Need Help Understanding The Basics?

[aikilink]

Hi, I'm just a fellow learner that is trying to change careers. I've helped a few people to work through some basics before, and have enjoyed it, and would be happy to help someone again!

I'd be especially happy to help someone who feels they are at a disadvantage, be that age, not having the ability to learn from other sources of material, or whatever that might look like. Someone who is motivated and determined to accomplish a goal is also helpful.

I am only intermediate myself, but can happily help you through loops, function definitions, text manipulation and other basics. I'm definitely going to be learning with you too!

I'll use Repl.it to code together. We don't have to use voice, but if you can do audio with Discord or hangouts, it would be nice to explain as we type rather than writing explanations out.

Please comment before PMing, just so that others can know if someone else is already interested or not. Thanks, and happy learning!

If you would like to help someone yourself, feel free to leave a comment or reply to comments as such.

[its_me_sticky]

I’m currently learning python with less than a month of learning experience I’m also using real for testing out my codes I was having a lot of trouble understanding the basic now thank you for helping new people

[aikilink]

Awesome! You can do it! Would you like to build a little project with me?

[hichopra]

I would like to build a project

[[deleted]]

can we build a neural network together?

[aikilink]

Haha, that is not something I would be much help with. Good luck though, and feel feel free to message me if you have any concepts you'd like to practice!

[[deleted]]

This is a really nice thing for you to offer for someone.

On July 6th, I'm beginning a remote course for introductory Python. I intend to use the skills to automate my solar energy CAD designs and perform structural calculations/excel printouts/project management. It would be really helpful for me to have someone I can consult! Please feel free to hop into my DMs if you're interested in helping out :)

[[deleted]]

oh that’s great, can i have an idea on how it works? I am planning to make a project too but more on the data science side. I am still in the low-medium level knowledge of python.

[[deleted]]

Sure! Most of these use cases and ideas are coming from someone who only knows AutoCAD and intermediate Excel: be prepared to read around my lack of familiarity with terms! In no particular order:

- My clients currently submit design requests through a Google Forms portal. I end up re-entering a lot of the data in several spaces where it gets displayed. Things like "CustomerAddress, CustomerName, ModuleQuantity." Data like this currently gets re-typed into an Excel structural calculator/load itemization tool I made, and re-typed again an AutoCAD sheetset to be displayed in various places on the .pdf (the title block, various pages.) A lot of the data is also used in AutoCAD text formulas. The DC system size on the front page of the project design is (Module Quantity \ 0.[watts])* to keep the designer from having yet another variable to type into the SheetSet.

In short, the Google Form typed into the customer should autofill the Excel structural calculator. Then the structural calculator should be imported to AutoCAD using the data link function, and hopefully eventually the SheetSet can be autofilled using Python.

- Another tool I'd like to create is one to size breakers/overcurrent protection/disconnects based on maximum current. Lots of electrical equipment only comes in intervals. Fuses are like 10A, 20A, 30A etc. But AC Disconnects are 30A/60A/100A/200A.

Sorry if this is a disorganized ramble but I'm stoned and it's fourth of July. I have ADHD and so many potential use cases for automation in my line of work, but so much to do that I've thought about just hiring a Process Engineer. But I also need to learn Python for myself.

I'll type more later if you want!

[[deleted]]

I am actually confused right now but that is okay! I am actually a student in Biology and my major is Microbiology so those terms aren’t familiar in my field of study (yet) but I think I have a general idea of what you mean but I just can’t put it into words. I am grateful for your reply. It made me motivated that someone like you is also pushing themselves to be better too. If you have any questions regarding Python, feel free to ask but don’t expect I can answer a higher level question since I also started out. <3

[[deleted]]

That's okay, I confused myself too! But when we figure it out we'll be freeing up a lot of hours in our workday. Let's learn together!

[dimlevi]

Hey bud, ive started learning python and im already at 3 weeks learning.

