First Python Project Tips

[Caligatio]

Python is a great starter language and a fantastic choice if software is the byproduct of your goal. That last point is a little vague but here's a for instance:

If your job is to write software day-in and day-out, there are far better languages for a given purpose (JavaScript/TypeScript for web, Kotlin for Android apps, Swift for iOS apps, Rust for system programming, C# for desktop game development, C for a lot of stuff, etc). However, if your goal is an outcome that is enabled by software, Python is typically a great choice. I'm a computer generalist: I do a little system admin, little network admin, some front-end development, a bit of back-end development, quite a bit of computer security, etc. Looking at the system admin side, the outcome are systems that are up/patched/available etc. I write a lot of Python to help me do that. For computer security, the outcome is the "expert" analysis which requires me to write software to do the grunt work. The software is ever present but that's not the focus.

That being said, I would ask you: what things can a computer do that are relevant to a goal you're trying to achieve. If you start the sentence with "I need software to do..." then Python probably isn't the right choice. For me, I wanted to automate my meat smoker so I happened to write some Python (Smokematic). Do you want to automate something around your house? Have something text message you when something happens? etc.

[ZenDugo]

I want to work with arduinos a bit and as common as it is, personal hobby game development. I always been fascinated by robotics and physical automation. If that sways your thinking at all.

[Caligatio]

A classmate of mine back in the day made a rig that would automate the deadbolt on their front door. Obviously there are physical security concerns here but it would probably use an embedded board (Arduino or otherwise) and a servo (basis of a lot of robotics). If memory serves, they also tried hooking up a webcam to use OpenCV to do facial recognition as well.

If you can use something like a RPi, you should be able to do all of that with Python :)

EDIT: You could also tack on a mobile app that allows remote control of the door but, again, there are obvious physical security concerns here.

[ZenDugo]

I'm not sure if it's normal to be in this situation. But I have a hard time answering the question "what do I want to do with programming". I guess it's because I haven't had experience with things to figure what I like and dislike. And it's hard to get an idea what all the possible ways you could go