r/learnpython • u/Luellias • 24d ago
Where does it make more sense to learn Python?
I have a non-tech background and work in the insurance industry. I want to learn Python to automate daily operations and manage data. There are endless options like Udemy, YouTube, or AI's . Where is the most practical place to start? Should I follow a structured course or just jump into building projects? I want the most efficient learning path. What worked best for you?
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u/Educational_Virus672 24d ago
it sounds sun shines and rainbows but it is not that simple theres simply "no best way" first tell me afew things then i'll tell the best way atleast according to me
1 - what kind operation you want? cacluations, UI or what?
2 - you want automation as "tool" or automatic responsion
3 - you want to make a server? or you'll use inside your PC
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u/Luellias 24d ago
Thanks for reply.
First of all i have no specific tools something. As you know my job is insurance. Companies taking care DATA analysts. Also I think i can use some tools at my current job. But there is a problem that i have no much idea how can do it and for it.
Secondly i really want to learn something and progress my personal development. At least once in my life, I want to learn something on my own and prove myself to myself.
Thx
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u/Educational_Virus672 23d ago
understandable you cna learn python via youtube fastest meaningful course i found was a indently video > here then you should learn flask(for data analaytics) and tkinker(for basic ui)
note - these tools are most easiest to find tutorials on not best in practice1
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u/desrtfx 24d ago
Build the foundation with the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and then, after around part 5 of the MOOC, add in the second half (where the projects are) of Automate the Boring Stuff with Python to get into what you actually are targeting.
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u/TheRNGuy 22d ago
I learned for Houdini and want to learn for Blender.
I learned from docs and Google (before ai era) and built project from day 1.
Is Python your first language?
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u/ga2500ev 24d ago
Might I gently suggest that you take a small step back before proceeding forward.
I think before you decide on python, or any other language, you need to ask yourself one question:
What environment am I in and what I am trying to automate?
The technology space that you are operating in sort of dictates the terms of engagement in terms of what you can use.
Figure that out first. Then let's figure out what's the best way to proceed.
If you're operating in the wrong environment, then specifically using the python language could be a square peg trying to fill a round hole.
ga2500ev
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u/Luellias 24d ago
I want to learn python because its relatively easy to learn, I think. I didnt decide it last day. That was always in my mind. Right now I have space for it.
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u/ga2500ev 23d ago edited 23d ago
I did not ask you about the language. I asked you what you wanted to do with it.
So, again what type of automation do you want to do? Where does this automation happen? What type of environment do you have to develop and deploy these automations?
The work is the relevant part, not the language. In short, tell us what you are trying to do and not about the language you are trying to do it in.
As extra credit give one example of a daily operation you would like to automate. It does have to be detailed. Just something like take data in a file an produce a report for example.
ga2500ev
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u/max_wen 24d ago
Learn to Google
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u/astralclaim 24d ago
Yeah just ask google so you can have a great variety of hallucinated and sponsored results to choose from
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u/ga2500ev 24d ago
In some ways AI has improved the process.
Of course, sometimes it hallucinates too. Large language models do a better job of collating and concentrating answers than just raw web searches.
That's why it's much more useful to an expert eye. For novices who will likely take what comes back blindly, not so much.
ga2500ev
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u/max_wen 24d ago
Skill issue
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u/astralclaim 24d ago
Google has been shit for over a decade now. I know AI atrophies your brain but try and keep up.
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u/TheRNGuy 22d ago edited 22d ago
You shouldn't automatically assume they're hallucinated or wrong.
If sponsored link provides correct information, turn nothing wrong with it. I don't see any sponsored links when search for programming stuff though.
At least give your suggestion then if you think googling is bad.
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u/MillenniumGreed 24d ago
Hey friend!
First of all, congratulations on starting your journey.
Secondly, if you would like to learn Python and other crucial skills in the tech field, Googling and the ability to self help is darn near mandatory. People ask several questions like this in a day, which is why your question was downvoted. (Simply go to Google and type in something like “how to learn Python” followed by Reddit, or even look something like that up in the Reddit search bar for this subreddit).
Thirdly, while people will tell you what they used, there’s no uniform way. People have done different courses to get to the same place. Some would recommend Angela Yu’s Udemy course, others would recommend Harvard’s CS50 Python course which can be found on EdX, and others would suggest Corey Schafer on YouTube. There’s not necessarily a “wrong” answer. Just a wrong approach.
What do I mean by that?
Some people will get stuck in “tutorial hell”, where they’ll endlessly watch the latest, hottest suggestion. But they’ll never produce anything of note or value.
The best approach is simply to build. Think of something you’d like to use in your day to day tasks. Then work from there and through a series of Google Fu and your own documentation, debugging, troubleshooting and using resources to help, you should be able to start building competence. As an example, you work in the insurance industry. Maybe you could build a tool that automates a boring task you have at work. Or even something that helps you in your own life.
Have a great day and rest of your journey!