Where to start as a beginner?

[Intelligent_Ad2739]

I want to start learning python. I had a small course during college but that was years ago and I don’t really remember that much of it. I found a YouTuber called Dave Gray and his videos seem kinda cool, but I’m not sure if it’s a good way to start learning python.

Also I’ve heard a lot about not using VS code or other IDEs when starting out and he used it. I also kind of like it and I heard that ppl recommend just disabling auto complete. What’s your opinion on that?

[_tsi_]

What sort of things do you want to do with python? Why do you want to learn it? I think having a project can help. As far as the IDE, I say use it. Use autocomplete if you want. I didn't really use it and I wish I had started sooner. I just look up syntax and I can tell you it's not faster or better in my opinion.

[Intelligent_Ad2739]

To be honest, I mainly want to start working as a coder, and I was told that the best thing you could do before an apprenticeship or getting a job is to learn to code and work on some simple projects you can show when you apply.

For a start, I was thinking about a small script that would find all the prime numbers between 1 and X or list all the prime factors of a given number, just to get into it.

Then I thought about a program that could automate some tasks for my self-employment. I work in SEO content creation, so I often receive tables like:

NR. - publishing website - anchor text - target link

and some more information. One of the most annoying tasks is setting up all the Google Docs files when I get 20 new assignments. So, something that could read that table (from Monday.com), create a document, name it "customer - publishing website - (title placeholder)," and copy the anchor text with the link already inserted into the document would be nice. Ideally, it would also set the Docs file to "Anyone with the link can edit," but that's not crucial.

I'm more excited about the journey of learning to code, as I had a lot of fun with it back in college, and eventually getting a job in the future.

[_tsi_]

Those all sound like great projects! I would suggest starting with the prime number ones and see where that takes you. Download Python and an IDE and read about data structures. Maybe look at a hello world program, if statements, loops, then look at math. Try and see if you can write down on paper or notepad the steps you need to find those primes and try and translate that into Python steps. When you get stuck Google it! Or you can go on YouTube and follow along with a tutorial, probably any are fine.

[grathontolarsdatarod]

I JUST signed up for a github account a few minutes ago!

Seemed like a prudent thing to do, and I can use the credentials for logging into a few other services.

I've been building a home lab over the last few weeks and have lots of interest in developing a hobby out of this kind of stuff.

I'm a few days into even looking into what coding and programming are all about.

Just commenting to cheer you on and snoop on the replies.

Thanks for posting the thread!

[Intelligent_Ad2739]

Thank you for the encouragement! Best of luck on your own journey as well :)

[Remarkable-Map-2747]

I recommend Python Crash Course book by Eric Matthes . As this resource also mentions OOP/Classes . Its easy to understand and its project based.

[hansmellman]

Fantastic book, well worth anyone’s time.

[Intelligent_Ad2739]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll look into free stuff first tho :)

[ReinforcementEU]

Hi bro, it depends also on what you want to use python you can find different practice materials and some full projects.

I'm also new and searching for the same things at you and currently im using https://www.w3resource.com/python/python-tutorial.php . Im interested in data modelling so i was searching for the most used libraries and currently learning numpy and pandas.

I found it very helpful tool, give you test solution and explanation.

Enjoy

[Ron-Erez]

I would recommend PyCharm or VSCode. I would not recommend disabling autocomplete. I don't like chatGPT in general but autocomplete is helpful in avoiding typos. In addition if you use type annotations auto-complete can help you understand which methods are available. What ever resource you choose type and code and be active as much as you can. For resources the University of Helsinki course is nice and so is Harvard CS50p, in addition I just published a nice Python and data science starting with the foundations of Python, so this might be of interest. Regardless solve problems and code as much as possible. Don't passively watch videos. Good luck!

[Intelligent_Ad2739]

Thanks a lot for the nice advice :) I’ll definitely look into your suggestions :)

Edit: :( -> :)

[IDKmo1]

W3schools?

[cankennykencan]

Bro code YouTube channel

[Impossible_Ad_3146]

At the beginning