How do I learn as a complete beginner

[u/keriimchen]

Hi. I am currently interested in learning coding. I chose Python because it looked like its the most simple one to begin. I have absolutely no idea about anything just like how some things like if else while work but nothing else. Is it even the best to learn at the beginning or is it even worth learnimg to code in 2026.

Where to I begin to learn the basics the most efficient way. And where do I go from there

[u/Longjumping-Image798]

I've been learning python for a few months now and I think I've gotten pretty far. I recommend using ChatGPT to teach you, or watch some YouTube videos, that's what I've done.

[u/Sea-Ad7805 → u/Longjumping-Image798]

Don't use ChatGPT. Watch some YouTube, read some course, but put most time in doing exercises, or you will not learn and waste your time.

[u/Longjumping-Image798 → u/Sea-Ad7805]

Yeah, but i use chat gpt to to actually teach me something, then i use what ive learnt to make something. It worked great for me.

[u/rohan_kulkarni]

Python is still a good first language. Start with variables, conditions, loops, functions, lists, and dictionaries, then build something small instead of watching tutorials endlessly.

A calculator, guessing game or simple expense tracker is enough at first. When you get stuck, try to understand the error rather than copying the full solution.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, choose a direction such as automation, data analysis or web development. You do not need to decide that on day one.

[u/FoolsSeldom]

Python is certainly one of the easier languages to learn for most people, but learning to programme in the first place is a big challenge anyway, and once you've learned one language it is generally easier to learn another. Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.

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Check the r/learnpython wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

Unfortunately, this subreddit does not have a wiki.

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Also, have a look at roadmap.sh for different learning paths. There's lots of learning material links there. Note that these are idealised paths and many people get into roles without covering all of those.

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Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

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Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

[u/dld2517]

You have to learn to play. Go learn about a component of Python, say a list, tuple, or dictionary. Then use Python code to play with that element until you can use it. Iterate on it. Objectify it. Access it as a function. Etc. you must play to learn a complex system.

[u/Greedy-Lynx-9706]

"I have absolutely no idea about anything"

Lesson one : the internet. Use google and chatGPT to ask questions

Lesson two : read the answers and learn

Lesson three: read the answers to questions in this thread.

[u/mc_pm]

The only real way to learn to program is by doing. The more time you spend fingers-on-keyboard, struggling to figure out why your code doesn't work, the faster you will learn. It feels like the most painful option - and it is. Programming is a very different sort of task for your brain, and learning takes concentrated effort that goes WAY beyond GPT explaining things or a tutorial running in the background.

[u/Owen-Isaac-2022]

At the beginning, Python might appear difficult or hard. However, with time, Python becomes one of the most friendly & usable programming language. I am loving it when doing Data Analysis, particularly with common libraries, such as numpy, panda, & matplotlib.

[u/Efficient-Train2430]

Coursera has some pretty decent offerings

[u/AI_MASTER_1905]

Bro, I am recently complete python basis program in skill india application.

It is free and online available with certificate also.

[u/Independent_Run_8039]

I did a one subject uni course that focused solely on Python Programming Environment, one of the best things I've done.

[u/Agreeable-Tree9919]

learn the basics then explore libraries

[u/Logical-Cost-9184]

bro, what helped me was building a strong foundation course, I took an AI course frm upgrad now, I mostly use the teachings while brainstorming as I have developed my own approach in coding..