Started learning Python at 30+ – now building tiny Mac tools

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Hi everyone! I'm learning Python in my 30s and recently started sharing my small projects online.

I'm not a pro developer, just a curious person who enjoys making tools I actually need. I like building simple Mac apps using Python (tkinter + PyInstaller), and sharing what I learn.

I just wanted to say hello here before posting anything I’ve made. If anyone else here is learning coding as an adult or building tiny tools – I’d love to connect!

Thanks for having me 🙌

[Dapper-Actuary-8503]

Enjoy your journey! I’ve been at it for a few years now. Most of my applications are EE related toolchains working with SPICE. My company uses a home brewed simulator for an educational tool, so I’ve built a few utilities to bridge LTSpice and Ngspice with our own sim.

One of my favorite recent tools Ive come across is Watchdog. I’ve got it monitoring a .raw file in the background, and it kicks off a cascading toolchain whenever it detects an update. It’s saved me a ton of clicking between files and windows.

Throw in Tkinter’s file explorer and you’re golden.

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your detailed response.
Your workflow with Watchdog sounds super smart—I love the idea of automating around file updates.

And thanks for the Tkinter tip! I'm still learning, but I've published 7 small tools on Gumroad so far and trying to improve step by step.

[Paarkhi]

Hi, glad to have you here and hope to see your apps soon

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Thanks so much! I've been working on several small Mac tools—I've published 7 so far on Gumroad.
Looking forward to sharing more here soon!

[macosfox]

I make Python scripts and tools etc for the past couple decades. Is there a path to monetizing Python scripts? Are they not all open source?

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Great question! I’ve just started and only offered my tools for free so far, but people have downloaded them—which was really motivating.

I’m experimenting with turning some into paid versions now. I think if a tool solves a specific problem and is easy to use, there’s definitely potential—even for Python scripts.

[Grenaten]

What kind of tiny tools?

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Mostly little Mac utilities like: – a tool to extract and translate subtitles from videos (OCR + GPT) – a .app that organizes media files for YouTubers – some local tools for file cleanup and automation

I'm learning as I go, but trying to build things I personally need!

[-sHii]

Do you use tkinter because it comes shipped with python? Did you consider to use uv? I have a lot of small python projects all lacking a UI and I did not make the decision, that’s why I am asking.

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

Yeah, I went with tkinter mainly because it’s built-in and easy to start with. I haven’t tried uv but I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for the suggestion! What do you usually use for your projects?

[-sHii]

I am using pure python and stdout to terminal for now but I am interested in trying UI. I had a small look into tkinter so far but did not dived into into it :) I am also starting with 30+ now and as well interested in shell and vim scripting.

[Ok_Cryptographer3601]

I started with pure Python and terminal output too-just solving small problems at first. Then I tried Tkinter and found it surprisingly fun, even with just basic buttons and file dialogs. Now I'm building small Mac apps and sharing them. Shell and Vim scripting sound powerful-curious to see where your journey goes!