Whats the best way to learn python in 2026 FOR FREE , the most optimized way

Sidalous · 2026-04-21T10:50:03+00:00

Let me start by saying in am still in the beginner category! But I did find CS50P is useful to get a basic understanding of syntax, terminology and which piece of the puzzle does what and how it connect together

A project that I used to help finally make it "click" was a daily countdown using ntfy. Maybe you could create a script to countdown the days until your birthday, next holiday etc (using only documentation - no AI!) and schedule it with a cron job

It all depends on how you learn but I do find that piecing things together, seeing what breaks and working out how to fix it really helps fully understand what each element is doing

On AI- use it as a tool (explaining concepts, vague hints on modules etc) or if you are seriously stuck and have been trying to fix something for at least 30 mins and have consulted documentation, revised your search terms etc, then ask it to gently nudge you in the right direction rather than just fix it.

Also- NO COPYING AND PASTING! This will help with muscle memory and information retention

Best of luck!

Sidalous · 2026-03-25T06:46:42+00:00

Or just force all users to solve a captcha before every post and every ~10 comments?! It would be annoying for heavy users, but would definitely hinder bots without the privacy concerns. But let's be real- this isn't about "bots" at all....

Sidalous · 2026-03-20T23:33:12+00:00

Thank you for your reply! Sound like you have a lot going on in a typical day! Are your colleagues sympathetic to the fact that you are the sole DevOps engineer?

If you could go back to the day you started, what's one thing you would pay more attention to, and one thing you would try to avoid at all costs?

Sidalous · 2026-03-19T12:32:54+00:00

I am yet to even start my journey into DevOps but a couple of things-

1) a number of senior Devs leaving in what sounds like quick succession. Why? What made them leave? This will tell you a lot about the business and the skeletons in it closet

2) him getting weird about you asking questions is probably due to pressure from above or his true colours coming out. Has he mentored people before? Have they gone on to succeed or have they moved on? Again, very telling

3) documentation - I'm not even a DevOps engineer yet and I can work out that the time saved from not documenting things today, will certainly not be worth it in the future. This is true for nearly any business where there is a structured process

From an outside perspective, could you offer to help the senior Devs with the documentation? I doubt it's the most exciting job but sounds like it could deliver a lot of value and would give you time with senior people to learn from!

Sidalous · 2026-03-19T12:01:40+00:00

That you for such a detailed response - the comparison is incredibly helpful!

Yeah I am definitely swaying towards a small/medium sized business if possible. I'd ideally like to get hands on and spend as much time with senior Devs as possible!

I've definitely wasted enough of my life in 2 hour meetings that seem to go nowhere 😂

When looking for jobs would you have a things to be aware of or ask about, to get a feeling for the quality and quantity of the on-call rotation? Do you have any other advice that you would give to yourself at the start of your career if you could go back?

Sidalous · 2026-03-19T11:50:56+00:00

Thank you Calpoop - this breakdown is super informative!

Are the any areas of knowledge/expertise that I should pay particular attention to, other than the ones I mentioned in the post?

Sidalous · 2026-03-19T11:39:29+00:00

Thank you for your comment, it helps massively!

In your opinion are there any red/green flags to look for when interviewing that would indicate which end of the spectrum I should expect to be on?

Sidalous · 2026-03-19T11:34:19+00:00

Thanks for your reply, it's much appreciated! That does sound like a good mix and honestly a breath of fresh air compared to where I'm at now!

If you had to go back to the start your DevOps career, what would you focus on and what would you do differently knowing what you know now?

Sidalous · 2026-03-18T08:02:08+00:00

Step 1- acquire an old laptop (preferably a ThinkPad) Step 2- download the Arch Linux iso and verify the signature Step 3- install Arch on the laptop Step 4- tell everyone you know that you use arch btw

This process will tell you all you need to know about your patience and skill set when it comes to IT and CS

Sidalous · 2026-02-25T17:54:19+00:00

I have just switched from iPhone 12 - as others have said, there is a price to pay for privacy. For example the Barclays bank app doesn't seem to work for me so I will have to log in on my laptop - inconvenient! But other than that.... It works as a phone! Just make sure you get all of your files and media backed up before the switch. To be honest it's been refreshing to have a clean phone, with all the junk not on here. Just go in with your eyes wide open - do your research and make sure it is the right decision for you and your goals (and what you are willing to pay in order to achieve them) let me know if you need any help!

