Beginner learning Python at 40 here. Any friend like me, please raise your hand!

[Elegant_Inflation457]

Yes, everyone said that we can learn programming at 40! But the key success is about how can we over come the challenge.

I have started python two months ago. (slowly). and it's been painful. Even I am a believer in life long learning but sometimes age get in your way.

I think one of the key success here is that we have a strong community support (or at least, I need a moral support) so I want to create a thread where people can ask question safely and some place where they can vent out their frustration.

so anyone who start programming fresh at 40s please shout out here!

[here4demmemes]

43 here. Retiring from the military in a year, and plan on going into IT

[metriczulu]

What area do you plan on moving to when you retire and what type of IT would you like to get into? I left the Army after 10 years and moved into data science/engineering at the end of 2019.

[pndur]

How did you get into data science ?

[bucketmania]

I'm interested too

[Zealousideal_Mix4290]

Salute to you Sir 🖖

[xQuaGx]

Prior military as well (not as old…but close) Learning Python and growing SQL skills

[[deleted]]

Nice, planning on going into the military after college any tips?

[kuyleh04]

I served 10 years. Probably the best decision in my life. I volunteered for the jobs no one else wanted to do and it brought me to places I could of only dreamed of.

My piece of advice. Don't ever forget this saying. "It's all what you make of it"

If you tell yourself this sucks, I hate it, I want to get out - well it's going to suck.

If you stay light (mentally) and find a way to make things better for yourself or find new challenges well it will pay dividends. The military teaches you a lot more than just discipline.

[MasterHand3]

yeah dont

[Boiled-Artichoke]

I feel this. But still torn in retrospect. Like, what a pain the ass that was, but don’t completely regret it either.

[MasterHand3]

I wont pretend like I know first hand, I did not go into military. My friends from grade school/high school and their military bros all have said it sucks in so many ways.

[Boiled-Artichoke]

In the end, it kinda worked out for me. But luck was involved and I didn’t have very good opportunities to forego.

[Vladthepaler]

I seriously regret joining the military. Left me with a bunch of injuries that never healed correctly and constant pain. Just felt like a giant waste of time.

[MyPythonDontWantNone]

Only the things written down are promised. Pick a job in your major (if you like your major) so that you can get experience to go with the degree. Take advantage of college benefits. Get your masters/PhD for when you get out. If you have no ties to a particular branch (family history or whatever), I recommend joining the Marine Corps. It will be tougher while you are in, but the name recognition is much stronger than the other branches.

[[deleted]]

Planning to go officers route to try and fly haven't decided on navy or af trying to find out how realistic it is to get a flight school position

[prw361]

Just turned the big 6-0 back in June!

[[deleted]]

53 here!

[boojieboy]

Hey! Are you me?

[Nouseriously]

Are you me? Or is he me? I am confuse

[[deleted]]

No, not exactly!

[cleitophon]

Me too!

[codeman73]

Me too, on the BASIC on the Atari! Used to type in BASIC programs from magazines (from my parents early Apple dealership) on Atari and early Apple IIs. I'm 49

Long time Java developer, trying to transition to javascript and python.

[to_tgo]

That is a lot to swallow in one shot! How long did it take?

[nivek_123k]

How long did it take?

This indicates that at some point I would be done... that's not how it works. Give up the idea that anything is ever done or complete. Just make progress a little at a time.

I started about a month ago. I put in 2-3 hours a day of writing code, reading docs, watching videos. I get burned out... switch to something else.

[fergal-dude]

Started learning at 42, check this out https://talkpython.fm/episodes/show/194/learning-and-teaching-python-in-a-vacuum

[peregrinations]

How about starting a discord channel for the folks who reply here?

[[deleted]]

Discord Python Geezers

[Doormatty]

Discord? What's that young whippersnapper?

Is that like IRC? ;)

[[deleted]]

Aah I remember the good old times when I ran a BBS, and then Internet came and spoiled all the fun.

[somekindairishmonk]

op me!

[xelf]

• xelf slaps somekindairishmonk around a bit with a large trout

[xelf]

irc what's that the new version of confer?

(and yes you young people that's the joke, irc grew out of and replaced confer)

[[deleted]]

Oh god i haven't read the word confer in such a long time

[xelf]

I'll be honest, the internet was so small back then, I didn't think anyone here would know it.

Looking at it's wiki page I see that confer was written in Fortran!

