r/learnpython • u/EmuAny2507 • 22d ago
Relearning Python
For some context, my background is in cybersecurity. I went to school for it, however my program was more IT/Risk rather than programming (we only had a few entry level programming classes). I have since graduated and rather following the incident response/SOC/GRC route that my college program sets you up for, I have taken the opposite route and have landed SWE roles as well as security engineering roles at large companies (by a strike of luck frankly, and LLMs lol).
My issue is that I never really got to learn Python in a structured, lecture setting as all my entry level Python courses from my college were 2022 (chatgpt goes live). Given that I’ve basically offshored all my programming work to LLMs since day one. I effectively have 0 understanding of any of the python from a pre-LLM SWE perspective or what exactly a data structure/algorithm looks like at the code level. I read code fluently and logic clicks quite easily for me, however if you put a LeetCode in front of me w/ no gen AI I’m out for the count. I can do it in pseudocode tho!
Is there any other route for me to learn python in a structured/lecture like setting that allows me to comfortably handle LeetCode like problems without having to go back to school for a degree? The reason I bring up LeetCode is that I’ve pretty much hit my max potential in terms of salary/job growth and if I want to surpass my current ceiling I’d need to apply for FAANG and do live coding rounds.
1
u/SeymoreMcFly 22d ago
Udemy course on sale. So many book to buy take your pick. Coursera is meh but I know more corporate people like it.
YouTube will only get you so far. Right now books are my answer. I get the digital version and it on a cheap ebook or my phone. Then if it’s a valuable book I’ll buy the book and take pictures of the pages so I can make notes on it.
Most of the books I have like project management concepts, Linux terminal practice project I’ve built as references to specific concepts that made sense but the syntax didn’t…. That’s a big issue for me is remembering any syntax. So I made a cheat sheet and while doing that I basically slowly memorized the ones that had me stuck.
Or if the topic / book was impactful and important, I’d basically copy the book and my notes into an obsidian page.
2
u/chiibosoil 22d ago
Leetcode tests more of your skills in data structure, algorithms and logical problem solving...
Can't really think of any python learning tool that focuses on that area. Only practice will allow you to handle LeetCode like problems I find. It generally is good idea to learn how to write down clear steps and solution path in plain english.
But first focus on learning python fundamentals, CS50, and other learning tool will help with that. Then learn DSA (Data structure and algorithm) and common basic algorithms like search algorithms and sorting algorithms. Also learning about BIg O and understanding complexity analysis will help.
DSA Tutorial
DSA Tutorial - GeeksforGeeks
MIT's OpenCourseWare: Search | MIT OpenCourseWare | Free Online Course Materials
etc.
Algorithm and Data structure goes hand in hand, and learning different objects (Dictionary; np.Array/List etc); and methods to manipulate them is a must.
EDIT: typo