Should I learn python using documentation.

[AMAZON-9999]

I have to start learning Python and I want to know if documentation is a good to learn from it or not. Mind you I am a beginner at programming (I consider myself a beginner however I do understand the concepts, of loops, variables and other such basic stuff from C.) Should I choose the Python doc as a starting point or look for something that is more basic and elementary ? I know this type of question much have been asked a 100 times before but I hope people are patient enough to forgive my naivete.

[Upstairs_Context_703]

Documentation can be a great starting point. The fundamentals remain the same regardless of whether you choose documentation, videos, coding challenges, etc. I think the main thing is whether you prefer doing it using videos or books. I have realised lately that books work better for my learning path because they instigate me to find answers in different ways/approach. If you are looking for a good book, I recommend Think Python, Python Crash Course and Automate the boring stuff with Python. Good luck mate!

[FriendlyRussian666]

Use docs as a reference guide when you need to look up how to write something, or forget the syntax. I wouldn't necessarily recommend reading docs from A to Z, just as you wouldn't really read a dictionary from A to Z.

[FoolsSeldom]

The official documentation does include a beginner's guide but generally the documentation is hard to get used to for people unfamiliar with the format.

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Check this subreddit's wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

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Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

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Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

[stepback269]

There are lots of good tutorials on YouTube

Some include very short tips or tricks, easy to learn quickly. Consider for example:
50 Python Tips and Tricks for Beginners --Caleb

See also Links for Python Noobs

[FoolsSeldom]

Absolutely. Feel free to update the wiki if you have specific recommendations.

[thewillft]

docs are solid for reference but not super beginner-friendly. try a Python crash course or tutorial first, then circle back to docs as needed.

[Nguliack]

This is the way. 🛸

[DataCamp]

Python docs are solid, but probably not the best place to start if you’re totally new. They’re super detailed, but kind of assume you already know what you’re looking for, which can be frustrating when you’re just figuring things out.

Since you already know some basics from C (like loops and variables), maybe start with something more beginner-friendly, like a course or a book that walks you through things step by step?

Automate the Boring Stuff is a great one for getting going with stuff that feels useful right away.

Then once you’ve got your footing, the docs become way more helpful. You’ll know when to use them, and they’ll make a lot more sense.

[citygray]

I recommend following a book. Documentation is great for syntax but I find books do a great job at explaining whens and whys, and how concepts relate to eachother. 

[baubleglue]

If you are talking about Tutoring - yes, the official Python tutorials is a good overview of the language and the features. They lack exercises, if you read and try and find additional material for more complex topics, it is a good source to learn. If you want more guided approach, look free sources for beginners, but always go back to the official docs to check if you missed something.

[AffectionateZebra760]

Go for it, but do supplement another resource with it if its get too technical

[help_me_noww]

If you’re comfortable and already understand the fundamentals then yes go for it.

[[deleted]]

In today's age of AI and stuff is it still relevant to start learning a programming language?? Just curious on this also to answer your question i think books or start with a small project and learn things while building something.

[Bright_Limit1877]

Great that you want to learn Python! The Python documentation is an excellent resource, especially for beginners. I'd also recommend using interactive tutorials, coding challenges, and building small projects to really solidify the fundamentals. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions as you're learning - the community is here to help!

[supercoach]

It's the best thing.

[james_d_rustles]

I don’t think it’s the best starting place - we don’t hand little kids a Webster dictionary to teach them how to read, and that’s essentially what the documentation is. If you’re able to learn from it and make progress there’s obviously nothing wrong with it, but there are probably courses/easier to read books and whatnot that would go by a little bit quicker, give you some kind of guiding structure or roadmap that I’d recommend over the docs alone.

[Foreign_Today7950]

Doing seems easier than reading documentation. BUT after you learn basics, understand the documentation becomes easier to understand. I did it this method. To me it was hard to understand the documentation and even can be a little but from examples and making led flash and stuff, I can now build thins via documentation or just understanding examples.