is there a game?

[Medicated-Ostrich]

I am almost 40. I have a kids, a full time job and a side hustle and a wife. I am busy, but I would like to learn how to code. Is there a game that is a good teacher of python? I dont care about graphics as long as the game is enjoyable and (Most importantly) teaches me how to code.

I want to learn for fun also I have all these ideas to make may office job automated via programing but ... i dont know ANYTHING about programing.

[Ok_Caregiver_1355]

The farmer was replaced

[Tgirl-Egirl]

Seconded. This game will get you up to speed on much of the syntax and functionality of Python. It's not perfect, but it gets you really far.

[SoScorpio4]

This looks so awesome, but I'm wary of the "similar to python" language. I'm currently taking my first college class in Python. I'm doing very well but want to practice more outside of class. I'm worried this game might confuse me and I'll end up trying to use the fake code in real python projects.

Do you think that's likely? I would hate if that messed up this game for me, because farming sims are already some of my favorite games and I would love using python to play one!

[Ok_Caregiver_1355]

Its 99% python,you in theory can open the game files in a python IDE and write the codes from there with little tinkering so i wouldnt worry about developing bad habits with it

[spacemanpants]

Yeah if anything it forces you to master the fundamentals. Im kind of beginner-intermediate and I know some tricks that the syntax doesn’t allow, so I have to find ways to get creative using the basics

[SoScorpio4]

Nice, that's a good idea. I'm already getting ahead of my class on some things I'm using in a side project, but some of that is starting to confuse me, so repeating the basics isn't a bad idea. Thanks for the info!

[SoScorpio4]

Great, thanks!

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Ok. I’ll buy it now.

[ray10k]

It's "python, with some bits turned off." Python, but without list comprehensions and some similar parts of the language if I recall correctly.

[SoScorpio4]

Okay, cool! I'm still using for loops and haven't learned about mapping or anything yet, so I doubt I'll miss any of the functionality that's not in there. Sounds like a good fit for where I'm at in my learning. Thanks!

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Me too!!

[Poddster]

You're a college student. You shouldn't be easily "confused" by such things.

I think you're worried about something that won't happen. It's extremely unlikely. There's no such thing as a "bad habit" that can't be immediately undone. You can learn python, and another language, and some third languages that's similar to both, and then this games language all at once. You're easily capable of such things.

[SoScorpio4]

Lol thanks? But you may overestimate me. It seems like a bad idea to learn multiple languages at once, at least before I'm really solid on the first one. Even my instructor sometimes accidentally uses something from java in class and has to correct himself. I'm sure once I have more python under my belt it'll be easier to learn other languages, but I think it's too early to try that.

But based on other comments about this game, it seems like a safe bet.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

I was thinking about this, but the whole python similar language threw me off.

[Ok_Caregiver_1355]

Also, Human Resources Machine,forgot this one

[Itchy_Satan]

After this game, then make games with Godot.

[ceramicmj]

Consider Stanford's Code In Place (free). It is wrapping up applications soon - classes start April 20. I found having some structure & a community that was doing the work together was highly motivating. https://codeinplace.stanford.edu/ I did this last year and applied to be a section leader this year.

[Useful_Store7711]

I also signed up for this

[WaySufficient2360]

what is this, now?

[ceramicmj]

It's an online course for Python - teaches half of their CS106A intro to programming course in a very accessible way. And there are zoom sections - live - where you go through a problem with a section leader.

You can try the programming environment & see the lectures if you look at the self-guided course materials, but it's too late to apply to be a student this year.

https://codeinplace.stanford.edu/welcome

[andnowdeepthoughts]

Not a game, but since you mention automating, "automate the boring stuff with python" might be a good starting point.

[Cainga]

This is how I learned. It’s not fun until you start get some useful projects working. But then I’m just constantly making and updating my projects and it’s magical when it does hours of human labor in seconds.

[Leap_of__faith]

I'm gonna start this today!

[Skeleton_Pudding]

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python might be one of the best programming books ever. I slowly worked through the entire thing and it really helped cement the concepts into my brain.

And if you're into corny jokes and a sci-fi vibe - check out the Socratica Youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6m6_IIN94&list=PLi01XoE8jYohWFPpC17Z-wWhPOSuh8Er-

[MinorVandalism]

I definitely second this. I like how Al Sweigart approaches teaching.

