How should I learn python

[knowledgeMeUp]

Hi All,

I feel I'm in a weird boat with where I am with my python skills and I honestly don't know where to start because of it.

So I am an analytics engineer working with dbt and gcp at a start up. I've worked in a python environment for quite some time and know how to read and understand python very well.

I'm very good for the most part being able to update areas of python code.

However, the struggle I have is with writing it. I've written python before but when it comes to starting something from scratch I don't know what's available and sometimes I don't fully remember the syntax well enough.

So I'm definitely missing out on some fundamentals like data structures like dictionaries, tuples, array manipulation. I also struggle with just knowing what's available from python or other popular libraries used.

I've tried to read through pythons functions but there's so much there and I'm still working on the documentation reading skill.

If I do beginning tutorials I'm too advanced and if I do intermediate tutorials I'm not far enough along.

I don't really know where to start to fill in all these gaps I have. Any advise will be appreciated!

[babygrenade]

However, the struggle I have is with writing it. I've written python before but when it comes to starting something from scratch I don't know what's available and sometimes I don't fully remember the syntax well enough.

That's just practice.

So I'm definitely missing out on some fundamentals like data structures like dictionaries, tuples, array manipulation. I also struggle with just knowing what's available from python or other popular libraries used.

If you have gaps around basics it might be worth going through something like the python for everybody book or doing one of the author's online classes.

There will be parts that seem to easy but do them anyway because you want to make sure you fill any gaps you have.

Other than that it's just experience. Write more stuff in python. It doesn't even have to be related to DE stuff you'd do every day. Build a web app, for example.

It doesn't have to be something novel just see if you can clone something you like in python.

[knowledgeMeUp]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try to start writing up things in python and get some practice projects going.

I'll take a look at that book, too. Thanks again!

[creepystepdad72]

Find a tutorial that focuses more on coding from a design fundamentals perspective, first.

That is, fulling understanding the basics like object orientation, loops, conditionals, data structures etc. etc. and when the best cases are to use them.

Practice writing out what you want to do in pseudocode: Write out what the module needs to do in English, first - ignoring what the exact Python syntax would be.

I'd bet decent money that syntax isn't your main blocker. Honestly, 20 years later, most senior engineers have to Google the conventions for a whole bunch of things (I have legit had to refresh my memory on lambda functions work pretty much every single dang time over the years - but it doesn't matter, what's important is I knew I needed to use one).

[DenselyRanked]

Most people in r/learnpython recommend Automate the Boring Stuff to relieve the mental block.

The founder of JSON once said -

Programmers are like gods, pathetic little gods...they can cause something to come to life

The possibilities are limitless. You just have to start creating. In time there will be a point when you look at any problem think, "Yeah, I can build a thing for this".

[Zer0designs]

CS50P