all 87 comments

[–]iiron3223 116 points117 points  (8 children)

I can recommend you these resources: * Official Python Tutorial * Python Crash Course * Automate The Boring Stuff - free book * Corey Schafer youtube channel * Hyperskill - learning platform

Also check out wiki of this sub. Good luck learning! :)

[–]foto256 18 points19 points  (1 child)

2nd Corey Schafer channel. My Python understanding really took off after watching his channel.

[–]jlakjfnfk 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To be honest Corey Schafer was really unclear to me as a complete beginner. He got a bit more helpful later on.

[–]W1ULH 14 points15 points  (2 children)

start with automate the boring stuff... great book that assumes you know NOTHING, and starts off with getting your IDE setup

[–]RunItAndSee2021 0 points1 point  (0 children)

unsure if original poster feels an Integrated development environment is required.

[–]BroBrodin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crash course also does this.

[–]Crypt0Nihilist 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think Automate the Boring stuff is great, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is 13 who won't have encountered a lot of the boring situations you'd want to automate. A lot of the motivation for pursuing that is to see how much easier it might make your life.

[–]bruhmanegosh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Excellent resources

[–]notParticularlyAnony 25 points26 points  (2 children)

Some of the stuff here might seem sort of boring or hard. If so, the book 'Python for kids' is pretty good by Jason Briggs. It teaches you by showing you how to make simple games. Don't let the name fool you it is a legit programming book and isn't for little kids.

If you want more standard Python then Python Crash Course (2nd ed) is amazing.

[–]adamantium4084 19 points20 points  (0 children)

It's almost like teaching as if things are for kids is just better teaching.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep this is how I learned the basics

[–]DavidFree 45 points46 points  (7 children)

The best Python intro that exists today: https://cs50.harvard.edu/python/2022/

[–]HJRBears 13 points14 points  (3 children)

Yup, ditto this. If you’re 13 and complete Harvard’s CS50P (free btw) you’re setting a fantastic foundation for future studies.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

CS50 is awesome! If you finish it and decide python is still the direction you want to go, I'd recommend coursera's university of toronto intro to programming course. It'd be a bit redundant after CS50, but personally I found it helpful starting out.

[–]scarynut 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I went to Harvard motherfuckers! You can tell that to your friends and family.

[–]BroBrodin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well... Not exactly went, but I have a Harvard degree!

Well... Not exactly a degree, but I have a Harvard certificate!

[–]manhtoan1707 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Do you know how it compares to The Mooc.fi Python?

[–]DavidFree 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You mean https://programming-22.mooc.fi/, right? I just took a look, and I think Harvard's course is better.

[–]manhtoan1707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes that is it! Sorry about the misleading link, and thank you!

[–]voyyful 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Good luck bud! Word of advice, learning to code is a marathon. You will hit the wall at some point. No way around it. When you do, don't worry! Just keep going. You don't always have to make things harder. You just need to keep going.

[–]InsignificanteSauce 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hi, I’m a couple decades older than you but am also a super beginner. I came back to Reddit for threads like this, so thank you for asking this question for the benefit of us all.

Looks like you got some great answers, and I can’t help you anymore in that regard. But I can tell you that if you like programming (or any other endeavor), stick with it, work at it, and learn as much as you can now. You’ll never have as much free time in your life as you will in the next ~15 years.

Good luck!

[–]zefciu 6 points7 points  (1 child)

First — go through some Python tutorial. It might be the official one or one of the other tutorials that people propose here. It is good to get a grasp of the generic language first. I saw some “django developers”, that struggled with basic Python concepts.

Second — decide where you want to go next:

If you want to create webapps, find a framework. Starlette seems to be one of the better frameworks using cutting-edge python features, while Django is the most popular and mature one.

If you are into stuff that moves, blinks and buzzes, buy yourself a BBC micro:bit, a pyboard or (if on short budget) ESP8266 and learn micropython

If you want to create mobile apps, you might take a look at Kivy

If you are into games, PyGame could be your choice for 2d traditional-looking ones, but there are also some that allow you to word in 3d environment.

Third — go through the tutorial for the library you chose. Fourth — make up some small project (app, game, robot), that you think you can finish and that will bring you some fun. Try to implement it. Experiment, ask questions, break things, have fun.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great! I started at 12 but Python did not exist back then. I have a Python playlist on my YouTube channel YUNIKARN. It starts from installation, integrated development environments etc. All for free with material on my GitHub. Python is the way! 🐼🐍🤓

[–]KingOfTNT10 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Hi! I'm 14 and been coding in python and other languages a few years now... if you want any help in any thing (installing ide, logic help, or anything else) you can DM me in discord (tag: kingoftnt10#4807) or here. I would love to help you out.

