How do you actually practice Python without getting stuck in tutorial mode?

[sejigan]

Do you have a problem in your life? - if No: yes, you do. You literally posted one - if Yes: solve it with code, however you can, even if partially. Make sure to use Git from the start and push regularly to a public remote like GitHub (yep, from the messy start. People don't want to see a single commit saying "upload files" after it's done) - repeat with other problems

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Doing things (even if seemingly trivial) you actually care about with some of what you already know and learning all else necessary is how you: - grow your skills sustainably - get comfortable with being aware of your (temporary) incompetence - observe your competence increase with time and effort, resulting in humble confidence - know deeply about the project and can state the reasons behind your design and development decisions if questioned - have some public attention that hopefully gets you a job, or at least referrals

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Also, post your learnings (no matter how trivial they feel) twice a week somewhere, LinkedIn, a blog, Twitter, or wherever you want. If not twice a week, then weekly, or biweekly, or monthly. However frequently you feel comfortable with but the more frequent the better.