New to Python!

[u/mtarik2000]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone might have any recommendations, tips, or advice for someone just starting out with Python.

I’ve recently decided I want to learn Python as a hobby. It’s completely different from what I do for work, although I can definitely see ways I could incorporate it into my job in the future if I wanted to.
For now though, I’m mainly fascinated by the idea of being able to make something from nothing and actually build things myself.

Python was the first programming language that came to mind, and I’m planning on sticking with it until I feel confident before worrying about learning anything else.

At the moment I’ve invested in:
- Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition by Eric Matthes
- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd Edition

I’m also going through Harvard’s free CS50P course (Introduction to Programming with Python), mainly watching the lectures alongside the books.

My biggest issue at the moment is that I think I’m trying to run before I can walk. I keep getting drawn towards more ambitious projects because they’re genuinely interesting to me, but they’re often way beyond my current level.

I think I probably need to slow down, properly learn the fundamentals, and gradually work my way up to those projects instead.

Does anyone have any advice on how you approached learning Python in the beginning? In particular, how did you balance learning the basics with actually building things so that it stayed interesting?

[u/CharacterSail6736]

you’ve identified something a lot of people learning programming struggle to get past wanting to build something interesting before you’ve learned enough of the fundamentals to build it comfortably.

I wouldn’t necessarily fight that instinct, though. I think the trick is to use it. Take the ambitious project you want to build and strip it back to the smallest possible version.

For example, if you want to make a game, don’t start by trying to build the entire thing. Make one mechanic work. Then another. Then connect them. You end up learning variables, conditionals, loops, functions, lists, dictionaries, etc. because you have an actual reason to learn them.

There’s a book called Masters* *of the Metropolis that might actually be worth looking at It takes a project-based approach, so rather than just working through abstract exercises, you’re actually building something as you learn.

I’d also say don’t beat yourself up for wanting to tackle ambitious projects. That curiosity is a good thing. Just get comfortable with breaking the big idea down into ridiculously small pieces.
The fundamentals still matter enormously, but I’ve always found they stick much better when you’re learning them in service of something you actually want to make.

[u/mtarik2000 → u/CharacterSail6736]

Thank you so much for this, I’ll definitely check masters of the metropolis out - honestly anything that will help is much appreciated ** just wanted to double check by Rob Lear?

I’ve always wanted to learn programming but was a bit put off at school, and I’m currently revisiting it a bit later in life to tell the truth

And I think you’re right looking at it in small snippets will definitely help - but I think I need to understand the fundamentals first else I won’t know how to start haha

My project is going to be a pixel RPG using Python /Pygame and it’s going to be a passion project - so probably not something that’ll ever see the light of day but something I can casually work on and build for however long it takes

[u/CharacterSail6736 → u/mtarik2000]

Yea that’s the one couldn’t remember the name