Python has been around for over 30 years yet it is still growing to be one of the most popular and important programming languages in the world. It appears in a vast number of industries, and you have probably come across something that’s fueled by Python.
Python powers widespread applications such as Netflix’s recommendation algorithm and self-driving cars. It’s extremely versatile and Python programmers are increasingly growing in demand, with the average developer earning $116,000 a year.
To learn Python can open up incredible opportunities for you and take your career to the next level. In this comprehensive guide, I am going to show you how you can learn one of the most in-demand skills in the world.
- What is Python?
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Learn Python
- Step 1: Get into the right frame of mind to learn, grab a drink and set some goals
- Step 2: Find good quality materials or tutorials to follow
- Step 3: Ensure you are reviewing your material consistently throughout the learning process
- Step 4: Get hands-on!
- Step 5: Practice, practice, practice
- Step 6: Start a personal coding project
- Key Considerations For Successfully Learning Python
- Wrapping Up and My Experience With Python
What is Python?
Python is a general purpose programming language that can be used to create a variety of different programs in the fields of data science, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Networking, to name a few. It has been used by developers to create numerous useful tools and help with task automation.
Here are just a few of the practical applications that Python is most popular for:
Data analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Automation, Software Testing, Network Programming
It is known for its vast versatility and simplicity, popularized as an extremely beginner-friendly language due to its simple and readable syntax. In fact, it is available on many large online course platforms and it’s so easy to learn that many non-programmers have applied it to their workspace to improve their efficiency.
Reasons You Need to Learn Python
As the demand for industry automation, higher workplace efficiency and more complex tasks increases, so too does the need for Python programmers. As mentioned, it is relatively easy to learn Python and can be used in many different industries and without much effort, a need for solutions through programming can easily be identified.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why it will be beneficial to learn Python as a useful and relevant skill:
- High in-demand
- Constantly growing in popularity
- Wide range of applications in many industries
- Adopted by many large tech companies
- Opens the door for career advancement
If you want to ride the wave of one of the most highly sought-after skills in the market, you need to find a quick and effective way to get up to speed and learn Python to put yourself on the radar.
With this simple and easy to follow step-by-step guide, you can get from no experience, to creating numerous industry-related programs and software solutions in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Learn Python
The learning process I recommend is listed in 6 simple steps that I have personally used to learn Python, and several other Programming languages for that matter. Whilst everyone’s learning style is different, I believe the steps I share here are the most effective for any new programmer out there looking to learn Python as efficiently as possible.
- Step 1: Get into the right frame of mind to learn, grab a drink and set some goals
- Step 2: Find good quality materials or tutorials to followAdopted by many large tech companies
- Step 3: Ensure you are reviewing your material consistently throughout the learning process
- Step 4: Get hands-on!
- Step 5: Practice, practice, practice
- Step 6: Start a personal coding project
Now let’s dive into the details and figure out exactly what needs to be done to take actionable steps towards learning this incredible skill.
Step 1: Get into the right frame of mind to learn, grab a drink and set some goals
Firstly, it is important to get into a good frame of mind to be able to learn python, especially so for new programmers. It may feel overwhelming to learn a new skill like programming due to the vast amount of information out there, but do not fret.
Calm yourself, get yourself a nice hot drink or a cup of water and set up or organize your workspace to be ready to begin learning. Trust me, it can make a world of a difference.
Once ready, set some actionable goals for learning. What do you want to achieve by learning Python? Figuring this out can help streamline your learning process so that you do not feel bogged down by the insurmountable amount of information. By setting these goals, you can break down the hurdles into smaller, bite-sized tasks that will also help to fuel your learning and keep you going.
For example, if a new programmer wants to learn Python to be able to secure a good tech job, perhaps they should be setting a goal to create a great demo project to put into their resume. With this, they can then move on to the next steps with a clearer mindset and focus on learning the relevant skills to get them to that goal.
I highly recommend this step to any new programmer. Get it done quickly and it will greatly impact your programming learning journey.
Step 2: Find good quality materials or tutorials to follow
Gone are the days where information was scarce and you would have to trudge down to the library to find material on how to learn something. Today, information and tutorials for almost every skill in the world is available right at your fingertips and learning Python is no exception.
There is a ton of fantastic content out there to learn Python from. From Youtube tutorials to extremely comprehensive guides from Python itself, you have a wide array of choices to choose from, to the point that it may even be overwhelming.
If you prefer learning through text, Python’s very own tutorials are a great, jam-packed resource to cover all of the fundamentals of Python. If you prefer visual learning, surf Youtube for some great video lectures that go up to several hours long.
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Whatever the materials are, ensure that they align to the goals you set in Step 1!
Step 3: Ensure you are reviewing your material consistently throughout the learning process
Whilst it may be great to bask in a 4 hour long Youtube video and feel like you are learning how to program in Python, more often than not, the information is going back out faster than it is coming in. To prevent this and improve your knowledge retention, a great habit is to consistently review the knowledge you have learnt.
