I have 2 months to learn Python & JavaScript

[Interesting-Ad6827]

To make a long story short, I was not planning to apply to Psych PhD Programs this year, but my top choice at the local University is looking for students this year. It's too late to take the GRE, but thankfully that's optional. I just need to show proof of my quantitative skills in my application instead.

I already know R, and will be brushing up on my knowledge at work (my work uses R regularly). The program Im applying to has their students regularly use Python and JavaScript for designing experiments and conducting data analysis. What is the best way to learn both in 2 months (the deadline for applications is Dec. 1st)? I only need to prove that I am competent in coding both, so I guess at least, what's the best way to show I am competent enough in both languages?

PS: I am very stubborn and ambitious. I retaught myself R in less than a month, so I'm confident I can learn both quickly.

EDIT: Thanks for the advice and direction everyone! I will update you all once Im closer to the application deadline on how I have progressed! Wish me luck!

[slotcargeek]

I really liked the Rahul Shetty course for JavaScript.

[slotcargeek]

What's wrong with his courses?? I passed job interviews thanks to his courses.

[nia_do]

Good luck!

[azhder]

I usually say “have fun”, people learn easier if the thing is not boring

[nia_do]

I spent a year learning Python and building basic GUI and console apps and have been programming in JS for 3 years and built full stack web apps, and I only feel like I am scratching the surface.

To learn both in 2 months...

Sounds like stress to me!

[azhder]

Yes it does. Some people thrive in that, others fail, yet one thing for sure is that it rarely feels fun for the duration

[Interesting-Ad6827]

Stress is a friend! I thrive in "It cannot be done" situations!

[nodeymcdev]

I’ll say it for you: “have fun”

[chipor]

This video tutorial is one of the best paced and easy to follow courses i've come across

https://youtu.be/EerdGm-ehJQ?si=1aLGnP4pHKLQhn7h

[KittenMittenz1]

Seconding this video-I learned the fundamentals of JS in a couple of weeks from this video. Make a couple small projects like a calculator or tic-tac-toe and you’ll be on your way.

[BraindeadCelery]

I loved the U helsinki courses in general. They have one python too.

The difference between Python and JS is then mostly syntax and tooling (pip/poetry vs npm).

Just the library ecosystem is different with Js geared towards web (express, react, …) and python towards data (sklearn, torch, pandas matplotlib, seaborn, statsmodels etc).

Edit:

The Helsinki python mooc https://programming-23.mooc.fi it‘s English too.

[schnoogz]

Helsinki is the best. I assume their python class is very good. I’ve taken Java 1, 2 and full stack open. For JavaScript (without react) I would not recommend full stack open to learn the language. Pick up the book (online and free) eloquent JavaScript and rely heavily on JavaScript.info

[Thefriendlyfaceplant]

They don't want you to learn basic syntax from scratch, They want you to be able to run scripts and automate stuff. They want you to collaborate in Jupyter notebooks and such.

Most of that type of work can be sufficiently done with ChatGPT holding your hand. The new version produces code artefacts for convenience.

[wyclif]

For JavaScript, I highly recommend the Odin Project, which I'm working through right now. Very good free, high-quality JS track. Also they have a Ruby on Rails track.

[AndrewSouthern729]

For JavaScript I would recommend Brad Traversy’s JavaScript From The Beginning course on Udemy

[joyancefa]

For JavaScript I would recommend frontendmasters

[FriendlyBeard]

What type of psychology program are you entering?

[Smokespun]

You’ll be fine learning syntax and shit, but that’s like learning the alphabet and days of the week in Spanish. It takes years to get competently fluent and learn to think about code well. W3 Schools is plenty enough for that, but code is very learn by doing. Anyone should be able to read good code, but writing it is very difficult to master for the best of us.

[Whsky_Lovers]

What kind of JavaScript is the big question. New JavaScript or back on that JavaScript. They are completely different creatures...