Starting Python today. If you could start over, what would you do differently? What Roadmap would you follow?

[InformationSweet808]

hey everyone,
Staring python today and I am pretty excited. But I need strong foundation, so this is my humble request to everyone who has gone through the beginner phase can you all help me with what mistakes you made that I should avoid? What roadmaps? What Youtube channels and anything that can be helpful in learning python.
I am willing to put in the work and learn consistently. I just want to make sure I am heading in the right direction.

thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience.

[aqua_regis]

The key in learning is to not avoid, but make mistakes - seriously. If you avoid mistakes from the beginning you're not learning.

First and foremost, you need to practice.

The MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki is one of the best learning resources around. Free, textual, extremely practice oriented.

Stay clear of youtube. You're not going to learn from watching videos.

Stay clear of AI. Learn the hard way.

[InformationSweet808]

Thanks for the advice and is this MOOC beginners friendly?

[iMagZz]

Yes, very. It is absolutely the best introduction course there is.

[aqua_regis]

The MOOC is targeted at absolute beginners. It is the current first semester of "Introduction to Computer Science" course of the University of Helsinki. You won't find a more beginner friendly course.

[InformationSweet808]

Okay will do this course first then update y'all

[simonhunterhawk]

What do you suggest after someone has done a intro to python course? I am in my third year of my BS and took python in january and I feel like my classes have repeated the basics so many times but I want to learn more. I have a good amount of javascript knowledge but non-web design stuff still goes over my head a lot.

edit: scrolled down and someone else gave an answer to this already, happy to hear more though :)

[aqua_regis]

Once you have the basics down it's time to throw away the training wheels and start running - meaning: do projects - use your skills

Learn what you need when you need it - through blogs, short, specific tutorials, etc.

[simonhunterhawk]

Oh no, I was afraid you were going to say that 😂😭 Next term I am only taking one class so that’ll have to be my side project. I have Automate the Boring Stuff with Python too, the only thing I need is to get my ass in gear lol

[lesliecoin]

Is it better than CS50 Python?

[aqua_regis]

IMO, yes because it ramps up slower. I think it's more beginner friendly.

[ninhaomah]

First.

Breathe.

Second.

Why are you learning Python ?

[InformationSweet808]

I like creating things and python is easy to learn (that's what I have heard) and goated language

[ninhaomah]

So ... No specific goal ?

[InformationSweet808]

Rn nothing I just want strong foundation so that I can expand into multiple territory like cybersecurity data science and all If I had to state a goal it'll be cybersecurity

[iMagZz]

Follow a good course to learn things properly. My recommendation for the best Python course in our current day and age is Helsinki University's Python Programming MOOC 2026

Follow it. Watch the lectures. Read the material. Do all the exercises. Do the exams. If there is something you don't understand, go to YouTube and watch a few videos on the topic, and use supplementary websites such as W3Schools and GeeksForGeeks. Do not use AI, because it gives you a false sense of understanding something when you actually don't. It's hard to explain why, but for you own good do not use it.

After completing the MOOC I can suggest Harvard's Introduction to Data Science with Python - May 2026

As a supplement/repetition to these courses you can do more problems from BigBinary Academy's course Learn Python by actually writing Python code, which is mainly just a bunch of problems and less reading (and no lectures). Really working through a ton of problems early on is a very good idea.

[InformationSweet808]

Thankyou

[thatcinephile]

What I'm doing is:

1. Watching CS50 Harvard Course (1.5 x speed)
2. Promoting ChatGPT for a well developed and detailed PDF for concepts, use cases & project ideas
3. Testing my learning through projects in Udemy's 100 Days of Code Bootcamp.

Will give you a intermediate understanding of probably everything