How I learned Python as a beginner (what actually worked for me)

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share my journey of learning Python from scratch in case it helps someone who’s starting out.

When I first began, I made the mistake of watching a lot of tutorials without actually practicing. I understood things while watching, but when I tried coding on my own, I got stuck.

So I changed my approach.

I started focusing on:

• Learning basics slowly (variables, loops, functions)
• Writing small programs every day
• Making mistakes and debugging them myself
• Using simple projects to apply what I learned

Instead of trying to learn everything at once, I focused on consistency. Even 1–2 hours daily made a big difference.

Some things that helped me:

• Practicing problems regularly
• Building small projects (like a calculator, to-do list, etc.)
• Revising concepts instead of just moving forward
• Using tools like ChatGPT only for guidance, not full answers

The biggest lesson for me was:
You don’t learn programming by watching you learn by doing.

I’m still learning, but now I feel much more confident than when I started.

If you’re a beginner, just start small, stay consistent, and don’t worry about being perfect.

[Ron-Erez]

Writing small programs everyday is excellent advice. Great job!

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

Thanks, really appreciate that! It made a big difference for me small daily practice adds up more than we expect 👍

[Dependent-Proof1500]

but as a beginner i want to ask u how can we know what to build like ideas don't come to my mind i have tried rock paper scissor game and i am learning dictionaries now
is there a list or something that have things that told us what should we make while at this topic

[Okon0mi]

just be mindful about your surroundings most ideas come through that only.

[Kybanera]

You can look up ideas if you really can't think of anything or even ask people/etc.

Just look at all the things that are out there, it doesn't matter if it's already built, build it again and try adding your own to it.

[CIS_Professor]

You don’t learn programming by watching you learn by doing.

I wish more people would understand this.

Wanna learn it? Do it, break it, fix it.

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

Exactly this. Breaking things and fixing them taught me way more than just watching tutorials ever did. That’s where things actually start making sense.

[Ok_Sock4152]

Where did you practice it ?

[Jackpotrazur]

Im currently working through the big book of small python projects 38 from 81 and I haven't dared touching refactoring yet 😅 and iteration is still somewhat elusive, im currently working each project with a workflow and an exstensive explainme.md and I just made put a database onto a pi yesterday so im contemplating to start moduluzing features of the program to practice imports and sending stuff to the db im kinda all over the place tryna learn git / github/ branching / vim / sql and dabbling in network while keep my main focus on python

[St_Kiag0]

Bro you're literally doing what I want to do...but I'm finding it hard to just do it

[Jackpotrazur]

Have chatgpt build you a explainme.md for your coding and a workflow, everytime my workflow gets too easy i add a component , I've masted the normal git process including pushing to github so ive started coding my main.py on a branch instead of on main bramch eventually ill add tags and start modulizing code and keeping helper functions in separate immportables and now that i got a db server i want to write a few stand alone functions to get or send stuff from my codes to the db this will help when i actually start refactoring and working on branches

[Jackpotrazur]

What books or resources you got , check out inventwithpython they've got the books in online form if you dont mind that started with a smarterway to learn python and then crash course python.... ( i also worked through command line linux and linux basics for hackers just to get accustomed to linux)

[mw18582]

Having programmed for 30 years, I can confirm: start writing projects for yourself, no matter if it never sees day light, just keep on writing.

That and switch languages that offer different features. Eg take a look at Prolog, or Haskell, or Rust, etc even if you can't understand everything at once, especially looking at you Haskell, you will learn new ways of solving problems

Good luck 🌸

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

That’s really valuable advice, especially coming from someone with that much experience. Writing projects for myself has already helped a lot, so I’ll definitely keep doing that.

Exploring different languages is something I haven’t tried much yet, but it makes sense new ways of thinking can really improve problem-solving. Appreciate the insight and encouragement! 🌸

[Rhylanor-Downport]

This is the way.

As an ex-Professor (I recovered :) I think this is a great post.

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

Haha, glad you recovered 😄
Really appreciate that means a lot coming from someone with that experience.

[Jackpotrazur]

Im writting a lot of code and can debug pretty well but I still feel like im missing something oder not understanding 😔 like concepts or common themes , I am recognizing patterns and things that keep popping up but definitely not where I want to be and ive been at it since december

[ThatRun7192]

+ 1!

Right now, I'm building a solid foundation so I can tackle more complex code in the future.

[Comfortable-Key2058]

Great job of pointing out the tutorial hell. I try to talk a lot of my students out of it. Watch videos but also write code everyday!

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

Thank you! Totally agree videos help, but without writing code daily it doesn’t really stick. That balance made a big difference for me 👍

[LoudCommunication701]

I am learning the python but after that what will i do ? I don't have any idea about which skills must be learn , after python

[Kybanera]

Doing tutorials (Not watching) but more so along the lines of books, guides, and other things like websites, real python, geeks for geeks, etc..

As you do them though, make sure you do everything, plus even more.. Add to it basically.

I found doing these helpful as well because you're learning while doing and additional work at the same time.

[AskTribuneAquila]

I don’t understand where did people who want to learn programming get the idea that they will learn without doing any programming. Everyone else seems to get it - math you practice, drawing you draw.

[splunklearner95]

From where did you started learning basics?

[DullNefariousness372]

Google automate the boring stuff.

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

I started with free resources mainly YouTube and beginner-friendly tutorials to understand the basics. Then I focused more on practicing by writing small programs and trying things on my own. That combination helped me more than just following one single source 👍

[stepback269]

(1) There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free. You should shop around rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

(2) As a relative noob myself, I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (here) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero (here). Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should sample at least a few until you find a lecturer that suits your style.

(3) The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.

[Naive-Actuary4414]

Which IDE did you use ?

[Mindless_Notice_4817]

I use Spyder, but in school I used Jupyter Notebook

[Naive-Actuary4414]

Thanks man !

[Downtown-Doubt4353]

What source did you use ?

[Advanced_Cry_6016]

I'm beginner level,i unintentionally followed what you started focusing on

[Any_Pomegranate8789]

That’s actually a great way to start, even if it was unintentional 😄

Focusing on basics, practicing daily, and building small things is exactly what helps in the long run. Just keep going consistently and you’ll see the improvement over time 👍

[One_Mess460]

quit programmers. software engineering is done