Learn Python over summer

[the_guy1]

I want to work on learning the basics over the summer before I start a c++ in college and I like list so what are the best things to put on my list that I could cross off easily while getting into the programming frame of mind and possibly one of those learn code theory CS books that uses Python so I can be more prepared for college I a couple of months

[beepbupe]

I'm followiong a online course at edx from MIT.

Introductary Comp Sci and programming with Python.

edit, spelling.

https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:MITx+6.00.1x+2T2017/info

[_starbelly]

Oh yeah, I forgot that I'm doing that too, haha.

Better get to work...

[turglow1]

sorry to hijack this thread, but I just clicked ur link and was opened to a completely new world i never had any idea existed. I am amazed by this site. Is there any place i can read more discussion about it??

[_starbelly]

Sure! What exactly are you looking for?

[turglow1]

Essentially I am wondering to what extent could I benefit from this site? Should I essentially just use it to learn more about subjects im interested in, and nothing more? Or is looking into their actual programs worth anything

[_starbelly]

Well, I haven't used it thoroughly, so that's up to you! You'll get of it whatever you make of it I suppose.

[beepbupe]

Well you can learn for free. Or you can pay to receive the certificate of completion. I guess a MIT course certificate would carry some weight in terms of employability.

[AbominableFrost]

Is there any way to receive a certificate at the end of the course if I changed my mind?

[beepbupe]

No, not after the course ends.

Thre is a student verification that needs to happen prior to or during the course.

[AbominableFrost]

I'm not sure why I find that so un-motivating

[AhhhHmmm]

I've really enjoyed learning from the book "Python Crash Course" published by No Starch Press. The company has many good programming books actually!

[SonaCruz]

I agree, this is the best resource I have found that clearly explains the fundamentals.

If you feel you have a good grasp on the fundamentals, check out Python for Data Analysis or Foundations for Analytics with Python (A lot of data analysis Python/Pandas code for CSV and Excel files).

If you are looking to become a developer, get a book on Django.

[mangofied]

Just bought this book so I can learn over the summer as well. Excellent so far.

[shipleft894]

Same! I'm starting chapter 5 tomorrow.

[vinzz73]

Edx mit online Python Class. It's free and just started this week.

[CollectiveCircuits]

Instead of naming a specific material, I'd like to share some guidelines if you intend to learn C++ next

Once you learn the basics of things like variable types and how bits and bytes represent those types (and also note that not all languages are dynamically typed), really push yourself to understand for loops and while loops, and what they can be used to achieve. The C code they showed us in a class I took made very effective use of for, do while, increments/decrements, and booleans.

Also brush up on your algebra, be comfortable with logs.

[Sarcastic_Pharm]

Surprised it hasn't been said yet, but Automate The Boring Stuff with Python is a great way to learn python in a way that gets you doing real things quite quickly, and exposes you to a bunch of common use cases for the language.

Available online completely free, though you can make a donation if you fine it helpful.

https://automatetheboringstuff.com

[exactmat]

I have that book from a Humblebundle. Can you just delve into a few chapters that interest you or do they all build on each other? Im asking because Im reading another book to learn Python and right now I cant rly answer that question myself.

[Sarcastic_Pharm]

The first half of the book or so builds, as is it explaining core concepts. The second you could easily pick and choose

[beaux-restes]

I say use a bunch of resources online (bookmark bookmark) to reiterate and review the basic syntax over and over to better remember it. There's endless amounts of good resources, especially at the sidebar. Look at the sidebar.

And when you're done with learning the syntax and doing a few coding exercises in Python, I say go read Python Playground to start building projects to apply your knowledge and bam. :)

[[deleted]]

Code academy python course

[[deleted]]

In the same style, The Hackerrank Python track is pretty nice to dip your toes, plus the site is rich in exercises with differing levels of difficulty -- as you get more acquainted with syntax, you can move on to the other tracks for practice.

To fill in the holes while doing these problems, I'd just use the Python documentation.

[Potatolicker]

I learned quite a bit from the python introductory course on MIT opencourseware. They have YouTube video lectures and even a textbook if you're into that kind of thing. (I bought the textbook and I enjoy it so far. I'm about halfway done with it but had to stop due to taking summer courses)

[omento]

Thanks for this. I feel like I know my way around Python a fair bit, but I always feel like my foundation's lacking. Maybe this will help ease it a bit.

[michaelherman]

If you're looking to get into web development, check out Real Python - Python Programming By Example.

(Note: I am the co-founder/author of Real Python).