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How should one get started with Python programming? I remember encountering this question a few years ago. At that time, I randomly searched online and hastily picked up some books, only to find myself confused and struggling, taking many detours. If one does not follow the right approach, it can diminish the interest of beginners. Now, I will share my understanding of how to start with Python.
Learning Python is similar to learning other programming languages. When I teach new colleagues, I often say that learning programming is quite similar to practicing martial arts. The general steps to get started are as follows:
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Find a reliable book,
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Find a trustworthy mentor,
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Find a place to start practicing.
Learning a language is the same: choose an easy-to-understand book, find good video resources, and then set up an IDE tool to start learning and coding simultaneously. Let me elaborate:
1. Find a reliable book. The difficulty level must be beginner-friendly; it should not be too complex. If you dive in too deep right away, it will disrupt your rhythm. Learning should be gradual; you cannot expect to learn everything at once. For example, those who have learned Java have heard of the famous “Thinking in Java.” This book is very thick and comprehensive, and if you start with it, you will definitely struggle. Over time, you may lose interest. Therefore, for beginners, it is crucial to find a book that is easy to understand and simple. A good introductory book is essential.
There are many introductory books, but I personally strongly recommend “A Byte of Python.” I have read this book twice, and the author’s thought process is very clear. Each knowledge point is explained just right—not too much, not too little—perfect for beginners. Moreover, it is entirely in English, which is very helpful for improving your English skills.
Some people online recommend “Learn Python the Hard Way,” but I personally think this book is not as good as “A Byte of Python.” If you have some basic programming knowledge, I suggest going straight to “A Byte of Python.” This book has sold over a million copies and has an 8.8 rating on Douban, making it a classic for beginners. You can find the electronic version on CSDN; just search for it, and you will find high-quality copies.
2. Find good video resources. Of course, if you have Python experts around you, that would be even better; you can communicate and ask questions more. I recommend imooc for video resources. Some people say there are also Jikexueyuan and NetEase Open Courses. I have watched some from all these platforms, and each has its strengths. However, I suggest beginners choose imooc, as their Python explanations are very detailed, and the audio quality is relatively high. The best part is that you can practice coding directly on the web without needing to install a compiler, which is very convenient. It’s a must-have for home or travel~~
3. Write more code. This may seem like a cliché, but it is indeed a truth. To learn programming, you must write code yourself; there are no shortcuts. Even if you just type out the examples from the book word for word at the beginning, it is better than just reading without hands-on practice.
Moreover, when learning Python, it is best to stick to coding regularly. Spend half an hour each day learning some knowledge points and keep practicing. If you persist, you can get started in just a few weeks.
These are my insights on getting started with Python. I hope they can help beginners avoid some detours. It would not be in vain for me to write this late at night~~
Finally, I want to say that I insist on originality. If what I wrote is helpful to everyone, please support me; it is also a bit of encouragement and motivation for me.
Thank you