How to Learn Python from Home

Knowing a second language can greatly boost your career in today’s modern technological world. However, though second-spoken languages are of great importance, that isn’t necessarily the type of language you should pour all of your efforts into. Rather, many companies are desperate for qualified employees who are capable of understanding a different type of language altogether: coding languages.

However, much like learning Spanish or Chinese, coding languages have a steep learning curve that can make accomplishing the basics challenging. Dedicating yourself to becoming competent in a coding language will open thousands of career doors, but it requires significant time and dedication.

If you are determined to learn a coding language, there are a few things you must ask yourself. First and foremost, which language is right for you? Beyond that comes the more difficult part of deciding how you will study regularly, where to reach out for help, and how to do it on the cheap.

Why Learn a Computer Language?

As mentioned before, learning a coding language can open doors in every technical field and many doors in industries that are typically not considered technical. For example, you could lead data analysis for a government agency. This fourth industrial revolution is built upon technological advancements, and coding is at the core of all of these.

Nearly everything these days has some sort of coding behind it that makes it work. For instance, your cell phone works because of intricate coding, and new apps are designed using code regularly. Likewise, much larger things such as rocket ships and electrical grids are run using code to some degree.

This isn’t a field that is going away any time soon; in fact, it is growing at an exponential rate. Jobs in information technology pay up to 66% more than other occupations. Even a baseline of code knowledge can land you a good-paying job with plenty of opportunities to learn more and advance your career.

Choosing the Right Language

So you’ve decided you’ll learn a computer language — cheers! The next challenge is determining which language is right for you given your career goals. It isn’t necessarily a straightforward decision as certain programs are used more frequently in certain sectors, and newer languages are emerging with some prominence.

For many people aiming for a technical career, the goal would be to learn one of the classic languages. These include things like:

• SQL
• Python
• C
• C++
• Java
• R

Languages such as C and C++ are generally considered the foundation languages for computers and other software, so they can be great choices for those that are into the nuts and bolts of designing technologies. Java, SQL, and R each have their particular niches — video, database management, and data analysis/statistics, respectively — but they can be used much more broadly.

Python is considered the easiest language to learn and one of the most broadly applicable, which is why it is typically the focus in schools. Plus, the base code is open source, meaning you don’t have to pay to use it, and there are a ton of tutorials to help you get started. You can easily teach yourself.

Getting Started

As with learning any new thing, the most difficult part is getting started and establishing a strong routine. It can be especially challenging if you are learning from home. Some tips to get you going include:

• Designating a study space that isn’t your bed
• Determining work times and do not disturb rules for friends and family
• Focusing
• Take breaks when you need them
• Don’t raid the fridge. Plan snacks and eat healthily

Python.org offers a lot of resources for the technical aspects of getting started with the coding language. If you have never done any programming at all, the site encourages you to start with their guide for non-programmers. They recommend the following books for introductory learning:

• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python – Practical Programming for Total Beginners by Al Sweigart
• How To Think Like a Computer Scientist by Allen Downey with contributions from Jeffrey Elkner and Chris Meyers
• Making Games with Python & Pygame by Al Sweigart

Sweigart himself creates various books and guides for programming, specializing in Python. All his books are available online for free because, in his words, “programming is too valuable and needs to be accessible to all.”

Codecademy offers courses in Python in addition to courses on HTML and XML among others. A basic account offers free access to the basic courses. Once you have some of the basics, you can work through some tutorials. These do a great job of teaching you the basic syntax and getting you thinking like a computer. Because let’s be honest: learning computational thinking is really the biggest challenge.

Tips for learning Python

1. Give time regularly

You must set aside time daily to master the language like any other learning. Spending five minutes a day can make you get used to what you’re learning instead of wasting time thinking about what to do next.

However, at home or in public, your routine will help you consolidate what you take in and use daily. So you should set a schedule for daily tasks. You can record the time it takes to study Python weekly to know how long it takes to build a solid foundation.

2. Contact a mentor or ask questions

The first step in learning is to admit that you don’t know everything, and finding a smart person around you will be helpful. They are not difficult to find. You can easily get answers by posting your question on Twitter or Facebook. Instead of waiting for perfect answers, you need to find a mentor because it doesn’t take much time, or you should remain in touch with people who are experts in the field. 

There are also many great resources online: read books like Think Like a Programmer (Bruce Eckel), or Think Like a Computer Scientist (Alan Downey), and attend events and meetups where developers gather and ask your questions on Stack Overflow. As long as you’re moving forward and absorbing something unique, then it’s okay if you feel like you still have a lot to learn.

3. Find authentic learning stuff

You may be confused about where I can start. First of all, you need a book to learn Python; make sure it’s for beginners. Then, try to find two instructors’ books that complement each other very greatly: one with programming and another with academic background. For example, an excellent beginner’s textbook called “Learning With Python” is written by Brian Korn (a software developer) and David Beazley (an educationalist).

4. Use the suitable Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

When you create your project with the help of programming, it becomes the best way to learn. You can get ideas from products that use this technology, or your professional needs can be the project’s source. First, create an outline of what you want to do using the programming language or how you will accomplish it. 

When you develop a basic idea of ​​how the project functions, start writing the code and make each step as detailed and ambitious as you want. If you encounter any problems, take a closer look at your plan and knowledge and ensure no gaps are left. If you can’t find a problem, take some time to research what the problem might be.

5. Practice and apply what you grasp

Make sure you can practice what you learn from the instructor. You can gain a lot by applying your knowledge and seeing it in action in different environments. For example, if you’re learning how to code using Google’s App Engine, design your app and deploy it to Heroku or App Engine. Then note how they work on these platforms after working locally. This is a great way to save you time, and you can quickly engage with new technology.

Intermediate and Beyond

Once you’re more fluent in Python, the next step is to start getting creative. Build your skillset by challenging yourself with a project such as designing an app or a long code that solves a problem. Use your help tools to work your way through the design and ask questions along the way. This will help you build a coding portfolio.

You may also try your hand at a coding competition. These challenges can make you a far better coder and build your confidence. Typically the challenges are real problems that various companies are having, so it can also get you noticed.

That’s ultimately the goal, isn’t it? A new job or a new position is why you’ve decided to upskill with a coding language. Start looking even before you’ve finished learning Python.

Learning a coding language is a powerful means of moving ahead in nearly every tech field and many other industries. There are plenty of different languages to choose from, and the right one for you will likely depend upon your career goals. Although there is a steep learning curve, plenty of information and online tools can help you get going and perfect your skills. Good luck!