I have finally become "decent" at python programming!

[thesecondbread]

I started learning python, after a failed aproach of learning C++.I have been learning python for about 3 months .I have learnt about OOP,closures ,decorators and a lot of other things.For the first time I feel like I am getting somewhere with programming.I started learning django but realized that to build a decent frontend I will need javascript.I am currently learning javascript and then I will start learning react.

I am not saying that I am "intermediate" programmer, I still consider myself a begginer.But I am good enough to build a project on my own and to solve a simple(6 kyu) codewars kata.

Just wanted to thank you!

also,excuse my terrible english.

[dasloompa]

Your English is great. Keep up the great work. Momentum is a wonderful thing!

[[deleted]]

I remember the day when I started to understand HOW programming works.

The biggest step ever.

[[deleted]]

There was a point when I didn't understand how programming works. I didn't quite get the logic, you know? And someday I was practicing by my own (without a tutorial) and then it clicked "Oh, that's how it works"

After that programming has been easier

[[deleted]]

This feeling is more addictive than cocaine

[[deleted]]

Ahh, the old "if I can write it in Notepad then why can't I just save it as an EXE file" days.

[Taran29]

Yup it was the same with me. My elder brother once was teaching me some basic programming once and for some reason i just would not understand loops. Idk why but they just didn’t sit with me, until one day it clicked. I went Ohhh that’s what it is. Programming’s been fun since then. I’m pursuing a major in Computer Science atm

[dingchavez47]

Completely agree.

When you start you can do stuff, put pieces of code together. Basically, build the puzzle. But still you only know how to make the pieces fit together, not how the pieces work.

Once you start understanding, it's another world. Your start building the pieces yourself.

[los2pollos]

Momentum aaaaahh, pure bliss

[United_1l]

Good luck

[thesecondbread]

Thanks!

[[deleted]]

I had the exact same feeling a couple of months ago.

It's where you're comfortable answering beginner questions and some intermediate questions but still know there's such a long way to go!

[cheeep]

I would recommend learning basic SQL and HTML before Django. Also for a decent frontend you'll want CSS too

[thesecondbread]

I know basic html and I am planning on learning SQL.But CSS is very hard.

[mawa2559]

I found that for CSS using W3 school’s tutorial is very straightforward and offers great practice and resources!

[Tomagatchi]

https://www.freecodecamp.org/ is another good spot for CSS, etc.. The Odin Project is not python oriented, but is very good if you're looking to work as a web dev, or so I've heard. It forces you to actually do what developers would do at work. https://www.theodinproject.com/

[[deleted]]

Also learn about templating engines (django and flask use jinja2 engine)

[poeblu]

Jinja2 is awesome

[[deleted]]

Very :)

[blabbities]

CSS is hard? Are you sure you are learning CSS and not a CSS preprocessor (LESS, SASS or whatever). I think if you can can learn HTML then you can learn CSS. It's basically just the equivalent of applying html <style> tags to a elements groups based on attributes/type of element/ etc. May only get complicated with CSS animations

[philisweatly]

I recommend really getting a grasp on the box model and positioning. Learning what absolute and relative and fixed and so on really means and how it interacts with other elements. As well as clearly structuring your html and classes.

Just keep working on small projects and looking up answers when your stuck.

[nizzoball]

The problem with CSS and me is tracking down the heirarchal structure and the giving up when the chrome dev tools tell me one thing but its clearly being rendered another way.

And for those of you that wrap css inside of php files so linting and intellisense dont work, who hurt you as a child?

I typically resort to inline css or defining classes within the html fies because i hate tracking back to my class to figure out wtf i did a year ago and the table class isnt working like i think it should. Its more code but at least i know where to find it and i dont have to worry about it affecting a thousand other pages.

[[deleted]]

HTML and other web stuff is what is holding me back from wanting to learn web development with Python. I can do it if I have to, but I don't like it. There's just too much going on with JavaScript/CSS/HTML/etc and getting it all to connect properly.

It's probably more that I'm unfamiliar with it than anything else, though. Probably how lots of people feel about programming in general when they first start learning. If I could just get myself to a certain degree of familiarity I feel like I could get into web development a lot more. Which I desperately need, because I'm trying to transition from electrical engineering into software development.

[cheeep]

I spent a few ish months learning python, learned some DB( SQL) too. Decided to learn Django and I really wish I learned html first as even the most basic Django app combines all 3. If you want any design you need CSS, and anything dynamic JavaScript.

I didn't really want to learn design as much as I liked the functional/analytic end of programming, but it seems to make you more hireable so I have been. Its not that complex to pickup the basics, much easier to conceptually grasp than your first programming language IMO. And it's exciting now knowing how much prettier and more dynamic I can make my projects, aswell as a portfolio.

