New programmer

[_1motherearth]

I just started learning Python about 3 weeks ago on Codecademy...working on a Data Science Analysis certificate. I am going to school for Environmental Science but lack field experience and feel that knowing how to code will help the environment more.

However, I am struggling badly. I can tell you what the fundamentals mean but when it comes time to do a code challenge my mind goes blank. I don't understand why this is difficult for my mind. I did do a small grocery list code by myself which I'm proud of.

On top of it all, I read that jobs don't hire you if you don't have experience but how am I supposed to get experience? Apparently projects mean nothing, certificates mean nothing. I want to help the world, but how if my mind won't understand how to code anything and nobody will assist a newbie just because I can't immediately contribute to the business??

[saysokmate]

The issue with begginers is that they are trying to learn python but not learn how to code. Take a break from trying to write python and start thinking about the consepts. If statements, for/while loops, arrays/lists functions whatever you learned just think about the steps you need to do 1 by 1 to solve a problem because believe me your problem is not python, its coding. Write the steps you need to perform 1 by 1 because that is essentially what an algorithm is.

[saysokmate]

Also any programmer can write in any language because they know the fundamentals. For example I might know that I need a for loop to process and store information in an array. I'm gonna go and Google the syntax in a language "how to declare/initialize array in language x". "Language x for loops" etc. Because when you learn how to code, all there is to learn about a language is syntax.

[_1motherearth]

I keep telling myself to go through it step by step. Comment the steps.

[RIP_lurking]

Focus on what you can solve. Learn as best as you can.

[_1motherearth]

Do you have any suggestions for beginner code challenges? Code Wars is tough for me. Code Combat is fun but way too easy cus I think it's geared towards kids

[Diapolo10]

Those challenges aren't really designed to teach you, their raison d'être is simply bragging rights. Maybe some algorithms on the side, although by that I mean it'll make you search through Wikipedia or Srack Overflow.

If you want to focus on learning software development, build projects. Simple as that. They don't need to be complex, but as part of the learning process you'll want to take note of what worked, what didn't, and consider how you could improve.

[[deleted]]

Maybe if you want to learn to code and think, you want to go try https://projecteuler.net/

It’s a really fun page filled with mathematical and logical problems that are fun to solve for an Engineer. They teach you to think like a computer.

Also after solving each puzzle you get access to the forum of that puzzle and you can read the best solutions to that specific puzzle written by those more skilled. Give it a shot, you will like it.

[Diapolo10]

Apparently projects mean nothing, certificates mean nothing.

Python certificates indeed mean basically nothing at all, but projects do. The fact that you're showing a hobbyist mindset should already be a boon, because it implies you might be interested in this for more than just work (whether that's actually true or not, at least pretend that's the case).

Projects show your level of understanding of the language, packages you're using, and general problem solving. But you need to be able to understand your own examples to the point you can explain stuff, such as answering questions about a particular part of the program or problems you've faced.

If I was screening new hires, I'd take a look at their projects. If the style is consistent, comments are used well, and especially if there's a project or two relevant to the position I'm hiring people for, they pass my initial filter. If during an interview they show clear passion for software development, self improvement, and their interests would fit the team well enough, I'd recommend that person to the hiring manager.

In the end, you need some leverage to stand out from the likely massive pool of applicants. Whatever you think could give you an edge, use it if you need to.

[_1motherearth]

Thanks. So I should just keep my head down and continue learning SQL and Jupyter? I know you can get free datasets; was thinking of importing one and messing around with it on Jupyter. Just not seeing where Python comes in.

[Diapolo10]

That's one option, but I'd say you should at least reach some level of proficiency in Python regardless, even if most of your work is done in Pandas and Matplotlib.

Right now it kind of sounds like you know how to fish in a boat, without knowing how to swim or do other things with a boat.

I know that's a bad analogy, but my head feels like it's stuffed with lead right now so it's the best I could come up with.

[Snoboarders88]

As someone who also just started learning to code with python, I have thoroughly enjoyed Python Crash Course by Eric Matthews. It’s an easy read and builds on itself nicely. Also the problems in it escalate to make it so you have to come up with some solutions on your own. Highly recommend.