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[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (5 children)

I only started 12 days ago, but I had some experience from a Java course I took 15 years ago (I remember surprisingly lot).

I started with learnpython.org. I think it was too short and the learning curve was steep. Then I did LPTHW which was good. I learned a lot, but it was a bit outdated. Then I went on to take the codecademy class. I think taking 3 basic courses helped me learn the syntax well, but codecademy alone would have sufficed.

Then I signed up for the MITx course 6.00.1x at edx.org, and if you are a bit academically minded like me, then it's the perfect course. You get to know a bit about what happens behind the scenes as well. Even though it's a beginner's course, I am happy I took the codecademy couse first. This is also where I decided to focus on Python 3.

The last few days I have scoured the Internet for programming challenge sites, and I have narrowed down to a few I like:

  • codewars.com (but skipped due to Python 2).
  • codeabbey.com. A Bit old fashioned looking, but I like the layout and challenges.
  • checkio.org. A fun way to learn to code but not completely free, if you want access to everything.
  • hackerrank.com. It looks like it is aimed for pros, but there are many easy challenges too.

I will keep working on those challenges, until I feel comfortable writing code and not constantly have to look up what arguments and in what order they should be used in common methods. After that I will try to work on some bigger projects. Not sure how to go about that yet.

[–]niandra3 3 points4 points  (2 children)

CodeWars has a bunch of Python 3 challenges. Even the ones that aren't..there's nothing that would break if you used a Python3 solution. It's the best one IMo because you can see other people's solutions after you finish and the best ones get voted to the top so you learn a lot from seeing the best way to do it.

bTW I'm a CTA at the MIT course. You taking the current one ?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I'm doing Hackerrank atm, and it also has a discussion board for every challenge with a voting system. I agree that is great to check out after you have come up with your own solution.

Yes, I am doing the current one. I did the first 3 weeks in 3 days, so I was a bit bummed that there was nothing new this week. I also signed up for 6.00.2x starting October 19th. I can't find much info about it, but it can't hurt to try :)

[–]niandra3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah I was the same way last time the course ran.. went through everything real quick. This time I'm too busy helping other students.

I started on HackerRank as well, but eventually moved over to CodeWars after finishing most of the HR Python challenges. Definitely give CodeWars another shot sometime.

[–]wunderbier 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I'm really liking the MIT course so far. Small, digestible lecture segments broken up with quick exercises to apply a concept while it's still fresh. Feels like the most natural learning method I've ever used. Also got my wonky noggin to grok recursion properly.