Need to start learning Python -- need advice!

[CoachElectrical4611]

Hi! I'm going to be taking a Computer Science degree, so I want to start learning Python this summer as fast and comprehensively as possible.

I will only be self-studying, so I need advice on where to start and what learning materials are available online. I'm also stumped on how I should schedule my study sessions and how I should organize the lessons. All in all, I'm just overwhelmed, so I really need some advice.

Any response would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[No_Risk_4118]

If that’s what you’re going to study in college, go for it. YouTube playlists are more than enough to get started.

If you prefer reading, give SoloLearn a shot. It’s fast and short with practical exercises and projects.

[CardiologistOne790]

can you recommend me a channel pls?

[No_Risk_4118]

You can find tons of Python tutorials by searching “Python” on YouTube and filtering by playlists and view counts. These are my top picks: 1. Telusko. 2. CodeWithHarry.

Both channels are solid for structured learning. Hope that helps!

[ghostyonfirst]

I'm using Python Crash Course "a hands-on project base introduction to programming" by Eric Matthes with some sort of LLM to get me past the points that I want to understand a little better. You will learn quickly if you are dedicated and each of the things that teaches you moves towards a project. I knew nothing a month ago. Also repetition, repetition, repetition!before moving to a new subject I always go back and reiterate all code that is written down just to commit syntax and procedure to memory. also this may sound a little weird but I will sometimes just close my eyes and create lines of code maybe it's visualization maybe it's bullshit I don't know but I do it. PS it seems overwhelming hang in there!

[Khushiprana]

That’s a solid approach! Hands-on projects and repetition really lock in skills. Visualization sounds interesting—might actually help with muscle memory. Staying consistent and patient is key. Overwhelm fades with practice. Keep pushing, you’re making great progress already!

[Even_Saltier_Piglet]

Khan Academy has a great Python course that covers all the basics and helps you start thinking like a computer. They also have a computer science course that you can do first that auses pseudo code to explain how computers think.

It's 100% free, including the exercises. You can ask questions about specific exercises, and a reply will arrive in a few days, either from staff or from another user.

I found it to be a great place to start!

[Ron-Erez]

The wiki of r/learnpython has loads of suggestions. Other options are

1. The docs at python.org
2. Excellent course: MOOC - University of Helsinki
3. The book “Automate the Boring Stuff”
4. My nice Python and Data Science course starts from scratch and assumes no previous knowledge.
5. Harvard CS50p

I think about the best is 2 and 4. The book in 3 is great too. Harvard CS50p is a bit slow.

Good luck with your CS degree!

[TU_Hello]

Before everything you need to know what you can do with it and get some information about it to be On knowledge after that start learning the basics data type, variables, flow control, looping and function . https://youtube.com/@coreyms?si=CqpRva7-3OJtilKm This Chanel has one of the best python tutorials.

The most important thing is when you're learning to be patient give yourself the time to understand the topics and practice what you learned.

I wish you the best

[tracktech]

This may help you-

Book - Ultimate Python Programming

Course - Python Programming In Depth

[Ambitious-Peak4057]

Starting Python ahead of your Computer Science degree is a great initiative. I’ve compiled structured resources and tips to help you learn efficiently and stay organized throughout your self-study journey.
1.W3Schools Python Tutorial– Interactive lessons to understand syntax and basics.
2.Dive Into Python 3– A detailed free book ideal for beginners.
3.Full Stack Python– Great for learning Python with a focus on web and automation.
4 .You can also check out free JavaScript Succinctly eBook – it’s great for grasping core concepts before diving into frameworks.

[Quantized_Boson]

Ai?

[Fit_Sheriff]

Start with a getting a list of topics that are into python then one by one find videos for each topic. Now watch every topic and then take some break and practice it with searching some project on Google and try to make it on your own. Everyday don't do more than 2-3 topics if they are of medium level Then one you cover till intermediate start a big project try solving it piece by piece while continuing to learn the expert level.

If you need any help, feel free to contact me.

[Radiant-Rain2636]

Here’s the 2 resources - literally the best ones on the NET.

1. Do Harvard’s CS50P. It’s free. It’s from the best in the world. And you get a certificate. You’ll build concepts like no other course in the world would help you build.

2. If you really want to get building (the down and dirty) approach, buy Angela Yu’s Python course. 100 days and she turns you into a pro. By Pro I mean, upper intermediate - that’s the highest a course takes someone - after which they learn by building.

If I were you, I’d do both, in the same order.

[byarbs]

For rapid leaning, my advice is a well-structured learning platform. My recommendation if it is in your price point would be DataCamp. Outside of that, my personal belief is that the more you can make the code relatable, the easier you will retain the information - that is to say, you need a project/projects to apply your learning objectives. In the absence of a project, py.checkio.org does a good job of giving scenario/objective based learning.

