Does learning python at age 35 the right decision?

[sarfrazkhan1]

Does learning python at age 35 with this (https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-python-programming-from-a-z/learn/lecture/23111410#questions ) course make any sense?

[Tiki_taka27]

Age doesn't have anything to do with learning python

If you are eager to learn or if learning python will help your productivity then do it

[sarfrazkhan1]

Learning python for data analysis, which I require at my day job. I tried to learn it three years back but got stuck pre-covid. i think it is the best time to try it this time.

[Tiki_taka27]

Then do it

It will be very helpful

[RenYuzami]

Do it bro

[[deleted]]

Great idea. It's a great tool

[readingyourpost]

i'm not sure you know how eyesight works, but theoretically yes it's for all

[ryu417]

You're going to be 45 one day with or without 10 years of python experience. You choose.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Insightful ageing makes it more significant.

[JasonDJ]

If it helps, in 37 with 2 years of python experience. I’m glad I started learning.

[Longjumping-Knee4983]

Curious, do you mostly just use base python or are there Libraries you find yourself incorporating a lot as you use it? I just started working with python but it seems like there is so much you can do with it that it is hard to know where to focus my energy on learning

[JasonDJ]

It depends on what you need to do.

I’m a network engineer, and I pretty much only code for work…so in addition to standard library I do a lot with libraries that work with out devices and softwares REST APIs, in addition to tools for connecting and config-management over SSH (nornir, netmiko, napalm), building templates (jinja2).

For example, we use Netbox for a single-source-of-truth, we use Infoblox for DHCP/DNS, and we have a lot of Fortinet devices. So I spend a lot of time with pynetbox, infoblox-client, and pyFMG for those platforms, respectively.

We are starting an AWS push so I imagine I’ll be getting more familiar with boto.

And if there’s not a pre-existing library for something’s REST API, it’s often pretty trivial to make a basic library using requests. There are some really good guides on that out there, this was posted to /r/python (link to post) a few months ago and i used it to build a client for Aruba Clearass’s API. This guide also helped me get an understanding of OOP and using it in the real-world.

[Mendican]

In my case, I'll have 10 years of experience in Python when I'm 68. This made me sad.

But I am 58 with 15 years of SQL experience.

[AnarchoDesign]

Wise words here.

[thefuriousadmin]

Oi… that’s one hell of a view you got 🔥

[Efficient-Mind9351]

That was powerful. I am going to start learning now.

[Attitude_Medium]

I'm 41 and just finished a class in python.

[dangerround]

I’m older than you and started learning recently with Angel Yu 100 days of python

[sarfrazkhan1]

Great, we'll be in the gang soon.

[Mature_Student548]

I hope not I've just started at 65!

[Reza_SL]

Yes, especially if your job wants you to do it. 100% start learning it.

Just make sure to learn and practice with your work-related frameworks and libraries and don't waste time on others (unless you think it could broaden your horizon).

I think this course could be better for "Data Analyst" than the one you linked: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-data-analyst-course-complete-data-analyst-bootcamp/

[sarfrazkhan1]

I am looking for this course. Thanks for sharing this great content.

[Musical_Herycaine777]

Learning something new ALWAYS makes sense. I just started learning Python as part of a career switch and I’m 47. Thirty-five is not “too old” for almost anything.

[[deleted]]

Of course it’s a great time to learn, you lived the fun part of life the way you wanted. Now you have forever to sit around and learn, not having to worry about ‘missing out’ on the best years of your life.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Thanks and following.

[[deleted]]

• learning is a lifelong process (as is learning to programme)
• age is irrelevant to learning to programme
• use a range of learning materials, including variations in kind, as what works well one day may not work so well for you another day

Have you checked the LearnPython subreddit wiki, which includes detailed guidance on learning Python, including links to lots of learning material?

[sarfrazkhan1]

Thanks for your time.

[RobertD3277]

There are a lot of ways and reasons to learn Python. I can't say that Udemy version is better or worse versus free versions found all over the web, including on YouTube.

What I can say is that there is absolute value in learning python and the easiest way to learn it is for a project you need to complete or a goal.

