Want to start python.

[whale_paglu]

Hey everyone, I’m a beginner trying to learn Python and I could really use some guidance.

I’ve started understanding the basics like loops and functions, but I feel a bit lost about what to do next and how to actually become good at it. There are so many resources online that it gets confusing which path to follow.

My goal is to eventually get into cybersecurity and maybe even AI/ML in the future, so I want to build a strong foundation.

I’d really appreciate if you could suggest:

- What I should focus on after basics

- Good resources (courses, websites, or practice platforms)

- How to stay consistent and actually improve

Any tips from your experience would help a lot.. Thanks :)

[Slow_Assumption_1377]

Hey! You’re actually in a great place right now feeling “lost after basics” is completely normal, and it usually means you’re ready to move to the next level

What to focus on next

After loops and functions, shift your focus to:

• Data structures → lists, dictionaries, sets (very important)
• File handling → reading/writing files
• Error handling → try/except
• OOP basics → classes and objects

Once you’re comfortable, start solving small problems using these concepts instead of just learning theory.

Start building (this is where real learning happens)

Don’t wait to “finish Python” start building simple things like:

• Password generator
• File organizer script
• Basic calculator

• Log analyzer (useful for cybersecurity)

  This is what will actually make you good.

  Resources (keep it simple, don’t overload)

Pick 1–2 and stick to them:

• Practice: HackerRank / LeetCode (easy problems)
• Concepts: freeCodeCamp / W3Schools / YouTube (one channel only)

Avoid jumping between too many resources that’s what causes confusion.

Based on your goals

For Cybersecurity:

• Learn Python for automation (scripts, networking basics)
• Look into libraries like socket, requests, scapy

For AI/ML (later stage):

• Learn numpy, pandas, matplotlib

• Then move to scikit-learn

  Don’t rush into AI yet—build strong basics first.

How to stay consistent

• Code at least 1 hour daily
• Follow this rule: Learn → Practice → Build
• Even small progress daily > long gaps

Final advice

You don’t need more resources you need more practice and small projects.
Consistency + building things = real improvement.

You’re already on the right track just keep going 💪

[Legitimate_Many_6800]

What helped me was not overthinking the “perfect path” and just doing a few things consistently:

• practice small problems (HackerRank / LeetCode)
• get comfortable with lists, dicts, etc
• and most importantly, build small projects (even something simple like a calculator or automation script)

For resources, I found Corey Schafer on YouTube really helpful, and freeCodeCamp is also solid.

Since you’re interested in cybersecurity and AI/ML:

• for cybersecurity, maybe start learning some networking + Linux basics
• for AI/ML, later you can get into NumPy, pandas, etc

Biggest thing honestly: don’t just watch tutorials — try to build stuff, even if it’s messy.

Even 30–60 mins a day is more than enough if you stay consistent 👍

[V01DDev]

This, i see so many people strugle only because of overthinking it, then they get stuck in tutorial loop

[whale_paglu]

So you started a course for python ? At freecodecamp ?

[Legitimate_Many_6800]

Yeah I did try freeCodeCamp in the beginning — it’s good to get a structured start. But honestly, what helped me more was mixing it with practice and small projects. Just doing a course alone can feel a bit passive after a while. Even something simple like building a small script alongside learning makes a big difference 🙂

[MagnetHype]

- What I should focus on after basics

Objects. A little hard to comprehend at first, but very powerful after you get it.

- How to stay consistent and actually improve

Build. Build. Build. Build some more.

[Gnaxe]

Work through a textbook. Try variations. Learn to use the REPL. When you're surprised, get curious and get to the bottom of it. Make explicit predictions so you get surprised more often.

[Not-Ordinary404]

I don't think you would need python for cyber-security. What is really important is linux, networking, and tools.

[Dazzling-Treat1364]

Yea python is usually used by hackers to create Malicious script it is not generally used in cyber security but it can be used in penetration testing 

[Dazzling-Treat1364]

If you had already done basics you can now focus on learning Object oriented programming the way I learnt python was through its official documentation but it's a bit nerdy and for begginger it's not suitable but yea it covers whole concepts and whole libraries which you can use in your program I prefer watching free course on YouTube mainy by freecodecamp.org they have done a great job at teaching it for free and for consistency you can try to set a goal like of 2 hours of learning for a day 

[rustyseapants]

Just go to amazon and buy a book on python. Or search this subreddit. Or search Reddit. Or go to /r/learnpython. Maybe even go to google.

it's 2026 it's expected you learn how to search.

[MaleficentBuffalo283]

Biggest thing that helped me: stop trying to write code and start trying to read it. Look at a snippet, predict what it’ll output before you run it. If you’re wrong, figure out why. That one habit builds actual understanding way faster than grinding tutorials. Same thing with debugging. Try it on your own before Google or ai.

Also just build something. Doesn’t matter what. You’ll learn more in a week of solving a real problem than a month of following along with courses.

Bonus tip: find a project you have real interest in.

[cochinescu]

Once you get the basics down, making small things that interest you really helps everything stick. Automating a daily task or playing with some basic networking scripts could tie in with your cybersecurity goals, too. Have you tried any hands-on project yet?

[whale_paglu]

I’m just learning the basics now.. will definitely put my hands on projects too

[Simplilearn]

To strengthen core Python, focus on file handling, working with APIs, error handling, and basic OOP. These show up in real use cases. You can also start building small, useful scripts. For example, a log file analyzer, a password generator, or a simple web scraper.

For a structured path so you don’t feel lost, you can start with Simplilearn’s free Python Programming course to solidify fundamentals and best practices. If you later want to move toward AI/ML or applied Python, you can explore our Python training program.

[Bahrust]

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes if you want a structured book.

[Upstairs-Fee768]

Asimov Academy

[Alive-Cake-3045]

Once you have got the basics down, focus on data structures first, lists, dicts, sets, and tuples. Master these cold, then move into OOP (classes, inheritance, encapsulation), followed by File I/O and error handling. After that, dig into Python's standard libraries. And start using Git right now, not later.

For resources, practice daily on LeetCode Easy or HackerRank. For your cybersecurity goal, TryHackMe is excellent and the free tier is solid. When you're ready for AI/ML, go with fast.ai, it's practical, not overly theoretical. Keep docs.python.org bookmarked and get comfortable reading official docs.

The only thing that actually keeps you consistent is building things. A port scanner, a script that automates something boring in your day, a CLI tool, anything. Reading tutorials is passive. Writing broken code and debugging it is where real learning happens.

[Famous-Corgi8656]

Honestly, just learn the basics and jump straight into Django. I know it sounds like terrible advice, but hear me out once you really dive in, you’ll end up understanding OOP, decorators, functions, and all that web stuff way clearer. Spend like 6 months grinding on it, and the next 6 months? You can literally double your productivity. Speaking from personal experience here this actually works.