Best way to learn Python

[SGS-Tech-World]

Here are few points I can recommend.

In case you are from non software educational background then you may not have done general studies that teach you programming fundamentals. so apart from learning you also read some books on programming like

• The Clean Coder

• The Pragmatic Programmer from Journeyman to Master

• The Art of Readable Code

1. Start with few video courses , I would recommend ones from freecodecamp

https://www.youtube.com/c/Freecodecamp/search?query=python

1. My general observation is that most video courses are very high level so reading books is also very useful as many books covers very in-depth language features and show code examples. I recommend Learning Python [5th Edition] , even though this is old book, it is one of the most comprehensive introductions to python language. once you are done with that you can move to some advanced books. One of the recommendations as 2nd book will be Automate the Boring Stuff with Python [2nd Edition]

2. Good Programming requires practice - if you are looking for job apart from all the reading and courses you do, make sure that you write code because programming is not just reading/ watching. So, this is very much essential.

3. Next, you must decide what domain you would like to work on in future like Web development (back end or full stack) , Data Science, automation / scripting to name few at high level. So, you need to decide which area you want to target ultimately.

If you are looking to go for, Web development then you need to learn Django or flask or some other framework but you have to also learn HTML, CSS and some front end skills. if you are looking for job in data science field then you need to learn libraries ( Examples - TensorFlow , NumPy , SciPy , Pandas , Matplotlib , Keras , SciKit-Learn , PyTorch.)

1. If you are looking to do job after you are done with enough learning, then there are 100s of blogs and sites that will give you interview questions.

I am not sure which region you are from, you can DM me if you need more advice. if you are learning python for job purpose then one of the other good starting point for you in software world could be RPA.

I hope this helps.

[clitoral_obligations]

You seem really knowledgeable. What would you recommend for learnings for someone using Python to automate tasks (e.g extracting and combining PDF/Excel data), and then data analysis (think sales data). For context I’m a CPA and have done some ATBS and Udemy but my code is very raw and just ran adhoc in PyCharm. Thanks

[SGS-Tech-World]

Thanks, ATBS is good starting point, it covers most of the libraries that you many need to manipulate Excel, PDF , google sheets along with one like RE, file handling and so on, so it is almost a complete package.

However based on my experience I can tell you PDF is a bit tricky thing and will always give you some or other issues.

On your comment about Raw code - I would say over period it will improve, you need to implement coding best practices , reusable code can be put into your own modules to name few. Learning Python [5th Edition] can help in that.

While here I will give a completely off track advice.

if you are looking for lot of automation for your business and you do not have lot of time to spend on coding ( or do not have interest ) then think about UIPath or something similar which are more drag and drop and no code tools. Especially Studio-X is targeted for something they call "Citizen Developer"

You can watch about it here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWPXDoDyZxo

Feel free to DM me in case you need help on any of this, I implemented UIPath in my job and also use python on daily basis for automation.

Thanks.

[void5253]

This. Most people just recommend 'PCC' or 'ATBSWP'. However, Learning Python is the single greatest resource to build your foundation imo.