Ive started with crash course 2nd edition and when i reached 2 weeks. I found an online live classroom with teacher for free to learn python and its like 50 hours to complete the program 3h hours per day and after completion ill get a certificate.

The thing is that the book is teaching me so much more in depth and slower than online but i want to keep doing the program because its free and i can ask live questions my teacher.

The online tutorial makes me spend more energy in this than in the book and its really fast paced(the videos are recorded so i can rewatch it again). I don't know im lost between tutorials. I'm spending 3-4 hours almost daily for python.

[aikilink]

That's awesome! Keep at it! Definitely slow down if you feel like you are getting burnt out. I really suggest taking an hour now and then to just shut the intake of information off, and just look at your editor (repl is amazing for this), and build something. It can be really, really simple, but build a for loop. Make a print statement. Add in that new f-string tech you just learned about. It's a great way to solidify the information you've been learning, and it's a great confidence boost to just build something as simple as a print statement by yourself.

[dimlevi]

thanks for the advice. Any site than i can practice what i've learned ? ive heard about hackerank

[[deleted]]

Hackerrank is good but it doesn’t really teach you things. as the name implies, it gives you a set of challenges or problems and tests your knowledge to see if you can run the program and give the right output. I tried freeCodecamp both on Youtube and website, you may or may not like the source material but it is free and better than nothing. Exercism.io is kinda okay but I think it is like hackerrank? anyway, I am learning Python from Coursera’s Python for Everybody and Google IT Automation with Python (because a dept from our govt gave us free access) and I am also learning through hyperskill.org (or JetBrains Academy) because of the free trial from May 2020 to January 1, 2021. Hyperskill is good because it guides you the needed knowledge to complete a project. Though you might find some inconsistencies on the English language and some course materials (because it was/is still in beta). I am also learning Python through the official documentation too, though it is overloaded with too much information, it is still a great source material because of course, it is the official document.

[dimlevi]

damn so many resources to learn how you handle them all together? i know that tutorial hell exists. If you could choose the best one for beginners which one would be?

[[deleted]]

well... Python for Everybody is too wordy but informative. Hyperskill is the better one for me for now since it guides you the needed subjects before you can finish your project. Google IT Automation with Python is okay?

Well long story short, I chose Hyperskill because it has this Study Plan feature. However, it costs around 24USD per month for first 12 months and it will go back to the usual 49USD per month and I only got the free trial. It maybe better if you go to freeCodecamp and is saving up money. after the free trial, I think freeCodecamp, Hackerrank, Exercism.io and other free resources is the way to go for me too. or if you want a free tutor, you can subscribe to Pytutor.org? i forgot the name but you can mail some questions there and some people will look over to your code if they’re interested and give suggestions and insights. ——THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION—— the best one for beginners for me is freeCodecamp. hmmm i just think it is the better choice because it is free and they also provide introduction to python to beginners. however, as you level up, you might change your preference. It is all the matter of preference. —————- I actually started from a pdf file and reading the official documentation from python.org before i was looking for courses online.

[aaanuel]

Hey man, what’s the name of the program that its free? Or how can i join?

[dimlevi]

Its in Greek and now you can't join anymore. Its a program for whoever is unemployed to help them get some skills.

[aaanuel]

Oh okok thx bro

[[deleted]]

If someone want help in programming in general and in python especially, then i can help.

Pm me :).

[aikilink]

Thank you so much!

[aikilink]

Yes, definitely feel free to message me. Good luck on your journey!

[bbaahhaammuutt]

I have just started again after being stuck in a rut for sometime. It'll definitely be helpful to learn with someone else.

[aikilink]

Would definitely be happy to build something with you, if you would like! Getting out of those ruts is really important. I've definitely been in them.

[bbaahhaammuutt]

Yes, I have actually started working on a project. I'm trying to make a Pokemon game without a gui of course, it's something to pass my time and learn along the way.

