We recommend making a commitment to code every day. It may be hard to believe, but muscle memory plays a large part in programming. Committing to coding everyday will really help develop that muscle memory. Though it may seem daunting at first, consider starting small with 25 minutes everyday and working your way up from there.
Check out the First Steps With Python Guide for information on setup as well as exercises to get you started.
Tip #2: Write It Out
As you progress on your journey as a new programmer, you may wonder if you should be taking notes. Yes, you should! In fact, research suggests that taking notes by hand is most beneficial for long-term retention. This will be especially beneficial for those working towards the goal of becoming a full-time developer, as many interviews will involve writing code on a whiteboard.
Once you start working on small projects and programs, writing by hand can also help you plan your code before you move to the computer. You can save a lot of time if you write out which functions and classes you will need, as well as how they will interact.
Tip #3: Go Interactive!
Whether you are learning about basic Python data structures (strings, lists, dictionaries, etc.) for the first time, or you are debugging an application, the interactive Python shell will be one of your best learning tools. We use it a lot on this site too!
To use the interactive Python shell (also sometimes called a Python REPL), first make sure Python is installed on your computer. Weve got a step-by-step tutorial to help you do that. To activate the interactive Python shell, simply open your terminal and run python or python3 depending on your installation. You can find more specific directions here.
Now that you know how to start the shell, here are a few examples of how you can use the shell when you are learning:
Learn what operations can be performed on an element by using dir():
The elements returned from dir() are all of the methods (i.e. actions) that you can apply to the element. For example:
Notice that we called the upper() method. Can you see what it does? It makes all of the letters in the string uppercase! Learn more about these built-in methods under Manipulating strings in this tutorial.
Learn the type of an element:
Use the built-in help system to get full documentation:
Import libraries and play with them:
Run shell commands:
Tip #4: Take Breaks
When you are learning, it is important to step away and absorb the concepts. The Pomodoro Technique is widely used and can help: you work for 25 minutes, take a short break, and then repeat the process. Taking breaks is critical to having an effective study session, particularly when you are taking in a lot of new information.
Breaks are especially important when you are debugging. If you hit a bug and cant quite figure out what is going wrong, take a break. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or chat with a friend. In programming, your code must follow the rules of a language and logic exactly, so even missing a quotation mark will break everything. Fresh eyes make a big difference.
Tip #5: Become a Bug Bounty Hunter
Speaking of hitting a bug, it is inevitable once you start writing complex programs that you will run into bugs in your code. It happens to all of us! Dont let bugs frustrate you. Instead, embrace these moments with pride and think of yourself as a bug bounty hunter. When debugging, it is important to have a methodological approach to help you find where things are breaking down. Going through your code in the order in which it is executed and making sure each part works is a great way to do this.
Once you have an idea of where things might be breaking down, insert the following line of code into your script import pdb; pdb.set_trace() and run it. This is the Python debugger and will drop you into interactive mode. The debugger can also be run from the command line with python -m pdb .
Make It Collaborative
Once things start to stick, expedite your learning through collaboration. Here are some strategies to help you get the most out of working with others.
Tip #6: Surround Yourself With Others Who Are Learning
Though coding may seem like a solitary activity, it actually works best when you work together. It is extremely important when you are learning to code in Python that you surround yourself with other people who are passionate about learning as well. This will allow you to share the tips and tricks you learn along the way. Dont worry if you dont know anyone. There are plenty of ways to meet others who are passionate about learning Python! Find local events or Meetups or join PythonistaCafe, a peer-to-peer learning community for Python enthusiasts like you!
Tip #7: Teach
It is said that the best way to learn something is to teach it. This is true when you are learning Python. There are many ways to do this: whiteboarding with other Python lovers, writing blog posts explaining newly learned concepts, recording videos in which you explain something you learned, or simply talking to yourself at your computer. Each of these strategies will solidify your understanding as well as expose any gaps in your understanding.
Tip #8: Pair Program
Pair programming is a technique that involves two developers working at one workstation to complete a task. The two developers take turns writing code and reviewing each others work. This can be an extremely effective way to learn Python, particularly when you are new to the language or struggling with a particular concept. When pair programming, it is important to have clear communication between partners and to establish ground rules for how the task will be completed.
Tip #9: Use Online Resources
There are many online resources available that can help you learn Python. Websites like Codecademy offer interactive lessons that allow you to practice coding in real time. Other websites, such as RealPython, provide tutorials and articles on a variety of topics related to Python development. YouTube is also an excellent resource for learning Python. There are many channels dedicated to teaching programming concepts using Python, including Corey Schafers channel and Socraticas channel.
Tip #10: Practice!
The best way to learn Python is by doing. Find a project that interests you and start coding! This will help you solidify your understanding of the language as well as provide an opportunity for you to apply what you have learned in real-world scenarios. When working on projects, it can be helpful to break them down into smaller tasks or milestones. This will allow you to focus on one aspect at a time and make progress more quickly.