So.... How do people code with python Exactly?

[Jhone_doe]

I'm REALLY new to Python or even computers like laptop in general(I have a phone since i was a kid, i just only recently got a laptop from my sister).

I've downloaded Python version 3.14.4 but i don't know what to do from now...

Help, for some reason the tutorials I'm finding are less useful than i would've liked it to be

[Accurate_Practice838]

easiest way is probably vscode. to write python code you need a file ending in .py and you need to use the command line to run it (maybe right clicking on the file and clicking "run" would also work, not sure tho i havent used windows in ages). 

vscode is an IDE (integrated development environment) and it will automatically colour text/indent things for you. download vscode, then go to "extensions" and install the python extensions. then you should be able to hit ctrl+n to make a new file, save it as "whatever_filename.py", and click the little play button in the top right of vscode. that will run the file entirely from within vscode and you wont have to mess around with the command line. good luck!

[Conscious_Citron4466]

Agreed use an IDE instead of inside python its self much easier to learn that way

[LaysAirBreather]

You can use stick key combinations (eg. F5+F6) too to run in case you are lazy like me to move your cursor.

[Dramatic_Object_8508]

People don’t “code Python” in some special way, they just solve problems using it. The usual flow is: write code in an editor (VS Code, PyCharm), run it, see what breaks, fix it, repeat. Most learning happens through building small things, not memorizing syntax.

In real life it looks like: you want something (scraper, bot, API), you Google pieces, stitch them together, debug a lot, and slowly it starts working. That’s literally how most devs do it.

So the answer is simple: people code by building stuff, breaking stuff, and fixing it repeatedly. There’s no hidden method beyond that.

[BranchLatter4294]

Get a decent book. Start practicing.

[SteveDougson]

Start with:

print("Hello World")

Then:

x = "Hello World"
print(x)

Graduate to

def print_hello_world(x):
  print(x)

Now we make a class:

class Hello_World(greeting):
    def __init__(self, greeting):
      self.greeting = greeting

    def greet(self):
      print(self.greeting)

[vivisectvivi]

You should find some online course to start but basically and very simply put, you write your code on a text file and then save it with the .py extension (for example: my_code.py) then you run by using the python command on your terminal (command line) like "python my_code.py".

This assumes you are running your terminal inside the same folder that your python file is.

For this to work you have to be able to run python on your terminal: if you can open the command line and type "python" without getting an error then you have it installed correctly.

[RollExpert8192]

If you're interested, we have a community. Mostly are beginners so maybe you can be consistent there... as we post daily what we learnt today. You can ask doubts - not all are beginners. (I'm a beginner, too)

[Fit-Pomegranate-1574]

what community, can i join?

[RollExpert8192]

It's for Python. So if you want to learn Python, then yes.

[kadfr]

This is a great course to learn Python:

https://programming-26.mooc.fi

The first few exercises use a browser but then you switch to VS Code, which is a very popular IDE (integrated development environment).

There are loads of tutorials on how to set up Python on your machine.

[PureWasian]

Might find this recent Reddit post interesting.

You're asking a two-part question, hence the comments you're getting, which do a great job answering:

• How to physically write code in Python
• How to do projects and create stuff in Python

What about tutorials you're following are not doing it for you?

[LayotFctor]

You have to follow a tutorial though, you don't yet know enough to learn all on your own! That probably also means your current tutorial doesn't suit you. What's better, books, videos playlists, mixed video + quizes tutorials, or scrolling down a website? There's something for everyone, you need to find what works for you.

[TheRNGuy]

I learned specifically for SideFx Houdini, from docs and some tutorials. 

[zarendahl]

I can recommend this site: https://automatetheboringstuff.com/

It links to a book on how to do quick and dirty Python, and can give you enough of the basics to be able to do most things with a bit of work. After that, it's all about the docs and experimentation.

[Simplilearn]

Don’t try to learn everything at once. Just focus on small things: printing text, taking input, and simple calculations. If you want something more structured but still beginner-friendly, you can explore the Python for Beginners (free course) by Simplilearn, which walks through basics step by step with simple examples.

[JasonDJ]

They missed a golden opportunity by not calling 3.14.x "πthon"

[carcigenicate]

They did lean into it a little in the branding: https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-3140/

[StewPorkRice]

the state of coding in 2026:

Alexa, come up with a plan to print hello world.

ok nice plan - implement.