How to start learning Python? The easy way

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a versatile language that can be used for a variety of applications, from simple scripts to complex data analysis and web development. If you’re new to programming and want to start learning Python, it can seem daunting, but don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it seems! In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to start learning Python the easy way.

Step 1: Decide what you want to use Python for.

The first step in learning Python is to determine what you want to use it for. Do you want to use it to automate tedious tasks? Write scripts to analyze data? Or develop a web application? Knowing your end goal will help you determine the best resources to use and what aspects of Python you need to focus on.

The various purposes include:

1. Web development (using frameworks like Flask, and Django)
2. Data analysis and visualization (using libraries like Pandas, and Matplotlib)
3. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (using libraries like TensorFlow, and PyTorch)
4. Scientific computing and simulations (using libraries like NumPy, and SciPy)
5. Automation and scripting (for tasks such as web scraping, data processing, and automation)
6. Desktop GUI applications (using tools like PyQt, and Tkinter)

These are just some examples, Python has many more use cases and can be applied in a wide range of domains and industries.

Step 2: Install Python

The next step is to install Python on your computer. You can download the latest version of Python from the official website, python.org. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.

There are several ways to install Python on your computer, depending on the operating system you are using. Here are the steps for some of the most common platforms:

For Windows

• Go to the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/) and download the latest version of Python.
• Run the installer, and make sure to check the box “Add Python to PATH” during the installation process.
• After the installation is complete, you can verify the installation by opening the Command Prompt or PowerShell and running the following command: python --version

For MacOS

• Go to the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/mac-osx/) and download the latest version of Python.
• Run the installer, and follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
• After the installation is complete, you can verify the installation by opening the Terminal and running the following command: python3 --version

For Linux

• The latest version of Python is usually included in the package manager of most Linux distributions.
• To install Python on Ubuntu, open the Terminal and run the following command: sudo apt-get install python3
• To install Python on Fedora, open the Terminal and run the following command: sudo dnf install python3
• After the installation is complete, you can verify the installation by running the following command: python3 --version

It’s important to note that Python 3 is the recommended version, as Python 2 has reached its end-of-life and will no longer receive updates or bug fixes.

Step 3: Choose a learning resource

There are many resources available to help you learn Python, from online courses and tutorials to books and video lessons.

The best learning resource for you may depend on your personal learning style, budget, and goals. Here are some popular options:

Online Tutorials

• Codecademy’s Python Track (https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python)
• Udemy Python Courses (https://www.udemy.com/topic/python/)
• Coursera’s Python for Everybody Specialization (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python)

Books

• “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes
• “Learning Python” by Mark Lutz
• “Fluent Python” by Luciano Ramalho

Video Courses

• “Python for Data Science Handbook” by Jake VanderPlas (available on YouTube)
• “Complete Python Bootcamp” by Jose Portilla (available on Udemy)

Interactive Python Environments

• Repl.it (https://repl.it/languages/python3)
• Jupyter Notebook (http://jupyter.org)

Regardless of the resource you choose, the most important aspect of learning is to practice, practice, practice. Try to work on small projects and build your way up to more complex applications. Good luck with your Python journey!

Step 4: Start with the basics

Once you’ve chosen your learning resource, it’s time to start learning the basics of Python. This will include understanding the syntax, variables, data types, and control structures. If you’re new to programming, this may take some time, but don’t worry, you’ll get there!

Start practicing by writing simple programs, like printing “Hello, World!” and working with variables, data types, and basic operations. Move on to learning about control structures (if/else statements, for/while loops), functions, and modules. The above two basics are common to all programming languages and if you are coming from a coding background just play with some sample questions on hackerrank, and if not then learn the reasons for use before starting to code.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice

The key to learning any new skill is practice. As you learn the basics of Python, you should start practicing writing small scripts and programs. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the language and build your confidence. As you become more proficient, you can start working on larger projects.

Step 6: Join a community

Joining a community of Python developers can be a great way to learn new things and get help when you need it. There are many online communities, such as Stack Overflow and Reddit, where you can ask questions and share your code. You can also attend local meetups or join a study group to connect with other Python learners.

Some of the communities that I think will be a great start are:

• Python Discord (https://discord.gg/python)
• HackerRank Python Challenges (https://www.hackerrank.com/domains/tutorials/10-days-of-python)
• Project Euler (https://projecteuler.net)

Step 7: Keep learning

Learning a new programming language is a never-ending journey, and Python is no exception. As you become more proficient in Python, you should continue to explore new topics and technologies. This could include learning new libraries, frameworks, and tools that can help you be more productive and efficient.

Conclusion

Learning Python can seem intimidating at first, but it’s a highly rewarding experience. With the right resources, a bit of practice, and a supportive community, anyone can become proficient in Python. Remember to start with the basics, practice regularly, and keep learning new things to become a confident and skilled Python developer.