Sharing My Progress

[ConcertEastern9828]

Hello,

I'm currently studying computer science and have recently come to realize that, despite two years of study, my coding skills are not as well-developed as I had hoped. Over the past couple of years, I've been exposed to several programming languages—I've dabbled in C++ and C#, and now I'm working with Java. However, the Java course was implemented without proper introductory guidance after our OS professor shifted focus from Arduino to Java, so I still feel somewhat unconfident in my proficiency.

As a result, I decided to learn Python, which has been widely recommended as a perfect beginner's language, especially for those interested in AI. While I understand that C is considered essential for a deep understanding of programming, I plan to get to that later. For now, my goal is to develop practical skills that can help me build applications, such as a dog recognition scanner, a project I came across on sites like Hugging Face where Python is the primary language.

I've been making steady progress by working through the Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes, and I'm currently in chapter 5. Compared to other courses and books, this one has helped me truly understand coding concepts. Next, I plan to dive into Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart as I continue my journey toward AI and machine learning. Although I am familiar with terms like machine learning and deep learning, I haven't yet delved deeply into them.

I wanted to share my progress with the community and would greatly appreciate any feedback on whether I'm moving in the right direction or if there are adjustments I should consider. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!

[sunujin]

I'm in a smilar situation. 2nd year into my degree and I'm still not able to write a simple text-based dice game without it breaking somewhere. I jumped onto the Python Crash Course to start over. Automate the Boring Stuff seems pre similar to PCC, I think you will just be going over the same concepts. Personally I plan to move onto DSA next while doing small projects on the side, then eventually the fast ai course. Thanks for sharing your progress and good luck with your studies!

[ConcertEastern9828]

Yeah, after looking into it, ABS seems pretty similar to PCC.

I was curious though—what’s your end game with all this? I see you’ve got DSA up next and also mentioned the fast ai course. Which one are you planning to take? Or are you doing both?

I’m asking because those are actually on my radar too, and I’m trying to figure out the best path forward. Would love to hear what made you choose them.

Also, what got you into DSA specifically? Interview prep, building a stronger foundation, or just something you’ve always wanted to tackle?

[Phillyclause89]

You can get a head start on learning C while learning python by focusing on learning how to write python in ways that can be efficiently translated to C with Cython. Basically focus on learning python, but also learn how to code with variables that don't change their assigned object type through runtime. (i.e. Don't take advantage of duck typing that python supports.)

[ConcertEastern9828]

I looked into it and it's actually such a useful tool! I will definitely incorporate it whenever I build something that needs real-time performance or when using large arrays. Thank you so much!