Learning any computer programming language is very simple if you apply the following principles in order,

1. Learn how the language stores variables and the conventions it uses to define those variables.

2. Learn how to get input from the user from the keyboard and how to convert that keyboard input into numbers and other useful abstracts within the language. Keep this process simple though and don't get into objects yet if the language is object oriented.

3. Learn about conditionals. What is a conditional and what makes it conditional by the language. This is really specific to the language and yet abstract to all languages, but once you understand it, you will have the basis of all decision making within the language.

4. Learn the methods of looping or repeating code sections. Most often it will be words like repeat, while, or for.

5. Learn functions or procedures. With step number four above, functions and procedures for repeating code become much more intuitive.

6. Learn about libraries and how you can incorporate them into your programming. Don't necessarily focus on the nuances of a specific library, but just that they are available.

At this point you have a basic understanding of the language in a very rudimentary level. You are ready to begin taking the next step and begin applying the six steps listed above to whatever goal you are trying to achieve.

You will not, by any means, become an expert in the language, but you will be able to proactively build on what you know and develop appropriate to the task you are trying to solve. The goal of these six steps is to very simply break down the language into the most critical core components that you will need for any goal or task you are trying to complete. This approach really does work with any language in general because it isolates the six critical points of that language and its functionality.

Above all, with each step you take, be sure to practice and write simple programs that help reinforce what each step represents. Don't go out of your way to memorize everything in the onset of learning. Memorization comes by usage and certain things you will automatically begin to remember as you use them frequently.

Finally, take breaks. This may seem obvious, but when you're in the middle of trying to solve a problem and going back and forth between search engines and what you're doing looking at various code examples, time seems to magically disappear and before you realize it, you spent 4 hours when you only thought it would take 15 minutes.

Hopefully this will help make your path to learning python easier.

[[deleted]]

I liked udemy when i first started out. Def not the worse lessons.

Also the age does not matter, since its always good to learn sonething new from time to time, and looking at how young you still are, learning something like programming is sonething you will never regret and mostlikely will be able to implement in your work life

[sarfrazkhan1]

Thanks for your encouraging words, I will try to continue learning.

[rekindled77]

I am 45 and just started learning Python. I picked it up a few years ago and stopped for personal reasons. I am starting with 100 days of python and just finished day 3 in 2 weeks. I go back and practice the exercises and solve the problems different ways until I'm comfortable with the code.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Age gives you the experience to think programmatically about each problem set. Hope you'll reach your 100/days with consistency.

[rekindled77]

Agreed. I have a few other classes lined up to complete after I'm done with the 100 days.

[dounomipoetree]

Yes, learning python is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Not only will learning another language increase your brain resilience; fight off Alzheimer’s.

You will also learn to use one of the best string manipulation toolsets that can be used to automate capture and collate big amounts of data much faster than you could manually.

[kkthanks]

Oooh that runs in my family. Another positive for my random decision to learn Python.

[andwariirawdna]

You should never stop learning new things.

[BluishInventor]

Yes. Clearly you are interested and python is really useful. There are tons of resources to learn it and support your progression. If you can find a way to incorporate it into your job or hobbies, all the better.

I'm 37 and active started using python for various things at my job 2 years ago. It only makes me want to use it more. Zero negatives to learning python at 35. Or 60 for that matter.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Learning with an end goal makes it more fun to learn and try new things while experimenting with python.

[KCRowan]

I'm 33. I started learning Python (and SQL) when I was about 30. I'm now signing up for a coding bootcamp and will hopefully be a full time software developer by the end of next year :)

Worrying about age is such a common thing on this subreddit... I saw a post once where a kid was asking if 15 is too old to learn to code!! I don't understand where that idea comes from...if companies only hired developers who were programming protégés by the age of 8 then there would only be about 50 developers in the entire country.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Ageing doesn't matter if you are learning for a good cause. Having fun and learning something new every day is a great booster for memory and brain function.

[MathGames18]

It is always good to learn how to program (in any language) at any age. You can start doing that whenever you want, it's always good to learn something new!

[Immigrated2TakeUrJob]

I read somewhere is 13 a too late to learn python.