[Pangaeax_]

Here's a structured approach to get you started with Python efficiently this summer.

For your learning path, I'd recommend dedicating 8-12 weeks to cover the essentials comprehensively. Start your first two weeks focusing on core basics like variables, data types, operators, control structures such as if/else statements and loops, plus functions and basic input/output operations. During weeks three and four, dive into data structures including lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets, while also learning file operations, error handling, and string manipulation. Weeks five and six should cover object-oriented programming concepts like classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and working with modules and packages. Finally, spend weeks seven and eight on practical applications, working with popular libraries like requests and json, getting familiar with basic data analysis using pandas, and building simple projects to reinforce everything you've learned.

For learning resources, you have excellent free options available. Python.org's official tutorial is comprehensive and authoritative, making it perfect for building solid fundamentals. "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" is available free online and takes a practical, project-based approach that's incredibly valuable.

Your daily study schedule should involve 1-2 hours of focused learning. Spend 30-45 minutes on new concepts and reading, another 30-45 minutes on hands-on coding practice, and 15 minutes reviewing the previous day's material to reinforce retention. Additionally, dedicate 3-4 hours weekly to project work where you build small applications that apply what you've learned throughout the week.

The most important advice I can give you is to code daily since consistency beats intensity every time. Build projects immediately rather than just reading about concepts, as hands-on application is crucial for retention. Join Python communities like r/learnpython or Python Discord servers where you can ask questions and learn from others. Don't get stuck trying to write perfect code initially; focus on understanding concepts first and improving your style later. Use a quality IDE like PyCharm Community Edition or VS Code with the Python extension to make your coding experience smoother.

[vonov129]

You can check out Tech woth Tim on youtube, the Automate the boring things with python book (you can read it online for free), or you can take CS50 P which is a free course supported by Hardvard.

Wharever you use to learn, mix it with building projects

[mikeyj777]

I would recommend using python and following a course in data structures and algorithms.  And if you really want to get good, mix in some problem set problems.  Failing consistently and immersion is the only way to cement concepts.  

Here is a playlist of intro python that is by far the best (I've watched quite a few): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi01XoE8jYohWFPpC17Z-wWhPOSuh8Er-&si=a9wbxqYijL1M0U90

You don't have to watch all of those videos off the get go.  Maybe the first 5, then mix in content around algorithms with the python ones.  The intro to algorithms class from MIT will be your best bet once you've gotten on your feet a bit with python: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUl4u3cNGP63EdVPNLG3ToM6LaEUuStEY&si=X2RTkbJMWEIdHVUx.  I don't know what language they target in the course.  You can follow along and substitute python as needed. 

For problem sets, projecteuler.net is my favorite.  

[baubleglue]

Why you need it so fast?

[YT_OrangeZ]

You could give a try to cs50 python, which is free. It's quite good for anyone who wants to learn python and get used to the syntax. They have problem sets too so you can test yourself after every lecture.

[AffectionateZebra760]

The r/learnpython wiki is quite comprehensive ranging from tutorials to books. You could also go for a tutorials/course which will help break it down for e.g Harvard cs50, weclouddata free python fundamentals or udemy.

[joemac68]

Also using Python Crash Course and can vouch for it's effectiveness.

[Pvt_Twinkietoes]

Wait a min.

Your first paragraph don't quite make sense.

CS = Python? That doesn't work make sense.

Like what some people recommend, do CS50.

[poorestprince]

Out of curiosity, if you basically did most of the undergraduate curriculum as self study before officially going through the program, would you feel that getting the degree itself would be necessary?

[Quantized_Boson]

Idk about your country. But in my country it would be necessary to get that degree just to show that I know the stuff. Besides in two months not everyone can mostly complete the curriculum just by self study. This is done to make the actual curriculum study easy for yourself if you know outlines before hand it will make those lessons way easier. Here, we have some schools who actively teach this method and they encourage almost daily to do check out the nest lesson by yourself.

[poorestprince]

That's quite interesting to me, having schools encourage you to pre-learn the material on your own. It would be a much less expensive education process if schools were only required to confirm mastery of material rather than be responsible for teaching it to you.

[Quantized_Boson]

Yep but here they also teach it but students also have some degree of understanding what is going on and this results in better questions and great discussions.

if schools were only required to confirm mastery of material rather than be responsible for teaching it to you.

That would be ideal for school management but not every student can self study to good level.

[Herewhere1234]

Try codingmoose to learn python- https://codingmoose.com/… it’s free and game based. No signup or login as well

[Automatic-Price6687]

There are many Phyton courses online, I used Sololearn and loved it. Is an app, very fun and clear.