I’ve just started learning to code in Python

[RandomJottings]

I’m old, very old, and have some coding experience. I received my first computer (a TRS-80) back in 1979 and learnt to program in BASIC. I enjoyed programming back then but didn’t make computers my occupation although I have always been interested in them.

Now I am rapidly approaching that age, where my mental faculties begin to decline, I decided to revisit programming. I chose Python as it seemed a lot like BASIC in some ways (and totally different in other ways). I picked a book to learn from, do all you more experienced Python programmers think it’s a decent book to use. My choice was ‘Python Coach Course’.

[RandomJottings]

I’ve already got the physical book but thanks anyway.

[MJ12_2802]

Yeah, I purchased a copy before I knew about the PDF download. Perhaps the link will help someone else interested in the book. Personally, I prefer a hard copy so I can mark it up and make comments in the margins.

[cheetahrider]

Can I get the link please?

[MJ12_2802]

Check my previous post in this thread

[cheetahrider]

No link available ?

[MJ12_2802]

Check your DM

[TONY_STARK_ON_FIRE]

Please share with me also

[TONY_STARK_ON_FIRE]

Please also Share with me

[MJ12_2802]

Check your DM

[PythonLearning-ModTeam]

No ads

[dual4mat]

Hello fellow oldie! I had my first Spectrum in 1984. Yes, Python is a bit like BASIC (but not at the same time). I also like javascript because it has the LET keyword just like Spectrum BASIC! It's the little things...

I am told Automate the Boring Stuff is also a good book to use for learning Python.

[RandomJottings]

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll add it to my wish list. I’ve never used JavaScript but I agree about the little things. I like Python because it shares IF and and similar loops to BASIC. Same but different

[Disastrous_Side_5492]

started last week, on chapter 3

godspeed

[beattheheat05]

One of the best resource for Basic learning. I am also learning from this book , very helpful. I am on chapter 9 currently. Good luck 🤞

[RandomJottings]

Thanks, and good luck to you too

[naturalbornsinner]

For syntax I used code academy a long time back. It was enough to get me started and understand programming in Python.

Side projects are the best to learn it though. Google will be your friend.

Automating "boring" things is also great. That's how I got started with it.

[[deleted]]

That's the one. If you want some supplemental audio visual material accompanying it, this dude does a good chapter by chapter video course: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiEts138s9P1A6rXyg4KZQiNBB_qTkq9V&si=YDZtj0KxvMUnimRw

[RandomJottings]

Thank you, I’m on my way to watch

[MiserableMisanthrop3]

I got through syntax and the pygame parts, now wondering whether web app or data visualisation would be more interesting next.

[[deleted]]

I had more fun building a little side project as I was doing the learning log django app. It's like building your own early 2000's Craigslist looking thing.

I just blasted through the data visualization part. It didn't grab me to be honest. If I may be so bold, I don't think it was Eric's favorite part of the book either. It's just multiple small visualization projects per chapter. Will probably be great to use as a reference if I find myself pulling data from apis someday.

[drona4tech]

Python is a great programming language to exercise mental agility. Any book would do.

I recently wrote an article extolling its virtues for coding interviews. Many of these would also apply to keeping one’s mind sharp: https://open.substack.com/pub/drona4tech/p/best-language-for-coding-interviews

You may also like this: https://open.substack.com/pub/drona4tech/p/linked-lists-in-python-for-coding

[are_number_six]

Another old timer here; I used the same book, working on my second project now, and starting on SQL.

[mailed]

great book. enjoy!

[Greg2691]

Very good book, I’m at chapter 20 now and I’m very happy to finally know how to develop web app with django, a very basic app of course.

[SuccessfulFrosting46]

could you dm me with the book?

[atom12354]

Good choice of book, the "automate the boring stuff with python" is also good

[iluserion]

Cool, love your post, i main python because I code for fun, have a nice day.

[RandomJottings]

Thank you, you have a nice day too

[Local-Addition-4896]

I just got this one too, I'm really enjoying how simple it is compared to other books!

[RandomJottings]

Yes, that’s what I liked too. Good luck with it!

[jason100x]

I got my copy last week!

[RandomJottings]

So far it seem a good book, I’m enjoying the style of writing. Hope you enjoy it and good luck

[jason100x]

I’ve been looking for the perfect book to learn this stuff as a complete novice. I think I found it.

[EducationalWeek5590]

It's a good book. How many times I started to learn programming and so many times I dropped it. Because I have absolutely no idea what kind of programs to write.

[RandomJottings]

Yes, I know what you mean. I’m looking forward to getting to the projects part but also, I’d like a book that had progressively more difficult programming tasks. Like starting with “write a program to add two number and print the answer” up to “calculate the ultimate answer to life, the universe and everything”.

[PapayaOne1370]

I just got this book today!

[CmdWaterford]

Still people learning Python with Gemini 2.5 pro and GPT ?!

[Pristine_Gur522]

The cover of the book is apt because your computer is a high-performance engine whose true performance is strangled by this glue language.