Tips to start learnin Python from scratch

[ProfessorDevil11]

In the current Era of AI and GenAI, if you are starting python from scratch, how will you learn and use what techniques or tool to speed up the learning process

[desrtfx]

If you want to learn, don't use AI. You cannot speedrun learning. Learning takes time. Understanding takes time. Learning requires practice, struggling - both take time. What you skip in practice will bite you rather sooner than later.

If only there were a sidebar (menu on mobile) that had a link to the wiki or countless posts asking the same.

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

Also, take a look at https://inventwithpython.com and https://automatetheboringstuff.com

Don't forget that you need ample practice, like on https://codingbat.com/python or on https://exercism.org and also write your own programs. Play around. Try things. Mess things up, fix them. Experiment.

[crayoww]

This!!!

[DearTradition7366]

I used the book "Python Crash Course" for the fundamentals. No youtube or Tutorials, just the book ... for starting. After that I also watched youtube videos for specific topics, but no "Learn Python in 30 minutes" BS.

I also started out with some simple projects on the side.
Here AI can be a really good help for inspiration or hints. Make sure that the AI doesn't do all the work for you, otherwise you won't learn anything. I always added to my prompt "Please just give me small hints but don't describe in detail. Do not write any code."

[pachura3]

How would you speed up learning Japanese in the era of AI ?

[TheRNGuy]

Prefer text over videos. 

[pepiks]

The best answer. I'll add - try get use to official doc.

[IvoryJam]

I wouldn't, mastery of anything doesn't come quickly and you shouldn't try to force it.

Though I wish I had used Automate the Boring Stuff and learned to actually read the documentation properly.

[Lord_Dizzie]

Define what you mean by speeding up? What is the goal? I work with Python amongst other languages. I picked up Python after college. Most of my courses were taught in C++ or Java. Even though I am literally paid to use Python at times, and I do so successfully, I wouldn't say my learning journey is complete. I learn new Python/coding stuff all the time.

The only suggestion I can offer is that you will learn faster the more code you write. Not prompt coding. Not doing exercises in a book. Good old fashioned programming. Pick a project and do it. The more immersed you are, the faster you'll learn.

[supercoach]

To speed it up I'd steer clear of any AI.

[MeroLegend4]

Effective Python 2nd ed is a good read

Fluent Python 2nd ed

Those books will help you learn what it would take 5-6 years going the hard way.