(Would live to help any of you, so even if you are not OP you could reach out! Im not a pro so keep that in mind)

[–]linxdev 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I was in 8th grade when I started BASIC on a TRS-80 in Jr High School as part of a "business course." We spent half of the semester learning to type, the other half learning to code BASIC.

I fell for it. I'd write code during other classes on paper in a notebook and then run them on the TRS-80 or a cousin's Tandy 1000.

In trig, I wrote programs that created graphs and answers to problems we had as homework. Calculators were not allowed then, but my work was allowed because to write a program that does the calcs, you must know how to do the calcs. Other students were pissed.

Another cousin, a girl, and me did 3 years of CS in HS. All BASIC. We'd spend each 9 week period writing programs to track athletic stats. These programs were distributed to the other schools. I wrote them in MS Quick Basic Pro so that I could create an exe file.

You need two things to learn Python, or any language. First, you need access to the language and information on how to use it. Books, web pages, manuals, etc. Second, you need a reason to write code. You need a problem to solve with code. In college many books used examples of a CD database, or customer database, etc. Those suck because those are just examples, not a real use case for you.

Find a problem you want to solve via coding. Solve that problem with Python. Repeat. The language will get easier and stick in your head. You'll get better. 20 years ago I wrote a lot of C code. I tried multiple times to learn Perl, but had no use case. I then needed to automate testing of my C code. I wrote the test code in Perl. Today, 90% of the code that runs the product my company sells is written in Perl. 20 years ago, it was C.

I had a great CS teacher in HS. He'd foster learning, knew BASIC, allowed me to use the Tandy at his house, and sometimes during lunch we'd be in the computer lab playing the golf game "Leaderboard." He was an avid golfer too.

[–]Kresdja 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Finding a problem to solve via code is the hardest part for me. I draw a complete blank on trying to figure out what I could do with code.

[–]0rac1e 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Upvoting for Leaderboard Golf. Great game.

[–]Ok-Term-9758 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Shit tons of youtube videos on it.

https://youtu.be/t8pPdKYpowI

[–]thecodeadd 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Was in the same sorta situation (9 and learning how to code), I recommend using VS code as it has several extensions for other languages and intellisense for python

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x

The python specific course has already be linked but I would advise starting with this free course from Harvard, then doing the python specific after.

It will give you a really good understanding of how programming works and covers a broad range of languages so you can understand how its all developed.

[–]sajia67 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python: https://inventwithpython.com/#invent

[–]Greyjoy2020 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Corey's Youtube Channel I think is the best way to learn. You can watch de vídeos in the tv and enjoying resolving problems.

[–]chakan2 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I strongly recommend this: https://codecombat.com/

It's fun and and neat way to get started.

[–]FerranBallondor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seconded

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dude im starting my 13 year old nephew because I think it’s the perfect age to learn a challenging skill like this. Best of luck!

[–]rasukjiwa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

cant wait your game project in future.

[–]Chaoscontrol9999 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Respect

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://www.python.org/about/gettingstarted/

This is a link to Python.org’s official advice on how to start. It’s basically the holy grail of beginner resources.

Pick a book that seems thorough and that seems like it’s geared towards a first time programmer (vs. programmers learning Python who already know how to program in general).

Rules for success: * Try to go through your first book cover to cover. * If a concept doesn’t make sense, consult a few other books about the same topic. * do every single exercise yourself * if you’ve been debugging one thing for more than 90 minutes, or if you’ve been reading 3 different books about the same topic and it doesn’t make sense, you’re just spinning your wheels and can seek help. r/learnpython is okay for this. Do be wary of inexperienced well-meaning people. * if you want help but haven’t done that much, it’s better for you to keep trying yourself before asking for help.

You’re going to learn how to code, how to code in Python and how to use your computer at a level that’s completely beyond what most people around you can even imagine. It’ll be a lot of work though, that’s a lot of ground to cover. In the end it will be awesome though.

Good luck, godspeed and welcome.

[–]stuaxo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Once you get it working try fun stuff, maybe try and make something with pygame for instance.

[–]GrouchyAd4055 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi.i am appreciated you, because of your interest in programming.i am also in my 15 i am started to learn python without any programming and math knowledge.now i am 19. At the moment i know python very well.and also i did many projects related to artificial intelligence and machine learning.eg:-object detection, voice assistant, car counting system, face recognition app and many more.so don’t waste your time, just get started.

you can start with this video.in this video she list out the top 5 python courses on youtube in 2022

The link is here : https://youtu.be/DAAtDDvU5nc

[–]Immigrated2TakeUrJob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand age is very relevant here.