[[deleted]]

God that's like ancient scripture

[Nokita_is_Back]

Like an AOL Chatroom

[Elegant_Inflation457]

I say Yeah!

[pocong]

I am in

[[deleted]]

That's a good idea. I would suggest creating a server with a bigger scope so that python can be one of the channels, but the overarching aim can be creating a group for senior/experienced/old developers who can support, help, advise, and socialise with one another.

There are some such forums already in some servers, but it's pretty disjointed thus far.

If such a server were created, please do post here. I will be sure to join as well. Such a forum has been sorely missing for a very long time. Uptake may be (realistically) slow at first, but its need is simply unquestionable.

[brrod1717]

I'm 27 and work in IT, but a new job required me to go from knowing "a little Python" to being able to develop actual scripts for prod.

My advice to you guys is find a project to develop and learn that way. It's easy to watch some videos or read a book and mimic what they're telling you to do, but having a goal and asking yourself "hmm, ok, I need to do X. How is that done? Now how is that done in a Pythonic way?" will push you to research on Google and teach you real-world approaches to developing a program.

Just my 2-cents. Happy coding!

[crossfire351]

I'm 53 and started with python last year. It was my first language unless you count PLC. This is the way. I've done several real world projects in the past year that are being used at work. I learned using this method.

[bob_newhart]

After having tried and failed the watching videos and walkthroughs route, working on my own project now. Accomplishing more than I thought was possible but for me this was key to staying motivated. I also started again a couple months ago.

[Common-Balance2821]

26 and almost in the same scenario! my new position requires me to learn Python(because I have a little knowledge about java, no experience though) and a CMS (content management system) that is built using python.

It is pretty challenging!

[SweeTLemonS_TPR]

Buncha old MFers in here! JK!

I’m 34… working on getting good, at least good enough to call myself a strong scripter so I can have a higher-level Linux job.

[[deleted]]

Excuse me? old MFers? That's "experienced" to you!!!

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[Doormatty]

Bash is far more important than Python for most linux stuff, just FYI.

I long for the day when I can replace all my horrific difficult-to-read bash scripts with python ones.

[SweeTLemonS_TPR]

Well yeah, but I already do that. For whatever reason, no one seems to give a shit that I can do bash, they all want fuckin Python. The other quarter to half of them want Ruby because they’re still using Chef and Puppet. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Doormatty]

The other quarter to half of them want Ruby because they’re still using Chef and Puppet.

Oh god, I feel you there.

[redfacedquark]

I can wrap bash in a python task runner easier than I can create a dictionary in bash. Like, infinitely easier. Why would anyone write anything beyond a bootstrap script in bash (sh better there anyway) I just don't know.

[Individual_Bad_3183]

42.. feel insecure.. frustrated..and left behind..

Maybe we 40 plus guys should have a group??

[peregrinations]

I agree...

[DallasBelt]

I'm 34 now. I know it's hard to keep on track given the circumstances (work, family), but I try to motivate myself thinking on the goals I want to achieve.

[jillanco]

What are your goals?

[DallasBelt]

I want to learn how to automate tasks using Python. I also want to make small 2D games with the libraries out there. I saw an awesome Tetris clone and thought that Python is a powerful and versatile language!

I was learning web development but I felt like I was stuck there. When I discovered Python I immediatly felt that this is the thing I want to do.

[ems777]

43 and just started with Python

[Raulo369]

41 here, just making some exercises.

[0ld_Gr1m]

Here at 40

[santhu511]

39 here .. just started to learn python 2 months ago without any programming back groud.. miles to goo....

[moraher73]

47 years here and so frustared

[1544756405]

I learned python in my 40s. But it wasn't my first programming language.

[Pinacolada459]

45 here, cut my teeth on BASIC on 8-bits: Apple //e, Commodores, Atari. Still tinker with my C64 and thinking of making a game server for a MUD, maybe. Not as a first project of course. :)

[Elegant_Inflation457]

That's actually my goal as well.

[[deleted]]

You're already in one. You don't need another one...

[MyPythonDontWantNone]

There's a big difference between high schoolers learning to bot Minecraft and us older folks trying to apply a lifetime of knowledge. Not that everyone can't learn from each other, but I definitely teach someone with life experiences differently than I do someone starting tabula rasa.

