What is Python?
Python is a high-level programming language and an oriented programming language. It is a general-purpose programming language and it promotes code readability with the introduction of indentation.
It helps programmers to write clear and logical code for small and large-scale software projects like developing websites, software, data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning.
Python is commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization.
How to learn Python?
Here’s how you can learn python step by step so that you don’t get away from your goal and learn python at its best to achieve your desired goal-
Firstly, you need to figure out why do you want to learn Python
Before you start your journey to learn the Python programming language, it is worth it to ask why are you learning otherwise it will be a directionless journey and without that motivation, you probably won’t make it through. For example, when Python is taught in universities, students tend to not focus on learning it, but when they try to build an application for their project, they learn Python very quickly without boredom. It’s not necessary to figure out an exact project but you should just get a general idea of the field in which you’re interested.
To start learning Python, you should pick an area of interest such as:
Data science / Machine learning
Mobile apps
Websites
Games
Task automation
Data processing and analysis
Hardware / Sensors / Robots
Automation with scripts
Learn the basic syntax of Python
Before diving deep into the Python world, you have to learn the basic syntax of the Python programming language quickly as it is not much interesting.
Here are some good resources to learn the basics of Python.
- You can go for the hard way of learning the basic syntax of python from basic to advanced programs.
- You can learn the syntax of Python from the main Python documentation site.
You need to learn syntax quickly as possible because you have to get to work on projects quicker and also you can refer back to the syntax again if you get stuck in between.
A quick note: Learn the latest python and not the previous versions of it, so if you search for resources online, look for Python 3.10.0.
Make small structured projects
After learning the basic syntax and all the concepts of programming such as Object-oriented programming, you can start making projects on your own.
- These projects are a great way to learn because when you start working on projects you learn to apply your knowledge to practical use and when you work on projects you learn many new things that you didn’t learn while learning the syntax.
- Projects push your learning capabilities and help you to build a portfolio to showcase your capabilities to potential employers and improve your CV.
In the project learning phase, there are two steps:
At first you have to start with structured projects as freeform projects will be harder at this point and because of this you can get demotivated that is why it is better to make structured projects until you feel comfortable to make standalone projects on your own.
There are many learning resources that offer structured projects and these projects let you learn python as you learn the most of a language when you start building projects with that programming language.
Note: These type of projects makes you learn most of a language while preventing you from being stuck in between the learning.
Tools and Resources for practicing structured projects in different areas:
Machine learning
You can use a book written by a big author of Python data analysis library – “Python for Data Analysis” book.
Scikit-learn documentation library:
A great machine learning library that also has good documentation and tutorials.
Harvard Class CS109
A very good online Harvard class that teaches Python this is a Harvard class that teaches Python for data science with good projects and materials.
Mobile Application Kivy guide
A very good tool that guides on how to make mobile applications with Python.
Websites
Bottle tutorial — A very good website to learn and practice Python.
How To Tango With Django —Another good website to learn Django, a complex python framework.
Games
Pygame tutorials — To practice your learning on making games with Python, Pygame has good tutorials for it. There is also a book named “Making games with Pygame” that teaches you how to make games with Python. One more book – Invent your own computer games with Python.
Hardware / Sensors / Robots
Using Python with Arduino — You can use Python to control sensors and build hardware projects with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Websites that teach how to build robots using Python and Raspberry Pi – “Learning Robotics using Python” and “Cookbook”.
Fun Scripts to Automate Your Work
You can learn how to apply Python in real life and automate your day-to-day work on the “Automate the boring stuff with Python” website. After you’ve done a few structured projects in your own area, you should be able to move into freeform projects that you can build on your own.
But before starting your own projects, you should spend some time learning and improving your problem-solving skills.
