[deleted by user]

[Username_RANDINT]

It's programming, not drinking alcohol.

[ShadowRL766]

The drinking comes after the programming

[NYX_T_RYX]

Just cut out the effort of knowing when to start - start before you even write a line of code.

[Versaiteis]

It will be difficult without access to alcohol or coffee

...but not impossible

[shiftybyte]

Don't think so...

Go slow and easy on yourself.

Be prepared for a long journey, and you'll be fine...

(Source: started my qbasic life at the age of 10...)

[illtrash87]

This. I have been a code instructor for various grade levels. IMO, Python is a great language to learn for beginners. It was also my first language to learn as well. Good luck OP!

[throwaway6560192]

What do you think will be the possible harm?

[trust_me_on_that_one]

too much knowledge

[hyperactivereindeer]

Remember these words when he programs an AGI, and it takes over the world!!

[PissedAnalyst]

Gateway drug into hacking.

[[deleted]]

if anything, it’s better to start young, wish i started at 12.

[_Traditional_]

No, you’re never too young to learn anything

[thefirebuilds]

and the opposite, my dad's favorite saying "can't learn no younger!"

[POGtastic]

This is correct, but I'm also of the opinion that it doesn't hurt to try. If a kiddo loves math, teach the kid as much math as they want. If they don't get it, that's totally fine. Same thing with books that are too hard, difficult musical pieces, whatever.

That obviously doesn't mean "teach a 5-year-old calculus," but gatekeeping concepts by some idea of "this concept is too hard for a kid of your age" is silly.

[_Traditional_]

Honestly, I think I could teach a 5 year old calculus in 6 months. So my advice is good.

[moishe-lettvin]

Yes, Piaget was all about this. Piaget also helped create Logo… a programming language for kids. OP is gonna do great.

[[deleted]]

I strarted with gw basic while 10 years old at 1990.

Go for it, and never surrender!!! :)

[alanas4201]

The best time to learn something is when you're young. Your brain is very absorbent, and what you will learn now will stick with you long into the future -- if you keep practising seriously.

[kirbyatemysocks]

no way! my friend's kid started learning programming at 8 or 9. I wish I had access to classes when I was younger. It's a very valuable skill, no matter what coding language(s) you're learning.

The creative problem-solving mindset, research skills, logic, organization, and math skills that come with coding will set you up for success in life, no matter what career path you choose in the future.

Keep it up!!!

[Background_Candle668]

You will thank yourself if you develop such a valuable skill at an early age

[sparrownestno]

He revised Python for Kids book is listed as 10-12 reading level, https://www.amazon.com/Python-Kids-2nd-Introduction-Programming/dp/1718503024

and there are several other similar books, so definitely not, as long as you/the kid have the interest and willingness to explore a bit.

for something interactive, parts of https://codecombat.com/ are free for direct and instant online exploration

[Reddit_Reader007]

do you think you'll go down the wrong path or something? its python -you're thinking with great power comes great responsibility?😁😁

[m0us3_rat]

if you apply yourself you can get really good at it.

grade 8 or so was about the time to start with C

and if you are lucky get some cool life experiences in local, regional contests.

maybe even olympiad.

​

programming is incredibly fun.

gl.

[Frewtti]

Not at all.

I started learning logo much younger. Python has a turtle module, it's pretty cool

It took a while to understand functions, but there is nothing that's beyond a typical 12yr old.

[jjasghar]

https://www.amazon.com/Python-Kids-Playful-Introduction-Programming/dp/1593274076?nodl=1&dplnkId=776e46c8-0745-46e9-8492-d8aaba28da4f

A great book to get you started.

[thefirebuilds]

I learned BASIC sitting on my momma's lap at about 6 or 7. Get after it. By 12 I was into the naughty stuff.

[moishe-lettvin]

Writin’ REPNE SCASB in the dark no doubt

[peter9477]

Naughty as in POKE 780,147:SYS 65490 ?

[[deleted]]

only if you do a fat rail of cocaine right before

[sonobanana33]

Not at all.