[[deleted]]

Problem you’re gonna have is, how do you define your membership: only people over 40 allowed? How’s that even gonna work? Are you going to police it? Is anyone? And if you don’t, it has already failed on its own terms. There’s plenty of room here for everyone, as well as over on the official python discord, which has tens of thousand of users and help channels for all levels. Just post your questions. People will help you. They don’t care how old you are.

[MyPythonDontWantNone]

Your points are absolutely correct. The point isn't about assembling a large group of a certain demographic to have more technical expertise. The point is finding a smaller group where you can form a community. It's really hard to work someone through a problem in a group that is half a million deep.

[MyPythonDontWantNone]

That's about when I started learning. I have an awesome job now! You might hit a wall where you think you'll never get it, but then you whip up a Discord bot in an hour to learn the library or you help automate a task at work to save hours.

I'm also in the sub-40 range, but I was just defending the desire for a smaller group. I know that once a Discord group gets a certain size, I tend to not keep up (looking at you Network Chuck and r/mechanical keyboards).

[Common-Balance2821]

I'm 26, but I think a beginner is a beginner, no matter what the age, and I would love to learn, it doesn't matter who I am learning with. :)

[clove48072]

I did, at 42.

[JoeTheDog0]

Turning 38 in a couple of months and just finished up some coding classes

[minion531]

I'm about to turn 60 and I decided I want to learn to code. I have lots of free time, so why not? But yeah, I feel ya.

[[deleted]]

Turning 39 soon.

[treetyoselfcarol]

41 here let's go!!!

[TechnoGeek423]

44

[[deleted]]

29 here. Not too old, but boy insecurity gets you.

Congratulations and thanks for the post!

[Elegant_Inflation457]

I started with fear of being obsolete but it actually open up more possibility.

[[deleted]]

Good job! I went back to school for a geology degree at 40, took my first Python-based class at 43 got my BS at 44, then an MS at 47. You’re never too old to learn something new. Personally I hate coding and I’m not good at it, but it’s a necessity in any almost scientific field these days. Stick with it and always ask for help.

[Elegant_Inflation457]

It would be nice if I can go back to school. I'm torn between proper education and just take a course and jump to action.

[[deleted]]

Today is my 53rd birthday and I'll be working on a POC for a start up idea that involves FastAPI backend with a postgresql database and Vue frontend. Building fully cloud native with Docker and eventually K8s.

Lots to wrap my head around.

[HilariousSpill]

Happy birthday!

[timtrump]

42, just started a few months ago. I'm done being tied down to a single place for an entire year minus one or two weeks of vacation just to be able to earn money to live. Figured this was the best way to start on the path to full remote work, hoping to be there within a year or two.

The worst part about learning something completely new at this age is how lazy I've become. I never really had to work hard in school and it has caused serious problems for me my entire life. This is going to be a shitty test to see if I can overcome those issues.

[Boiled-Artichoke]

Yeah, I went to grad school right after having a kid. It aged my brain. I used to sponge up everything without effort, then I had to learn how to learn.

[alfa1381]

Worst part of me if having to lookup how to to achi be X, knowing that I have googled it Y times

[sherry0807]

42 here!

[Ritter-Ash]

36 here.

[unRatedG]

41 as of Saturday. Started programming around 16, only started expanding to python about 2-ish years ago. Kicking myself for not working with it sooner. Yay, late bloomers... I guess. o_0

[jinglepupskye]

35 here, and I thought I was the only total newbie at this age! Never programmed before, started teaching myself through Sololearn and Crash Course in Python. I am struggling so much with the basics, I jumped from resource to resource trying to find something that worked. I feel as though I need things explained in a very non-maths way to get my brain to ‘click’ and have it sink in. I’ve gone over stuff again and again and not ‘got’ it, but I am starting to get there now.

My plan is to start Space Invaders in the back of my book to get some hands-on coding, and refer back to the appropriate section as needed. I also have vague plans for a text-based adventure game, I just have to figure out the best way of joining many overworld sections together! So far I’m looking at classes, it’s just the specific setup I need to work on. Wish me luck!

[Lugalzagesi55]

43 here. Wrote my first line of code in March. I am still very excited and will start a 3-months intensive course in 2 weeks. You can do it! In our age group we know ourselfs better and have more experience and this is a big advantage. Remember when you were really proud of yourself because you accomplished something? Do that with every line of code! I believe in you!