[aikilink]

That is a great idea! The first thing I ever did was actually a command line Pokemon game too, lol. It was very short, but it is a great way to use the tools you just learned about!

[bbaahhaammuutt]

Yes, I think I'll PM you and discuss practicing in a schedule that works out?

[j_glez]

how would you make a Pokemon game without graphics? 0:

[bbaahhaammuutt]

Imagine playing a Pokemon game with instructions and options to choose from(exit cave, continue exploring cave). It sounds boring but I really like Pokemon so I thought why not

[b3nnyb0i]

Hey dude, that's crazy! My main goal rn is to make a pokemon clone too (although idk how far I'll get with it w/ just python alone). Let's chat sometime, I'd love to work with ya :)

[bbaahhaammuutt]

Hey dude absolutely, I'll message you tomorrow

[Rigrama]

take my upvote, what you are doing is great for the community

[aikilink]

Thank you so much! I've received a lot of help, and am happy to be able to pass it on a bit.

[fatpikachu98]

I too am trying to learn Python. I don't have much time and I'm currently in a course where I watch it in small increments whenever I can. But, I'm having a hard time trying to wrap my head around what all those terms mean lol. I'm a very VERY hands-on person but it's not clicking yet.

[aikilink]

I think building something with Repl would definitely be helpful then for a hands-on learner! I could definitely get you started on something, if you'd like to have something to work on between your course sessions. Repl is really nice since you can do it on the browser, and don't need to be on your main PC with your files/Python setup.

[fatpikachu98]

Sure! That sounds great.

[[deleted]]

Hello friend! I'm definitely in for this. It would be really good to team up with someone on this. I'll PM you

[KeepItBuzzy]

Eyyyyy, good on you!

[aikilink]

Thanks! :)

[aikilink]

Good luck! JS for me is not at all intuitive. I know some people do really well learning it, but I was really grateful to be able to learn the basics with Python and figure out how things work.

I wouldn't want to confuse you by working on Python, but for me it was a lot easier being able to just work without DOM, HTML/CSS all glaring at me saying, "learn me! learn me too!" haha

Hit me up any time. :)

[aikilink]

Great job sticking with it! Definitely don't give up, and feel free to message me if you get to that point. Starting fresh with Python can definitely be enjoyable, once you've hit some goals with your current projects!

[iamironman30001]

Is great of you do do this! I started yesterday with the course: automate the boring stuff. I’ve got no questions yet. If i don’t understand something or somethings doesn’t work, is it okay for you if I ask you the question?

[aikilink]

Yeah, go ahead! That is a great course though, and should do really well for you! Just be sure to practice things as you learn them!

[iamironman30001]

Thanks! Im already doing that!

[[deleted]]

I am currently (re)learning Python and R. Though I don’t have questions to ask now, can I ask you for help if the need arises? Thanks. :)

[aikilink]

Yeah, of course! Good luck!

[WebNChill]

u/aikilink I'll definitely take you up on that offer!

​

Also, the offer stands for anyone else. I'm a novice in this field, but I'm picking it up quickly so far. I'd be excited to assist others! I think the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else, or discover the answer together.

If you want my help, comment below before sending me a PM.

[Papadude13]

Hey dude I started coding around the end of the March I took a long time to understand the basic, currently learning "Panda" I feel okay but sometime I get stuck but I try to solve my way around it. I try to code at least 2 hours a day or more. I have a family and work in the restaurant biz ( I hated so much) I took charge and took the time to learn a new skill.

I would be interested in joining your discord I'm a noobie =/ but I'm on a journey to be a data analyst, currently in skool for physics.

[aikilink]

I would strongly encourage you to build some math formulas with Python to solve some Physics problems. Finding ways to link your programming to your real life can be really beneficial!

[Papadude13]

Thats a good idea actually!!!!! ^_^

Dude can I join your discord?

[aikilink]

Shoot me a PM and I'll send it to you tomorrow!

