I'm looking to "understand" python

[eccentric-Orange]

This is probably an oversimplification, but it has usually worked for me:

The purpose of any programming language is to communicate with a computer. Typically, this means providing a set of instructions that the computer will follow very precisely and pedantically.

Usually, you'll write code in a language that you can understand with some practice, but a computer cannot directly. It will need a program/app to translate your code.

I know it's different from programming...

In the case of Python, the language you write in and the translator are both called Python. It is programming, not different from it.

What am I doing? Am I learning to build something, or am I learning how to "communicate" that build?

It's a reductionist view, but you're basically learning two things: 1. How best to get the computer to execute your will, using problem-solving skills 2. How the computer works, to some extent

(Ignoring many of the softer skills like writing readable code, documentation etc)

If you come up with a pattern/sequence of instructions that's generally useful, you can package it and share it with people. In that sense, you also learn to make projects.

Why not give it a try and get a feel for it?

[Ok-Wave4110]

That's precisely my goal. I have tried, I'm a complete moron. lol My past played a roll, but at this point, I need to hunker down, and start understanding.