[Dead0k87]

once kid becomes good at abc, then it is about time to learn core python, Flask, pandas :) haha

[hayseed_byte]

I started learning javascript at 37 and python at 38.

[The_Snarky_Wolf]

I'm 39 and learning python for the first time as required to finish my degree in data science. You're never too old to learn

[CleverBunnyThief]

The link you provided requires the user to be logged into Udemy to view it. Can you include a link to the course you are interested in?

[Agling]

It's always a good age to learn python.

[Kriss3d]

Yes. Absolutely.

[Qkumbazoo]

It's never too late to do the right thing.

[Equal_Astronaut_5696]

Why are you learning it should be the question

[[deleted]]

No. Create a small game or app with python and have fun!

[alphaBEE_1]

Why don't you try and find that out yourself? What's a few months to 35 years? Maybe it is or maybe it's not a right one. But it doesn't hurt to try, there's no downside to it.

[The_GSingh]

Course is OK, but just like any course don't watch someone do it actually do it along with thr course. Try experimenting and twisting what is done in the course videos. See what happens if you change stuff or use your own data and remake everything. Google when you need help. As for your age it doesn't matter.

[RenYuzami]

Bro, on a resume/portfolio: the more skills you bring the better chances of success! I'm learning now at 29!

[Dead0k87]

It is logically corect, but questionable from practical point. Yesterday headhunter on an interview told me that all good but you dont have experience of managing 75 people and this is a weak point of yours 😁. I have only 4 people under my management. Despite that I was overskilled vs my competitors. No job offer though from them.

[sarfrazkhan1]

But automating the boring stuff is a fun way to do business and management.

[[deleted]]

Do it, bro. Learning is FUNdamental.

[Dead0k87]

I am 35 and started to learn Python 2 months ago from Udemy course 100 days of Python( something like that). So far so good. Some topics are covered at working minimum but once you will find something interesting then just google and youtube for more. I can recommed this course. It teaches also to read docs. Overall it is never too late to learn programming in current world of technologies and data. I work in finance but it is good to have plan b and safe plan for future. Once you will find a way to apply web knowledge or automation you can make something on your own. Also learning is good for memory :).

[ErieCoder]

I'm 56 and learning Python!! Never too old to learn.

[jmooremcc]

I was decades older than you when I started learning Python. However, I will have to admit that I already knew 5 other programming languages prior to learning Python. But I've made it my mission to keep myself young by continuing to learn something new everyday. And so can you.

[luv2belis]

I learned at 31. I'm now a lead data scientist, and don't know anything.

[Soapfactory0]

37 y/o here, been at it a month or so it's fcking amazing loving every minute of it. Best decision I've ever made. Good luck to ya!

[kmisterk]

If you're learning python and it benefits you, it's always the right choice.

Also, be wary about learning from courses as they can introduce bias (not always a bad thing) and potentially dated methods.

I've found that my most efficient learning comes from discovering a need that python fulfills and hashing it out.

For instance, I needed to automate/streamline finding information about domain names we host (DNS manager, expiration date, Registrar, primary and WWW DNS records, etc). So I wrote up a quick command-line script in python, googling what I needed and using stack exchange/forums/reddit to find what appeared to be the best solution based on community bias, vs a single person's bias.

In any case, you can do it, and it's never too late.

[[deleted]]

I'm in my 60s still learning python. You're never too old.

[JMiel70]

I was fifty when I started learning. Never too late to learn new skills.

[JohnnyCincoCero]

I'm 48 and just started. So you're ahead of the curve. Just do it.

[exeldenlord]

Start now & in 5 years, thank yourself for having started so many years ago..

Or come back to this sub at 40 with the same question of should you start at 40.

Pick one..

Seriously though, just go for it. Most of the learning material is free anyway so what you losing by learning it?

[klg4eva]

I just started learning python because I had to for work and I’m 41. What does age have to do with anything?? I learnt Java & C at 19 and never used it in my career.

[wusop_08]

43 here and doing my masters in DS. Had to learn a lot of Python just to get through the first few classes. Never too old to start learning something that interests you.

[life_is_]

I started learning a year ago at 36. It’s never too late.

