How to learn python — from newbie to ninja like 🦄🦄🦄

This started out as a Reddit post on r/learnpython and after spending some time on it I realized it could be useful as a blog post as well. If you have additional suggested resources, please add in the comments. For anyone struggling to get started or looking for useful learning tools, read on!

First phase Current Status, newb!

• Do at least 60% of Learn Python on Codeacademy
• Learn how to print ‘Hello World’ and do simple math from the python console on your command line. Google it!
• Find a support network for the hard days. CodeNewbies on Twitter is a good start if they don’t have free coding meetups in your area.
• If you like books, Introducing Python could help you but it’s not necessary by any means.

Second Phase By now you can use data structures like lists or dictionaries. You can solve simple problems and have the language to talk about coding! WOOO

• Find an online tutorial and learn how to use Github
• Think up a simple project you want to build, and break it down into a few smaller steps for yourself. Get cracking and commit everything to a github repository to show off your skills!
• Find a mentor who is willing to help you, even if just virtually, once a week for 30 minutes. This way if you get super stuck on your project or feel discouraged, you have someone to help you!
• Get started on Codewars. Even if the easiest problems seem hard at first, just build a habit of trying a challenge regularly. If you get frustrated with a challenge, don’t be afraid to quit and try another one. The important thing is just to code regularly!

Third Phase By now you’re becoming a python coding ninja. You understand data structures and how to use them. You’ve built your own shiny project. If you want to potentially get a job using coding, or you’re super interested in it… proceed to phase three!

• Learn a bit about computer science fundamentals. This book is free online and tells you pretty much everything you’d need to know to pass a software engineering interview.
• As you learn about new concepts, find ways to try them out. You can search on sites like Codewars or Hackerrank for ‘binary search trees’ or ‘recursion’ or whatever you’re learning about and find ways to practice!
• Get started with some new languages. freeCodecamp front-end developer certification course is excellent for becoming a javascript wizard.
• Have fun, keep creating things, and find a way to give back to code newbies just starting out, because you are no longer a newb!