Getting Started With Python
By now, too many people have asked me on how to get started with python and what are some resources for beginners. This post is my way out of that.
Here’s a collection of python resources and some beginner questions that I usually end up answering. You might disagree with some answers, but, who cares.
All resources described here are free(in a way). I’ll be updating it when I find time. If you have anything that can be added here, you can message me on twitter.
Text:
Automating the boring stuff with python
Videos:
Automating the boring stuff with python
The newboston python tutorials
Interactive:
Practice:
‘Practice’ is not for beginners but help you once you are comfortable writing some code. Please complete ‘Interactive’ before going into ‘Practice’.
Q. What’s python 2 and python 3, what should I learn?
A. To put it simply — Python 2 is old, python 3 is new. Learn the new one.
Q. Where do I download python from?
A. Go here and download the latest 3.x version.
Q. Do I have to go through all the resources?
A. No, choose one resource and learn from it.
Q. What’s the best resource in all of these resources?
A. There’s no best. Find the one that suits you and start learning.
Q. How do I know what’s best resource for me?
A. Choose anyone in your favorite learning medium. If you can complete two chapters/videos/levels without ripping your eyes off, I think you’ve found the best resource for you. Usually people find it in 1 or 2 attempts.
Q. What computer configuration should I have to learn python?
A. If you have an operating system in your machine, then you’re fine.
Q. Which text editor/IDE should I use to write code?
A. for windows — python IDLE
for mac/linux/unix — the default text editor
Q. Why not other fancy IDEs?
A. Right now you’re a beginner. You need to learn the syntax and all the fancy features in the latest IDEs comes in the way of your learning. Typing them letter by letter will get them inside your thick skull permanently.
Q. Can I learn it on phone?
A. You can, but don’t. Just don’t. No tabs too. Just good old screen and keyboard.
Q. The resource teaches python 3.x version and I want to learn python 3.y. Give me a proper resource!
A. Learn to use the thing between your eyes. No, not your nose. Your head dumbass. Regardless of the versions, the basic remains the same. So x or y doesn’t matter until it is python 3.
Q. What do I do after I am done with it?
A. You’re done? seriously? Don’t kid me. Go and learn.
Q. Will I be able hack Facebook/Google/Amazon/Any other company using python?
A. NO (feel free to change my mind by actually doing it).
P.S. If you message me and ask any of the already answered questions, I will redirect you to this post (and be seriously disappointed in you).