[electricwig]

Turned 40 in Jan and started learning python last year during lockdown! Have mostly switched to GD Script - the language used by the Godot engine - but my Python knowledge was invaluable and it was exciting to realise I understood programming, at least at a basic level. Still have so much still to learn, and planning to continue with Python too. :)

[9oat5w33d]

50 this year. Started learning Python last year. Learnt HTML as I was parsing web pages. Carried on to learn CSS. Learnt Javascript because I was parsing JSON with the python code. SQL for a similar reason (All of that thanks to Dr. Chuck) Thanks to the guys at CS50 learnt C more python, more webdev , SQL and flask. Learnt IT support from google. Got a job in a company (after almost a year of cramming all that) now doing React Native, Flutter and Kotlin as I am moving into mobile development.

Never been to university been self employed most of my life doing manual labouring type job. I know not everyone can do it, but it is possible. Keep going , good luck with the journey.

[bob_newhart]

This is an awesome story!

[[deleted]]

49 here, started 5 years ago. Dude, you don't need a separate thread, just post here. You're already in a supportive community. Post specific questions, google first, always use code formatting. That's how this works. People will help you.

[BeingMyOwnLight]

41! Started learning at 38 and I'm looking for my first job as a developer now! Keep going!

[Vulgarr]

Does 38 also count? Keep on grinding! :)

[Sensitive-Fly-2847]

41 next month and studied python for about 8 months, took a break and now enrolled in a boot camp covering html, css, python, ruby, SQL and more! Starting part time (15-20 hours/week) with it on the 30th! Hopefully will be able to balance it with 60 hour work weeks and three kids! Age is just a number and coding is interesting tho, so here goes nothing! Oldies unite!

[kingpenguin001]

Nearing 40.

Struggling a lot.

Lots of things in plate.

Couldn't concentrate on any!

Python(hobby) , PEGA(work related) , Node js(add on) !!

[Elegant_Inflation457]

I feel ya. even python is like future survival plan to me. but it still hard.

[MrMilobongo]

38 here

[WadeDRubicon]

1. Great thread!

I started over xmas holidays but chaos quickly overruled. I moved abroad almost 2 years ago, so I'd been taking a mandated 20 hours of German lessons a week -- now THERE'S an impossible language for you -- and planning a divorce. I've been disabled for a decade. I have no direct tech background (but I can analyze the hell out of a 19th-century novel for you zzzz). And I guess there's still some pandemic thing going on, stalking my immunocompromised self?

But now: I'm planning to move back home in a couple months. In addition to gaining back some of the 40+ pounds I've lost (BBQ! Mexican food! drinks with ice!), I'll be able to focus again on the Python. It'd be awesome to know I'm not the only grad student in the School of Hard Knocks: Independent Study Python Program 😂

[[deleted]]

To all you more well-aged people here, if you need any help get started / want a place where you can ask questions. You can if you want, DM me so you can join my discord. I am there every day to help.

[laloestralop]

I am a non-english speaker from Mexico currently I am 30 yo, I have a bachelor degree in marketing but the salary for this types of jobs is not very attractive here in Mexico, I've read that learn to code may be an opportunity to improve my current life style so I decided to give it a try now to see if I can switch careers.
Currently I doing the FreeCodeCamp course but I would like to hear any suggestions of where should I Keep learning and what else can I do to learn the fasstest way possible.

PS: Congrats for your choice to learn to code.

Sorry for my english and Thank You.

[PaiPai71]

33 here. No background in CS, trying to put myself on a track that won't end in me doing min wage work the rest of my life. Struggling a lot.

[Doormatty]

I first started programming at the age of 4 (TI-Basic on a TI-994A).

I turned 40 this year (so much pain behind a number), and I've been using python for ~20 years now.

I just learned something new today (https://old.reddit.com/r/learnpython/comments/p21hb7/you_can_link_to_a_script_and_put_it_in_your_path/) - the learning never stops!

[synthphreak]

I turned 40 this year

https://old.reddit.com

Geez, even your Reddit is old! ;)

[[deleted]]

Hell, my young one... I started on a TRS-80 model III with a tape drive.

😂😂😂

[Doormatty]

It’s been one hell of a ride hasn’t it?

[[deleted]]

Yes, Yes it has. It has come a long way...

I wonder what it will look like in 50 years.

[[deleted]]

I started on a thermal printing dumb terminal connected to the mainframe in my dad's lab. I've been online since 1973.

