1 month of Learning Python: My Experience
One month ago, I (finally) decided to start learning how to code. I did some research and settled on Python as the language I would dive into. Most people recommended Python for ML, AI, and Software Development, which is what I want to focus on.
For the last 30 days, I’ve been taking some courses on Python fundamentals, and I want to share my journey so far with you.
Day 1-8: The Very Basics
On December 12th, 2023, I started the ‘Python Essential Training’ LinkedIn Learning Course. I honestly didn’t enjoy this course a lot, and I probably wouldn’t retake it if I were to start over. The course had various modules that consisted of a series of lessons and a ‘Challenge’ where you could put the concepts learned into practice.
But the challenges were way more demanding than they should have been. I remember watching the videos two or three, and I was still unable to figure out what I had to do, so I ended up using AI to help* me.
help = ai.solve(please)
jk
However, I still found the content engaging and wouldn’t give up on Python. I knew it would be frustrating, but I needed to keep going, and it would get better.
Day 9-13: A better way to start
After finishing the LinkedIn course, I started this beginner Python YouTube course, which I enjoyed much more. The instructor made it easier for me to understand, and I could make more of the content ‘click’ in my head, and I started noticing relationships. I definitely recommend this course to anybody starting with Python.
During this phase, I also realized that I would need to learn more math as I advanced into Python. I’ve never been great at math, but I’m willing to spend time learning more whenever I need to do so.
Day 14 - Day 30: Gettin’ it
Fueled by the motivation given by a better understanding of the basics, I enrolled in Harvard’s CS50 Python Course. At first, I planned on starting the ‘general’ CS50 course, but after some reading, I went for the Python-specific one.
I gotta say, I’m loving this course. Professor Malan is an excellent instructor, and the course is incredibly well-designed. Detailed yet engaging explanations and exciting problems make this course superior.
However, I also went through some frustration stages while completing this course. I got stuck in some problems, and sometimes, it felt like I hit a roadblock, but it usually turned out to be my fault. Some tips I would give to anyone taking this course:
Pay attention to the lectures. Professor Malan is great and will explain everything clearly. The problems are not easy, so you must listen to the lectures to solve them.
READ THE PROBLEMS!! This was probably my biggest mistake when I got stuck on a problem. I didn’t read the requirements closely, and I didn’t click the links to external documentation that was needed to solve the exercise. Take your time and read carefully before diving in.
Let me show you some of the problems I’ve solved so far. I still haven’t finished the course but I have done some cool things.
Five lessons I’ve learned during my first month of coding
Be consistent. Like everything, coding can be tricky when you know nothing about it, but you have to keep showing up.
Leverage the internet. There are millions of resources like courses, videos, and blogs that can help you get started for free.
Use comments. Making comments on your pieces of code is a great way to describe what you’re doing. It’s a great habit that will make it easier for you or someone else to understand your code.
AI is a great assistant. I’ve used AI to help me throughout my coding journey, and it has been very helpful. AI is a great programmer (it’s in its nature, I guess), and it’s always there for you. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it as THE programmer because YOU are the one who has to learn. Keep AI your assistant.
Apply it to your own life! This is hard for new programmers —it indeed is for me— but thinking about applying your programming knowledge to your own life is a great way to stay motivated. I still haven't fully used this, but I have a list of projects I will embark on.
That’s all I have; I hope this post has been helpful! Get coding!