From large language models like ChatGPT to self-driving cars like Waymo, programming has helped us create and build fascinating things, and one can only imagine the upcoming advancements in technology. Now, one might wonder, “Is it too late to start learning Python programming in 2024?” The short answer is – NO! The long answer is – NOOOOOOOOOO!
Python is widely used programming language for multiple use-cases. It is meant not only for computer engineers but for everyone, also for people from non-technical backgrounds. For instance, for people from the profession of business marketing, Python programming can help them collect data and form elegant charts to analyze the market performance of products. Using Python, automating such tasks makes running the business convenient. For engineers, Python is used for endless applications, for instance, image processing for object detection systems. There are countless other implementations of Python. If you are looking for that sign or that motivation to start with Python one day, well, here it is and consider this to be your DAY 1.
So get your laptop right now, as today in this blog, you will understand the initial steps you need to start with Python programming language.
[Before reading further, leave a follow on my Instagram @machinelearningsite. I post programming tips and tricks with code snippets to help you master Python. Go check it out.]
Table of Contents
Linux over Windows
Many of your programmer friends might have shoved this statement in your face every time you meet them, “DUDE, LINUX IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN WINDOWS!” While I understand that it can get obnoxious quickly, here is some rationality to argument why it is more convenient to code in Linux than Windows:
- Seamless integration of Python within Linux- Most Linux distributions come pre-installed with Python, eliminating the need for manual installation or configuration. Additionally, Linux provides robust package management systems like APT or YUM, allowing you to effortlessly install Python libraries and dependencies with a simple command. Contrastingly, Windows users often face compatibility issues and additional setup steps when installing Python and its associated libraries.
- Linux’s command-line interface (CLI) offers powerful tools and utilities that streamline development tasks, such as package management, version control, and text manipulation, all accessible directly from the terminal. This CLI not only enhances productivity but also fosters a deeper understanding of Python and its underlying processes.
- Linux is open-source! This encourages community collaboration and support, with countless online resources, forums, and tutorials readily available to assist beginners on their Python journey.
Installing Linux is trivial. All you need is a bootable USB drive and an old laptop that you do not use anymore. For a step-by-step guide on installing Linux, here’s a video that you can refer to:
Now that (hopefully) you have Linux installed, it is time for you to start Python.
The Stepping Stone
OKAY! So you are motivated and want to start learning Python straightaway. You are searching for the “ideal” website or course that will take you from ZERO to HERO in Python programming. Let me tell you something! There is no such website or course that will provide you with EVERYTHING. Period.
Any programming language has a huge number of concepts, libraries, and paradigms and it is next to impossible to cover all of them in one course.
The answer to this- USE THE INTERNET! Let me not confuse you by providing multiple websites, so here I recommend this one to start learning Python programming: W3Schools
Apart from this, try using social media to help you develop your skills:
- Join Reddit communities. You will find interesting posts and questions that are posted by the users. Some of my recommendations are r/learnpython, r/madeinpython, and r/pythonprojects2.
- Reading small Instagram posts while commuting is highly profitable. Found something interesting? Save it and practice it later. Reading those captions and that code can help clear doubts, if any, or make you learn something new. Have a look at my page @machinelearningsite where I post small snippets, tips, and tricks regularly. Moreover, feel free to drop a text and get in touch to share your amazing project or in case of an error or maybe just a HI. 😉
- Looking for something on Facebook? I’m there too: Machine Learning Site. Other than this, there are only several groups that are “useful”, which means that the group has relevant posts. The rest are full of course ads and spam posts.
Learn Once, Do It Five Times
When I started with Python programming, I set a specific number of months to finish the course (which was 2 months btw!). This was when I was simultaneously pursuing my bachelor’s in automobile engineering. Hence, making time to learn Python was difficult but manageable. I found it interesting initially. However, as the topics got challenging, motivation and interest started to fade out. Moreover, I was under the time pressure of completing various topics in a specific period. I realized that it was very optimistic of me to give myself just 2 months to be skilled in Python.