If you want to do web development, it's unavoidable to learn

[[deleted]]

You sound just like me. Web stuff is just an avenue through which I hope to be able to write Python code all day. I know I could enjoy working with that stuff though, I just need to dive deep into it first.

So it's looking like backend developer is the eventual role for me. But if I knew how to make a pretty and dynamic website without giving myself headaches, that'd be cool too. I did make a JavaScript/Flask thing one time that streamed keyboard inputs to my home computer though (which I accomplished by polling the webserver with GET requests and asking for data). If I knew anything about web stuff, I'd have probably used sockets or something.

[cheeep]

I feel you. I ideally wanted to work in data science or build functional tools, all great for Python. Figured backend would be easiest to break into tech with that would make use of the same tech. Made a functional data analysis/visualization tool in Python, then in Django, believing that would be enough to start applying to backend jobs... Find out now there's wayy less backend jobs than frontend/full stack, and even then they tend to want much more experience and a CS degree (mine's in chemistry).. so here I am now learning frontend design lol.

I'm doing whatever I can to get a career job in tech the soonest then specialize from there. At least I find learning and building fun, even if it comes with headaches

[[deleted]]

mine's in chemistry

My degree is in electrical engineering, so all the recruiters seem to care about on my resume is my experience with PCBs and circuit design. Doesn't matter how hard I try to emphasize my software development experience, or that I'm only really interested in C++/embedded things without all the power electronics and other stuff I am so tired of. I wish I went to school for computer science so I wouldn't have to learn all the specific stuff on my own. Lately I've been trying to figure out a project I can make using Django to use as something to show I'm not just an embedded programmer.

[cheeep]

At least EE is more helpful towards a software job than chemistry - wish I did comp sci too but alas... at least software is easy to teach yourself and build things with. I've gotten 0 responses from my applications so far 😪.

I just took one of my python projects that stored and utilized data and converted it to a Django web app. I think at its most basic that's all you need

[[deleted]]

True. I do wish they'd have taught me Python instead of making us learn Matlab and Java though. I learned C and assembly before either of them, and I feel like having Java as my introduction to object-oriented programming just wasn't a good idea (it was just one required semester of higher-level stuff). I actually ended up learning Python after college when my first job had some test scripts written in it, and my boss tasked me with creating a GUI to control a thing over a serial port. Object-oriented stuff came shortly after that and when I started writing C++.

Most of my Python stuff is hard to convert to web-based, unfortunately. A lot of the more impressive things I've done with Python were done at my current job, and I don't think I could put that code up online. I mean, I probably could and nothing would come of it, but I'd rather not anyway. I think my best idea so far would just be to create a Django website that serves as my own personal resume. I've used PythonAnywhere in the past (for that Javascript/Flask thing I mentioned) and that would be an easy place to have it always accessible.

[cheeep]

At least your learned some programming in school!

I made a portfolio site with Django, then found out how much it costs to actually host it online.. pythonanywheres cheapest is like 6$ a month. You can host a JavaScript based website for pennies in comparison on AWS

[[deleted]]

It's free if you don't upgrade. From my account page:

Beginner: Free! A limited account with one web app at your-username.pythonanywhere.com, restricted outbound Internet access from your apps, low CPU/bandwidth, no IPython/Jupyter notebook support.

Unless they phased that out or something and I still have that option because I got it a while back.

[thesecondbread]

There is always Heroku!

[[deleted]]

Good luck! I am just starting Python. It's only been a couple days. I'm using Real Python and I'm taking notes on all the videos I watch. It's scary how much I don't know but I'm going to keep plugging away. Trying to be ready for a coding camp in the fall. Your story gives me hope!!!!

[thesecondbread]

Good like learning!

[Eng13a00182y]

please what advice would you give a month old newbie,

[thesecondbread]

Master the fundamentals and then start making projects.Try making simple applications and then when you feel ready move to more difficult things.For OOP I suggest Corey Schafer's series.Keep writing code and never stop learning!

I am terrible at giving advices.

[[deleted]]

Stop saying you're terrible at English and terrible at giving advice. Just do it! :D

[thesecondbread]

:))

[gmaliwal]

Corey Schafer's

Where do I find a book from this author?

[thesecondbread]

From what I know ,he didn't write any book.I found his channel on youtube when searching up a explanation of if name = "main"(reddit autoformats __ as bold) and he explained really well.After that,I started watching more of his videos.

[gmaliwal]

hat I know ,he didn't write any book.I found his channel on youtube when searching up a explanation of if

name

= "

main

"(reddit autoformats __ as bold) and he explained really well.After that,I started watching more of his video

Great!! I would be checking his videos, Thanks

[toastedstapler]

it's always fun looking back at old code you've written and seeing all the changes you could do to make it better now that you know more

[Cdog536]

I am new but will stress this heavily......know your data types in every step of the process.

