How I would learn Python if I was to start all over again

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide for beginners to learn Python, a versatile programming language widely used in tech. The speaker shares their wish of learning Python earlier in their career and provides a step-by-step approach, starting from installation to understanding Python's basics, data structures, and OOP concepts. They also emphasize the importance of building projects, learning frameworks like Django, and joining a Python community to enhance learning and networking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Python is a highly versatile language that gained popularity due to its ease of use and applicability in various fields such as web development, data science, and AI.
• 🎓 Python's history dates back to the 1990s, with significant growth in popularity around the mid-2000s, largely due to the rise of web development frameworks and adoption in scientific computing.
• 💡 The speaker regrets not learning Python earlier in their career and emphasizes the importance of starting to learn it as soon as possible.
• 🖥️ To begin learning Python, ensure it is installed on your computer, using Homebrew for Mac or the official Python website for Windows.
• 🛠️ A code editor, such as Visual Studio Code (VS Code), is essential for writing and running Python scripts.
• 📝 Understanding the basics of Python is crucial, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions.
• 🔍 Data structures are fundamental in Python, with lists, dictionaries, and sets being key built-in types for organizing and storing data.
• 🏗️ Building small projects, like a temperature converter or a to-do app, is an effective way to practice and solidify understanding of Python basics.
• 🔑 Python is an object-oriented programming language, which means it is based on the concept of objects containing data and code, with features like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism.
• 📚 Engaging with tutorials from platforms like Codecademy, Real Python, and freeCodeCamp is recommended to deepen knowledge and practical skills in Python.
• 🤝 Joining a community of Python developers is essential for ongoing learning, support, and sharing of experiences.

Q & A

Why does the speaker wish they had learned Python earlier in their career?

The speaker wishes they had learned Python earlier because it is extremely versatile and valuable in many areas of technology. They recognize that having Python skills earlier would have benefited their career, although they also acknowledge that it is never too late to learn it.

What are some key reasons for Python's rise in popularity?

Python's rise in popularity can be attributed to the emergence of web development frameworks like Django in 2005, its adoption in scientific computing with libraries like NumPy and SciPy, and its use in AI and machine learning. Additionally, Python's ease of learning and readability have made it accessible to a wide range of users.

How does Python's readability contribute to its popularity?

Python's readability makes it easy for beginners to pick up and start using quickly. The language is designed to be straightforward and fun to work with, which helps in making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

What are the first steps recommended by the speaker to start learning Python?

The speaker recommends first ensuring that Python is installed on your computer, either on Mac or Windows, and then installing a code editor like Visual Studio Code. After setting up the environment, the learner should start with basic concepts like printing 'Hello World' and understanding variables, data types, control structures, and functions.

What are some fundamental Python concepts that beginners should learn?

Beginners should learn about variables (containers for storing data values), data types (like integers, floats, strings, booleans), control structures (if statements and loops), and functions (reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks).

Why are data structures important in Python, and what are some examples?

Data structures are important in Python because they are essential for organizing and storing data, which is a core part of many projects. Examples of Python's built-in data structures include lists (ordered, mutable collections of items), dictionaries (key-value pairs for fast lookup), and sets (unordered collections of unique items).

What is object-oriented programming (OOP), and why is it significant in Python?

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of objects, which contain data and code. It is significant in Python because it allows for the creation of reusable and modular code. Key concepts in OOP include classes (blueprints for creating objects), objects (instances of classes), inheritance (code reuse), and polymorphism (objects taking on multiple forms).

What are some resources recommended by the speaker for learning Python?

The speaker recommends several resources for learning Python, including Code Academy, Real Python, PyBites, and FreeCodeCamp. These platforms offer tutorials and projects that can help learners build their skills in Python.

Why is it important to join a community when learning Python?

Joining a community is important because it provides support, motivation, and opportunities to share challenges and successes with others who are also learning Python. Being part of a community can help learners stay committed and find resources or help when needed.

What is the next step after getting comfortable with Python basics?

After getting comfortable with the basics of Python, the next step is to learn a framework that aligns with your goals. The speaker suggests considering frameworks like Django for web development, Pandas for data analysis, or Flask as a lightweight web framework, depending on your specific needs.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Kickstarting Python Learning: Reflections and Resources

The speaker reflects on the importance of learning Python early in their career and emphasizes its versatility. They introduce the video's goal of providing the tools needed to quickly learn Python, suitable for various roles including developers, data scientists, and project managers. The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the content, highlighting the supportive community around Python. They also touch on Python's history, its rise in popularity due to web development frameworks like Django, and its adoption in scientific computing and AI/machine learning. The speaker notes Python's ease of learning and readability, which contributes to its widespread use.

