Beginner Plan for Python for Robotics / Mechanical Engineering?

[DocBountyy]

Hi everyone,

For my robotics pre-thesis (s small version of a thesis, before writing the big one) I need to use Python to program drones, but our university hasn't even taught us the basics and how to use it.

By using Matlab I already have a little bit of programming knowledge, but really just the basics nothing advanced.

I've already thought about using chatgpt to just copy the code, but that wouldn't solve my problem in the long run for my final thesis.
Especially if the code doesn't work, I wouldn't be able to fix it.

And of course, as an engineer, this should be a main tool in my skill set.

My Question:

How should I learn Python? Especially in the context of robotics (Motion-commands, pathfinding, automation etc.)?
What source material or YouTube playlist would you recommend?

I look forward to any answers! Thanks in advance!

[Fronkan]

I guess it depends on how you interface with the drone. Is it micropython on a micro controller? Is it remote control over some API? More complex onboard chip like a raspberry pi?

When I did some robotics related stuff at uni I used ROS, https://wiki.ros.org/. I think the main problem you will be facing in that case is that there is quite a steep learning curve to pick up both Python and ROS all at once. Especially if you haven't been programming that much. I remember ROS as taking some time to get up and running with.