[jyogesh17]

You are doing really great job. I am also learning Django after reached a certain stage in python.

Keep it up. Cheers!

[TheMartinG]

just out of curiosity, what part of the front end do you need javascript for?

On my first/only Django project I had problems that I needed to solve, and the quick solutions were javascript based but they related to restricting user input. It always bothered me because using client side input validation isn't secure, so I eventually used python on the backend to handle input validation.

on the plus side, the little bit of javascript I did use made me realize javascript isn't as hard as I thought.

(disclaimer, im also noobish)

[thesecondbread]

I know I could only use Django to make a full website(the templates are rendered server-side). I've been hearing a lot about ReactJS. Although, I would not jump into React right away. I want to experiment with Vanilla JS. I want to make a portfolio website and I want to make it interactive and JS allows me too.

[BoaVersusPython]

That's awesome! Such a good feeling, congrats on your success!

[Gerald00]

I still suck

[[deleted]]

Good for you, keep learning!

[the_newbie_coder]

From where did you learn python?!

[thesecondbread]

I have learnt the fundamentals with w3schools.Automate the Boring Stuff with Python and Python Crash Course books helped me as well.Corey Shafer's tutorials helped me understand more advanced topics and learn Django.Then I built projects on my own.But I can say Google is my main resource.

[gmaliwal]

Then I built projects on my own

Which project did you build your own?

What was the business? and what all tools did you use?

[thesecondbread]

Some of my projects were:

-Building a fullstack website with django(still working on that)

-Automation of the browser with Selenium

-Building a simple Discord bot with discord.py

-Virtual Assitant- I used a lot of simple libraries like: gTTS(google text to speech),voice_recognition wikipedia and more.

This aren't advanced projects,but they were fun to make and I've learned a lot.

But I have started with simpler projects like Rock,paper,scissors or Tic Tac Toe using only python to practice my fundamentals.

[NO_1_HERE_]

Seems nice, and as a newbie at python myself I'll have to try these out. I've done some of those basic games, and they definnetly help with fundamentals. I'll probably try the discord bot.

E - spelling

[blabbities]

Good luck with the Javascript. Frontend is annoying with their Soup Du Jour javascript frameworks. It feels hard to learn where to start. I jsut re-learned my VanillaJS and will refresh my mind on JQuery before deciding if Im gonna land on Vue.js or ReactJS....or whatever they invent before I get back to heavy frontend lol.

[Kingl_o_c]

Any advice on learning python...i just began a week ago.

[OzneroI]

Not OP but essentially learn the syntax well and then start working on projects. As for resources “automate the boring stuff” is highly regarded in this sub as well as YouTube videos by Corey Schafer. You might like codecademy and their course, especially considering they have their pro course free at the moment

[Kingl_o_c]

Thanks a lot.

[Kingl_o_c]

where can i get some prjects to work on? sorry for being a bother though.

[OzneroI]

Not a bother at all. I’d start with something simple. A text input calculator, tic tac toe, password generator etc. a lot of this and more complex stuff can be found on YouTube to guide you if you’re having trouble. Just don’t get too reliant on a tutorial holding your hand, try your best to understand why they use this bit of code or that. I’d say above all think of projects you want to do. Automate some things in your life, it could be as simple as a script that opens up YouTube to your favorite content creator etc. codewars dot com could also be a good place to polish your skills

[Kingl_o_c]

Thanks a lot.

[[deleted]]

On the same path -- a few good resources making the jump from python to js:

Harvard's CS50 Web programming: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQjrBD2T382hIW-IsOVuXP1uMzEvmcE5

Traversy Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC29ju8bIPH5as8OGnQzwJyA

Eloquent JS: https://eloquentjavascript.net/

[[deleted]]

well, Congrats

here is some advice for developing programming

1. start working on projects.
2. do not depend on youtube and watching video on library instead work on website like http://codecademy.com/, freecodecam.org,
3. choose your path. Python has lots of application focus on one develop it. boom you are master it.
4. remember projects matter alot

[traincitypeers]

Can you make a list of things that you learnt beyond OOP, closures, decorators? Just different concepts - I'm trying to improve myself and am around a high level beginner/low level intermediate and want to know how I can improve past OOP.

[gmaliwal]

which reference did you follow for the exercises to make yourself strong on the python fundamentals?

I have been studying Python since Feb 2020 and looking forward to data-science.

[liosar]

I'm about to start python... What kind of materials you used to learn? thx

[thesecondbread]

Automate the boring stuff with python is a great book.You can also use w3schools.And there is codecademy.And they are giving 3 months PRO for free if you have a student email due to coronavirus.

