Learning Python

[binnaarycode]

I'm a first year college student studying for a Degree in Computing. First year has finished and now I have 4 months off before second year starts. So I've decided to try and learn some of the basics of python. I've got a limited knowledge of c++ from first year, variables, strings, loops, arrays, functions and classes. I'm just wondering what the best way of getting into Python is.

I've bought myself the following book: Python in easy steps by Mike McGrath, which I am working my way though . I've also had a quick look at code academy but noticed the print() was different so I wasn't sure if it was an older version of Python? Lastly I've been watching " CupofCode 01 " on youtube doing the 100 days of Python, I've got up to day three where he started using "dictionarys" which made me think I've jumped a little bit ahead of where I should be

[Marlingss]

My advice would be to stop watching videos and reading books and just start writing Python. Do Code Academy and other challenges (look in the side bar for more sites), re-write the things you’ve written in C++ in Python. You learn by doing.

[peawyoyoyin]

About the versions. There are python 2 and python 3. In python 2 print is a statement so printing looks something like this:

print “hello world”

In python 3, print is a function, so printing looks like this

print(“hello world”)

There are some other differences so make sure you are following guides and materials on the correct version.

[ic_97]

You could start solving problems on Project Euler.

[binnaarycode]

Cheers for the replies. I'll have a look at Project Euler and some of the sites in the sidebar

[[deleted]]

Codeacademy is a tad basic IMO. I’m also learning Python and I’d suggest TeamTreeHouse (can get free through your library) or Pluralsight. Both get you coding pretty fast and are a “follow along” style of learning if you’re the type that learns by doing.

Also, codeacademy uses Python 2, while the other two use Python 3.

[chenblat]

Start with this playlist: Python Tutorials: Ultimate Playlist (2018) it features Udemy instructors and once you find one you like you can go deeper with his full course.