Let’s be real guys!
Learning Python on your own is overwhelming.
There are countless resources online, but even at that, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to make sense of it all. You need a good plan to bypass a lot of the confusion and wasted time, learning the essentials efficiently.
This guide will walk you through a foolproof learning system that can save you years of running around circles and set you up for a solid start as a Python developer.
1. Start with the Basics; Don’t Skip Them!
Think of learning Python like learning how to cook. This is not about food, so don’t smile!
Anyway, to be a good cook, you wouldn’t jump into a complex recipe without knowing how to use a knife or boil water. Python is the same way, before you can build anything significant, you have to get comfortable with the basics. Many new learners are so eager to build “the next big thing” that they breeze through the foundation, only to get stuck when things get more advanced.
So, where should you start?
Focus on understanding basic concepts like variables, loops, and functions. A beginner-friendly book like Python for Absolute Beginners by Bona Akubue will walk you through these essential skills. And here’s a tip: don’t just read the examples—type them out yourself. Even if it feels slow, this hands-on practice is where the real learning happens.
2. Get a Good Guide; Books and Resources That Matter
There’s an endless stream of tutorials out there, but a few key resources will do more for you than hundreds of random blog posts. A more advanced book like Learning Python by Mark Lutz can give you a deeper understanding of Python’s core language features. Then, dive into Data Structures and Algorithms by Goodrich, Goldwasser, and Tamassia to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Remember, coding isn’t just about knowing Python but about knowing how to use Python to solve problems.
3. Join a Python Course or Bootcamp; Structure Really Helps
Doing it alone is totally doable, but coding boot-camps or structured online courses can save you a lot of time. A good course will teach you the basics and then build on them step-by-step, so you’re learning in the most effective order. Plus, you’ll have instructors available to help you out and answer questions.
In a boot-camp, you’ll also get to work on practical projects, which is an amazing confidence booster. With a clear curriculum and expert guidance, you’re far less likely to get stuck or feel lost. Plus, boot-camps often let you connect with other learners, which makes the experience less isolating and a lot more enjoyable.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice; Make Coding a Daily Habit
Imagine trying to learn a musical instrument by just reading manual books, you’d never really learn to play.
Coding is the same.
Reading about coding isn’t enough; you need to put in practice time. Commit to coding daily, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. As you practice, type out each code yourself rather than just copying it. This will help you discover any bugs (errors) on your own and train you to debug (find and fix errors) effectively.
One more thing, when you’re stuck, don’t be too quick to look up answers, this can tempting but never a good idea.
Try to problem-solve on your own.
If you can’t find a solution, revisit the books or materials you’ve been using. The more you push through these small challenges, the more resilient and resourceful you’ll become.
5. Build a Portfolio; Create Projects You Can Show Off
Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, start working on projects you’d like to showcase. Building projects is one of the best ways to solidify what you’ve learned, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see something you’ve built from scratch.
Start small, maybe with a calculator or a basic website and then gradually take on more complex projects, like a personal budget app or a game.
This portfolio of projects will be invaluable when you start looking for Python developer roles. It shows potential employers what you’re capable of and gives you concrete experience to discuss in interviews.
Contributing to open-source projects or collaborating with friends on small projects can also give you real-world coding experience and help you develop teamwork skills.
6. Gain Real-World Experience; Internships or Volunteer
You’ll learn the most by working on real projects with other developers. If you’re not ready for a full-time job just yet, consider an internship, or even work on an open-source project. Working on a team will expose you to professional codebases, give you feedback from experienced developers, and let you tackle bigger challenges than you would on your own.
And yes, even if you dream of launching your own software someday, industry experience can teach you invaluable lessons. You’ll learn how projects are managed, how to work effectively with a team, and how to make your code as clean and efficient as possible.
It’s an investment in your future skills.
7. Prep for Job Interviews—Showcase Your Skills
Interviewing for your first developer job can feel intimidating, but preparation makes all the difference. Try to familiarize yourself with common interview questions and be ready to talk about the projects in your portfolio. Employers want to know not only that you can code, but also that you understand how to approach and solve problems.
Practice explaining your code as if you’re teaching it to a friend. I sometimes teach my younger one who know nothing about coding and even though he looks confused half the time, it helps me improve.
Being able to discuss your problem-solving process confidently is just as important as being able to write the code itself. Your ability to communicate will show potential employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate.
Conclusion: Start Learning with a System
The journey to becoming a Python developer isn’t a quick one, but with a structured approach, you can feel confident. Consider joining a well-designed Python course that offers mentorship and real-world projects. It’ll help you avoid countless hours of frustration and fast-track your journey to landing a developer role.
If you’re ready to take that step, we offer a 12-week Python course designed to give you the skills and support you need to succeed.
Explore Course here