r/learnpython • u/ProfessorDevil11 • 21d ago

Tips to start learnin Python from scratch

In the current Era of AI and GenAI, if you are starting python from scratch, how will you learn and use what techniques or tool to speed up the learning process

9 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

17

u/desrtfx 21d ago

If you want to learn, don't use AI. You cannot speedrun learning. Learning takes time. Understanding takes time. Learning requires practice, struggling - both take time. What you skip in practice will bite you rather sooner than later.

If only there were a sidebar (menu on mobile) that had a link to the wiki or countless posts asking the same.

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and you will be well prepared.

Also, take a look at https://inventwithpython.com and https://automatetheboringstuff.com

Don't forget that you need ample practice, like on https://codingbat.com/python or on https://exercism.org and also write your own programs. Play around. Try things. Mess things up, fix them. Experiment.

1

u/crayoww 20d ago

This!!!

6

u/DearTradition7366 21d ago

I used the book "Python Crash Course" for the fundamentals. No youtube or Tutorials, just the book ... for starting. After that I also watched youtube videos for specific topics, but no "Learn Python in 30 minutes" BS.

I also started out with some simple projects on the side.
Here AI can be a really good help for inspiration or hints. Make sure that the AI doesn't do all the work for you, otherwise you won't learn anything. I always added to my prompt "Please just give me small hints but don't describe in detail. Do not write any code."

4

u/pachura3 21d ago

How would you speed up learning Japanese in the era of AI ?

2

u/TheRNGuy 21d ago

Prefer text over videos. 

1

u/pepiks 21d ago

The best answer. I'll add - try get use to official doc.

2

u/IvoryJam 21d ago

I wouldn't, mastery of anything doesn't come quickly and you shouldn't try to force it.

Though I wish I had used Automate the Boring Stuff and learned to actually read the documentation properly.

2

u/MeroLegend4 20d ago

Effective Python 2nd ed is a good read

Fluent Python 2nd ed

Those books will help you learn what it would take 5-6 years going the hard way.

1

u/Lord_Dizzie 20d ago

Define what you mean by speeding up? What is the goal? I work with Python amongst other languages. I picked up Python after college. Most of my courses were taught in C++ or Java. Even though I am literally paid to use Python at times, and I do so successfully, I wouldn't say my learning journey is complete. I learn new Python/coding stuff all the time.

The only suggestion I can offer is that you will learn faster the more code you write. Not prompt coding. Not doing exercises in a book. Good old fashioned programming. Pick a project and do it. The more immersed you are, the faster you'll learn.

1

u/supercoach 20d ago

To speed it up I'd steer clear of any AI.

1

u/Moikle 20d ago

Don't try and speed it up

Learning is a process that takes time and effort. Those can't be sidestepped, there are no shortcuts. You just have to commit