learning python - where do i start?
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Learning Python
Where Do I Start?
JR Rickerson
Learning Python
I think Im interesting in learning programming with Python, but what if I cant?
Myths of Learning Programming
Myth: The best programmers must just be born with something special.
Myths of Learning Programming
Myths of Learning Programming
Myth: You have to be great at math to be a good programmer.
Myths of Learning Programming
Myths of Learning Programming
Myth: You have to have a Computer Science degree to be a programmer.
Myths of Learning Programming
Bill Gates MicrosoftSteve JobsAppleMark ZuckerbergFacebookGabe NewellValve
Myths of Learning Programming
Myth: You have to be a total geek to be a programmer.
Myths of Learning Programming
Geek Culture can be prevalent among programmers, but it isnt required.
Modern programmers often have a very diverse set of interests: Music, science, art, sports, hiking, etc.
Regardless of other interests, programmers can connect on their passion for programming itself!
So, Youve Decided You Can Learn Python
But
What Should You Learn?
So, Youve Decided You Can Learn Python
So, Youve Decided You Can Learn Python
But
What How Should You Learn?
Well, Theres Books...
And Theres Classes...
And Theres Online Classes or Tutorials...
So, Whats the Best Method? Where Do I Start?
Practice, Practice, Practice
Whichever method of learning you choose, make sure youre DOING something.
Deliberate Practice
People believe that because expert performance is qualitatively different from a normal performance the expert performer must be endowed with characteristics qualitatively different from those of normal adults. [...] We agree that expert performance is qualitatively different from normal performance and even that expert performers have characteristics and abilities that are qualitatively different from or at least outside the range of those of normal adults. However, we deny that these differences are immutable, that is, due to innate talent. Only a few exceptions, most notably height, are genetically prescribed. Instead, we argue that the differences between expert performers and normal adults reflect a life-long period of deliberate effort to improve performance in a specific domain.- K. Anders Ericsson
Deliberate Practice
You must be motivated to attend to the task and exert effort to improve your performance.
The design of the task should take into account your pre-existing knowledge so that the task can be correctly understood after a brief period of instruction.
You should receive immediate informative feedback and knowledge of results of your performance.
You should repeatedly perform the same or similar tasks.
So, If You Prefer Books...
Try to always follow along with the books examples while reading.
Go back and re-read sections, and practice the examples each time.
Challenge yourself: Type in the examples the first time, try to recreate them yourself the second time, or add on to them the third time.
Or Classes...
Dont just listen and take notes apply the lessons to some actual code.
Go back over class materials repeatedly, and try to write the code without looking.
Extrapolate from the lessons and try to add on to your code.
If instructors are available, try to get feedback or suggestions.
Or Online Learning...
Pause the video / tutorial and write the code as you go. Type it all in yourself, dont copy / paste.
Re-watch lessons regularly and see if you can write the code without looking at the examples.
If available, try to follow up the lessons with additional lessons that build on the examples.
The Secret Ingredient
Maintaining Your Passion
Use an Existing Passion: Take one of your other hobbies or interests and code something for it.
Scratch an Itch: Many open-source projects are created from a need, or to solve something that annoys the creators.
Work Together: Join a community of like-minded folks and build something together
Specific Examples
BooksLearn Python the Hard Way Zed A. Shaw
Invent Your Own Computer Games With Python Al Sweigart
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Al Sweigart
How to Think Like a Computer Scientist Allen Downey
Specific Examples
ClassesTraditional College Courses: Georgia Tech
Professional Training (i.e. General Assembly, New Horizons)
Audit a Community College Course
Periodic Events: Django Girls, Hour of Code Events, Hackathons, etc.
Specific Examples
Online LearningCoursera, Code Academy, Khan Academy
Official Python Tutorial
Code Katas: CodeKata.org, CodeKata.com, CodingDojo.org
Puzzles / Challenges: PythonChallenge.com, ProjectEuler.net, RosettaCode.org
The Take-Away
Nobody is born with it everybody has to start from the beginning and learn.
Dont let myths or your own self-doubt stop you from learning.
You can choose the type of learning you enjoy best, but stick with it, and practice, practice, practice.
Stay PASSIONATE! Love what you do!
Thank You
Questions?
Want to ask a question later?Feel free to contact me!Email: [email protected]: @RedRivetStudios