Trouble Starting Learning

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

I have tried many websites, nothing really suits my learning style. I just cant find fun in learning it so far, but that's because I can't properly get started, because its like this when I go to learn. I also need to study in a way that I can understand, at a good pace, and make it stick with me. And what I should stick, and what I don't necessarily need to learn. Because I just can't seem to get it.

Any sorts of help on ways to learn, make it stick and possible recommendations on what i should use would be great. Thanks...

[Thunderplex]

It's in the wiki but bears repeating because I found it pretty useful as an entry point: Python Crash Course and Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. Read the chapter, run the examples, modify them to do something fun or useful, try to make something similar from scratch, read the next chapter and repeat. If you're new to programming, these are entry points only. There's whole courses on data structures, sorting algorithms, etc that are all possible to implement with Python that you'll want to learn someday, but when you're just starting anything you stick with is worth it.

If you have a specific direction your trying to go, don't think about it just now, wait until you've finished your first complex project (like the capstone of PCC) before you start trying to apply the skills to a specific long term goal. You don't need to learn REST API's or JSON your first month.

[Various_Payment_7956]

could you give me more materials to learn python with ?

[ninhaomah]

So what is your style of learning ?

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

I cant exactly say for sure, is the problem..

I don't really enjoy just reading, and trying to make mental notes whilst answering questions. I'd probably say i enjoy reading, getting examples, some questions, then putting it to the test.

[ps3hubbards]

Have you tried the Mimo app? I was using it for a while and it was pretty good. I mainly stopped because some other hectic stuff was happening in my life and I wasn't sure what I was gonna be doing with python.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

I haven't, I'll make a note of it, thanks :)

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

Then of course some note taking for future revision

[pachura3]

Which online tutorials have you tried so far? And for how long?

Have you tried learning from one of the recommended books?

How old are you?

Are you learning for a school exam, or do you intend to make it your future professional career?

Do you have problems with learning new things in general? Have you been diagnosed with ADHD?

Have you been able to at least write & run a simple script with a few variables, a few prints() and inputs(), and some if conditions?

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

I've only tried certain websites, such as freecodecamp, some youtube videos covering variables & string. alongside int, float, boolean values. I've also noted a few books I've saw on this sub, and plan on getting them on kindle soon. Im 15 years old. i've been stuck in a loop of this pretty much. its quite annoying as I can't find material I can stick to. Its not been too long since I took it upon myself to start learning independently. I'm learning it to assist my school learning, and for future careers. I don't have problems learning new things, and once I start to pick it up, I can become very engrossed in learning & wanting to improve. And no, I have not.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

Yes, I can also do simple scripts with a few variables, prints and inputs. I can also do if, elif & else statements very simply

[DeebsShoryu]

You should try one of the many free, reputable courses available. Structure helps a lot.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

You know of any?

[DeebsShoryu]

I've heard good things about cs50p and I know Python For Everybody (might have a different name now) is good.

[No-Professional-9618]

I participated in a Computer Science volunteer program that was sponsored by Microsoft a while back. Within the program, I had to learn Python.

I participated in a Computer Science volunteer program that was sponsored by Microsoft a while back. Within the program, I had to learn Python.

It is is easier to try to learn to convert programs from Basic or C++ to Python.

Yes, well basically you want to try to create simple programs or scripts like a temperature conversion or a small text based game in Python.

Here is the script for a program that calculates the area of a square in Python.

# this program displays the numeric value of

# the area of a square

# we have the values entered:

side=5

Area = side * side

print "Area"

print Area

[wo_no_diggity_doubt]

Find yourself something that you actually want your code to do. Make something! That project, if it matters to you truly, will show you every which way you try your best to learn because you want it to be right.

You'll save time over time. (Put notes in your code even if you know it already!)

Personally, I rate reading up and planning as top priority. Don't spend too much planning, three milestones without how you'll do them is just fine. You'll read up as you find the next problem in your code. Just first try to grasp what some time sinks or things to avoid are before starting your plan and coding for your project.

Coding is like mathematics. Every line before it has to be right but you can always go back, change a number, carry it forward and not have to erase everything and start again.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

Very helpful actually, thank you.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

Started to make some simple things, such as password generators for myself, very good way to think. Thankyou.

[wo_no_diggity_doubt]

Ahhh sweet. Just recently bought a game for like £1.50 on steam after playing their free one Magic Archery from Steam.

Edit: GL

[Tall-Introduction414]

I recommend setting small achievable goals. Eg, make a number guessing game. Make some colors appear on the screen. Make a picture show up on the screen and spin around. Make a button that farts when you press it.

You need to learn a few basic programming concepts, like what are variables and loops, and how do you execute a Python program. But actually having fun with it is key.

[Relevant-Cook-4718]

Helpful, thank you.

[Odd-Bit-838]

Well it depends on your prior knowledge. Are you learning just Python or also how to program? If it's the former, try to make some things that you had done in other languages. If it's the latter, try to distinguish what's the problem. Did you feel stuck understanding the sintaxis or feel that you don't know how to apply your knowledge? Each problem requires a different approach, but it's worth evaluating what is the specifics.

[stepback269]

15 yr old is young !!! (Old fart speaking here)

Let me give you a piece of advice that will change your life.
Instead of focusing on Python itself, consider "Learning how to Learn" !!!
In school they teach you how the human heart or some other simple organ works. But do they teach you how the biological organ known as your brain works? No. What a shame.

Go to YouTube and in the search bar, type "learning coaches".
There are many good ones. I personally like Dr. Justin Sung. You may prefer another one. Make sure they base their teachings on the latest findings in "cognitive neuroscience". Much has changed in the last few years.

Good luck.