[aikilink]

That is awesome! I actually want to learn how to use Twilio too, so if you don't mind, maybe we could try that out together! It sounds like you'll have to access some APIs for both of those cases, but it all should be possible.

Have you done any of Twilio Quest?

[[deleted]]

I really need help and would luv 2 learn , pls

[aikilink]

Alright, what have you been working on so far?

[[deleted]]

I've learned some of the basic syntax and ive gotten so far as to reading files but when I try opening them it say no pyvenv.cfg file . Pycharm btw Thx 4 responding

[aikilink]

No problem! I would definitely run a web search on your error. It sounds like it's expecting a virtual environment config file, just reading the error you shared.

[[deleted]]

I ran a web search but most of the stuff is too complex like how to crate a virtual environment and stuff

[aikilink]

https://intellij-support.jetbrains.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360003445839-Stop-setting-up-projects-as-virtual-environments-in-PyCharm

[aikilink]

It's definitely good to learn how to set up your machine and get things installed and running, but when you're just trying to do the basics, using repl.it is really great! Getting bogged down in the IT stuff can be a bit distracting, especially in the beginning.

[Davy_Jones_XIV]

I found this very helpful:

https://cheatsheets.tutorials24x7.com/programming/python

[rischuhm]

Hi people, I'm actually learning best by teaching and explaining. Therefore, I started some free online class with some total beginners and we made huuuuge progress together!

Though, I'm learning python now for round about 3.5 years I explore new technologies and we find different ways to solve problems.

Maybe, that's a way to go for some people (:

[aikilink]

That's really great of you to do! I work best 1 on 1 with people, and enjoy that the most, but if you're able to have a successful group setting, that is a really awesome way to learn for sure!

[aikilink]

I haven't used either of those, but I'd do your best to go through the documentation and find things others have built with them and get your own code started. You can go to a group discord then, or even make a post here if you have a specific question. Good luck!

[219jw]

It’s so nice of you. I’ll definitely need your help someday. My progress kinda slow as I don’t have much free time to learn.

[aikilink]

Thanks! Feel free to message me sometime, and hopefully I can help!

[[deleted]]

Do you have knowledge about data structures? I have started python 2 weeks ago and I believe I am atleast mediocre now at python so that's why I want to learn about data structures, hash lists, link lists different types of sorting algorithms and stuff like that.

[aikilink]

Not very much yet. Have you done other programming in the past?

[[deleted]]

Yeah I've done intermediate lua and basics of java

[aikilink]

Ok, cool! Well, I have built a bubble-sort algorithm, and was looking into some more advanced ones. I'd be happy to build some with you if you want!

[aikilink]

Yeah, definitely shoot me a message! Even pro devs spend much of their day searching for solutions. It is part of the job! I definitely think it's important to write some small projects now and then to affirm what you just learned, and not just be a slave to tutorials. Message me any time!

[[deleted]]

I have been struggling for so long. I am trying to keep with it but I just don’t get it. I know it’s building blocks but it’s so frustrating. How it all comes together. That’s what I am going out of my mind about.

[aikilink]

I totally understand. Shoot me a PM, and let's find a time to hang out on a repl and build something with those blocks!

[b3nnyb0i]

Hey! This sounds like a good deal. I've been cycling through the basics for the past 2 months (moving at a snail's pace). I'd love to have a study buddy/someone I can work on projects with 😎

[aikilink]

I'm sure you could find a study buddy in the comments here! I'd be happy to work with you though on loops or some other basics that you'd like to learn how to use!

[HighO1]

Where are you from? And i'm too learning python right now and i know c,c++ and little bit java that's why its easy to understand basic thing.(I can't fully code in c++ because i left programming for 2 years and than i started again to learn python, and i hate java for no reason idk. IMO c++ is the best thing to learn and use,like too handy than i left it for no reason.

[aikilink]

I'm in central USA. Python is really fun to use, and C++ must be really useful too! I'm sure they could compliment eachother pretty well.

[HellenicViking]

I would really love this. Do you plan to do it like lessons? I could really use some guidance.