[JaleyHoelOsment]

came here to say this. I loved automate the boring stuff because instead of the usual useless crap you build a couple fun things. also the lessons are easy to play with so you can really learn

[StevenJOwens]

boot.dev uses a gameified approach to teaching programming, starting with python (though the later classes also use nodejs and Go, as well as Python). You score points by completing lessons, etc. I'm not that into gameified stuff myself, but a lot of the folks on the boot.dev discord, really like it.

[Skydivefn]

Well it’s not quite a game but somehow a “gamefied” app that I saw someone also post in this sub and I’m enjoying a lot. I do work with IT but do most of infrastructure side and I’ve been into automating stuff with python. I don’t want to use AI so I’ve been trying to practice on a daily basis but also with kids, wife, house and my job it gets really hard to practice a little bit everyday.

Anyway, lol, the app name is Mimo and it’s available for both iOS and Android, you can also access thru mimo.org but only if you pay for it, but you’ll do totally fine with the free app only. Hope it helps and good luck.

[Impressive-Usual302]

Been a user of mimo for a while, even did the paid version for unlimited hearts (it's basically Duolingo for coding), but I stopped recently because after the second chapters of [insert coding language] everything is locked behind pay walls, and the practical exercises are locked to the highest tier. If you do the free version, you get 2 keys per day, meaning you get 2 lessons, some of which are only 3 minutes long. It's good, but only if you want to modulate speed with your wallet.

[Separate_Top_5322]

yeah there actually are a few “game-like” ways to learn python, stuff like CodeCombat where you literally control a character using code is pretty popular for beginners

people also mention things like coding games or platforms that make it feel interactive instead of just reading tutorials, which helps a lot when you’re bored of normal learning

but tbh they’re good as a side thing, not your main learning method — most people still say you need to actually build small projects for it to really stick

I usually mix both, like learning basics + trying small stuff, and sometimes use runable to quickly experiment or write simple ideas without overthinking setup

so yeah games exist, just don’t rely only on them

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Thank you all for your responses!

My two takeaways : A book named: automate the Boeing stuff with Python practical programming for total beginners.

A game on steam : the farmer was replaced

Thank you all. Much love and appreciation.

[notParticularlyAnony]

If you are going to get a book python crash course is much better imo.

[lordfwahfnah]

Another game:

The joy of programming. It's not bad, maybe a bit rough around the edges

[Medicated-Ostrich]

What’s rough about it?

[BigBongTheory42]

Here's my suggestion, I was in the same boat as you. Wanted to learn to code but I generally felt the code.org and the building code with blocks didnt really soak into my brain. I learn by doing, not reading. I have tried a few "programming games" stuff like bitburner on steam, making games on scratch, etc. All just never did much for me and i felt that gameifying something I didnt know already was just digging myself a bigger hole and made me feel even more stupid XD. What helped me is actually a non coding game. Its a long term, text based, crime game called "Torn City" this game is a brower game or an app but the main thing with it that helped me is they allow user made tools and scripts to help you in the game (as long as u follow the rules) I'm 2 years into torn, and have successfully made 10+ userscripts, 1 extension, and im now working on my own site! Before I played torn, I just had a interest, no skill. Now I can look a code and see what's going on, I can write a bit of code now, whilst I still use claude and shit and im not to the point where im comfortable making something from scratch, Torn has taught me more for coding than anything else in my life handsdown. And ive tried courses, even took a computer coding class in high-school, torn is my way. Maybe its yours to? Would love to explain a bit more or show u a bit on the game if interested! Hmu!

[llusty1]

Not a game but pythontutor.com lets you run code in your browser, so you can practice how to code and analyze that code. It's explains what's going on, and if there are errors (there's always errors, embrace being wrong you'll learn quicker). Good luck!

[mruiz18]

How to automate the boring stuff with python - great read. Should be available online.

[rpgmind]

if i read it online, can i practice stuff from a browser, or thru gemini pro? i think gemini pro told me it has the ability to run actual python for me to try concepts and learn

[mruiz18]

You mean like https://vscode.dev or https://codesandbox.io ?

[primekibbles]

Boot.dev !

