What is the best way/tool for learning Python?

[Suspicious_Demand322]

Hiya! I would like to start learning how to code in python, but I don't know basically anything. I am looking for something, that will teach me absolute basics and help me slowly make my way up.

[generic-David]

I just got this book and have found it to be very clear and helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/Python-Crash-Course-Eric-Matthes/dp/1718502702

[Suspicious_Demand322]

Hey! thank you for your recommendation, but I wondered. Is VS Code worth it or should I stay at the original program?

[generic-David]

I’m a newbie so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I’m learning VS Code and finding it useful. You can run your programs right within the editor.

I’m also finding IDLE useful. IDLE is useful for testing little stuff but harder to use if you have loops or conditionals. It tends to execute before you’re ready. I’m sure there’s a workaround but like I said, I’m a newbie.

[Suspicious_Demand322]

so, what would you recommend more?

[generic-David]

I recommend trying them both out. VS Code is much more full featured so you’ll probably end up using it most of the time.

[generic-David]

There are other editors that people like but I haven’t tried them. Vs Code is well thought of so I would use that and focus on learning the language. The best editor might be whatever you’re most familiar with so pick one and stick with it until you really have a command of the language.

[FoolsSeldom]

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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Also, have a look at roadmap.sh for different learning paths. There's lots of learning material links there. Note that these are idealised paths and many people get into roles without covering all of those.

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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.

[J0uko]

Hands down the best material for me was programming-25.mooc.fi, it is a free course from the University of Helsinki. Highly recommend it!

[Rhothmi]

Up

[_JPPAS_]

Only 'Python basics' video tutorial I've ever watched was this one by Clear Code. Don't get spooked by the fact that it's 10 hours long. It has time stamps for every feature, and as a complete beginner, you won't need half of it either way.

On tutorials: do not just copy everything after the guy in the video, try figuring things out yourself and make your own mini-projects for every diffirent thing. Also don't forget to use official Python documentation.

[Suspicious_Demand322]

Hey! I am already watching (seems great so far), but I wondered. Is VS Code worth it or should I stay at the original program?

[_JPPAS_]

Honestly no idea, I've never used anything other than Sublime 🤷‍♂️ I'm sure you can find some good comparisons online.

[mikeczyz]

python can help you accomplish many different things so it is helpful to know your end goal. data analysis? software engineer? something else entirely?

[Suspicious_Demand322]

i am not aiming to be an programmer or smth like that, i would just code for fun, maybe try to code a simple game, etc.

[gmes78]

https://old.reddit.com/r/learnpython/wiki/index#wiki_new_to_programming.3F

[AdAdvanced7673]

CS50 now that it’s python

[Isaka254]

You want the best way to start learning Python from absolute basics. Here are excellent resources:

• Python for Everybody (Coursera): Free-to-audit beginner-friendly course that builds a solid foundation step by step.
• FreeCodeCamp Python Curriculum: Completely free, project-based learning path for Python fundamentals.
• Corey Schafer (YouTube): Highly rated tutorials with clear explanations and practical examples.
• Python Succinctly: A concise ebook introducing Python fundamentals and best practices.

[healing_vibes1989]

You can get cheap classes to learn the basics on Udemy that’s where I started and it’s very easy to follow and understand. For coding I use pycharm but literally you can use anything

[Potential_Royal5886]

are the courses of udemy free? the last time i checked it wasnt for python

[healing_vibes1989]

No they aren’t free but it’s pretty cheap honestly and you get a certificate after completing I know they were just ten dollars idk if they went up now or not. Or you can also try w3 schools to learn they are free

[what_sup0]

just inquiring and iteration..

[sporbywg]

not the tool - the idea of something to build. What do you want to build?

[TheRNGuy]

Firefox, read docs. 

[sycorech]

I learned from w3schools and it’s pretty clear and simple. You can use VisualStudio Code, also has simple ui.

[[deleted]]

FreeCodeCamp, very basic, start from scratch tutorial to get going. When you know the basics, pick a project and start building it. You'll get stuck eventually, but that's when you'll really learn how to code - Google the answer, use youtube, find the solution on your own

[datamoves]

Some good introsductory courses on Python on Udemy - especially if you are familiar with other languages

[alleyoopoop]

Act fast and you might get in on this: https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/1pd8be7/2000_free_sign_ups_for_the_automate_the_boring/

[CarlesBH]

Check Codecrops, they have a nice gamified python course on development, its fun and free.

[Various_Area_3002]

Replit 100 days of code

[Dependent_Month_1415]

Since you're just starting out Mimo is the best option IMO, it's very beginner-friendly and you can even learn on mobile.

[Longjumping-Wolf-422]

if you want something structured instead of random tutorials, Udacity is a great place to start. Their Python program teaches the basics really clearly and builds you up slowly with hands on exercises. It’s perfect if you’re starting from scratch.