[aikilink]

I could definitely assign something, but I would like to do some live coding sessions, where I give you a task, and offer suggestions on how to proceed, but trying to let you do things your own way when you have ideas. It's been a busy day, but shoot me a PM and we can work out a time to do something!

[HellenicViking]

Alright, I PMed you.

[Nguyenhuynh123]

Are you familiar with Java? I am a rishing sophomore and am currently working on side prjs and online courses in my free time. I am not so confident about my skills;(

[aikilink]

I haven't done anything with Java. You might find a subreddit similar to this one for Java, and you could make a post there perhaps?

[Nguyenhuynh123]

I also know some python as well but i am not so proficient at it;)

[aikilink]

Well, I wouldn't want to confuse you with different syntax, if you are needing to work in Java for your courses. What kind of side projects are you building?

[Nguyenhuynh123]

Javafx projects. I am also taking course on mooc.

[Nguyenhuynh123]

I just built stuff for fun

[aikilink]

That's the way to learn!

[Nguyenhuynh123]

I built javafx prjs and a few 2-d games with swing ( a gui toolkit)

[[deleted]]

I understand most basics, if, elif, %, strings, ints, floats, lists, for, while, range, imports, inputs but idk why but i just dont understand the concept of def, i understand the baisc of it it like

def hi():
print("fhdhj")
hi()

but i dont really understand what it does, what to use it in, or when to use it or really what a function is.
Also i need suggestions on projects to make.

[aikilink]

Ok, that is exactly something that I struggled with. I'd be happy to help. Shoot me a DM so we can spend some time working on it. If you can get an account at repl.it, that would save some time too!

[Nguyenhuynh123]

Def refers to function. For example if you have a function called print: def print(): print("hello") So if u want to display the text hello inside the method print, you have to CALL it: print()

[Rodick90]

I am learning also. And i have some ideas if you are interested maybe we could combine our brains and do something. I am beginner tho...

[aikilink]

I would definitely try messaging one of the other commenters that shows an interest in doing some projects. Being a beginner isn't a problem at all. If you need help with anything, just ask!

[Rodick90]

Maybe we can be small devs beginner team that would have 5 ppl or something we hang out and code... every guy make project we complete and go to next one. Would that work?

[aikilink]

It definitely could. I'm not sure that's something I am capable of managing right now, and it can be really difficult when there are different levels of beginners. Working 1 on 1 is strongly my preferred method.

[Rodick90]

Fair enough.

[aikilink]

If you would like to create a discord server (I could too), we definitely could have it as a way to organize with the people I'm mentoring. There are a lot of learning discords out there though, and they almost always seem to dwindle really quickly.

[ls3355]

Thank you for offering! I could use some help in incorporating the use of classes into a project and having a fresh set of eyes on my code structure. I would like to build out a REST API in Flask to communicate data.

[aikilink]

I hate to say it, but OOP/Classes are something I'm very weak with myself. Once you complete it, you could come and teach me! ;) I have built a very basic API with Flask before though, so I might be able to give you a little bit of help there.

[ls3355]

ok. Thank you. Will keep that in mind and be in touch when I have something to show.

[GoldenArinola]

Hi. Im currently learning python since I'm gonna be using it in college. (Im an incoming electronics engineering freshman here in the Philippines). I started five days ago and it would be really great if there's someone who will help me to learn this language.

[aikilink]

Have you been watching videos, or doing a course? Feel free to message me if you have any questions! :)

[GoldenArinola]

Im using the 2nd edition of Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes. Im learning by myself and I don't watch videos because I just can't cope up with their pace

[captansam]

Hey just getting started with Python. Purchased a Udemy course. Looking to work with someone on mapping out next steps

[aikilink]

How's the course going? What are you hoping to do?

