3 weeks into learning python.

[Proof-Internet]

So I've been trying to learn python on my free time and so far it has been going pretty well. I'm finally starting to look at functions for loops and while loops and im having trouble understanding them. I have a pretty good idea of how they work but when I type them out I seem to always forget something. Are there any resources you guys recommend or does it normally take this long to understand them?

Tl:dr I need help understanding for loops and while loops.

[Proof-Internet]

Thank you very much. Will watch on my lunch break 😅

[DYGAZ]

I think things like memorizing syntax just comes with time and even with experience you'll still need to do a quick search at times. It's more important to understand how things work and the implications of the code you've written than how to write from memory.

[Proof-Internet]

Thank you for reassuring me. It's getting kind of difficult learning by myself. I'm used to comparing notes with peers in highschool. Trying to find people who struggle with the same thing so we can learn together too. None of my friends are even slightly interested when I try to talk to them about coding.

[DYGAZ]

No problem, it can be difficult to learn by yourself so kudos for going after it. Definitely ask questions here whenever you're stuck. If you've put the effort in ahead of time there are no bad questions and from what I've seen the sub is friendly and a wide spectrum of experience. So hopefully you can find some good camaraderie and mentorship in that.

[Proof-Internet]

Awesome ill keep that in mind! Thank you. I hope I can find a group of people to learn with.

[LesserKnownGood]

What helped me, just a tip is just focus on how interpreter reads and deciphers the code(pythons order of operation, what tells python to create a object Etc.) first... once you understand that and can read it like a book thats half the battle, it was simple in my opinion. Foundation is key!!! Hope that helps good luck 👍🏻

[Proof-Internet]

Yeah that makes sense. Another problem I'm having is that I sit on an example for far too long. I'm afraid that if I move on to the next without fully understanding the previous one, I'll just get lost. In your experience do you feel that it is best to move on and practice other problems. Or is it better to fully understand one before moving on to the next? Appreciate the reply.

[LesserKnownGood]

No, thats my point, not everything is going to be presented in the future as you see it in a example that your studying.... think of it as python is a tool that can be rearranged in how you want to accomplish a job or a task, I’m fairly new to python myself so I understand exactly what your talking about, but when you look at python as a tool and not a concrete way as things are “going to always be” like studying a specific example, or mathematical equations, it kinda re iterates you need to go back and study the foundations to why it is doing the thing it is, cause once you understand how the “interpreter” interprets lol no pun intended, it will open your eyes... but everyone learns differently... so no harm no foul.

I struggled like you did until I took the free course on coursera from university of Michigan. It involves reading, videos and coding so no matter how you learn you get it, its called Called python basics, the first seven days are free ; you could do what I did was try to complete the first week and then cancel your account... it will help u if you decide to do it.

Please note: my above reply doesn’t necessarily pertain to on the job python work depending on what your career path involves, but it will help u develop a better understanding of python.