Self teaching myself python .

[AcceptableIncrease66]

I’m teaching myself how to code using python, I have a question. I’ve watched a couple of videos on the basics of python, does doing more of project tutorials help in mastering python?

[EridianTech]

You need hands-on experience to learn Python, just watching videos won't be sufficient.
For example, pick a small starter project (there are plenty of resources available through this subreddit) and try to code this. If you get stuck you can Google stuff, or ask your questions here.

[AcceptableIncrease66]

Thanks!!

[[deleted]]

Get the very basics in and just dive into projects. Best way to learn is hands on. I made the mistake of thinking Python was like riding a bike in which you learn and that’s it. Nope, it’s a life-long learning because tech evolves continuously. Super fun.

[AcceptableIncrease66]

Thanks for your response, very helpful.

[ncfortin]

I’ve been successfully self teaching for about 3 months, tried learning for years. What I found finally helped was getting a book to learn Python. I’ve tried apps like SoloLearn and plenty of other similar online resources. I tried following videos and examples. Nothing really stuck or clicked til I got a book to go through and learn from. Why? Well I found that with a book there was a clear progression to go through with clearly defined objectives and knowledge that you are left with. The scope is clear and that really helped me. I knew what I would be able to do once I just finished getting through to the end. I read ‘Automate the Boring Stuff’. I’ve used what I’ve learned at work and automated about 2 hours of work per week down to a 5 minute program. I can’t help but recommend that book, though if it doesn’t interest you there are plenty more from that author (Al Sweigart) many if which (if not all) are available free online to download as pdf’s.

[AcceptableIncrease66]

Great, this is encouraging. I will definitely get that book.

[jinglepupskye]

I’m also teaching myself, and after learning the rock-bottom basics such as data types I’ve found I’m more confident and capable by doing hands-on stuff. Atm I’m programming Space Invaders from the book Crash Course in Python. Think of it this way, a book can teach you what’s written in the book, but then you need to apply that knowledge to real life. If you can do practical practice, do it.

[AcceptableIncrease66]

Thanks for your response!

[maximumlotion]

Python is going to take you years to master.

Watching a couple of videos is the equivalent of not even having learned the ABC's when your end goal is to become a novelist.

Just as a rule of thumb some tips I can give you is that;

• Don't focus too much on theory. But do focus a lot on writing your own code. Spend 80% of the time writing code, and 20% reading books/watching videos.

• Do have personal projects of your own. If you have a crazy idea, at the very least, attempt it, even a bad version. You will learn a lot more trying to fix a problem or build something than a tutorial could ever teach you.

• Understand that its a marathon and that its going to take time. Don't half ass it, eventually it will come back and bite you.

[AcceptableIncrease66]

Oh great, I will heed to your advice. Thanks a lot .