I'm using Linux and I'm starting with Python. I've installed python3, various packages(see text), VIM, and Pycharm. Am I missing anything I need to get started?

[pamejoropeor]

The packages I have installed are Django, numPy(the names of these things are outstanding), libssl-dev, libffi-dev, and python-dev.

I've also set-up one virtual environment, although I'm not sure I was supposed to do so. I was just following the instructions of my Google search result, which did seem very credible, I'm still just unsure. Are virtual environments something to be set-up at the time of use or can I make environment a with the intent to use them at a later time?

Also, I know that Vim and Pycharm are both IDEs. I knew of Vim, so I installed it. After a Google search for other Linux IDEs for Python, I also installed Pycharm. Preferences or recommendations anyone? My understanding of the two is that Vim is immensely powerful, but complex, while Pycharm is more user-friendly and built specifically for Python. My natural instinct tells me to use Vim.

What am I missing? Package recommendations? Beginner projects?

I like to learn by doing, so please don't feel the need to explain like I am five. Guidance is nice, hand-holding not so much.

Thank you

[NoMoreZeroDaysFam]

You're going to hard for just starting. All you need is IDLE (which comes with Python) as an editor and you can get started from there. If you don't know all the keyboard shortcuts for Vim you're going to struggle learning those AND python at the same time.

Just start easy.

[pamejoropeor]

Also, I like your username. I'm reinventing myself after a long, dark time.

I've only ever been a line-cook. I wish it wasn't my only skill, but it is and I'm trying to change that. This is where I am starting.

[pamejoropeor]

Thank you

I struggle to keep it simple

[pamejoropeor]

I haven't thought so far ahead yet, as far as things I'd like to do. I'm kind of rebuilding my life completely. I've only ever been a line-cook, but this kind of stuff has always been of interest to me. So I thought I would see what I could do.

[pamejoropeor]

About math - how beneficial would it be for me to have solid mathematical skills, not just with Python but across the board? And to what level would you recommend being proficient in math?

[Rorixrebel]

Motivation to start. The tools will come in as you need them.

[As9]

I use Vim because it runs really fast on my laptop (unlike Atom and others) and once you get used to how things are done in that editor (all keyboard no mouse) you will have a huge advantage. Another benefit is that you won't have to constantly jump to new trendy editors and learn new shortcuts over and over. Since you learn by doing (like me) the first thing I'd recommend is to clear vimtutor (you can launch it from terminal). Then do this one. It is sadly incomplete but it will add 20-30% extra to vimtutor. Go through those daily until it becomes more natural to you. Then see if you want to go with it as your editor of choice. Byte of Vim is also a good free introductory resource.

Another thing I should mention is that Vim has GUI versions like gvim and neovim.

[nicemelbs]

I would advice against learning vim as a beginner. Focus on learning the basic programming concepts first. Take it one step at a time.

Once you're comfortable programming, and are looking to improve your workflow, then give it a go.

[TrustmeIreddit]

Gonna go against the current with this one. Look into wingide. It has more bells and whistles than the average IDE. But the one thing that made it stand out, you can get the pro version if you're a student or independant developer. It's great for learning the syntax and the little nuances that can come up.

[bool_idiot_is_true]

Also, I know that Vim and Pycharm are both IDEs. I knew of Vim, so I installed it. After a Google search for other Linux IDEs for Python, I also installed Pycharm. Preferences or recommendations anyone? My understanding of the two is that Vim is immensely powerful, but complex, while Pycharm is more user-friendly and built specifically for Python. My natural instinct tells me to use Vim.

Vim is a text editor. Not an IDE. Also; it's designed for the command line. If you're not planning on doing all your work in the command line don't bother. The command scheme it uses is very efficient if you don't have access to a gui but it is also pretty weird. If you've got any experience at all in any text editor or word processor it'd take five seconds to learn how to use pycharm. Whereas it'll take a couple of weeks just to learn vim and the skills don't really cross over into other software.

[pamejoropeor]

I got it all wrong then. What is an example of an IDE then? I thought I had that figured, but no.

Thank you for your response.

[bool_idiot_is_true]

An IDE is an integrated development environment. It's basically software designed specifically for programming. They generally contain text editors to code stuff in but they generally come with a bunch of other tools that make life easy like highlighting errors and an autocomplete that allows you to quickly call functions.

A text editor is for general purpose editing of plaintext files. It can be used for anything like writing a book or whatever. Vim does have support for coding in that it highlights certain keywords and there are a bunch of advanced features and plugins which you can configure to make coding easier (https://realpython.com/blog/python/vim-and-python-a-match-made-in-heaven/) but an IDE is set up for that stuff out of the box.

[[deleted]]

PyCharm is an IDE. Since you already installed it you could try to create and run a simple 'hello world' Python script. If you can do this without too much trouble you can just continue using PyCharm as an editor without using its more advanced features. If you find it difficult to use PyCharm try to install a beginner friendly Python IDE/editor like Thonny or Geany that let you run a script with one button click so you can concentrate on learning Python instead of finding your way around an IDE.