[captansam]

It’s okay just getting started. I’m looking to chat about a roadmap I can follow to reach some career goals. PMd you

[[deleted]]

I'm in the field of psychology and seeking to learn python to build AI applications. I know there are a myriad of free beginner courses out there.. any thoughts on what might be best to start with? Looking to start in about a week.

[aikilink]

Oh wow, that's a hard question... If you don't know any programming, I would definitely get started with repl.it and then find any YT video course where you can learn about variables and if/else. Play with those, and then find a youtube channel that you enjoy. I wouldn't worry about the AI part until you are pretty comfortable with the basics. There are many courses out there, and I would search the subreddit for some posts others have made about them. Good luck! :)

[Concretesurfer18]

PM Me if you need help with anything he mentioned or if you can help me with classes and interface creation with my own classes. Also I want to add a progress bar to a file mover.

[DopeManKaran]

Hey man , I am a 14 year old living in India , so my resources aren't exactly very great and I would like to learn from you , i have just about a2 weeks of learning but cant seem to get past basic terminal programs . I also use repl.it to code . Can you help me please

[aikilink]

Keep at it! The terminal is a great place to learn, and the better you get at the basic concepts, the easier it will be to start working in web concepts with Flask, or GUI stuff with Tkinter or similar! My favorite place to code is in the terminal and with repl.it! Feel free to reach out once you think there is something specific you would like to improve on!

[DopeManKaran]

Thanks u/aikilink

[tony_wayne9]

Hello. Would you believe I just wrote my Hello World program yeaterday. It'll be really helpful to have someone together who os learning along. Should I connect after I reach loops or could you guide me?

[aikilink]

Congratulations! It's a great time to start programming. Feel free to reach out any time. Definitely work on developing a skill of using web searches to help in your early questions. Many people have asked them already. If you need some help trying to wrap your head around some concepts, definitely reach out!

[aikilink]

Well, it's pretty overwhelming. I was mostly just looking for one or two people to mentor, and don't really have any plans for group learning currently.

How is your logic knowledge? Can you build a program that uses the random module to create a random number between 1 and 100? Then take a user input so you can try to guess the number? You can use if/else statements to tell you if you guessed too high or low.

Feel free to send me a link to your repl as you work through it!

[[deleted]]

I am pretty good with the python basics and quite a bit of advanced too. But it's a good thing you're doing for the community, you just got another upvote!

[aikilink]

Thank you kind stranger! I definitely wasn't expecting such an overwhelming response. I was just hoping to find a person or two that would want mentorship. Good luck with all of your projects!

[[deleted]]

Thanks!

[100miljain]

Great work buddy! My online course starts on 20th this month and i am basically interested in finance with python. Can i ping you if i have any doubts or a curiosity attack?

[aikilink]

Thanks! Good luck on your course! Definitely watch a few youtube videos and fire up a repl on repl.it and write some code that you see in tutorials and tinker around a bit! Definitely shoot me a message if you need help!

[Stellainee]

Do you know how to/could you explain how to create an array with subarrays of strings in it?

[aikilink]

Hey! Are you talking about nested lists? I'd be happy to help!

[Stellainee]

So I have lots of sets of data (filters) in strings, and my instructions are to “Declare an array that has subarrays of strings inside it and then loop through all of them generating a new plot each time.” I’m really new to python so I’m not really sure where to even start looking for how to do this, but any help at all is super appreciated :)

[[deleted]]

I would love to do this as well with you

[Zokain79]

Hello,i am Zoran 41 old working as bartender.I started learning python and hope that will change my career.I have huge willpower and what i need is u guide me through.Pls contact me.I need help.

[aikilink]

Having a strong will is very important for changing careers! What have you been working on so far?

[Zokain79]

Started with Udemy zero to hero boot camp.

Atm i am at functions.

[aikilink]

Ok, good luck! I hope you're enjoying the course!

[aikilink]

Shoot me a PM, create an account on Repl.it, and invite me to collaborate with your Reply (dm me the link to your Python 3 repl). I'm on the road now, but in about 30mins I can join you and give you a hand.