10 Things I Stopped Doing after Unlocking the Magic of Python’s Methods

Ava
3 min readAug 11, 2023

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Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash

Hey there, amazing women of the future tech world! 🚀 Ready to dive into the world of Python and shake things up? I’m Jane, a tech enthusiast in my 20s, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you. I’ve worked at some pretty cool tech startups that are about to go public, and boy, have I learned a thing or two! So grab your coffee, put on your coding glasses, and let’s talk about the 10 things I stopped doing after unlocking the magic of Python’s methods.

1. Overcomplicating Code

Gone are the days when I used to create a maze of code that only I could decipher. Python’s methods showed me the beauty of simplicity. Now, I encourage you to embrace the elegance of Python by writing code that reads like poetry. Don’t overcomplicate things; Python’s methods are your secret weapons for clean and efficient code.

2. Ignoring Built-in Functions

In my earlier days, I used to reinvent the wheel by writing custom functions for tasks that Python already had built-in solutions for. Silly, right? Well, let me tell you, Python’s method library is a treasure trove. So, dive into Python’s documentation and discover the gems waiting for you. You’ll save time and impress your peers.

3. Fear of Refactoring

I get it — refactoring can be intimidating. But trust me, it’s like decluttering your code closet. Python’s methods make refactoring a breeze. If you spot a better way to do things, don’t hesitate to refactor. Your code will thank you, and so will your future self.

# Before
for i in range(len(names)):
print(names[i])

# After
for name in names:
print(name)

4. Not Leveraging List Comprehensions

Girls, let’s talk about the magic of list comprehensions. I used to loop through lists like a champ, but then I discovered this Python trick. List comprehensions are a sleek way to transform and filter data. Once you grasp them, you’ll feel like you’re coding with superpowers.

# Traditional Loop
squared_numbers = []
for num in numbers:
squared_numbers.append(num * num)

# List Comprehension
squared_numbers = [num * num for num in numbers]

5. Writing Monolithic Functions

Back in the day, I wrote functions that could run a marathon. But guess what? Python’s methods taught me to keep it short and sweet. Break down complex tasks into smaller functions, each with a clear purpose. Your future debugging self will send you virtual hugs.

6. Hardcoding Everything

Confession time: I used to hardcode values throughout my code. No more! Python’s methods taught me the art of parameterization. Create functions that can adapt to various inputs, making your code more flexible and reusable.

7. Neglecting Documentation

Oh, documentation — the unsung hero of coding. I used to leave my code’s story untold, making future updates a headache. Python’s methods taught me that writing clear docstrings is a gift to your future collaborators (and to your sanity).

def calculate_discount(price, discount_percent):
"""
Calculate the discounted price.

Args:
price (float): Original price of the item.
discount_percent (float): Percentage of discount.
Returns:
float: Discounted price.
"""
return price * (1 - discount_percent / 100)

8. Avoiding Object-Oriented Programming

Once upon a time, I believed that OOP was a mysterious realm for the chosen few. Python’s methods demystified it for me. Embrace classes and objects — they’re your allies in crafting organized and scalable code.

9. Not Embracing Version Control

Version control used to scare me, but Python’s methods taught me to befriend it. Git and platforms like GitHub are like safety nets for your code. They let you experiment fearlessly and collaborate seamlessly. Trust me, your coding journey will be revolutionized.

10. Underestimating the Power of Collaboration

In the beginning, I thought coding was a solo adventure. Wrong! Python’s methods taught me the beauty of teamwork. Collaborate, ask for help, and share your knowledge. Together, we’re unstoppable.

So there you have it, future tech queens! Python’s methods are your keys to unlocking a world of possibilities.

If you enjoyed this article, you can help me share this knowledge with others by:👏claps, 💬comment, and be sure to 👤+ follow.

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Ava
Ava

Written by Ava

Specializing in Python, SQL, JavaScript, and Deep Learning. Focused on building innovative software solutions. Learn more: tinyurl.com/2j5x6a5c.