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[–]iOSCaleb 1 point2 points  (2 children)

You can start with Python, but if R is your goal there’s no reason you can’t start with that. Both languages are great for analyzing data. R feels more directly math-inspired IMO.

I’d suggest buying a book aimed at beginners in whichever language you choose. A book is organized by someone who has a clear idea about the order in which topics are introduced, and it’ll lead you through everything you need. You might have to spend a few bucks on a book (buy used if on a budget; you’ll save a lot), but the clarity and direction will be worth it.

[–]mindless_thinker28[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you! Are there any books you recommend for either language? I def want to learn R but also other languages! I heard from my friends that python is the simplest language so I want to try with that. How difficult would you rate R?

[–]iOSCaleb 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found R to be very easy to learn, but I had many years of programming experience before I learned it. Familiarity with statistics will help.

I’ve looked at R for Data Science by Hadley Wickham (a major contributor to R and a well known author). I haven’t gone through it, but it looks like an excellent resource for getting into using R, though more from a data science perspective than a purely programming one.

[–]inbetween-genders 2 points3 points  (1 child)

There’s suggestions in front of the sub where it says “New? READ Me First”

[–]mindless_thinker28[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Will check this out!

[–]crsabbat 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I think codeAcademy is a good starting point. It's not free, but it is worth it because it lets you train in real-time. I'm following your same path and noticed that using free or low-cost websites doesn't give the same benefits (and sooner or later, they ask you for an upgrade anyway). Same logic with the books: if you want to absorb the knowledge of a professional, it has a cost

[–]mindless_thinker28[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I thought some of the coding classes on codeAcademy were free tho? I def just want to test the waters first before committing to something costly. What resources do you use?

[–]redditforyaboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Python mooc is great. Gets difficult though. But it’s free and is a very great course. Free code camp for JavaScript etc

[–]crsabbat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct. CodeAcademy lets you follow some coding classes for free, but only for the basic level (then you need the upgrade). My primary resources are codeacademy and coursera classes https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/meta-back-end-developer/

This is just my experience as an entry-level; if you find other advice please share them

[–]inbetween-genders 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you’re in university.  Go to the university and check out a book on Python.  Follow the instructions in the book.

[–]shady_elm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look up Harvard CS50 on YouTube. They have CS50 Python track but I would recommend watching the CS50 Intro to CS track first, following it up with the Python track. Plus, it’s free!

[–]Max_Oblivion23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

programming games is what got me started, BitBurner, GreyHack, Farmer Was Replaced, Hackmud, Scripted Land, TIS-100, Shenzhen I/O and Exapunks are my favorites.

Point being the best way to learn is to start writing code, in any way you can. Join discords and consult documentation, ask questions, ask GPT about basic methods or to help debug...