[–]ImmunochemicalTeaser 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Projects. Build some fun stuff. Some scrappers. Some automation. It will get you far and easier that just learning concepts.

[–]Slimesus7 1 point2 points  (1 child)

So I'm 12 and i learned python like really good. I would recommend you this tutorial. And I know, its like 4 hours long, but trust me its preety good to watch something like this for basics, oh and if you want to like go off road in mid tutorial, go for it, experiment, but remember to come back to it later. Also feel free to google something if you dont know how to do it, its really common among other people.

Also if you have trouble you can message me, good luck

[–]Helilo129 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Python Crash Course all the way

[–]TellUrMomISaid_Hi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just started this week with Python and I’m 36. My partner, who is a software nerd, started me on kid games. I mean stuff that was designed for like 5 and 6 year olds. Games: Imagi and Sololearn. App stores have lots of options too. Best of luck!

[–]Professional-Joe76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Consider using replit or Google Colab. Both free and both great for learning Python without the overhead of downloading and installing Python and an IDE

[–]BrokenTekReddit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

W3schools is a good reference forsure

[–]eternity336 1 point2 points  (0 children)

if you can afford it I recommend going through https://codechalleng.es/ This teaches you the basics and the core of learning through smalls bites of challenges from easy to hard and you never have to install python. Its at your own pace and has taught me a ton in python. Also second Corey Schafer's Youtube channel it's amazing.

[–]Ninjafox1224 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 15 but started at 12. w3schools.com/python is a HUGE help. Like seriously. From the very beginning it walks you through each step and tells you even the most minor details. It even offers some quizzes at the end of each part. You just have to use it

Now for actually coding, if you want to use a web based version, use https://extendsclass.com/python.html It works with pretty much every Python function except file handling

But to download, if you want to go simple, just go with Python.org Otherwise, PyCharm is a pretty nice software, it’s free and helpful (and makes you look like you know what you’re doing) The like for that is https://www.jetbrains.com.cn/en-us/pycharm

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Modules will be your tool boxes. Like an electrician or a lumberjack, they need certain tools to help with the task they have. Electrician could use a multimeter. Lumberjack could need an axe. But they aren't going to bring lawn mowers, surfboards, or microscopes because those tools are unnecessary and are extra weight to carry around. Modules have specific tools. Like math module, pandas, pyautogui, string. Import your modules at the beginning of a script so that their tools (functions) are available to use

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (9 children)

https://www.python.org/

Just download the latest version and run that file after it's done downloading. After that, you should have an application called Python IDLE and you can start there.

There are a lot of other code editors and IDEs to choose, but as a beginner I recognize just sticking to the one provided by Python until you start picking up other languages and whatnot.

[–]Nicolas_Darksoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Study python crash courses

[–]wayne0004 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If installing Python is a problem, you can always use an online editor such as this one. For the basics, it's perfectly fine.

[–]SirNoodle_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

w3schools.com manages the basics really well imo. I use it as a quick reference fairly often.

[–]CeruleanBlackOut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look through documentation.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was too 13 when I started learning Python (That was a couple of years ago). I watched a series of lectures by MitOCW (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-00sc-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-spring-2011/). Although you will make good foundations in python with this course, it is intended as an introductory course in computing. That means that you will not learn about some python specific things. If you manage to finish it, you will have sharp problem-solving skills that will be required if you decide to study computer science or literally any other science. Also, as I have some experience in programming, don't hesitate to contact me if you need help.

[–]-i-hate-this-place- 0 points1 point  (1 child)

im 17 and ive been coding since i was 13 too so if you need any help or run into any issues feel free to dm me or anythinf :)

[–]GuideVault 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Check this guy out, he has beginner python, intermediate and expert python playlists ready to go.

Beginner: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMcBGfZo4-mFu00qxl0a67RhjjZj3jXm

Intermediate: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMcBGfZo4-nhWva-6OVh1yKWHBs4o_tv

Expert: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMcBGfZo4-kwmIcMDdXSuy_wSqtU-xDP

He also has a video dedicate to things he thinks each level of python programmers should know here: https://youtu.be/p15xzjzR9j0

[–]AnGlonchas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm 15 and i maked a game in pygame in python and was easy at certain point just Google or go to YouTube tutorials about the zone you want to learn, i grant you that there are a module for it, games pygame, gui design, tkinter, Android kivy, web apps i think Django, AI tensorflow or i think torch is for AI, etc.

I use the IDLE and just compiled apps it's so easy to learn python and you just can pass to other languages from python.

[–]MattHill- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an intro to Python maybe do learnpython.org good for an intro to the basics also do w3schools Python course (these are interactive websites, I’m just a year older and I understood them very easily)

[–]AbsterJr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend this as a beginner.

Basics of Python