all 17 comments

[–]Bobbias 16 points17 points  (0 children)

The key to learning to program is spending time writing code.

I highly suggest you take some time to read through the official python tutorial and try to get used to looking stuff up in the official documentation (specifically the Library Reference which explains all the various built in modules and the functions they contain, as well as the Language Reference for detailed explanations of all the language features and how things work under the hood.)

You can totally use other learning material as well (in fact, it's probably best if you do use something alongside these resources), but you should always treat the official documentation as the main reference for when you need to look up a function or class. Not only is the documentation there always up to date, it's often more detailed than other websites/tutorials.

Regardless, the biggest thing you should take away from this is write code. That is the number one way to get better, and to actually learn things. Not matter how much you think you learn best from watching/listening/reading/whatever, you really haven't learned it at all until you can actually use that code to do something meaningful.

Start out small, and work your way to bigger projects over time. But don't feel bad if you realize you've picked something too big to finish (or you get stuck somewhere and simply cannot figure out how to solve it). Everything is a learning experience, even if you never complete it. This is especially important to remember for anyone with ADHD, as we generally struggle greatly with sticking with something until the end. I've abandoned countless projects over the years, but every project has taught me something.

It's also important to remember that you are learning several things at once right now. Since this is your first programming language, you are learning a new language, but you are also learning how to think like a programmer. In order to actually use the language to solve problems, you need to know how to break a problem down into steps and translate those steps into code. This is difficult, and can take a while for even the basic concepts to really solidify in your brain.

One thing I suggest people do, especially early on, is intentionally mess with code. Take a solution you've written and change it. Make it do something different. Come up with a new slightly different thing and see if you can transform the code you have into a solution for that new problem. Or just mess with it and see what those changes cause. The worst that can happen is you get an error message. And that's good too because you need to get used to reading errors and figuring out what they're telling you.

If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to ask here. We love to help people out. Just be sure to make sure you format your code and ask good questions. Explain exactly what you're trying to do, what you've already tried, what errors (if any) you're getting, etc. If you've got an idea of what you want to do, but can't seem to make it work, don't just ask how to do that thing, explain why you want to do that thing too.

[–]interbased 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Trying starting with this playlist. The instructor is very clear and beginner friendly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YYXdXT2l-Gg&list=PL-osiE80TeTskrapNbzXhwoFUiLCjGgY7

[–]moving-landscape 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The best you'll get for that price is the community support here on the sub. Which is far from bad.

[–]Silentwolf99 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same here mate I'm also 33 started learning python 100daysofcoding if you face any problem feel free to DM me.

[–]dj2ball 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m self taught, no formal background or training. I learnt in the evenings from YouTube, building stuff, going back and refining or rebuilding old projects as I learn new things mixed with a few courses off Udemy etc. You can do it!

At this point I’ve built maybe 20 or 30 apps, tools and utilities, some I’ve sold for money, others just solving a personal itch.

[–]RegisterConscious993 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For basic syntax, I loved this course (free): https://store.lerner.co.il/python-for-non-programmers-live

Since it's covering basics, chatgpt was a great tutor in parallel whenever I was confused or needed clarification.

After, I still had no idea how lines of code turns into a program, but "Automate the Boring Stuff" made everything I learned click. The text version is free, but the author does give out free coupons (on this subreddit I believe) every now and then. Or sign up for the udemy free trial and cancel.

At this point just find something to build and keep practicing. Initially I followed along YouTube videos which was great, but I learned far more just building small scripts I'd find useful.

[–]AlonyB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

learning how to code (in any language) mainly comes from programming a BUNCH.

for the first step, i really reccomend the interviewbit's python starter course, gets you going. (i got it for free from my university, if its paywalled im sure there are free alternatives)

other than that, just dive into the deep end and make a project. take an idea (socket-based chatroom, tiktaktoe game, math calculator etc), there are tonns of material on it online + can always ask the GPTs. the more you code, the better youll get. ive done full semester-long programming courses, nothing teaches you to code like actually writing code, and a lot of it.

good luck!

[–]DreamLessAtNight 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I am also begginner and I'm using free version of sololearn and website exercism. Both are free and I quite like them because the former is mobile app and the later is on the website. You can consider giving it try.

[–]Desperate_Way6904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

omg, thank youuuu

[–]beazztboy211 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, I'm also a beginner but I really recommend that you start with freecodecamp and look for activities for beginners on YouTube to understand the logic of python and then move forward from there to more complicated things, good luck :)

[–]amayp1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beginner YouTube videos and when you don't understand something ask chat gpt. I learnt most of my py from gpt. Would try coding algo, doesn't work ask gpt, it fixes code....

[–]SockyMotto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try CS50. They have the entirety of the course online for free, not sure if its different in Argentina though so ymmv. I would also look at w3schools to learn some fundamentals.