05:01

📚 Essential Steps to Master Python: From Basics to Projects

This paragraph outlines a structured approach to learning Python, starting with installation on both Mac and Windows systems. The speaker suggests using Homebrew for Mac and provides steps for Windows installation. They recommend Visual Studio Code as a code editor. The fundamentals of Python, such as variables, data types, control structures, and functions, are introduced with examples like a simple 'Hello World' program and a temperature converter. The importance of understanding data structures like lists, dictionaries, and sets is highlighted. The speaker also introduces object-oriented programming concepts in Python, including classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, with a practical example of a bank account system. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of working on real-world projects to consolidate learning.

10:02

🌐 Expanding Python Skills: Frameworks, Tutorials, and Community Engagement

The speaker advises viewers on how to expand their Python skills by learning frameworks after mastering the basics. They mention Django for web development, pandas for data analysis, and Flask for lightweight applications, suggesting that the choice of framework should align with one's learning objectives for Python. The paragraph also recommends various online platforms for tutorials, such as Codecademy, Real Python, Pie Bites, and Free Code Camp, to deepen understanding. The speaker stresses the importance of joining a Python community for support and shared learning experiences, listing some communities to consider. They wrap up by encouraging viewers to apply their learning through projects and to continue their educational journey with Python.

Keywords

💡Python

Python is a high-level, versatile programming language known for its readability and ease of use. It is central to the video's theme as the speaker discusses the importance of learning Python early in a tech career. The script mentions Python's popularity in various fields such as web development, data science, and machine learning.

💡Software Developer

A software developer is a professional who designs, codes, and maintains applications or systems software. The video script is aimed at individuals in tech roles, including software developers, emphasizing the benefits of learning Python for career advancement.

💡Data Science

Data science is a field that uses scientific methods, processes, and algorithms to extract knowledge and insights from data. The script highlights Python's significance in data science due to its libraries like NumPy and SciPy, which facilitate complex data manipulation and analysis.

💡Web Development

Web development is the building and maintaining of websites; it requires a wide range of skills including coding. The script mentions the rise of web development frameworks like Django, which has contributed to Python's popularity in this domain.

💡Machine Learning

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from data and make decisions or predictions. The video script notes that Python, while not the most dominant language in this field, is widely used for machine learning projects, especially for beginners.

💡Readability

Readability in programming refers to how easily humans can understand the code. The script emphasizes Python's readability as a key reason for its popularity, stating that it's easy to pick up and understand, even for those new to programming.

💡Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Object-oriented programming is a programming paradigm based on the concept of 'objects', which can contain data and code. The script explains the importance of OOP in Python, mentioning concepts like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, and provides an example of a simple banking system to illustrate these concepts.

💡Frameworks

In the context of the script, a framework refers to a platform or environment that provides preset working structures to facilitate the development process. The video discusses the importance of learning a framework like Django, Flask, or pandas, depending on the intended application of Python.

💡Variables

Variables are used in programming to store data values. The script introduces the concept of variables in Python as fundamental to learning the language, explaining that they act as containers for data.

💡Control Structures

Control structures in programming dictate the flow of a program, including operations like conditional statements and loops. The script mentions control structures as an essential part of Python programming, necessary for managing program logic.

💡Data Structures

Data structures are specialized formats for organizing, storing, and manipulating data. The script discusses Python's built-in data structures like lists, dictionaries, and sets, emphasizing their importance for effectively working with data in Python.

💡Community

The term 'community' in the script refers to a group of individuals who share common interests or goals. The speaker stresses the importance of joining a Python community for support, collaboration, and continuous learning, which is vital for sticking with the learning process.

Highlights

Python's versatility makes it a valuable skill for various tech roles, including software development and data science.

The speaker regrets not learning Python earlier in their career due to its widespread applicability.

Python gained popularity in the mid-2000s due to the rise of web development frameworks like Django and increased adoption in scientific computing.

Python's ease of learning, especially for beginners, contributes to its popularity among various tech communities.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Python's fundamentals, such as variables, data types, control structures, and functions.

A simple temperature converter example is provided to demonstrate basic Python programming concepts.

Data structures like lists, dictionaries, and sets are crucial for organizing and storing data in Python projects.

A todo app example showcases the application of data structures in Python.

Python is an object-oriented programming language, emphasizing the concepts of classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism.

A bank account system example illustrates object-oriented programming principles in Python.

The speaker recommends working on real-world projects to solidify Python programming skills.

Various online resources and tutorials are suggested for learning Python, including Codecademy, Real Python, and freeCodeCamp.

The importance of choosing a Python framework based on one's specific use case is discussed, with Django, pandas, and Flask mentioned as popular options.

Joining a community of Python developers is highlighted as essential for support and shared learning experiences.

The speaker encourages viewers to build projects and learn Python actively, emphasizing the personal benefits they've experienced.

A call to action for viewers to engage with the content, share their learning experiences, and suggest topics for future videos concludes the transcript.