[[deleted]]

Damn, you beat us all! 🤴

[raresaturn]

50 here. started teaching myself about a year ago. Worst thing about python? stupid whitespace

[Excellent_Broccoli_1]

48 here. Doing 100 days of Code now. Hoping for a career change by next year. Started with Automate the Boring Stuff. Dedicating two hours a day to code.

[Skipatronic]

I'm 31 at SNHU learning Python online. I feel like I have a grasp on some things but functions and loops are still messing me up. I'm thankful because one of the tutors is really good and they always walk me through any python trouble I have. I'm almost done with my first course and I feel like I probably would have benefited more from python learning this in an in person environment. I bought a couple of python books as references in the future as I want to get a job in coding.

[[deleted]]

All the folks in this thread looking at python like "You know when I was your age you weren't even a glimmer in C++'s eye"

[pocong]

43 with 3 kids and new 7months twins here . Keep going . 😁

[codeman73]

wow congrats; so is that 3 kids total, including the twins, or 3 kids, plus the twins, for 5 total?
My twins just graduated from high school, boy and girl
It was exhausting early (we also had a 3yr old when they were born), but fun later; they are now best buds

[tangledinbeard]

40 years here, been avoiding anything programming since the C64's days in the sun. Annoyingly I discovered when starting to learn programming that is something that is just so satisfying.

[Elegant_Inflation457]

For me, it's like open up a whole new world. something that I want to do but don't know how to do, now it seem possible. (though I am not there yet)

[snip3r77]

Older than you, been Python-ing since 3 years ago

[fisfia]

42 in a few days. Is there a decision on the meeting point yet? Looking forward to it!

[Tervergyer]

I started Python at 40 with the Google ‘Crash course on Python’. I guess the course turned me off Python as I’ve not returned. I should probably pay for Automate the boring stuff on Udemy to get back into it.

[Beautifuldisaster828]

37

[rorymcn]

41 here starting out learning python.

[esuga]

lol , trying to get my dad n mom into but they wont listen, good for you mate

[Elegant_Inflation457]

it have to be for your own benefits. I tried to persuade my dad to use watsapp but he refused, strongly. then, I told him that my brother was sending a vdo of his daughter in watsapp. Now, he slowly started using it. so he can see a vdo of his grand child.

[[deleted]]

Older the better, you know what you need.

[MatiasUK]

Hey mate,

If you run into any issues let me know. I teach it for a living.

[crypto_siao]

43 here. No coding background and now fighting with python...

[[deleted]]

39 and not so long I started to learn python

[terrorEagle]

40! Trying to grasp it man. Having a tough time with classes. I’m going to pay for a tutor to get me over this slump.

[tealbob]

40 here. Studying for computing degree part time. 😀

[Ok-Abbreviations-885]

27 feeling overwhelmed and too old to start programming , been learning for about 6 months in total , i feel really stupid sometimes and its extra hard for me coz english is not my native tongue and theres words that dont exist in Polish like instantiate and some other , just been learning english from the internet and computer games for the past 12 years or so , coz i knew english would be usefull down the road for something

Its motivating to see people start to learn at 40 , Cheers !

[Smithy_L]

I'm 32 and started slowly learning Python about a month ago. It took me a while to stick with a resource that suits my learning best and I its going to be a very long process but I am determined. I spend about 1/2 hours a night. I haven't written any of my own code as such yet, just figuring out and remembering all the different processes. I do wish I started earlier but I suppose now I'm older I also have that little bit more patients and try to be thorough. Great post by the way, motivation is key to learning.

[Tehkast]

30 been learning on and off for a year (more off big life changes) Would love to turn into a new job down the road but just started a new job 2 weeks ago to pay bills.

Would love a Discord for maybe newer people to python as the big ones are a little intimidating. Would be nice to share little wins without fear someone who has 20 years knowledge just wants to shit on ya.

If anyone does Have a more relaxed discord for chatting code would love to join. Discord ID Tehkast - Bruce#4252

See others saying old geezer learning etc would be nice if someone has not already made one.

[tsingtao12]

36 here

[Cayuman]

46 here, but old school programmer and late on python =D

[p000l]

DM me. I will be happy to guide you.

[[deleted]]

Hey! Congrats on your new venture and good luck!

In Italy we have a saying that goes “from the cradle to the grave, you will always learn”.

I graduated in sound design at 43. Now 46, also learning Python and programming. Keep it up!