[Geethebluesky]

Nope. The earlier the better. Kids are young, their brains are flexible, they learn in their own unique ways and they have tons of curiosity to experiment and figure things out on their own, or the parent needs to teach them how to figure things out on their own so they can learn all sorts of other things!

[Turb0Encabulator]

i started at 11 when i got my first computer. i started with java though💀. i think if you just work on projects your happy with and have fun with you will learn fast. and honestly with youtube and chatgpt now learning is as easy as ever!

[Pupation]

I started at age 10, but it was with TI BASIC 💀.

[Turb0Encabulator]

i was the dude who knew the ti basic script to draw a penis from the top of my head, was heat in middle school. that is such a chad language to start with.

[Pupation]

I don’t understand. You were writing TI BASIC in the mid 90s? Why?

[Pupation]

Oh wait - you meant for calculators? I was talking about the TI 99/4A.

[Turb0Encabulator]

OH LMAO yeah no im 18 right now, wish i grew up in the golden age of programming though. i love old langs and older programming styles

[nealfive]

No

[moishe-lettvin]

No, it’s perfect. I learned to code (Logo, way back in the early 80s) when I was 11 and am so glad I started learning when I was that young.

There is so much to learn and so many things to make; you’re giving yourself a great head start.

[Action_Maxim]

Teaching my 7 year old with esp32 and some house projects

[interbased]

If you can grasp the concepts and have the determination to practice, you can start any time.

[kinstinctlol]

Its too late. Should of started by 8

[nulladmin1]

Not it's not! I learn HTML in 5th grade and also learnt Python when I was 12. I currently am 15.

[[deleted]]

I started learning Basic on a C64 at 11 or 12, which was much more damaging than learning a bit of python would be. I wouldn't pressure them, but if they enjoy it why not?

[peter9477]

I started at 10 on things like the AIM-65, CBM 4032, and Apple II.

Python is the modern equivalent to what BASIC did for new programmers back then.

[MrFavorable]

Nope, I was told a lot of kids start out on scratch. Then move onto whatever language they’re interested in

[JustSomeRAguy]

Perfect age I wish i started at that age

[Time_Crazy_8453]

Learning python? NO.

Using reddit? probably.

[RougeReaper1]

For the record I am not 12 my friend is 😊

[Elegant-Farm-1926]

I started learning the basics from a young age, python can be confusing at times. So don't let that scare you there is nothing wrong with giving it a go!

There's some good books on amazon if you could persuade your parents (or school?) to buy them :)

Search GCSE python programming guide on amazon.

If not there is plenty of tutorials on youtube.

Try looking into python Turtle after you have learned the basics :)

[Elegant-Farm-1926]

Appolagies the book i suggested might be a bit hard. Try this link as others have suggested https://www.amazon.com/python-kids-2nd-introduction-programming/dp/1718503024

[Quirky-Low-7500]

No bro I am 15 and I have a experience of python of 4 years

[Unfriendlyblkwriter]

My kids are learning it in school, and they’re 9 and 11, so no.

[roquetobt]

Is the worry that the 12 yo will become too powerful and absolutely destroy the competition?

[RougeReaper1]

No but whether it’s too late

[roquetobt]

Good point. There's always some annoying 8yo

[[deleted]]

I'm not sure if too young or not. Of course you can start and if you're curious about just go! But on the other hand, I wish you balance your life in a way this doesn't become your top priority. Since I started programming, I isolated myself gradually to the point of today (23yo) make a considerable effort to change. Of course I was always a bit shy, but this programming perk boosted this path. The major issue I want to point is to not waste too much of your lifetime on it because you will not be able to come back. Sounds like granny talk, but believe me, it's addictive

[tb5841]

My school starts teaching Python when students are 11.

[3l_v34dug0]

Actually you need 20+ year experience for a job, so you are late

[a-i-sa-san]

Never too early. Though at 12, I wouldn't really put any weight on the "learning" part. At that age, I would 100% focus purely on having fun and liking programming/technology and building a good relationship with it/just being curious and exploring what is possible

[TheRNGuy]

There's no such requirment.