Transcripts

one of the things I wish I would have

learned earlier throughout my career

working in Tech as a software developer

and other roles as well is python now

this is because python is extremely

versatile and I waited a little too long

I mean it's never too late but I do wish

I would have learned it sooner in

today's video I'm going to be sharing

with you how I would Learn Python if I

was to do it all over again after this

video you will have the goal is that you

will have the tools you need to quickly

Learn Python I mean even at the end of

this video you should have a solid

understanding as to what python is why

it is important to use not only if you

are a developer but maybe you are more

on the data science side of things maybe

you are a project manager all roles

really nowadays touch python or many do

anyways and if they don't directly

having an understanding of it is so

crucial all right let's dive into it

before we do you know the drill hit that

subscribe button and leave in the

comments other videos you want to see oh

and shout out to some of these

subscribers here thank you for your

constant feedback comments questions

love I love you all so much that's why I

make these videos is in hopes to provide

you some value and education on your

journey and to make it feel like you're

not so alone because we are on it

together okay now that I did my my

ramble let's really get into

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it first up let's take a step back and

understand Python's History and the

reasoning as to why it was created in

the first place python was created

actually back in the 19 1990s or that's

when it was first released and however

it really started gaining widespread

popularity around the mid 2000s up until

then it wasn't really used very much now

there are a few reasons as to why python

really started to gain popularity around

the mid 2000s one is the rise of web

development Frameworks became more

popular like d Jango which was released

in 2005 another is because the increased

adoption in scientific Computing with

libraries like numai and scipi so really

around the mid early 2000 we started to

slowly see this increase in need around

data science in particular and with that

came python outside of data science

though another area that started to

slowly gr gain grain gain traction was

around Ai and machine learning where

python is not necessarily the most

dominant language in that field but it

definitely is used especially for people

who are just starting out now as a side

note I think one of the big reasons

aside from it being really resourceful

and useful for a lot of these areas that

it became popular is simply because it

was very easy or is very easy to pick up

unlike other programming languages say c

c SHP that you know even Java that take

quite a bit of time to really Master

python is a language that if you are

someone who's never programmed before

you can really pick it up pretty quickly

which is really nice it's very readable

uh it's a fun language to play around

with which makes it easier to learn

which really brings us to our next point

which is why is python a great

programming language why has it gained

popularity well we just listed one which

is around readability it's really easy

to pick up and start building with

another is it's versatile I mean even we

just shared it can be used in data

science projects machine learning

projects web development I've built so

many fun games using py game different

libraries or modules within python that

the versatility of it really has

expanded it to become one of the world's

most popular programming languages okay

now that we have a bit of history and uh

understanding as to where python came

from why it is so popular let's dive

into how would you start learning it

today well first upep is let's ensure it

is installed on your computer we'll do

it two ways one with a Mac and then the

next with a Windows machine first up I

have a Mac so let's do that first so Mac

OS typically comes with python

pre-installed but it usually is an older

version so here is what you would do if

you don't have it installed for whatever

reason or it's an older version First up

is make sure you install Homebrew if you

don't have it installed already here is

the command once home brew is installed

type the following and then finally

verify the installation with the

following now if you have any troubles

with installation for whatever reason

python has so much great documentation

on its site or different forums so don't

stress pause this video and start doing

your own research it really the the

community around python is massive and

you won't have any trouble finding

support okay let's quickly cover Windows

as well here are the steps listed for

downloading it or installing it on a

Windows computer uh once again it's very

simple very straightforward and make

sure though to verify installation do

the following command now the next step

is you have to ensure you have a code

editor installed for this I mean I would

just ensure you have VSS code installed

if you don't go to VSS code's website

once again it's very simple

straightforward process I'm sure most of

you watching this video do have it

installed already though all right now

let's get into the good stuff let's

start with the basics you already have

it installed that is a in itself what

should you learn first well as I

mentioned we need to start with the

basics the fundamentals first you have

to do the classic print hello world

here's what you type in run it in vs

code just simply right click click run

in terminal python in terminal and it

will run for you super straightforward

next though let's go through some of the

fundamentals past just printing out text

on screen here are a few key core things

key core things here are a few core

things you really need to understand one

is variables which are essentially you

can think of as containers for storing

data values the next is data types which

is categories of data like integers

floats strings booleans then we have

control structures which is tools for

controlling the flow of your program

including if statements and loops and we

have functions which are reusable blocks

of code that perform specific tasks now

if you are someone who has programmed in

the past these shouldn't sound too too

strange to you you should be familiar

with most of these just applying them to

python so let's use an example let's do

a simple temperature converter I mean

I'm in Canada here so we are in Celsius

oftentimes I am speaking with Americans

who are in fahren height and I always

get it confused so here's a simple uh

project that you can input into your uh

file so if you have vs code open create

