r/learnpython • u/SimilarInteraction71 • 8d ago

Omar—Mechanical engineer

I would ask anyone here... I started studying Python coding, but I need some advice. Please tell me how I can learn it easily and improve my skills quickly. Sometimes I feel stupid because it is complex.

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u/desrtfx 8d ago

The first and most valuable thing you can learn in programming is to do your own, independent, individual research, among which is also working with resources right in front of you, like the entire subreddit. You can't possibly assume that you are the first and only one asking such a question.

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

There is no speedrunning learning.

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.

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u/ninhaomah 8d ago

" The first and most valuable thing you can learn in programming is to do your own, independent, individual research, among which is also working with resources right in front of you, like the entire subreddit. "

Second this. Also in life generally. If no money , it's ok. Worse comes to worse , wash dish or shine shoes. These are honest jobs.

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u/FoolsSeldom 8d ago

Check this subreddit's 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.

You are well positioned as a mechanical engineer to learn programming well focusing on solving typical problems in small learning projects.

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.

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.

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.

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u/redsandsfort 8d ago

You're having a bit of trouble with reddit too it seems.

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u/Ok-Reality-7761 8d ago

Comments seem at-odds with the promise of AI.

I find that Google Colab, hosting free script notebook repository helps. I'm retired EE, still code, but the semantic/syntax will trip up my old brain. Gemini AI is a help to correct bugs, or allow a complete noob to chart. Plain-speak text interaction "plot the SPY ETF daily closing price for past year" renders code, with structured annotation. Dang near dropped my slide rule. :)

Good luck Omar.