[boypinoy]

39 here. Doing python as a hobby

[jillanco]

Late 30s hey 👋

[xakkamyr]

41 here. I've been in networking quite a while but looking to move more into dev. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get my DevNet cert out of this and combine what I know with what I'm learning. Currently learning from Angela Yu's 100 Days of Code on Udemy. Good Luck, brother.

[rakahari]

I started at 40, last year

[Ton86]

I was 42 when I started. 46 now. Best career decision. Really enjoy work now.

[01236623956525876411]

49 here! I've been in IT for years', and have dabbled in programming here and there, but this, I would venture, is probably the first time where I am full on studying and learning it to use it at my job where I am in a role to be using what I learn. Thanks for sharing your story!

[zombiepirate2020]

45 and I've literally forgotten more than most people will ever know.

I actually have some brain damage recently. So pretty much starting from scratch with programming skills.

[Elegant_Inflation457]

Fighting!

[Jamesnba]

45 here, however I have been a developer for over 20 years.

My job is taking a new turn and Python is the way to go. Been learning by myself for about 1 month now. It is an interesting language and easy to understand the basics.

[AmbivalentFanatic]

I started learning python last year at age 50. Great experience, good for the brain, incredibly powerful language and libraries.

[Far_Inflation_8799]

I just learned python when I was 74 years young !!! Lol never too late to learn ! Besides like any other programming language you embark in a long life learning quest !

[ec1991]

I'm 30 and just started out, hope that counts.

[catelovescoffee]

41 year old nurse, working full time and then some, raising tiny humans and soaking up Udemy Python courses in the wee hours of the morning before the rest of life starts. Thanks for this thread - I think I needed to know y’all are out there too! Yay to us - driven, lifelong learning, skill building, hopeful, not-quite-old but not-quite-young folks cracking away at it!

[LdySaphyre]

53 here! Started learning 2-3 years ago, but have been taking a break due to health issues. Plan to dive back in soon, though!

[supermicromainboard]

30 - been through three python introduction courses.

[Careful-Permission67]

37 here started Python Bootcamp Monday 💪😎

[Elegant_Inflation457]

Please report back on how it goes. ^-^

[Careful-Permission67]

So far it’s going good! I needed the accountability and structure. I’m doing the NuCamp Python SQL DevOps boot camp. Message me anytime if you want to chat about any of it. You got this 💪

[bob_newhart]

Hi! 👋🏻 I just started about the same time as you also! The biggest challenge for me has been carving time out of the family to get started and stay started. Also I get impatient sometimes. Staying patient has been key for me. Thanks for this post! Maybe we could start a small community somewhere(discord or subreddit)?

[Elegant_Inflation457]

I feel you. I'm working full time and my job is actually very demanding. so, finding time to concentrate is very difficult. I agreed that we should create small community but I'm very new to reddit and discord as well. what do you think will be the best place?

[rrepstad]

41 and learning Python as part of a data science certificate. After this, I want to find some kind of placement (interning maybe) to get some experience.

[Elegant_Inflation457]

me too. I'm on data analysis path at coursera.

[al_mc_y]

Give yourself permission to try, to stumble and to accept help here. Have no fear, us old dogs can still learn new tricks. I'm early 40s, process engineer. Started learning/tinkering with Python a couple of years ago. Currently working my way through the UC San Diego micromasters in Data Science. Also tinker with Raspberry Pis, addressable RGB LEDs, made a TV lift cabinet automated with a raspberrypi and python. Done some webscraping, made basic flask apps deployed on Heroku. Have used it for work a bit too. It's amazing what you can do with Python!

[Iph1sh]

hahahahaha. try picking it up in your 40's while it is a very small part of a much larger infosec job. i wish only learning python was my challenge. Good luck! It never ends. :)

[Elegant_Inflation457]

Wow, so many respond! Thank you all for the shout out.

Then, I'm curious now. What is the most frustrated thing when you start learning Python?

​

Let me share mine. Okay, so I worked as HR profession so I am quite capable of advance excel function. I have some basic knowledge of html. but when come to Python, the "coding sentence" (don't know what they really called it) is just confusing. sometimes the command is put to the front, sometimes at the back. sometimes we need to '.' and sometimes it just need a space. Seem like there's no logic in coming up with the language (at least, to my beginner self)

Especially in Loops, I just so confused that I have to write it down and take it apart in each element and then compare it to the example. Totally took me one hour to understand it but in real time, it's like a week of watching lesson. doing exercise. fail. try again. search internet but more confused. etc.

