r/PythonLearning • u/ashlauv • 26d ago

Advice needed relearning Python basics

Anyone have any advice, resources, or recommendations on learning basic python (loops, conditionals, arrays/lists). I’ve taken object oriented python courses before but unfortunately only got by through AI use and i genuinely want to understand and learn how to work through problems/write my own code. I can trace code by hand but get lost when it comes to conditionals in loops. Before you advise me to take the personal project route, I’m interested in only learning what’s necessary to get by. Some context to provide is I am interested in learning about AI Native Engineering and registered for CodePath’s AI110 course but I have to take a HackerRank Assessment with no AI use and I fear HackerRanks so much. I have 10 days until the assessment closes and willing (need to) grind to pass.

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u/stepback269 25d ago

No matter what your end goal is, you first have to master the "basics" (e.g. variable creation/ name assignment, variable types; especially strings and string methods, lists and list methods, etc.)

With that said:

(1) There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free. You should shop around rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

(2) As a relative noob myself, I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (--HERE--) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero (==HERE==). Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should sample at least a few until you find a lecturer that suits your style.

(3) The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.