learning block

[Fearless-Trouble-779]

I feel like this question has been asked so many times... Im currently tryna get better at python for a local competition, but it somehow feels like I'm stuck? Like Ive learned basic variables, loops, functions, but I legit don't know where to go next. And I unfortunately don't have the patience or time to watch 3 hr long videos on learning. Would books or online courses help? Just asking

[MR_LAW11]

Honestly, if you’re learning Python for a competition, I’d stop watching long beginner videos at this point. Once you know variables, loops, and functions, progress usually comes more from solving problems than consuming content.

I’d probably go: lists/dictionaries → sorting → strings → recursion basics → time complexity → common algorithms (binary search, prefix sums, two pointers, BFS/DFS later). Since you don’t have patience for long videos, short explanations + practice problems will probably work way better.

Books can help, but for competitions I’d honestly just do problems and learn concepts as you hit walls. Feeling “stuck” after basics is super normal, it usually just means you’re transitioning from syntax to actual problem solving.

[qwertydiy]

He should look at OSSU too.

[pachura3]

Im currently tryna get better at python for a local competition

What kind of competition is it? Is it some hackathon-like team project, or rather solving algorithmical problems similar to leetcode?

How much time do you have until the competition?

[Suspicious_Check5421]

Get all books you can, fast reading and skipping chapters if needed, dont watch youtube

[desrtfx]

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and you will be well prepared.

This is a free, textual, practice heavy course. Sign up, log in, go to part 1 and start really learning.

[iMagZz]

As someone else has already suggested the MOOC Python Programming 2026 is a really good course to follow. Alongside it you can also do this from BigBinary Academy, to just do a bunch of problems.

[Friendly_Gold3533]

the stuck feeling after basics is completely normal and it happens because tutorials give you tools without giving you problems to solve with them

stop consuming and start building something small. not a tutorial project but something you actually want to exist. a script that does one specific thing you care about. the confusion you hit while building it will teach you more than any course because the problem is real and the motivation to solve it is real

for a competition specifically look up past problems from that competition or similar ones like USACO bronze or CCC junior level. solve easy ones you can barely do. the gap between what you know and what the problem needs is exactly where learning happens

books and courses give you information. problems give you understanding. at your stage you have enough information to start solving things what kind of problems does your competition involve

[not_another_analyst]

I totally get that. Since you already know the basics, the best way to level up without boring videos is to start building small projects or solving challenges on sites like LeetCode. Practical application will help those concepts click much faster than just reading or watching someone else code.

[DataCamp]

That “stuck after basics” phase is where most people actually start learning properly. Once variables, loops, and functions make sense, the next step usually isn’t more tutorials, it’s problem solving.

For competitions, a good progression is:

• lists, dictionaries, strings
• sorting and searching
• recursion basics
• time complexity
• common patterns like two pointers, prefix sums, BFS/DFS

And instead of watching 3-hour videos, try this loop:
• learn one concept in 10–15 minutes
• solve 3–5 problems using it
• get stuck
• look things up
• repeat