11th May 2022 8 minutes read

5 Tips for Learning Python From Scratch

Want to become a professional programmer? Heard you should start learning Python? Well, you heard right! Whether you have already decided to learn Python or you are just getting into it, I have 5 tips for you on how to do it right.

In this article, I will show you how to approach learning Python effectively. I tested all the learning tips myself.

As you are reading this article, you most likely find yourself in the same boat as I was some time ago. I had no idea what Python was or how to learn it. All I knew was I wanted to code. So, I started searching the internet and reading everything I could find.

Unfortunately, most of what I could get my hands on was either contradictory or simply worthless. Some sources said Java was the answer to all my questions, while others promised a bright future if I just learned C+ or JavaScript.

The truth is, everything is worth learning, but some programming languages are more user-friendly – such as Python – and it is good to start your IT adventure with those. Try to learn Java, and you will understand what I mean!

If you want to start learning Python right away, I recommend the Learn Programming with Python track. This is a set of interactive Python courses, giving you the basics and the opportunity to practice everything. It is the best way to learn Python. Real coding experience!

Why Learn Python?

Let's start by answering the most basic question: why do you need to learn Python at all? There are so many different programming languages out there, and more broadly, so many different options for a career in many industries. Why do you need to learn programming if you can get paid otherwise?

In short, it just pays off. And this is not just about the income, although it is quite decent. According to Indeed.com, the average Python programmer in the U.S. makes about $100K per year. Pretty sweet!

Python is also useful in everyday work for almost anyone who uses a computer. Do you send mass emails or work with data in spreadsheets? Or are you a system admin? Most likely, you can improve and speed up some of your daily duties by using Python scripts. If you want to know more about it, check out "How Will Python Improve My Daily Work?"

Honestly, I love Python. It is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Its simplicity and logical syntax make it suitable for almost any application, from web development and automation to data science. If you're looking for more convincing arguments, read "Why Learn Python in 2022?"

5 Tips for Learning Python

Now, it's time to get down to business. You can follow my advice or find another way to learn Python yourself. But why waste time by breaking down an already open door? Take my suggestions to make learning Python painless.

Note that even the best tricks and tips are not a substitute for effort and practice. So you cannot avoid learning and spending time writing code. But take it easy! with my advice, you can do it.

1. Find a Good Resource

It's easy to say but hard to do. The internet is packed to the brim with all sorts of tutorials, courses, and teachers promising to make you a senior developer in five minutes. Don't be fooled, most of them are a waste of time and money.

I know people who came across bad tutorials and became discouraged from learning Python. It is a pity! They lost an opportunity to change jobs and find a new career in IT.

Make no mistake. You have to choose the right source of information. You can turn on YouTube and try to wade through hours of videos. It wasn't for me though, I was bored, and it didn't take me much beyond yawning and weariness. As soon as I started the tutorial, I was losing motivation. It didn't move me forward.

I quickly realized the best source of information about Python is an interactive online course. Again, after many attempts and wrong decisions, I finally found my way to LearnPython.com. Their offerings are aimed mainly at beginners and even complete novices.

Thanks to LearnPython.com, not only did I get to know new topics related to coding, but also I practiced everything right away. All of these Python courses are interactive. You don't need to install or set up anything. You write real Python code on the platform using only your favorite browser.

2. Try to Code Every Day

Consistency is the key to success here. Lots of people lose motivation after the initial enthusiasm. It is important not to stray from the planned path.

First, envision the ultimate success. Once you learn Python, what is it like, what changes, and how much does your life get better? List them and display the list next to your computer. Maybe you dream about something specific like moving into a better apartment, etc.

Visualize the goal and remind yourself of it every time you start to lose motivation while learning Python. In my case, it was a photo of my son on my desk. I wanted to learn Python to make it easier for me to give him a better future.

Make an action plan. It takes you about 40 hours to complete all five courses in the Learn Programming with Python track. Of course, no one in their right mind can do it in one sitting. Take a calendar and schedule to spend an hour or two learning Python each day. Leave your weekends off. In a month or two, you are done with the track.

3. Find a Study Partner

Even the most motivated person with a good plan of action and willingness to learn Python has moments of doubt. At times like this, it's good to have someone to push you a little. So, find yourself a partner for learning Python.

It may be a friend, a colleague, or even your spouse. Python is a great topic to talk about! You can talk about the difficulties and the challenges together, help each other, and most importantly, motivate each other.

Nothing helps like a little competition. Who completes the Python task first? Or maybe you make a bet on who writes a better code.

The second option is online communities. I got help from other Python learners like me in Facebook groups. These may also be internet forums (e.g., Stack Overflow) or other social media. There are many possibilities, but it is worth a look. A few hundred "thumbs up" next to the post in which you boast about your Python achievement are very nice.

4. Rest and Be Active

This part is very important. You can spend a lot of time learning, but you won't remember anything unless you take breaks and give your brain a rest.

In my case, I took a short break of a few minutes every hour. I made coffee or tea (hydration), did a few squats, and because I trained in boxing, I did two minutes of shadow fighting. The brain rested and the stress on the body from sitting was reduced.

Movement improves blood circulation. It also burns some calories, which you probably take in more while snacking in front of the computer!

By rest, I also mean taking Python days off. Go out to the park or take a walk in the suburban forest. Your lungs will thank you and you will be more relaxed. Do you have a family? Go on a bike trip together or play football with the kids. Move! Be active and you will see the effects. You will feel better. Learning Python is easier if you are refreshed and full of energy.

5. Keep on Learning!

Have you taken the courses in the Python Basics track? Congratulations! Publish your certificate on social media.

But keep learning. Choose another course from our offerings and get better and better!

Once you feel confident enough to start your own projects, don't hesitate to jump right in. Nothing develops you like practice. First, find out how to install Python on your PC. Next, find some hands-on projects. Do you want to work in data science? Find Sample Data Science Projects to Practice Python. Also, check out Top 10 Ideas for Using Python.

Constantly develop your Python skills. I recommend subscribing to the LearnPython.com blog.

Also, check out:

Are you a master of procrastination? Do you get distracted by everything? Here are some tips on How to Keep Focused While Learning Python.

Practice makes perfect, and Python is no exception. You can become a coding Jedi! Learn how to train yourself in Python code writing.

Learn Python!

After reading this article, you should be energized and motivated to start learning Python right away. All you need to do is log in to LearnPython.com or create a free account. Thanks to the free trial option, you can see if these courses are right for you.

Remember, anyone can learn to program! I am the best proof – before I learned Python, I was a classical humanist and had little to do with the IT world. If I can be successful, so can you!

See you in class!

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