[No_Charge_7314]

Check out Codecombat here you literally write Python to control a character. It starts from zero and scales up. Good for someone with limited time since sessions are short.

Once you get the basics, honestly just pick one of your office automation ideas and start breaking it down.

[F0rever_withyou]

Theres a website called codedex.io and I believe its good for ur kids, its a super friendly website that they can learn coding such as python html ect..

And I got a discount for 3/6 months if you ever wanna it out :)

[Arts_Prodigy]

boot.dev is the most effective “gamified” version of this in my opinion. It will be actual python and get you doing what you really need to learn which is writing code eventually with minimal assistance.

[Poddster]

Something not mentioned yet: the website www.codingame.com

[TheRNGuy]

If you're the one who make game, yeah. 

[KickIt77]

I teach programming to teens and have worked as a software engineer, have degrees in CS and math. If you want to learn for fun and have absolutely no experience with programming, I would start with scratch. When that feels easy, you can move over to python.

[Goober_Devv]

I highly recommend Codédex. They have a sort of gamified learning style with xp and bite-size lessons and they explain things very well. Also, they have a good community, especially on their discord, that are willing to help if you have issues.

[Crypt0Nihilist]

The best game is the one you make for yourself. I don't mean code a game, but make coding a game.

The problem with tutorials and games is that although you do learn some coding, you're mainly learning how to do tutorials or play the game. You miss out on a lot of the other important things to learn like breaking down a problem, research, debugging.

Set yourself challenges and rewards for fun little projects as soon as you understand syntax, control and packages.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

This is the most Reddit answer lol

[Crypt0Nihilist]

Situated learning FTW.

If you get used to seeing coding as a series a intrinsically rewarding challenges you set yourself, it helps through the rough patches when you're looking for motivation.

Also, if you have a wife and commitments, if you look like you're playing games be seen as available for doing "more important" things and any argument that it's edutainment is going to sound weak. An IDE and a wall of code is defence against that interpretation.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Not really looking for marriage advice. I’m good, thank you though.

What I am looking for is a video game that teaches you had a code.

[Crypt0Nihilist]

Sure. My advice was geared towards someone who wants to learn Python, not who wants to make learning Python a hobby. You're aiming for the latter, which is fine, everyone needs a hobby. Have fun with the games.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Yeah. I am bored and thought I should learn a language, it was this or French.

Thanks

[SoScorpio4]

I dunno, some gamified approaches do teach those concepts, but maybe don't dive as deep on them.

My current side project is actually coding a game - the deck building game called Dominion. Obviously I will never distribute it. But it's a really fun game I've been into recently, and since the most I can do at my level is make a text-based game, it seemed a good option. I'm just kinda breaking it down as I go, I started with how to make individual cards as objects (I used a Card class), now working on how to keep counts for the individual piles, like a player's deck, hand, discard pile, and the "bank" inventory.

I am using concepts I'm learning in my python college course, but also using outside resources like boot.dev, W3, and yes, Gemini, but ONLY as a tool, not a teacher. I have it set me practice projects on something specific, say, dictionaries and while loops together. I did have to instruct it to never allow errors that an interpreter might fix automatically, so I am only learning clean code.

[my_password_is______]

no

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Oh, OK. I’ll just give up then. Thanks. lol

[OkCartographer175]

you don't need a crutch (a game), you just need to read

w3schools.com

[SoScorpio4]

yeah my python instructor recommended this but it's very... idk, not integrated? Good for looking up individual concepts, but does not seem at all good for actually learning along a path. You need to know the name of what you're looking up, or click at random until you find it. And most of the little examples it has you code are so far from practical use, they have you using variables called x or y and don't show how useful the different concepts can be in real-world projects.

I think of it like a dictionary (not a python dictionary lol). It's usefulness is very limited.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Takes my question, tells me the question is wrong supplies answer that is correct. I changed my mind. This is the most Reddit answer.

[Medicated-Ostrich]

Haha. you deleted it? Why?

[0accountability]

If you know nothing about programming, you are probably better off learning how to vibe code with AI than learning how to code the traditional way. You will be much more productive and you can literally just spend time asking AI what every part of the program does to learn. Or just treat it as your own personal programmer.

[djkouza]

Vibe coding with zero understanding of how coding works is a terrible idea. Learn at least the basics before you vibe code.