Python is one of the most loved programming languages because of its flexibility and object-oriented features.
It is considered as the best language for beginners to learn first.
"Python has been an important part of Google since the beginning and remains so as the system grows and evolves.
Today dozens of Google engineers use Python, and we're looking for more people with skills in this language," quoted Peter Norvig, Director of Search Quality, Google, Inc.
Nowadays, programming is needed by almost every company that has an application, a website, or any computer-driven hardware.
Needless to say, Python is a great language to learn if you want to start a career in programming.
In this article, we will provide you with the 7 beginner tips to learn Python that you can employ to master the art of programming.
But first, let’s understand:
What is Python?
Python is an object-oriented and high-level programming language with dynamic semantics.
It includes high-level data structures, dynamic typing, dynamic binding, and some other features that make it useful for complex application development.
While Python was developed in the late 1980s by Guido Van Rossum, its implementation began in December 1989.
It is an open-source language and has gained popularity lately, due to its use in data science.
It offers abundant well-furnished libraries and various frameworks that allow developers to quickly develop concrete applications.
Why use Python?
Python is used for developing desktop GUI applications, websites, and web applications.
It allows the programmers to focus on the core functionality of the application by taking care of common programming tasks.
Often used as a scripting language for web applications, it has become the most sought-after programming language for developers working in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Web Development, and Data Mining.
Many programmers make use of Python in various tasks, such as creating learning algorithms, building websites, optimizing data algorithms, and finding data analytics solutions.
Needless to say, if you are a developer, then Python must be at your fingertips.
7 beginner tips to learn Python
Whether you are a beginner or more experienced with Python, here are some of our favorite tips that will help you improve your coding skills!
1. Understand the basics
Understanding the basics of Python will provide you long-term benefits.
With a better understanding of the fundamentals, it will be easier for you to grasp more advanced concepts.
Once you have a good understanding of the basics of Python, you will be able to move forward to learn data structures and algorithms with confidence.
Although Python is a high-level language that enables you to do complex tasks, it is easy to learn and understand.
It has a clean syntax, and is thus, suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers.
If you are a complete beginner, Python can appear a bit hard at first. All you have to keep in mind is that everyone starts at the same point.
Be patient, you can do it!
2. Write your code on paper
Writing the code on paper is one of the most effective ways to learn how to program.
Research shows that taking notes by hand allows you to remember it is better than typing the notes on a computer.
You can, thus, write your code on paper by hand as it is beneficial for getting familiar fast with the syntax.
On modern editors, since the syntax issues are automatically highlighted, you might not end up paying a lot of attention to these mistakes.
Also, writing concepts and key functions helps in long term memorisation.
A study published in Psychological Science, Pam A. Mueller of Princeton University and Daniel M. Oppenheimer of the University of California, Los Angeles notes that:
When people type their notes, they have this tendency to try to take verbatim notes and write down as much of the lecture as they can.
The students who were taking longhand notes in the studies were forced to be more selective — because you can't write as fast as you can type.
And that extra processing of the material that they were doing benefited them.
3. Practice
Once you have a good understanding of the fundamentals of Python, the next thing that you must do is PRACTICE!
It is very important to code every day to learn Python.
It will establish consistency and will help you get familiarized with Python.
Learning Python is more about being able to solve a programming problem whose solution is a program.
Practice will expose you to different kinds of problems and applications and will develop your problem-solving skills.
4. Contribute to open source
Contributing to open-source code is a great way to create valuable learning experiences.
In the open-source model, software source code is available publicly, and anyone can contribute to it.
It is also an excellent way to interact with people with similar interests and a great way to teach new things to the programmer community.
Interacting and working with others on a shared platform will also help you learn new concepts from everyone involved.
When you will look into the source code, you will learn how things work, you will draw your conclusions, and you will practice by reading the codes of others.
5. Keep a regular check on Python programming sources
There are numerous online resources, such as tutorials to study Python programming.
With a variety of available resources, it’s difficult for a beginner to find a great tutorial.
So how will you choose the resource?
Well... Pick the one that is as per your interest and most recommended by the programming community.
You can also check out various books and projects available online or join some related forums where you can interact with other Python programmers.
Exploring these sources will keep you up-to-date with the latest developments.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, the knowledge gained through such sources will prove to be invaluable to you.
6. Don’t forget to take a break
It’s OK to take breaks during a programming task you’re working on.
It sometimes becomes necessary for programmers to take a break, especially when they are stuck while writing a complex code that involves a lot of new information.
If you hit a bug or encounter a programming error, just take a break and calm yourself down.
Clear the clutter in your mind and start over to find what’s wrong.
7. Take up an online course
Learning a programming language can seem pretty difficult.
That’s when online courses come for rescue by helping you begin your coding journey.
Online courses teach you the basic as well as advanced concepts and give you in-depth knowledge so that you can master your coding skills.
Here are the links to some of the best courses which will help you learn Python:
- Python A-Z: Python For Data Science With Real Exercises!
- The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications
- Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from zero to hero in Python 3
- Learn Python Programming From Scratch
- Python for Beginners – The Complete Course
- Python Basics for Data Science
- The Complete Python Course | Learn Python by Doing
Ending note
Due to the increasing popularity of coding, the programming industry is witnessing a boom in the number of people trying to learn how to code.
If you have also decided to make a career as a programmer, then make sure that you take advantage of all these tips to learn Python to get the most out of your programming skills!
Now that you are aware of all the beginner tips to learn Python, it is time to practice them.
Make sure you take a lot of hand-written notes, practice coding every day, and contribute to open-source codes.