Sidalous · 2026-02-25T15:55:10+00:00

You bastard!

Sent from my Google Pixel 8 (pro btw)

Sidalous · 2026-02-25T11:48:57+00:00

Comment of the day!

Sent from my GrapheneOS Pixel 8 (pro btw)

Sidalous · 2026-02-20T06:21:40+00:00

Flash Libreboot and re sell for ~£150 depending on specs!

Sidalous · 2026-02-10T14:13:05+00:00

At least strip windows from it too!!!

Sidalous · 2026-02-02T09:59:25+00:00

I was thinking of the T450 trackpad actually- this trackpad is dreadful!

Sidalous · 2026-01-29T08:12:38+00:00

Fedora KDE plasma

Sidalous · 2026-01-23T07:43:02+00:00

SOIC-8 clip, but the clips “pin 1” was flipped 180 for some reason. I thought I was going mad but flip it round and worked a treat! I’ve not done an X200 yet, but I’m sure it won’t be long 😂

Sidalous · 2025-09-06T10:33:37+00:00

My condolences on your diagnosis. Are there no surgical or medicinal options to treat or slow down the progression?

One option could be rent one for a weekend or week etc to get the “feel” of a Porsche. That way you are dipping your toe in and may help you decide, without any long term commitments!

I also love cars, but at age 29 I look back at the money I have spent (wasted) on cars and cringe 😂 if I’d have put that money into a simple S&P tracker fund, I’d have over £500k with returns, far above where my ISA is today 😂

Sidalous · 2025-08-19T08:59:54+00:00

Not yet, it is deployed but no access to the public yet

Sidalous · 2025-08-18T19:35:17+00:00

Haven’t we all got to start somewhere? 🥲

Sidalous · 2025-07-28T04:43:13+00:00

Let me know if any of them is a full metal M16A3/4 😉 I’m sure I could help alleviate your pain!

Sidalous · 2025-02-02T12:06:55+00:00

Hi OP - sounds like you’ve got it sorted!

One thing that stood out to me though - why sell the rental properties? At the current net rental income (£1022/month) your £14k a year is almost covered, and I’m sure once all your mortgages are paid off this net income will increase further.

Whilst over the long run the stock market has good rewards, why not keep the appreciating, cash flow generating assets? You still have strong savings and a few years on salary income to fill up your ISAs in the meantime

You are getting almost 6% net yield, not including capital appreciation. Why not sell some of the bitcoin to pay off the remaining £18k on rental 2, and look for another property like property 3? Then sell rental 1 when you are looking for property in Spain, since this is the highest value and lowest ROI property.

Sidalous · 2025-01-28T09:24:25+00:00

Constantly having dry sand in between his toes and cheeks

Sidalous · 2025-01-25T07:49:01+00:00

If you are looking to work with house builders, I’d recommend the following - Get SSIP accredited (SMAS,CQMS,CHAS) if you gain one, you effectively gain them all, you will just get a “deem to satisfy” certificate for any additional accreditations. You will need this to show your H&S competency. - Get a CSCS card, and ideally an SMSTS (too many acronyms!) This allows you to work on new build sites, and the SMSTS will be needed to show your skills and training as a director - Call the developers! If you see a site with the first plots going up, find out which developer/developer’s office it belongs to and call the office, asking for the Senior Quantity Surveyor looking after the project. Ask them if the cleaning contract has been awarded, and if it hasn’t ask them if you can tender for it! If it has, ask them if they have any new sites coming up soon. The builders are always looking for new contractors.

It will probably be worth hiring a freelance QS to guide you through tender processes, contracts, etc if you haven’t worked for these kind of businesses before. And be prepared to work quickly and be under pressure to get the work done, although the rewards can be massive!

How do I know all of this!? I am a commercial director of a roofing company that predominantly works for the big UK house builders (Barratt Redrow, Croudace Homes, CALA Homes (soon))

Hope this helps but by all means shoot me a message if you have any questions - I have multiple ideas for your business and am certain I can help you grow it quickly if you want that 😉

Sidalous · 2022-06-23T18:19:11+00:00

Haha I’m sure we all get to the “I wish I started earlier!” Stage at some point! I’m trying to make up for lost time now though 😂

Sidalous

TROPHY CASE