a new file let's call it main.py main.py

and type in the following now this code

here simply to run it right click again

run in terminal and you will see that it

printed out pretty cool next thing we

really need to dive into into is data

structures now data structures are

really important because they are a way

of organizing and storing data I mean

data is the heartbeat of well building

many different projects it's extremely

important to really have a good

understanding of this also it's

important to note python has a few

built-in data structures okay the first

one is lists which are ordered mutable

collections of items just like a typical

list then we have uh dictionaries which

are key value pairs for a fast lookup

and we have sets which are unordered

collections of unique items now as I

mentioned understanding these are really

important as they form the backbone of

how we work with data in Python so let's

go through Let's test out a real world

example or build something with this

type in this code now clear your Co

previous code Type in this code and

let's run it this is a simple Todo app I

mean we're not even 10 minutes into this

video and you've already created two

different Python scripts and R them

that's pretty impressive if you ask me

next up it's important to note that

python is an oop or object-oriented

programming language so why is this

important well for one thing there are a

few rules for object-oriented

programming languages that apply to most

of them if not all here are a few things

to keep in mind with oop it is based on

the concept of objects essentially and

this is really key because it contains

these objects are the ones that contain

the data and code

so I'm trying to think of a way of

explaining it that's not using the word

containers or whatnot but just objects

especially if you're familiar with other

programming languages now the key ideas

in O are the following one is classes

which are blueprints for creating

objects another is objects which you can

think of are instances of these classes

then we have inheritance which is a

mechanism for code reuse so uh your code

might inherit uh you know data from

another piece of code then we have

polymorphism which is the ability of

objects to take on multiple forms now

stay with me here I know it might sound

very Wishy washy just hearing these

terms but it's important to start

familiarizing yourself with these terms

is step one as you start building with

them you'll really have these aha

moments where it clicks SC you're like

oh yeah okay I get what she's talking

about now which brings me to here's a

great example pause this video it we are

going to make a quick simple bank

account system that really demonstrates

or hones in on a lot of these Concepts

so pause the video here follow this code

here and this will really cover a lot of

the really Basics when it comes to

object-oriented programming and then

once again run the code in your vs code

right click run in terminal which really

brings me to step number five which is

work on projects you need to build real

world projects now there are so many

resources or places to start taking

tutorials I would honestly this is how I

would do it all over again I would do

exactly what we just went through start

by running the code that I shared with

you to get like familiarized with it

then take a tutorial now there are a few

places where I really enjoy taking

tutorials I went down way too many

rabbit holes took way too many tutorials

don't do that focus on a few and here

are a few really good ones one is code

academy I love code academy they have

great resources uh another one is real

python I still use real python today if

I'm looking up something or want to

build a very specific project the other

one is pie bites now I haven't been on

pie bites for a while let me go on it I

think it's free still I think it's still

free but don't quote me on that you have

to check it out but I know for example

code canaby they have a lot of great

free resources for python also to uh

free code Camp is still an amazing

resource for really learning any

programming language including python

next up once you have taken some

tutorials gotten really comfortable with

that spend quite a bit of time really

understanding those Basics and

fundamentals then in this time to move

on to learn a framework now bear with me

here or or stay with me here because

this is really key there are a ton of

different Frameworks you can learn the

real challenge comes down to narrowing

in on one that you really believe in or

want to stick with and and you really

need to I'll put up on screen here three

really popular ones one being D Jango

which is more a highlevel web framework

that encourages you to build quickly and

clean the other of course is pandas

which is more around the data analysis

side of things and the last one is flask

which is a lightweight framework so it

really depends do your research take a

step back and think why are you learning

python because that will really depict

what framework you learn up until this

point regardless of why you're learning

python learn all these steps but when

comes to a framework make sure you have

an understanding as to what the first

anyways particular use case you want to

use Python 4 is lastly and honestly this

is the easiest one but it's something

that so many people don't do which is

join a community join an online

community of python developers people

who are learning python it is essential

essential essential whatever I'm so

passionate about that's why I'm doing

the essential to join a community

because that is the only way in my

opinion you will stick with learning is

so important to have others around you

even virtually so you can share your

wins share your challenges together now

here are a few uh communities that are

really great to join I think it's just a

great way to get part of a community

meet new people and who knows maybe

you'll find a new job throughout these

communities all right that was good I

feel like we covered a lot in a very

short amount of time I hope you enjoyed

this video and make sure to give this a

thumbs up if you learn something new

through it leave in the comments what we

should learn together next or do with

this learn with me series python is one

of the best things I have ever learned

honestly because although I never used

it in my uh software development career

I use it all the time now to Tinker and

build with different projects especially

as I'm taking my Ai and machine learning

uh postgrad course knowing Python and

going into that course with it was

extremely helpful so I can't recommend

it enough okay time for you to go build

I'll see you all next time

a

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