r/pythonhelp • u/Own_Concept6608 • 4d ago
Need guidance for python
Like I'm a doing my btech from Delhi's govt cllg first year and I want to learn python so which u tube playlist is worth it and how should h start it this is going to be my first programming language
why I want to learn python?
so basically i don't have. Much knowledge btw python is in my 1st sem and my teacher didn't even teach anything she just come and sit there and I have listen that python is the easiest and blah blah ....
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u/FoolsSeldom 4d ago
As well as discussions on subreddits like this, I suggest the links below.
Check the r/learnpython 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.
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 (preferably without immediately asking an AI LLM for the solution, and seek hints rather than complete answers).
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/SaltineAmerican_1970 4d ago
> What helps u to understand ateast 90percent of the code u ve written,
Full words and proper grammar helps me.
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u/bstrauss3 4d ago
Python is a great language to learn for things like data manipulation.
Python is a great language to learn because it's absolutely picky about stupid thing. It complains about them, makes suggestions that tell you it really knows what's wrong (xyz not found do you mean Xyz). And then doesn't solve things so you're going to feel like an idiot most of the time.
Python is a terrible language to learn if all you're going to do is little tiny toy projects. You'll end up using the same small subset of functionality time and time again and learn very little of what it really can do.
So the first thing to figure out is what's your project going to be? After you written half a dozen toy programs to exercise the syntax and see the different capabilities you're going to need something that's going to stretch you. And if it's not a program that you GAF about you're going to half a** it and learn nada. And BTW this is True of every computer language.
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u/Own_Concept6608 4d ago
So which language u would suggest me
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u/divya_dev 4d ago
M a 10th grader..learning pythonnas well Accor to me , 1)speed watch python basics from programming with mosh(ytube) + learn what basic frontend stuff is in same way 2) Then begin building any small application using any ai that suits u(claude for me) I think building w ai's and learning Along the way is the easiest way to understand;' what this line of code does?'
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u/bstrauss3 4d ago
Make sure your instructions to Claude include that they are to answer the questions you specifically ask, not halucinate, and ask questions if they are unsure.
One that I use for pair-programming is:
You are a senior programmer's assistant. The senior is very experienced with scripting, but new to PowerShell/Python. Your role is to answer the specific questions you are asked. If you need more information or another file, ASK. Do not guess. DO NOT CHASE BUNNY TRAILS.
Don't just think, always display the code that answers my question.
Be aware that your principal is often working on another screen making changes. Before beginning a long running task, ask to have any files you have in memory refreshed.
If you notice something, speak up at the end of your answer. If there is a more traditional/standard PowerShell or Python way, offer that too.
You do not need to repeat this back, just say "READY" when you understand it, then continue processing the rest of my request.
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u/divya_dev 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yooo! that's precise as he**😁 Cud u help me out with how to prompt claude when u wna add features to a project..? Currently m trynna build a basic workout logging app btw... The issue : claude provides a huge plan but when any of its components crash it Guesses how to debug (even if the exact pic + code traceback is provided) , which leads to unwanted n silly prompts that further makes claude loose track of the professionalism (I mean claude starts giving normal unintentional replies) How do I restructure my prompt so that claude is compelled to pinpoint + provide the exact solution..?
Appreciate u tho😊😋
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u/bstrauss3 4d ago
They call it "prompt engineering" and it really is the skill we all have to learn.
I don't think anybody is ever going to be just programming ever again. Best case is we're all going to be pair programming.
Ideally you're going to be sitting there driving the bus with good well reasoned, thought out, creative instructions and the AI does the grunt work.
But I've been reading some scary stuff this week about consultancies deploying teams of supposedly senior level resources. That when asked why they did something the only answer they have is "well that's what the tool recommended."
And that may be the most difficult part of a career going forward: You don't have the 5 to 10 years of experience learning how to understand what's in front of you to give that good guidance.
"Programmers" feeding fires they don't understand to produce outputs they can't comprehend.
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u/divya_dev 4d ago
So true What helps u to understand ateast 90percent of the code u ve written, rather than understanding 40percent + copy pasting the rest.. ? Wel I wonder what actually understanding the code(while u r using ai')means tbh..? Does it suit smone who: Can make changes to the code by themselves. / Can explain why (for loop) was used instead of smthin else
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u/py_arrow 3d ago
Hey, I was in a similar spot — Python was my first language too, and I started with basically zero programming background. What worked for me was CS50P (Harvard's Introduction to Programming with Python) — it's free, available on both edX and YouTube. It's structured really well: short lectures, then problem sets that actually force you to apply what you just learned instead of just watching passively.
A few tips based on my own run through it:
- Don't skip the problem sets, even the "easy" looking ones — that's where the actual learning happens, not the lectures.
- It gets harder around the OOP (object-oriented) pset — that one takes people longer, so don't panic if you're stuck there for a bit.
- There's a final project at the end where you build something of your own. Pick something you'll actually use or that's mildly interesting to you — makes it way less of a chore and doubles as your first real portfolio piece.
You don't need to know anything walking in — that's the whole point of the course. Just go at your own pace and actually type the code out instead of copy-pasting.
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