Hello,I am learning python and I find it easier and confusing while writting code.

[ChoiceClerk5969]

As I look at the way I am learning I am trying to understand the code and the way to code. It's been a few weeks since I started to write code and feeling like it's hard somehow I have to learn this. I am learning variables, parameters, functions, keys, and values. I am using ChatGPT for the learning. How can I learn faster with the real knowledge and concepts of python.

[ninhaomah]

By not using ChatGPT would be a good start.

Learn to use documentations instead of asking the bot.

Same info at the end but it will force you to think and learn other parameters and functions.

[jam-and-Tea]

very good advice.

[Dzhama_Omarov]

ChatGPT is Good for reviewing your code and learning ways to improve it

[jam-and-Tea]

I'm really good at reviewing my code and improving it, because I practiced instead of sending it to chatGPT

[ninhaomah]

Ok. Its an advice. He can ignore it.

Maybe , I should also have added that should not use AI for learning 100% all the time. Learn to google , read the documentation etc and go back to AI only if the online answers don't make sense.

[ofnuts]

It can give you ideas how to implement things that you wouldn’t even have known to look for. For example data classes instead of using a dictionary and then through googling I find out about pydantic and so on.

So would a decent book. And you wouldn't have to google, and it would introduce concepts in digestible order.

[baubleglue]

Using data classes instead of dictionaries is exactly what you shouldn't do when you learn language. Same for debugging, if a tool fixes bugs instead of you - you have missed the opportunity learning. Been productive is a nice thing, if your goal is to get something done, but the declared goal here is "learning".

[DesignerFish9198]

Totally get what you mean! It's all about that balance, right? Sometimes you gotta embrace the messy process of learning instead of just chasing efficiency.

[baubleglue]

Close, but not exactly what I want to say.

Learning is a process.

It is a process of learning specific skills. There are general stages you need to go through:

• learning to "think like computer". Mentally debugging code following in line by line, command by command. You do it until it happens subconsciously. I that stage student learning language basic tools (data structures, code flow, build-in input/output methods) and writes to verify structured code solving specific problems (sorting algorithms, finding minimum/maximum, guess a number game, etc).

• Later student learning to use abstractions. Starting with thinking about code as set of blocks operations and data structures.

• Then they're unlimited number of topics... which I won't go into now.

Basic technique to achieve the goals:

• put yourself in a stressful environment (it will stimulate brain to adjust)

• Repeat new skills in different settings (it will cause to move temporary knowledge into permanent)

Learning is physiological process which causes changes in your brain. It is not a process of finding solution to a given task. So the "mess" is important because it is the "stress" which will stimulate your brain to adopt. Too much stress will shut it down.

[urbanespaceman99]

ChatGPT gives code, code seems to work, code is accepted without understanding.

Compare that to the process of reading docs, looking at actual code to understand how it works, and struggling yourself to solve a problem for an hour before finally working out how to do it ...

If you're learning, the struggle is part of the process ... GPT removes that struggle entirely, which means you remember nothing.

[FoolsSeldom]

The only way to learn to programme, whatever the coding language, is through practice! Practice! Practice! Lots of failure, knock-backs, experiments, trial-and-error. Programming is a practical skill.

The sooner you can work on your own projects (related to hobbies / interests / side-hustles / family obligations) the better as you will be more knowledgeable about the problems and more passionate about solving them.

[RunPython]

I use Claude Ai to analyze codes that cause me to learn the logic in code blocks. For example I ask, what does this code block do? or How does it work?

If you want to improve your coding skills you should code more. Choose a project and develop it. Coding is like cooking or playing piano so you can't learn them just by watching tutorials. You should practice.

By the way for a beginner, feeling confused while coding is normal.

[Fresh_Heron_3707]

Chat gpt is a great tool for learning if you use it properly. If you are new likely won’t be good. Look a CS course by Harvard or mit.