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Some Beginner Tips for Learning Python Programming

Beginners tips for Python learner
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We are overjoyed that you have made the decision to start learning Python Programming! What’s the best way to learn Python? is one of the most frequent queries we get from readers.

Making sure that you know how to learn is, in my opinion, the first step in learning any programming language. Arguably the most important skill in computer programming is knowing how to learn.

Why is learning strategies such a necessity? The answer is straightforward: as tools, libraries, and languages advance. Adapting to these changes and succeeding as a programmer will require the ability to learn.

We’ll give you a few learning tips in this article to help you get started on your path to mastering Python programming!

You can also check out the Tutorials Freak site as it is a platform created for learners who want to become experts in any field as such Python. Tutorials Freak offers free Python programming tutorial with in-depth knowledge.

Ensure It Sticks

As a beginning programmer, you can use the following advice to ensure that the new ideas you are learning stick:

1. Always use code

Being consistent is crucial when learning a new language. Making a daily commitment to code is something we advise. Although it might be hard to imagine, programming heavily relies on muscle memory. Choosing to code every day will significantly aid in creating that muscle memory. Even though it might initially seem overwhelming, think about beginning with just 25 minutes a day and building up from there.

For setup details and exercises to get you started, consult the First Steps With Python Guide.

2. Write It Out

You might wonder if taking notes is necessary as you develop as a new programmer. Of course, you should! In fact, studies show that writing down your notes by hand is best for long-term retention. As many interviews will require writing code on a whiteboard, this will be especially helpful for those aiming to become full-time developers.

Once you begin working on smaller projects and programs, planning your code by hand can also be helpful before switching to the computer. If you list the functions and classes you’ll need, along with their interactions, you can save a tonne of time.

3. Go interactive with the tip

The interactive Python shell will be one of your best learning tools, whether you are learning about fundamental Python data structures (strings, lists, dictionaries, etc.) for the first time or you are debugging an application. On this website, we utilize it a lot too!

Ascertain that Python is installed on your computer before attempting to use the interactive Python shell, also referred to as a “Python REPL”. We have a step-by-step guide to assist you in doing that. Simply open your terminal and type python or python3, depending on your installation, to launch the interactive Python shell. Here are some more detailed instructions.

Here are some examples of how you can use the shell when you are learning now that you know how to launch it:

4. Take Breaks

It’s crucial to take a break when learning so that you can fully comprehend the ideas. The Pomodoro Technique, which is popular and beneficial, involves working for 25 minutes, taking a quick break, and repeating the process. If you want to study effectively, especially when you are learning a lot of new material, you must take breaks.

Breaks are particularly crucial when debugging. Take a break if you run into a bug and are having trouble figuring out what’s wrong. Take a break from your computer by taking a walk or talking to a friend.

Programming requires strict adherence to logical and linguistic rules, so even a single misplaced quotation mark can cause major problems. Fresh perspectives are very important.

Also read: Why Everybody Should Learn Python in 2022?

Become a Bug Bounty Hunter

Speaking of hitting a bug, it is inevitable that you will encounter bugs in your code once you begin writing complex programs. Everybody experiences it! Don’t let bugs get you down. Instead, take pride in these occasions and imagine yourself as a bug bounty hunter.

Having a methodical approach will help you identify where things are failing when debugging. A great way to do this is to go through your code in the order that it is executed and ensure that each section functions.

Once you have a general idea of where things might be failing, run your script by adding the following line of code: import PDB; PDB.set trace(). This will put you in interactive mode and launch the Python debugger. You can also launch the debugger from the command line by typing python -m PDB my file.py>.

Create Collaboration

Collaborate with others to hasten your learning once concepts begin to stick. Listed below are some tips to help you make the most of teamwork.

6. Surround yourself with eagle-eyed individuals

Coding may seem like a solitary activity, but teamwork is essential for success. It is crucial that you surround yourself with others who are also learning Python when you are doing so because this will help you succeed. This will let you impart the knowledge and advice you pick up along the way.

If you don’t know anyone, don’t be concerned. There are numerous ways to connect with others who have a strong interest in learning Python. Join PythonistaCafe, a peer-to-peer learning community for Python enthusiasts like you, or look for local events or Meetups.

7. Teach

It’s been said that teaching something is the best way to learn it. When you are learning Python, this is accurate. There are many ways to do this, including whiteboarding with other Python enthusiasts, blogging about new ideas, making videos to explain new ideas, or just talking to yourself at your computer. Each of these methods will help you understand more clearly while revealing any areas where you still have questions.

8. Implement a pair-programming strategy

Pair programming is a method where two programmers collaborate at the same workstation to complete a task. The roles of “driver” and “navigator,” respectively, are alternated by the two developers. While the “driver” helps direct problem-solving and reviews the code as it is written, the “navigator” writes the code. To benefit from both sides, switch often.

Pair programming has many advantages because it gives you the chance to see how someone else might approach a problem in addition to having their code reviewed. You will be better able to solve problems when you return to coding on your own if you have been exposed to a variety of concepts and points of view.

9. Ask “GOOD” Questions every time

Although many people maintain that there is no such thing as a bad question, it is possible to ask a question poorly when it comes to programming. It is best to use the acronym G.O.O.D. questions when seeking assistance from someone who has little or no background knowledge regarding the issue you are trying to resolve.

G: Clearly describe the issue and provide context for what you’re trying to accomplish.

O: List the steps you have taken to address the problem.

O: Make a best-effort guess as to what the issue might be. This enables the person helping you to understand not only what you are thinking, but also that you have engaged in independent thought.

D: Explain the situation. Include a traceback error message, the code, and a description of the actions you took to cause the error. Helper won’t have to attempt to reproduce the problem this way.

The right inquiries can save a lot of time. Any of these steps that are skipped can lead to argumentative conversations back and forth. In order to practice communicating your thought process and to ensure that those who assist you will be happy to continue doing so, beginners should make sure they ask good questions.

Make an effort

The vast majority of Python developers—if not all—will advise you to learn the language by doing. Exercises can only get you so far; the building is the best way to learn.

10. Building something, anything

You can really build the muscle memory we mentioned earlier and gain confidence with Python for beginners by doing a lot of small exercises. It’s time to start building once you have a firm understanding of object-oriented programming, writing classes, and fundamental data structures (strings, lists, dictionaries, and sets).

How you build something is more crucial than what you build. The process of construction itself is what will actually teach you the most. Reading articles and courses from Real Python can only teach you so much. The majority of your education will be gained from building things with Python. You will learn a lot from the problems you solve.

There are numerous lists online with suggestions for simple Python projects. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

Game of guessing numbers

App for a simple calculator

Dice-rolling computer

Notification Service for Bitcoin Prices

Watch this video if you’re having trouble coming up with Python practice projects to work on. It outlines a method you can use whenever you’re stuck to come up with thousands of project ideas.

11. Make an Open Source contribution

Software source code is made available to the public and is open to collaboration in the open-source model. There are numerous open-source Python libraries that welcome contributions. In addition, lots of businesses release open-source projects. This implies that you can use code created and produce by the engineers employed by these businesses.

Making contributions to open-source Python projects is a fantastic way to generate incredibly worthwhile learning opportunities. If you choose to report a bug, you would submit a “pull request” to have your fix incorporated into the code.

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Happy Learning!

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