Want to learn Python. Take a community college class or self teach?

[baydude]

I want to learn Python for general purpose scripting and web development using the Django web framework. Should I take a community college course in Python or self teach by reading a book such as the one from http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ ?

 

[gorcorps]

I can teach you python, it's easy:

COMMON PHRASES
where is the bathroom? : sssssssSSSSSSSSSSsss
can you pass the butter? : SSSSsssssssSSSssss
is that a python in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? : ssss SSSsssssSSSSSSSSS

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Do you know any current programming?

If so, learning one and transitioning to another isn't all that hard. There are usually always similarities. Personally I would try to learn it on my own, and you know what ? Text books honestly help me the least when it comes to programming. Google has helped me way more.

Places like Stackoverflow and such are excellent.

 

[Jaepheth]

When learning a new language I usually choose the project I want to do and start copy/pasting example code till it does that project.

You mostly learn the language whilst debugging and gluing other bits of code together.

 

[baydude]

Do you know any current programming?

If so, learning one and transitioning to another isn't all that hard. There are usually always similarities. Personally I would try to learn it on my own, and you know what ? Text books honestly help me the least when it comes to programming. Google has helped me way more.

Places like Stackoverflow and such are excellent.

I taught myself PHP but come to realize I write spaghetti code.

 

[Childs]

Google has a pretty good primer to get you started.

https://developers.google.com/edu/python/

Then from there you can pick up a book if you need one. There are a lot of free books on python. I think taking an actual class would go slower than you could learn it. If you have questions there are forums to help you out.

 

[DrPizza]

If you've formally learned to program in some language - then you should be able to pick up Python on your own quite easily. There are a lot of resources online to help you.

If you haven't formally learned to program in some language, then I'd definitely recommend some sort of formal instruction. Otherwise, while you may be able to do some very basic things - little picture things - you're going to have trouble really understanding the bigger picture in programming.

 

[Brainonska511]

When learning a new language I usually choose the project I want to do and start copy/pasting example code till it does that project.

You mostly learn the language whilst debugging and gluing other bits of code together.

This is pretty much how I learned Python. I don't know any other languages, but the syntax was easy enough to decipher. I generally would start with an existing script someone else might have provided me, then modify bits of it or take bits of code from it to do something different.

 

[Alienwho]

try plural sight

 

[clamum]

If you've formally learned to program in some language - then you should be able to pick up Python on your own quite easily. There are a lot of resources online to help you.

If you haven't formally learned to program in some language, then I'd definitely recommend some sort of formal instruction. Otherwise, while you may be able to do some very basic things - little picture things - you're going to have trouble really understanding the bigger picture in programming.

As a software developer myself, I think this is pretty spot-on advice.

 

[dainthomas]

I can teach you python, it's easy:

COMMON PHRASES
where is the bathroom? : sssssssSSSSSSSSSSsss
can you pass the butter? : SSSSsssssssSSSssss
is that a python in your pocket or are you just happy to seem me? : ssss SSSsssssSSSSSSSSS

:thumbsup:

 

[midwestfisherman]

i can teach you python, it's easy:

Common phrases
where is the bathroom? : Ssssssssssssssssssss
can you pass the butter? : Ssssssssssssssssss
is that a python in your pocket or are you just happy to seem me? : Ssss sssssssssssssssss

0/10 fail!

 

[Mandres]

MIT has some some python courses online for free as part of their CS/EE coursework. I looked into it a couple of weeks ago and it looks like a solid program.

 

[dighn]

I'd pick up a python for beginners book, which should teach you basic programming concepts as well. Don't just get a book for python - it's coding that you need to learn. If you are stuck and need help just look around the internet and many will be happy to you help you out.

I can teach you python, it's easy:

COMMON PHRASES
where is the bathroom? : sssssssSSSSSSSSSSsss
can you pass the butter? : SSSSsssssssSSSssss
is that a python in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? : ssss SSSsssssSSSSSSSSS

lol

 

[Platypus]

You can teach yourself any language, but if you've not had any formal training in it, I would look for a course in object oriented programming so that you get the basics figured out and some good coding practices learned.

That said, I would definitely not pay for a local community college class in it. Look in your area, there are likely tons of free programming meet-ups where people are willing to pair program and teach. Additionally, there is a wealth of free information online to learn OO and Python specifically. Look at Udacity for example (quick google search... https://www.udacity.com/course/programming-foundations-with-python--ud036). Look on meetup, etc.. there is a ton of free stuff out there that is decent enough.

It really depends on how you learn best. I myself don't get as much out of reading a book than I do just actively using the language because I have a project or problem I need to solve with it. Some people get more out of books than others, some need a more one on one approach. Only you know what's best for you. Be realistic about it.

I would try something like I listed above before you invest money in a paid course for it, they're most likely utter garbage anyway at a local CC, but that's a pretty generalized statement so ymmv. Don't get too hung up on the particulars of a language, learn the concepts and figure out the implementation differences using the reference documentation. Learning the core concepts will allow you to pivot to most other languages. If you understand the basics, it's not really all that much different in the end.

Program with security in mind at all times... learn what can happen if you do not follow best practices, especially when you start getting into Django.

 

[videogames101]

Formal training in at least ONE language is key IMO.

Unless you're just really really smart, then you'll be fine on your own.

 

[DrPizza]

Formal training in at least ONE language is key IMO.

Unless you're just really really smart, then you'll be fine on your own.

On a positive note, Python doesn't contain a Goto statement. But still, I agree with this, unless you're sticking with very basic programming tasks. As programs increase in complexity, even though you may be able to "get it to work" - poorly written programs.... Okay, imagine a 3rd grader keeps writing until he fills 5 pages with complete sentences and expresses some thoughts with proper English. Now compare it to someone with a higher degree who writes a few pages written in English. The former lacks any elegance, and takes so much longer to express a certain thought.