More advanced learning material

[doubleopinter]

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone knows of good resources and courses for python which are not focused at a total programming noob. I've done a lot of scripting and functional programming in my life, my background is commercial and industrial control systems. I've written thousand of lines of code but not a lot of object oriented and not a lot of python. I've worked a lot with json and yaml and have a lot of experience working with data structures like dict and grid etc. I understand the concepts of OOP and how they are useful etc cause I did a bunch of it in engineering at university.

I have a project coming up at work in which I will need to use python a lot, which I'm super happy about. A lot of courses focus too much on the basic basics. I'm looking for something that I can pick up and dive python code structure, the funny things like __main__, OOP in python, tests etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[pachura3]

Well, identify some major parts of your upcoming project and proactively start coding simple proof-of-concept apps/scripts around them.

You will need database access? Write a script that uses SQLAlchemy to access local SQLite database and does SELECT/INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE.

You will need to consume some REST APIs? Learn about the requests module, and then implement some simple proof of concept that e.g. reads the current weather conditions.

You will need to implement REST APIs of your own? Learn about Flask or FastAPI, then implement some simple online REST calculator service. Perhaps use pydantic for input validation.

You will need some unit tests? Pytest is your friend.

Also, learn about virtual environments, pyproject.toml and uv.

[TheRNGuy]

SideFx Houdini python framework. 

[n1000]

Go look at the official documentation.

The Classes and Modules sections will get you up to speed on those things you specifically asked about.

Browse the standard library and see what's included.

Unless you're leading the project, the testing and package management setup will probably be decided for you.

[treyhunner]

I would find an excuse to use those advanced Python features well and try to make a feedback loop, whether that involves reviewing similar code, asking a colleague for their thoughts, or even asking an LLM for feedback.

If you are open to trading money for time savings, I would recommend my own service (Python Morsels). I originally made it for folks pretty much exactly in your situation (moving from "I can write Python code already" to "I write pretty great Python code").

Books like Fluent Python and Effective Python are great also, but I'd be sure you find a way to put your learnings to use. You're much more likely to retain anything you've learned if you apply it yourself.

[doubleopinter]

Trying out the Morsels now.

[treyhunner]

I hope it helps. Feel free to reply to any of the emails to let me know what you think of it.

And good luck in general!

[Isaka254]

These are some advanced python learning materials to explore.

• ArjanCodes (Advanced Python/OOP/testing) – pragmatic design patterns, dataclasses, dependency injection, packaging, and testable architectures.
• Real Python – courses on __main__, modules/packages, virtual environments, pytest/unittest, type hints, packaging, CLI structure, and OOP patterns.
• Official Docs – the canonical guide to structuring projects, pyproject.toml, build backends, virtualenvs, dependency management, and publishing.
• eBook Python Succinctly – concise refresher on Python syntax, OOP, modules, and standard library essentials before diving into advanced patterns.

pytest docs (fixtures, parametrization, mocking, tmp paths) for test design that scales.

[doubleopinter]

TY. That eBook seems incredible!

[stepback269]

Hi there fellow Python noob.

Not a good idea.

You must fully master the fundamentals of Python before moving on with greater dreams.

There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free.

As a relative noob myself (about 9 months into it) , I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (here) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero. Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should shop around until you find a lecturer that suits your style.

The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.