After every few topics, pause your learning and review the content you have learnt. One of the reasons I am a heavy advocate for online courses is that they often have review quizzes and assignments built into the syllabus that require students to test their learning every few chapters. These work great in my opinion.
Related: 7 Best Python Courses For Beginners in 2023 (Ranked)
If you are not going down the path of a course, an easy solution is to write down all the things you have learnt from the previous section into a set of notes without referring to the learning material. Doing so is a form of active recall and is proven to be extremely effective at promoting knowledge retention.
Step 4: Get hands-on!
I personally feel that the best way to learn is to learn through doing. I feel that this is especially so in the world of programming, and I am sure many experienced programmers would agree. As a practical and application based subject, the only way you can really cement what you have learnt, is to get your hands dirty and get programming.
Hop onto an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or text editor and get to writing your first lines of code as soon as possible. Ideally, throughout your learning journey, you should have this at the side and follow along with any examples given, coding it out yourself.
This will help you develop a feel for the language and better understand the syntax. Doing so will make your learning astronomically faster than just idly watching a long video lecture on how to code. If you want to learn fast, writing actual lines of Python code is without a doubt the most important step in this entire guide.
Step 5: Practice, practice, practice
While “practice makes perfect” may sound like the most cliche advice that can be applied to any subject, programming is one where it could never be more true.
Any programmer would know that the only way to really become proficient at programming in Python, or any programming language for that matter, is through excessive repetition and practice. Now, I don’t mean writing the same lines of code over and over again. I mean consistently finding new tasks and programs to write to test your knowledge.
At this stage, you should already be cementing your knowledge in Python programming. This is where things start to get fun. You are beginning to move into creating things, seeing the fruits of your effort. You may even see yourself falling in love with the language by realizing the vast amount of potential you can achieve with this skill.
It is a never-ending learning journey. However, you will soon find how rewarding it is and unlike studying many other subjects, you will find that what you learn can easily be applied and put into practice. Don’t stop practicing and creating and you will find that you will be programming in Python in no time.
Step 6: Start a personal coding project
Finally, one of the best steps you can take to supplement your learning is to start your own personal coding project in Python. As mentioned, with the versatility of Python, the possibilities and real world applications are endless.
Create an automation program for your bulk files, a web scraper or even create a game. The list for projects can go on. This is where your goal setting from Step 1 can come in handy. Figure out what is best or most appealing to you, and get stuck in. With a huge and glowing community, starting a project in Python is easier than ever.
What’s more, you will have something tangible to show off to your friends and family, or even to your next potential employer as these look great in a resume! The possibilities are endless, and the only thing stopping you from doing all this is yourself.
Get started, and I guarantee you will not regret it.
Key Considerations For Successfully Learning Python
It may feel daunting at times with all the information that is out there. However, always remember that there is a way up the slope and it does not have to be a painful learning journey. Several things can get you over the hurdles with ease.
Remember your goals. This is why I mentioned it as the very first step and I am mentioning it again. Having this down will make the journey much clearer and attainable.
Enjoy the process. Programming can be extremely fun once you start creating things for yourself. Always work towards creating something new!
Reach out for help if you need to. Programming is an extremely community driven subject. Finding help is extremely common, even for experienced programmers. Fortunately, the community around Python is fantastic and any solutions to your questions can most likely be found online on big forum pages just for programmers.
Taking it to the Next Level: How to Apply Your Newfound Skills
Once you have your fundamentals in Python solidified and you are comfortably programming in Python, you open up the doors to numerous opportunities and paths to advance your skills.
With your newfound knowledge, you can look to deepen your programming knowledge in a specific specialization! With python, the possibilities are endless. Look into areas such as Data science and Visualization, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Programming and Big Data Automation.
You can definitely find something to pursue and by then, you just need to rinse and repeat the 6 steps to further your learning down these paths.
Alternatives to Learning Python
Python is just one of the many programming languages that exist and power our software industry. While it is one of the most popular programming languages out there, other programming languages may be better at fulfilling specific tasks that Python cannot.
Any programmer would most likely end up having to learn several programming languages to add to their skillset to become well-rounded and better equipped to navigate the industry. Take a look at our guide on the most popular programming languages of 2023 below.
Wrapping Up and My Experience With Python
With the steps in this guide, you should be able to learn Python, or any other programming language, in the most effective and time-efficient way possible. Programming is not like many other subjects, where idle learning can be effective. This guide has listed out what you must do differently to master this highly sought-after skill.
And with these newfound skills, the possibilities are endless. I have dabbled in Network Programming, Data Analysis and Web Development with this single skill alone and I can safely say that whatever background you are coming from, this skill will serve you well in the long run.
What’s left is for you to take action, apply the steps in this guide, and get to programming in Python in no time.