Since then, when learning anything, I follow this basic rule: Learn once, do it five times! As it clearly states, whatever you learn, do at least five examples or projects on the topic. It doesn’t matter if you find the topic “too simple”, “very easy” or “piece of cake”. Even if it is that classic HELLO WORLD! program, do it five times, and print a different statement every time. You can refer to w3schools.com (amazing tutorial website) to learn the basic concepts, and then, experiment, modify and learn! Bring out your variation of the code that is different from the tutorial you are following. Maybe try out putting just single apostrophes (‘ ‘) instead of the double (” “) in the print statement, and see if it makes any difference.
So many Books, so little Time
Let’s say that you prefer learning and exercising through books. There are plenty of books out there on Python, and that makes it difficult to choose the right one. So here are my recommendations that you can have a look at: [Full disclosure: These links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from your purchase. Your support helps motivate me to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for considering]
- Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Python Programming:
– With over 1.5 million copies sold, this comprehensive guide will introduce you to Python’s core concepts, helping you develop the skills to write clean, efficient code and develop functional applications.
– From fundamental python programming principles to advanced topics, you learn through hands-on exercises, culminating in projects like building a game and data visualizations.
-The latest edition, updated with VS Code, pytest, and the newest features of Matplotlib, Plotly, and Django, ensures that you are up-to-date with the latest Python developments. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, “Python Crash Course” is your gateway to mastering Python programming. - Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming:
– This hands-on guide to Python will take you through Python’s core language features and libraries, emphasizing the writing of effective, modern Python code.
– Divided into five parts, the book covers a wide array of topics, including data structures, functions, object-oriented programming, control flow, and metaprogramming.
– With updates throughout, you will learn sequences, dictionaries, sets, Unicode, and data classes, as well as explore first-class functions, design patterns, type hints, composition, inheritance, coroutines, metaprogramming techniques, and much more.
You can choose between these books which will help you get started with Python.
Coding Playground
Until now, I’ve mentioned various tips to get started with Python. Among those two amazing books, you are free to choose whichever you want to learn the programming language. But if you ask me my personal favorite method and tool to learn Python, the answer will be RASPBERRY PI.
Raspberry Pi is a small and affordable single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It features GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins, allowing learners like us to connect it to sensors, motors, and other hardware, making it ideal for DIY projects, IoT (Internet of Things) applications, educational purposes, and even as a media center. With its low cost and wide range of applications, the Raspberry Pi has become immensely popular among hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike.
Along with the Raspberry Pi, you just need one more thing and that is the Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi:
The kit contains 223 items such as resistors, diodes, LEDs, potentiometer, LCD display, DC motor, servo motor, and much more which you can use for 104 interesting projects.
If you want to catch a glimpse of what you can build with this amazing microcontroller and the elements from the kit, have a look at:
- A Guide to Measuring Distance with HC SR04 Sensor Using Raspberry Pi where I read object distance data using HC SR04 sensor. You can build a collision warning system for your car using this sensor.
- Building a Python-Powered GPS Tracking Device for Bikes where you can read GPS coordinates using GPS module (not included in the kit) and can use it to build tracking device for anti-theft.
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Reading MPU6050 Data with Raspberry Pi and Python will help you reading acceleration data using MPU6050 sensor module. One great project example is sending HELP signal when a vehicle crash is detected. Acceleration sensors are widely used in automobile industries for systems such as airbag where it will be deployed with the vehicle acceleration crosses a threshold.
There are many other fun projects you can build using Raspberry Pi. Take my word, your interest will only grow once you get used to building such creative projects using the microcontroller. And who knows, maybe after a couple of months where you have mastered Python, you can build smart systems using Raspberry Pi like anti-theft device or a chatbot, and even sell it to potential clients. CHA-CHING!
Conclusion
In this blog on how to get started with Python programming in 2024, the most important thing we learned is it is never too late to start Python (or any other skill). Consider this you day 1 and start with the simplest HELLO WORLD project. Make your own creative modifications to the code, do at least five exercises on each topic and learn by making mistakes. Not to forget my favourite of all, build marvelous projects using Raspberry Pi. There is nothing more exciting than to watch your code come to life.
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