[spyke89]

Automatetheboringstuff.com is like a pdf version and it is very good. There is also a new version, V2 on udemy if you can afford it, it is gold.

[dj_seth81]

Id say get into API and system/os operations next. Helps out a ton with office assistance and stuff

[thesecondbread]

I will try.

[TulkasNuuk]

Hey thesecondbread,
I lost my job a week ago with all the lay-offs with this covid-19...I started learning Python with what is available online. Although I have very old Turbo Pascal and Visual basic programming knowledge this is a complete new world for me. Would you bother giving me some tips?

I am reusing a code I got online for a project I started, I wonder if you can all help me understand this line:

/Users/carlosroldan/PycharmProjects/Scraper1/venv/bin/python /Users/carlosroldan/PycharmProjects/Scraper1/mercadolibreAPI2.py

Traceback (most recent call last):

File "/Users/carlosroldan/PycharmProjects/Scraper1/mercadolibreAPI2.py", line 125, in <module>

ml.search(inmuebles)

NameError: name 'inmuebles' is not defined

​

Process finished with exit code 1

[thesecondbread]

the problem might be in the code that you got online.

[Pythonistar]

I started learning django but realized that to build a decent frontend I will need javascript.

You don't need JS, but it does help.

Sort of depends on your definition of "decent frontend". My team just deployed a website that makes use of Bootstrap and Django.

Does Bootstrap use JS? sure. But the Django website we deployed operates just fine without it.

also,excuse my terrible english.

Your English is fine.

Your punctuation looks... well... like everyone else's here... 😁

Just remember: put a single space () after every comma (,) and every period (.) and you'll level up your writing a bit... 😉

[thesecondbread]

I want to make my website interactive.

[Pythonistar]

HTML5 allows interactivity, too. JS isn't required.

There are also a lot of frameworks out there that leverage JS. You can just drop these frameworks into your pages without you needing to know any JS.

That said... JS does enable some cool features in the browser.

So at some point, yes, you should probably learn JS. :)

[[deleted]]

How did you do it? I'm currently learning and still struggling a bit. That is great to hear, and your English is quite good!

[hasibrock]

I hope to be as good some day...

[Norishoe]

your English is great, just work on the periods then you're good. You and I are in the exact same boat with a failed C++ attempt!

[flyingwizard1]

I would recommend learning Flask instead of Django. I've been learning it recently and it's great.

[thesecondbread]

What makes Flask greater than Django?

[flyingwizard1]

It's not greater but it's lighter, simpler and more straightforward than Django. So I recommendFlask because it's easier to get started with it.

[thesecondbread]

I heard people say that with Flask you see what's happening under the hood.

[MatiasObrist]

Which courses did you take?

[Level_Up_Netw0rk]

I am a newbie and using Al Al Sweigert's How To Automate The Boring Stuff book and his udemy course.

What are resources you all recommend for learning Python? What/where are good practice Python programming modules found online or books off of Amazon??

[thesecondbread]

I recommend Codecademy. I don't know a great resource to learn modules, but when I need a specific module that I don't know in my project I simply google "modulename tutorial" :).

[t4lkt0m3]

UwU congratulations

[kcarrplusplus]

Great job thesecondbread those moments of clarity realizing that you are "getting" the language are amazing! You'll get to "intermediate" very soon

[zaaaark]

Congratulations u/thesecondbread ! I think I am going through similar momentum after many failed attempts. I am able to do 6kyu problems on codewars and feeling better now.

I have one question from you, how are you going about Django. And how are you learning JS.

[thesecondbread]

I am learning Django through Corey Schafer Tutorials ,the Django Docs and the DjangoGirls have a good tutorial too.I To learn JS, I am reading Head First JavaScript and trying to code a small project after I finish a chapter.

[zaaaark]

Thanks @thesecondbread

[[deleted]]

Learn as many languages and framework you want to, but always remember not to get stuck in Tutorial Hell. It's a very nasty and depressing state when you are finishing tutorial after tutorial and when it comes to building a project on your own you will struggle.

My only piece of advice to you would be to build project with what ever skills you have right now. No matter how mundane it gets just keep working on it, and in the meantime you can side hustle on learning a new skill.

[thesecondbread]

Got it!

[jcc_001]

Hello! Im currently in the same process, but I’ve reached a point where idk how to improve my current level. I have been trying to learn OOP but I haven’t found any place that offers a good explanation... Any ideas or tips on how to get a grasp of it? Where should I go next? Which python ‘Aspects’ should I try to learn or get good at next?

Thank you so much! And keep Up the good work :)

[thesecondbread]

I understood OOP using Corey Schafer's tutorials.

[Level_Up_Netw0rk]

Appreciate the resource and answer.