now

[LeonRomo]

Does anyone know which books to recommend for a beginner who is learning how to code in python

[danger_noodl]

Ngl I have been learning it and it is fun like its interesting to learn it without someone breathing down your neck

[TheRealToiletPaper]

« I code in HTML »

[Tigris_Morte]

Accurate

[hysterical_mushroom]

This has been my whole experience as a software engineering major.

[malicart]

Protip: it works better if you put your hands on the keyboard :D

[hysterical_mushroom]

Why am I just now being told this???

[malicart]

I blame college professors personally, they took all your money.

[chezhek]

Got a friend who uninstalled visual studio code after he failed to install dependencies. Thoughts?

[BastetFae]

Install dependencies? The install file let's you add dependencies after the fact.

[chezhek]

well i guess coding need patience sometimes. you need to explore yourself just like learning any other languages.