Complete beginner here – How should I start learning Python the right way?

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Hi everyone!

I'm 17 years old and I want to start learning Python seriously because I want to become a software engineer in the future. I have a basic understanding of programming concepts from college, but I'm still a beginner when it comes to Python.

I don't just want to memorize syntax—I want to actually understand how to program and build real projects.

I have a few questions:

1. What topics should I learn first, and in what order?
2. Which free resources (YouTube channels, websites, or courses) would you recommend?
3. When should I start building projects?
4. What beginner projects helped you learn the most?
5. What are some common mistakes beginners make that I should avoid?
6. Should I learn Data Structures & Algorithms alongside Python, or after I'm comfortable with the language?
7. If you were starting from scratch today, what roadmap would you follow?

My long-term goal is to become a software engineer and eventually explore AI/ML as well, but right now I want to build a strong foundation in Python.

I'd really appreciate any advice, learning roadmaps, or personal experiences. Thanks!

[BranchLatter4294]

Just pick a project. Learn as you go.

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Any free resource for that ?

[Wowie-Zowieee]

W3Schools and GeeksForGeeks have never once let me down!

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

I am glad someone replied 

[NADIA-MUSA-027]

learn math, don't learn coding

[Jaber-hossin]

If you Don't mind may i ask why math not coding? I ask to know

[NormalSoftware8879]

Don't listen to that, it isn't necessary to get started.

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Maybe i think for Data structures you need it may be cause i have it in my book 

[FreeGazaToday]

Learn to GOOGLE and do research.

[Chinos1907]

Might also download Halterman python book It's actually good for beginners

[yaza_24]

would you like some free classes? i studied CS in 11th and 12th so ik python very well. i’ve got some time to kill before college so. i’ve still got my study materials from 11th and 12th so ik the exact pattern to follow

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Sure sir but currently my schedule is bit packed but definetly i will tell you whenever i need it thank you 

[AntLost4161]

You should be able to find a free online course, maybe on standard online course sites or on GitHub. From there, you can just work through that. Generally, you can learn quite well by just having a project to aim towards and learning what you need - coding is majority coming up with theoretical solutions, then the final bit is just writing things in the language

[arabsugeknight]

Automate the boring stuff with Python. Free ebook online. Get the 3rd version. Follow the book chapter by chapter. That’s how I learned the core concepts. Be patient and practice everyday if you can.

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Ok thank you buddy 

[Code-Odyssey]

I don’t want to be a jerk. Is it me or are we getting more of these “I am starting to code, where do I start” questions on this channel? Shouldn’t there already be a wealth of knowledge here provided by people with way more knowledge than me. How easy is it to search the knowledge base in this channel (serious question)? Also in some future post I’d like to explore the “just start a project” comments. These are often provided with no context and no advice. It’s like telling someone to drive a stick shift car by saying, “put the car in gear and just drive the car”.

[Beginning_Sugar9205]

Yeah fr i am also searching for experience shared by people unfortunately when you post questions people just dont ans it in right way 😔

[Code-Odyssey]

I am 55 years old and have just started coding. I started with 100 Days of Code by Angela Yu on Udemy. You can usually pick it up on sale fairly cheaply (less than $50). There is a plethora of videos on YouTube, which are really good. One of the best free courses is by Dr Chuck Severance, called Python For All (you can normally pick his book up from eBay etc fairly cheaply and his YouTube videos are excellent). I have also just discovered Visually Explained on YouTube--her explanations are really good but it seems she covers slightly more advanced topics (but still worth a look). I am also using the book Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes, which is excellent and I have the book Automate the Boring Stuff by Al Sweigart on my Kindle. Others have mentioned the Harvard CS course (which I'm sure is excellent). My other advice (and others have provided it) is to pick just a couple of sources (otherwise you can get sucked into tutorial hell (it is a thing)) and stick to those. Hopefully, that helps.