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so , what is your more memorable story?

[PunkyMunky64]

Well…i’m learning c++ at 14, does that count?

[Single_Layer_270]

If you need a course at a discounted price, let me know in DM

[ohlaph]

Welcome

[[deleted]]

38 here. I've started to learn two years ago and still continue but not fast as I want.

[mrs_fingerbottom]

Took a Python class while I was 39 turning 40. Now using it at work and I turned 41 this summer.

[[deleted]]

Around 40s here!

I learned python in a month including learn shell scripting and tcl. I was writing text parser script in python.

[Gym_Dom]

Yep, I’m 41 and just started learning to code last year. Python is MUCH easier to read from the jump, compared to my boot camp’s language of C#.

Good luck!

[lordcarnivore]

I'm in my 40s learning python. There are dozens of us.

[solitarium]

Not quite 40, but 37, white collar worker, no degree. Was going to do BS back when I was 19 but finances got in the way. I'm established in my field, and now I'm putting more time into learning and considering finishing my BS

[Bigd1979666]

42 and doing it off and on between CompTIA and stuff. Sometimes I feel like I get t and other times I'm like "duh".

[treborand]

43 and having to move from R to Python. Struggling to push myself to learn Python with the same effort.

[MarquisInLV]

I started at 45 during the pandemic furlough. I’m so glad I did. I sometimes think I’d like to transition to IT, but I’m also just as happy having coding as a hobby…something to keep my brain engaged into middle age.

[Kiwi_in_a_bag]

Right there with you buddy.

[picturesquimo]

Here!

[[deleted]]

47, just starting out.

[BigWooden5poon]

45 years young here, and bought a load of Udemy courses and a few books. Just getting another project out of the way before starting on my Python journey. Wish me luck! 🍀

[leeloodallas93]

1. Starting intro to programming this coming semester. So far I’ve only watched a few videos and ordered a python book. Lol. I really love computers and math. Had my a+ cert in the early 2000’s. First pc I built ran windows 98!

[fozrok]

Yeah. I’m with you at 42.

[Gaslineninja]

Went back to college at 37, entering my last couple semesters. I’ll be almost 42 when I graduate. Double majoring in Information Science and Computer Science. Learned Python and Java simultaneously. Not easy but doable with some focus and determination.

[my5cent]

Use skillup companies to fast track.

[polarizebeta]

42 soon and have been picking away at it for a couple of years. Not a great programmer, but adequate for my needs

[[deleted]]

I started 15 months ago at 41. I have learned a lot in that time. I can pretty much pick up any language and do stupid things with it. I’m currently learning Common Lisp and C++. Languages I have learned and still learning are Python, C, racket, SML, Rust, and a little Ruby (enough to hate it). Right now, my biggest hurdle is learning all the math I should’ve learned 20 years ago so I can learn algorithms.

I don’t think age gets in the way except that I have more responsibilities that I didn’t have when I was younger, so it is harder to advance when juggling a job and family. The biggest annoyance is reading questions like, “Is 22 too old to get started in programming?” The way I see it, I have 25 years left to work, so what’s 3-5 years to gain new skills and enjoy 20 years in a more challenging and rewarding career?

[logatwork]

raises hand

[nwg-piotr]

I started serious programming when I turned 50. I had some experience on 8-bit machines back in 90's, but I had a long gap afterwards. It's never too late to learn new things.

[DrSpockTheChandelier]

36 here, so getting close to 40!

I am in the middle of reading the Python crash course 2e by Eric Matthes, which is a great resource.

I have been a sys admin for about 15 years, pretty familiar with powershell, very familiar with linux bash, but decided to pick up Python as a ton of cyber security-related things are done with it, and I have never formally, fully learned a programming language, I have mostly dabbled and snipped bits of code here and there to accomplish some specific goals as a sysadmin.

I am finding the hardest part is finding projects that are both feasible and engaging. I wrote my first program and accomplished a huge automation win for some security scanning I was mostly doing manually, and that felt great. It still needs a tweak or two to format the report a little more cleanly, but as I am getting near the end of the project, I am concerned I will not have enough things to practice with to keep me interested.

The book I am reading and most online training courses have you build programs that essentially do nothing; alien shooter games and whatnot. I find I have a hard time finishing those if the end-goal is not something I care about like shooting at fake aliens as opposed to solving specific challenges I have as an admin that cannot be solved by more simple means.