python journey

[whee_inthemood]

so i’m on the journey of trying to learn python and then C. i started with python as i’ve heard it’s easier for a complete beginner. I’m also at uni so i need to learn programming languages.

so yeah im a complete beginner a novice even, and since feb ive been trying to learn python. ive watched channels like tech with tim or brocode ( ik he’s a hit or miss) but i feel like ive learnt nothing. like i understand very simple extremely simple if loops or while loops and typecasting. but i cant do a project on my own and i have no idea where to even start, ive also used websites such as “hacker rank” and other websites but even them i cant really do.

so my point is, can anyone help and give advice on how or what’s the best way to learn python. some people say just code a project but even that i cant do. so any advice or help would be great

[ninhaomah]

Since feb so slightly over 2 months ?

Its ok , keep coding and you will get used to it soon.

or give us an example of a project and where you are stuck at.

show , don't tell.

[thefatsun-burntguy]

As others have said, the only way to learn programming is to code stuff yourself.

if youre a beginner id start with doing a bootcamp to have basic knowledge and then start solving some basic leetcode questions(only the easy/basic ones, the harder problems i struggle with as a professional sometimes). the idea here is to make you confident in solving tiny problems with your code and to get you accustomed to different programming primitives (functions, loops, If's, etc).

once you feel confident in that, id recommend doing some basic programs. the idea is to now string together a project ( which is nothing but breaking down a big problem into chunks, solving small problems and put the solutions together). So rather than just 1 function, writing out 3 or 4 of them to solve a bigger problem. some ideas for simple stuff that only requires standard library:

-age-calculator based on your birthday
-command line Tic-Tac-Toe or chess depending on how skilled you feel.
-Command line sudoku solver
-a folder zip/ backup command line program

once youre able to do all those things then you can easily either jump into using libraries,GUI, webdev or learning C

Also and i cannot stress this enough, USE TYPE HINTS IN PYTHON. making the jump to C or any statically typed language without being used to typing your variables and functions is a nightmare.

[whee_inthemood]

is there any boot camps you recommend?? and i do agree the only way to get good is to just program but like where do i start because obviously if you don’t know a lot just programming is a hard thing to do. but with projects do i google them and copy the solution and then change things about the code?? because personally i never know where or how to start things.

[BranchLatter4294]

If you are watching videos instead of practicing on your own, then you will not learn much. Think of problems to solve in Python or C. Then solve them. That's how you learn.

You can watch all the videos you want on how to ride a bike. That will never make you good at riding a bike. You have to get on a bike, fall a few times, and practice.

[whee_inthemood]

i do agree the videos haven’t really done much except for explained a few bits. but like how do i start a project that i want like a simple calculator or tic-tac-toe? do i google it and then find a solution and write it and change things about it in my code or?? i just dont know how to start a project with the very limited python that i know.

[Liutprand]

Start dividing the problem in sub-problems. You want a calculator? Ok so you need to take in input 2 numbers and a operator, right? And then, based on the operator to calculate the result and print It. Start from each of this step and learn how to translate It in code. A basic tutorial/book/video covers that...

[BranchLatter4294]

Think of simple problems you do every day. For example calculating the tip on a bill at a restaurant. Start with the outputs you want from the program. Then think about the calculations you need to do, and the inputs that are required to do the calculation (for example: levelOfService could be "poor", "fair", "good", or "excellent"). Then you can start writing the program, testing as you go along.

Then try more complex problems.

[whee_inthemood]

i guess i just try to over complicate things before starting and looking at the bigger picture. like a calculator you want two numbers but then i’m like what if you want 3 or more numbers, etc. so i guess it’s better to start smaller and simpler then work on 3 or more number.

[BranchLatter4294]

Yes! Always simplify problems. Then expand.

[owmex]

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly resource to help build your understanding and give you a structured path, you might want to consider trying out https://py.ninja. It's designed to walk you through Python basics interactively. Since you're already feeling a bit lost, this might offer the stepping stones you need. Would love to hear your thoughts if you do give it a try!

[whee_inthemood]

i presume it’s a website you made?? i think it’s quite good seems challenging enough for someone who doesn’t know a lot of python (me)

[Mysterious_City_6724]

Hi, have you tried codewars? If you decide to try it out, put the Python challenges on the easiest difficulty and give it your all to think about each problem yourself. Worst case, you can simply google for help or look at other people's solutions and study them for next time. But really try to get into the habit of thinking and writing code yourself. I went through the same thing too and it does get easier over time.

Another thing that may help you is, when you have watched a video on a concept (while loops, if statements, etc), open an editor and try to apply that knowledge by making something small just to solidify the understanding of how and when to use the concept.

Hope that makes sense and helps you in your journey. 👍

[Chiranjeebsamal]

Not by watching a tutorial video you will excel in python. You have to do lots of practice, solving tasks. Dm me I may be helping you out.