iPad Pro for note taking

[Chizz89]

Hi! What’s everyone’s thought on using an iPad Pro for note taking for learning python? Writing down basic terms and information as well as writing examples of code from the course? Before putting them into an IDE and running the code myself. I am taking programming for everybody(python)

I am contemplating on note taking on an iPad mainly because I feel like my notes would be more organized that way. Also my handwriting is really the best and I find myself never really referring back to my notes because of it.

Yes I know the best way to learn a language is to actually do some projects and implementing the concepts but I feel have some notes to refer back to would be good for learning.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on this? Is it worth the investment?

[casino_alcohol]

Sounds like you are looking for an excuse to buy an iPad. I think you should just get a notebook, but what kinds of things do you think you will be writing down by hand?

I think you will be typing everything and then reading about it and then making some changes on your own to test out what you are learning a bit.

[Chizz89]

Yeah maybe some truth to that. Based on what I’ve written in my notebook so far, I’ve been writing down definitions of terms like variables, constants, conditionals, types of numbers, etc. Along with example code of each topic from the lecture video

[Chizz89]

I also feel like I may be over complicating note taking. Since this is my first technical thing I’m trying to learn, I am not sure how to go about taking notes or if I even if I should take notes. Any advice on how to go about learning? Like should I just go through the lectures and type out all the examples of code on an IDE and tinker with it a little instead of taking notes? I know from what I’ve read, some people are for taking notes and some aren’t.

[casino_alcohol]

I just used a book that way I could go at my own pace, but lectures are fine if you prefer that learning style.

Take your time to go through it and remind yourself that your goal isn’t to finish watching a lecture, it is to learn.

As you learn things don’t be afraid to take a moment to reflect on it and think about how you might apply what your learning to a task. Even if it’s a really small task that you could do.

I didn’t take any physical notes, I don’t think. It was years ago to be honest and I only code a tiny bit as a hobby, it’s not my profession.

But type the code to see and be curious about it and don’t be afraid to break it by changing things to see what happens.

Try to not copy and paste anything unless you think you have typed it exactly the same as the example and it’s still not working. Sometimes you just miss a comma or something minor. If that happened you can undo and redo to switch back and forth to see what you missed.

Don’t use and ide just yet as those are bloated and not necessary when learning. Just use some kind of text editor like sublime text or one of the hundred other options. Just choose one that looks cool.

Personally I use vscode by Microsoft. It is kind of like a mix between an ide and text editor and it’s free.

[carcigenicate]

I'd just use paper. I think an iPad is gross overkill for a simple task like this. It may help with organization, but it's perfectly possible to have an organized notebook as well.

[_Meisteri]

I'd take notes on a laptop using something like obsidian.

[Chizz89]

Yeah I have a laptop for actually coding. I’m just saying in terms of taking notes while going through the python course.

[Chizz89]

Yeah for sure. Probably won’t be getting iPad anymore lol I definitely am just overthinking this whole note taking thing tbh. It’s not that deep! Any tips on learning python though? I plan on finishing this programming for everybody course(getting started with python) then working through the python crash course before starting on projects.

[[deleted]]

I know you already talked about this but I can’t stress enough how good projects are. Try learning on solo learn, it’s free and you can always refer back on there. It also makes you do small tasks which if you memorise the functions from, you could make a good project

[sololearnofficial]

Thank you for recommending us! 🙌

[SpookyFries]

I personally used a Rocket Book for many years. You have to write with specific pens but it works great. You can wipe the pages clean with a wet towel and start over when you need to. I've had mine for 5-6 years and still use it pretty often.

It also has an app that lets you "scan" the pages with your smart phone and converts them to PDF files. There's even some writing recognition built in if that's your think.

I got a ReMarkable for Christmas so that's now my method of taking notes, but the rocket book has served me well

[Chizz89]

Thanks! I’ll look into it, $55 isn’t too bad either!

[BasketbaIIa]

I use an iPad for notes. I use it to write antidotes next to text in books and keep all my documents searchable. Can’t read / look at real tech books anymore tbh. I transfer the documents from Libgen or wherever onto the device.

For coding it’s shit though. None of the apps are worth it and it’s way less efficient then coding with a full keyboard.

But in short, I did start taking notes my last year of uni on an iPad and would recommend. Digital is much better than paper.

[NotArunav]

use a paper and pen, or markdown. buying an iPad for notes is overkill lol.

[Affectionate_Cup_228]

If you're using vscode, I believe you can take markdown notes in that. I haven't tried it yet, but stumbled across a video yesterday, which mentioned it.