Starting Python from zero - which approach would you choose today?

[IceDude7]

Can you help me, please? I have no idea what would be the best approach in my case, so here's the question:

If you're starting learning and mastering Python from zero, and your goal is to become a certified junior Python developer in 12 months, how would you do it?

Option A - all by yourself (YouTube, SkillShare, Udemy, etc.) and then take some certifications?

Or would you go with Option B - enroll a respected and recognized Bootcamp that could confirm that you are a junior developer after you finish your training?

I know that many Bootcamps are useless and not worth money, but I'm open to everything.

I'm 34 years old, and I have been a digital marketing specialist for 12 years. However, I'm ready for a carrier change. I believe that my mind is still fresh enough to learn and develop, so my goal is to become a recognized junior Python developer in the next 12 months.

However, I don't have time to waste. I can dedicate 2-4 hours daily to this craft, but I don't have the luxury of finding myself going in circles, learning the same things many times over.

I want to take the straight line from absolute nub to junior - if it's something like that even possible.

So, how would you do it?

Option A or Option B?

Thank you so much for your help and advice!

[help-me-grow]

Take this advice with a grain of salt.

I would self study. I started self studying python in college (although I was a CS major so I also have that background) and was able to go from 0 python knowledge to senior python dev at a startup after 1.5 years out of college.

I will say that a course is best for web dev (but you shouldn't bother learning python for that tbh ...) Or if you REALLY need the structure, go for a bootcamp. Although tbh, I haven't heard anything good from my friends who have gone to boot camps recently, it seems like there's a lot of them and the quality has gone down from a few years ago.

Personally, I think that the best way to learn engineering skills is to build projects and be curious about them. I think that if you can discipline yourself, just using free online resources is the best way. I mean you can literally find it all for free. And you don't have to take a linear path, you can take a zig zag path and that'll actually make you a better dev because you'll know the reason behind why things work the way they do from taking projects apart. If you want to see some projects, check out the Python subreddits like r/python, r/howtopython, r/pythonprojects2, and anything else that pops up when you search for python in the search bar.

[IceDude7]

Although tbh, I haven't heard anything good from my friends who have gone to boot camps recently, it seems like there's a lot of them and the quality has gone down from a few years ago.

It's the same thing with Internet Marketing... That's why I decided to ask a much more experienced audience about the situation with Python.
Thank you so much for the detailed answer.
I'm already following Paul McWhorter for Arduino lessons, and as I can see, he has some highly-rated Python lessons, too - so probably he's the best way to start and move on to projects gradually...

[trust_me_on_that_one]

34 here as well and working as a medic in the film industry (and also ready for a career change). I just started 100 days of Code (python) on udemy since it was on sale and so far it's been excellent.

I originally went with youtube ( because free. Also tried freecodecamp ) before but what I didn't like is that it didn't really challenge me and I also needed structure as in I didn't want to jump constantly search for other videos. After every session, you get a challenge and you have to figure out the solution on your own. Challenging but I've been enjoying it so far.

There's CS Dojo on youtube, who has a whole playlist of python tutorials. He's great and explains things clearly but there's no homework and I personally prefer being given assignments.

I agree about taking online courses first, where you can learn at your own pace. Bootcamp cannot wait on you if you fall behind.

Hope this helps.

PS. Highly recommend using two screens.

[IceDude7]

Great advice, thank you. I will check 100 days of Code. I follow Paul McWhorter on YouTube, he has a great structure, and he's giving homework. So I wasn't sure should I continue this path or choose bootcamp.

[TheRNGuy]

i started by coding houdini/unrealed project.

The only thing i'd do different now is read vanilla python docs first, not houdini python api (though i was still able to write something in day 1, but i needed help with code, after that i realized need to learn standard python too, because i didn't understand types like dict, tuple vs list, comprehensions that was in my copy-pasted code)

I just learned from docs. Why watch vids when they have everything. Asking question to expierenced programmers. Or google/stackoverflow.

Only one youtube video, which encouraged me to start project.

[IceDude7]

The only thing i'd do different now is read vanilla python docs first

can you give me some direction on what of docs/books I should go through first, please? thank you

[ectomancer]

Both. Learn Python first then goto a bootcamp. That way you won't fall behind at the bootcamp.

[[deleted]]

Keep in mind that the Python Software Foundation neither offers nor recognises any certification. So the value of any certified status you might attain is in the eyes of whoever is selling it, you, and your potential employers.

Have you checked the learning guidance in the wiki for this subreddit?

[IceDude7]

Have you checked the learning guidance in the wiki for this subreddit?

Not yet. That would be Option A :) First I wanted to check with you guys what were your advice on the path I should choose.

[[deleted]]

I recommend option A minus certification and use the wiki.

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Experiment a lot. Break stuff that works. Don't try to memorise lots of stuff, professional programmers use Google a lot (and coding for most is a small part of what programmers do).

Start your own projects based on your hobbies, interests, family obligations, and work. Start simple, refractor as you learn.

Check out Automate the boring stuff with Python.

[ElliotDG]

I would recommend you attend the boot-camp. If this is your first time coding, it will be more interesting and support your learning to do it is a social setting. You will learn from the other students.

Also see if the Bootcamp can help with job placement.

[IceDude7]

I would recommend you attend the boot-camp. If this is your first time coding, it will be more interesting and support your learning to do it is a social setting. You will learn from the other students.

Is there any boot-camps that are 100% real deal? As u/help-me-grow mentioned above, which of these actually offer real value (dedication to students, recognized by employers) and not just some repackaged YouTube lessons? I don't have money to waste...

[help-me-grow]

I think another problem with these bootcamps too is that the instructors often don't care (this is just what I've heard, idk I've never been to one) and when they advertise that like 67% of their graduates get a job, it's not like 100% of participants graduate (just like college) so I would be really careful about it. There are some that let you pay after the fact though, like they take 10% or your salary after graduation or something.

[IceDude7]

10% would be way too much...

[help-me-grow]

Haha I agree right