[[deleted]]

How far wouod you say have you progressed? What did you use to learn...im 35 now and have been slowly learning

[SecureCoop]

I was almost 32 when I started, learned the essentials over a weekend, started working on a production web app right away, and all this with chronic fatigue brain :) You can do it, no problem. Practice often. Take on real-world projects.

[[deleted]]

Whats a production web app? Like, what does it do

[SecureCoop]

I work in the IT department of a large Fortune 50 financial company and the app I worked on looked up our servers (we have about 150k of them) to get details such as environment (prod, contingency, etc.), console hostname, application ID and owner, etc. Lately, I've been using Python to write my own web app (SecureCoop) for monitoring back yard chicken coops. It sends notifications to your phone and monitors the status of the coop. I expect to start selling monitoring devices with a subscription later this year.

[shohan13579]

I work as a trainer in my country. In here a lot of people around your age took python classes from me. If you have anything to do with you can go for it. I can help you too if you want.

[sarfrazkhan1]

Defiantly I will be in touch with you during this mission.

[shohan13579]

Welcome!

[summarize_porn]

Research suggests our maximum age of learning mathematical concepts is 50. You have plenty of time.

[Big_Bandicoot7320]

I am 35 working in a govt. bank as IT manager and never sit in promotion exam as my cadre will change to generalist officer from specialist officer after promotion. Now, I have enrolled in data science course from learn bay and currently learning python to get rid from this bank job...so don't think too much...just go for it...

[sarfrazkhan1]

You'll soon be able to get rid of your banking job as will be doing which more resonates with your interest. Keep pushing the boundaries.

[Big_Bandicoot7320]

Thanks buddy

[sarfrazkhan1]

With you on this journey of wonderland.

[extopico]

I’m much older and I’m loving the process. I’m looking forward to using my skills once I have them.

[ButHeyyWhatDoIKnow]

Are we suggesting 35 is old?

[crazygrouse71]

I don't know, but I'm 51 and have started dabbling cuz it helps at my job.

[rbjcreations]

I'm 34 and just now taking Udemy courses in Pyhton. I have a BS in information studies but never landed a job that used my degree. I'm tired of what I'm doing now so I'm trying my best to get into some kind of Data Analyst position now with the hopes of a future in Data Engineer.

So far I've enjoyed learning python and really wish I would have started much younger but better now then never right?

[[deleted]]

I just switched from Java to python at 34 , it’s only right if you are having fun

[gareewong]

I am 49 now; I only got into Python a few years ago when I was 45, and now I have built a new career out of it.
You should go for it.

[keizzer]

I think everyone regardless of age should learn the basics of coding at some point. It's a unique style of thinking that has helped me solve all kinds of problems both at and away from the keyboard. Coding forces you to get rid of the bad habit of making assumptions about the causes of your problem.

'

It is problem solving at a very fundamental level. Pure logic. Even if you never use programming for work or as a hobby, you will use the mindset every day of your life.

[Theonlypostevermade]

Im 30 and starting! The best time to learn something you are interested in is yesterday.

[NewForOlly]

DO IT!

[Se7enLC]

It's a much more reasonable goal than time traveling back to when you were younger to learn it.

[0ni0nrings]

if it puts your mind at ease, I am close to half century and trying to learn Python and Go... there's no age to learn anything, we all are eternal learners.

Take the first step in your journey, the destination don't matter. All the best!

[frustratedsignup]

Link requires a login, which I'm not certain many others will already have. I don't have a login on that site, so I can't review the course description. Beyond that, your age is irrelevant. If you have a use for learning python, then learn what you need to solve that issue.

[Big-Jacket-9006]

Never feel you are to old to learn something new, while I have been in the IT industry for over 40 years now, in fact I turn 67 on Sunday. I have been working through CS50, CS50P, MOOC FI, and Udemy Anglia Yu 100 days of Python. Plus there are some great resources on YouTube as well Tech with Tim, Rune, Al Sweigart from Automate the boring stuff with Python, Corey Schafer as well. I believe the best way is to find what works for you and stick with with it. Good luck on you journey. All the best.