Python is an essential programming language, and it is widely used in fields like web development, software engineering, data science, automation, game development. However, what are the top ways to learn Python? That can be tricky to figure out. One of the frustrating things while learning Python was how general all the learning resources were. This made learning Python quite daunting, especially for beginners. Understanding how all the dots connect when you don't know anything about Python can be tricky.
The problem is that you need to comprehend the building blocks of the Python language to develop anything interesting. If you don't know how to script code to create a view, it is not really possible to create a dynamic website. Most tutorials anticipate that you must learn all of Python syntax before you begin doing anything interesting. This is what leads to months of investment in syntax when what you actually want to be doing is examining data, or developing a website by python developers, or creating an independent drone.
In this article, we will discuss some steps to replicating this process irrespective of why you want to learn Python web development.
#Step 1: Determine What Motivates You To Learn Python
Before beginning to learn Python, it's worth asking why you want to learn it. This is because it will be a long and, at times, painful journey. It would help if you had adequate motivation to make it through. Determining what motivates you will help you ascertain the end goal and a road that gets you there without boredom.
Choose an area you are interested in like:
- Machine learning/Data Science
- Websites
- Mobile apps
- Games
- Hardware/Robots/Sensors
- Data Processing & Analysis
- Scripts to Automate your Work
Determine one/two areas that interest you and you are willing to stick with.
#Step 2: Learn The Basic Syntax
This step cannot be missed out. You have to learn the fundamentals of Python syntax before jumping into your chosen area. You wish to spend the minimum time on this, as it is very stimulating. Below are some excellent resources to help you learn the basics:
- The Python Tutorial: the tutorial on the primary Python website.
- Learn Python The Tough Way: a book that teaches Python concepts from the fundamentals to more deep programs.
- Dataquest: Python for Data Science Basics Course - Dataquest teaches Python syntax for learning data science.
#Step 3: Make Organized Projects
Once you have learned the fundamental syntax, it is possible to begin doing projects. Projects are a fantastic way to learn since they let you implement your knowledge. Unless you implement your knowledge, it will be tough to retain it. Projects will push your abilities, help you know new things, and create a portfolio to display to potential employees.
Data Science/Machine Learning
Dataquest - Teaches you data science & Python interactively. You examine a series of exciting datasets from CIA documents to NBA player stats. You finally develop complex algorithms, including decision trees & neural networks.
Scikit-learn documentation: Scikit-learn is the primary Python machine learning library. It has some fantastic tutorials & documentation.
CS109 - this is a Harvard class that educates Python for data science. They have some of their projects & other materials online.
Python for Data Analysis: It was written by the author of a significant Python data analysis library; it's an excellent introduction to examining data in Python.
Websites
- Bottle Tutorial
- Flash Tutorial
- How to Tango with Django
Mobile Apps
- Kivy guide - Kivy is a tool that allows you to make mobile apps using Python. They have a guide on how to begin.
Games
- Making games with Pygame - a book that educates you to create games in Python.
- Codecademy - walks you through creating a few simple games.
- Create your computer games with Python - a book on how to make many games using Python.
- Pygame tutorials - Pygame is a famous Python library for creating games.
Hardware/Robots/Sensors
Learning Python with Raspberry Pi - develops hardware projects with Python and Raspberry Pi.
Using Python with Arduino - know how to use Python to manage sensors connected to an Arduino.
Raspberry Pi Cookbook - educate how to develop robots using the Python & Raspberry Pi.
Learning Robotics with Python - know how to develop robots using Python.
#Step 4: Work On Python Projects Yourself
After finishing some organized projects, it's time to work on projects yourself to resume learning Python better. You will still be consulting resources & understanding concepts, but you will be working on what you want to work on. Before jumping into working yourself, you should be comfortable debugging mistakes and issues with your programs.
- StackOverflow
- Python documentation
Once you have a firm handle on debugging issues, you can begin working yourself. It would help if you worked on things that fascinate you.
Below are some suggestions for finding exciting projects:
- Expand the projects you were earlier working on, & add more functionality.
- Visit Python meetups in your area, and discover people who are working on exciting projects.
- Discover projects others have made, and view if you can extend or embrace them.
- Think of tools that would make your daily life easier and develop them.
- Go through others' blog posts to discover exciting project ideas.
#Step 5: Keep Working On Challenging Projects
Keep increasing the level of difficulty and scope of your projects. If you are totally comfortable with what you are developing, meaning it's time to try something more complex. Below are some ideas to start your new project:
- Can you scale up your tool?
- Can you run your program quicker?
- Try educating a beginner on how to develop a project you made.
- Can you make your tool handy for more people?
The Endnote
At the day's end, Python is evolving all the time. Some people can only legitimately claim to understand the language totally, and they built it. You will need to be continuously learning & working on projects. Python is a fun & rewarding language to learn, and anyone can get to a supreme-level of proficiency in it if they find the proper motivation.
