Advice for Python Programming Beginners

Python is the most popular current programming language with over 8.2 million active developers. The main reason for this is Python’s versatility and simplicity that supports both beginners and experts.

Today, just about anyone is able to become well-versed in Python’s language, and we’re going to share with you the most useful tips when getting started.

We’re going to reveal our knowledge that helps beginners work up to that next level of development. So, keep reading to find all the advice on basic syntax, consistency levels, and how pair programs can help you.

Want More Career-focused News? Subscribe to Build Your Career Newsletter Today!

What Motivates You To Want To Learn Python?

Firstly, every beginner should understand what drives them to learn Python and how it grows from their area of interest. While Python is a relatively easy coding language to get to grips with, the journey will need a lot of motivation from yourself.

Therefore, finding what motivates you to learn will help you create an end goal. With an end goal in mind, you’ll resist falling back into boredom and keep on track with your coding goals.

For example, take a look at this list and see which areas interest you:

• Games
• Website building
• Mobile applications
• Data analysis and processing
• Scripts for automation
• Data science
• Sensors, robots, and hardware

Try to figure out an area that you’ll stick with in the future and transform it into your passion project!

Understand The Basic Syntax

Next, you need to learn the basics of Python’s syntax before you can begin to develop your coding skills. This means that you can’t progress in your area of interest without coming to grips with the basic syntax.

Luckily, only a small amount of time is needed during this phase, but it will be crucial in the future. The good news for beginners like yourself is that there is a wealth of resources available, both directly from Python themselves and third-party expert developers.

Try using these resources to help boost your knowledge of Python’s syntax:

• Python’s dedicated introduction to their programming language.
• The quick tour of the Python language system in The Whirlwind Tour of Python guided by a renowned software engineer.
• Find a trusted book publication like Python 3 for Absolute Beginners that has guided aspiring developers before.

Code Every Day

Once you understand the syntax, it’s all about practice. Learning to code in a new programming language is much like learning any other language. It requires a consistent work ethic and daily immersion into its language.

Whether it’s learning how to sort a list in Python or creating a text-based adventure game, you’re going to need to dedicate a minimum amount of time every day to mastering the basics of coding.

This may seem like a daunting task, but we recommend that you start small and work your way up. For instance, start by coding 20 minutes a day and see if you can consistently reach that target. Once you have proven that to yourself, try increasing the workload.

The more your mind adapts to the coding language every day, the easier it will be to familiarize yourself with tougher tasks.

Learn From Others

After focusing on your work ethic, it’s useful to know that Python has a large online community with daily discussions about concerns and doubts. Remember, coding doesn’t have to be a solitary life. Coders are actually working better by surrounding themselves with others who are also learning Python from the ground up.

You can find an official python discord, an enthusiastic community of Python specialists known as PySlackers, and peer-to-peer learning environments such as PythonistaCafe. IEEE Computer Society also focuses on creating inclusive computing volunteer communities that everyone can take part in.

Surrounding yourself with other beginners will make your journey easier. You can easily have queries answered and share some of your own tips along the way!

Pair Program

Finally, take collaboration to the next with pair programming. This involves two developers working together at one workstation to complete a set task. During a pair program, two developers switch between being the driver (writer of the code) and the navigator (reviewing and solving the code as it is written).

Developers taking part usually switch so that they can develop both sides of coding. This is a perfect way to both receive feedback on your code and collaborate on a specific problem together.

The teamwork involved in pair programs exposes your brain to various problems while allowing you to work out solutions to them.

Conclusion

Now you have seen the five most useful tips for any Python beginner, it’s time to put them into action! Just stick by the steps in this article and you’ll be on your way to mastering Python’s language.

Keep in mind - find your interest, understand the basics, find a consistent work ethic, don’t struggle in silence, and reach out to a Python community if you need help.