9 answers
Amir
Student
Banning, California
2
Questions
Asked
2366 views
What am I supposed to be doing?
How do I start on Python?
How to I know what is wrong with the coding?
What to do if I'm unsure how to replace bad coding?
9 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey there.
Amir, you're asking all the right questions! Learning Python is like learning a new language—it takes practice, patience, and the right approach. 😎
1. How Do I Start Learning Python?
The best way to start is hands-on coding. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Install Python & Set Up Your Environment
Download Python from python.org and install it.
Use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to write code:
VS Code (lightweight & customizable)
PyCharm (great for larger projects)
Jupyter Notebook (best for beginners & data science)
IDLE (comes with Python, simple & easy to start)
Step 2: Learn the Basics with Small Projects
Start with fundamentals like:
Variables & Data Types (numbers, strings, lists, dictionaries)
Loops & Conditions (if, for, while)
Functions (def my_function():)
Modules & Libraries (like math and random)
Now about, Where to Learn?
Python.org Tutorial – Official documentation
W3Schools – Beginner-friendly
Codecademy Python Course – Interactive
Step 3: Start Writing Code Daily
Solve problems on LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeWars.
Try small projects like a calculator, to-do list, or number guessing game.
2. How Do I Find What’s Wrong with My Code? 🤔
Coding errors are normal—every programmer faces them! Here’s how to fix bad code, few from my dev bro!
Step 1: Read the Error Message
When your code crashes, Python gives you an error message.
It tells you what went wrong and which line to check.
For instance:
print("Hello)
Output: SyntaxError: EOL while scanning string literal
Fix: Quotes are incomplete
print("Hello")
Step 2: Use print() Statements to Debug
If a program isn’t working, add print() to see what’s happening.
Example:
x = 10
y = "20"
print(x + y) # Error! Mixing int and string
Fix: Convert y to integer:
print(x + int(y)) # Output: 30
Step 3: Use Debugging Tools
VS Code Debugger – Step through your code line by line.
Python pdb Module – Helps find issues in complex programs.
Online Debuggers – Use Python Tutor to visualize code execution.
3. What If I’m Unsure How to Replace Bad Code?
If you’re stuck:
Google the error message – Developers do this ALL the time! Even my brother does this and I have seen others too. It's totally cool.
Ask for help – Use forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit r/learnpython.
Refactor your code – Simplify logic if it looks too messy. Also now a day AI can help too buuut it has its tricks.
Break big problems into smaller parts – Debug one step at a time.
4. Next Steps to Improve Your Python Skills
Beginner Goals:
Complete a Python tutorial.
Build a basic calculator or a simple game.
🔥 Intermediate Goals:
Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) (classes, objects).
Work with APIs, web scraping, or automation.
Advanced Goals:
Specialize in an area:
Data Science? → Learn pandas, numpy, matplotlib.
Web Development? → Use Flask or Django.
Automation? → Learn selenium or pyautogui.
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
If you follow this, you’ll go from beginner to confident Python coder in no time. Now, go write some code! Good luck and hope it helps and if I miss anything don't hesitate to reach out! 🤗
Start small, but code daaaaily.
Make mistakes—it’s how you learn.
Break problems into tiny steps.
Use Google, Stack Overflow, and Python documentation.
Have fun! Python is one of the easiest & most powerful languages to learn.
Amir, you're asking all the right questions! Learning Python is like learning a new language—it takes practice, patience, and the right approach. 😎
1. How Do I Start Learning Python?
The best way to start is hands-on coding. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Install Python & Set Up Your Environment
Download Python from python.org and install it.
Use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to write code:
VS Code (lightweight & customizable)
PyCharm (great for larger projects)
Jupyter Notebook (best for beginners & data science)
IDLE (comes with Python, simple & easy to start)
Step 2: Learn the Basics with Small Projects
Start with fundamentals like:
Variables & Data Types (numbers, strings, lists, dictionaries)
Loops & Conditions (if, for, while)
Functions (def my_function():)
Modules & Libraries (like math and random)
Now about, Where to Learn?
Python.org Tutorial – Official documentation
W3Schools – Beginner-friendly
Codecademy Python Course – Interactive
Step 3: Start Writing Code Daily
Solve problems on LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeWars.
Try small projects like a calculator, to-do list, or number guessing game.
2. How Do I Find What’s Wrong with My Code? 🤔
Coding errors are normal—every programmer faces them! Here’s how to fix bad code, few from my dev bro!
Step 1: Read the Error Message
When your code crashes, Python gives you an error message.
It tells you what went wrong and which line to check.
For instance:
print("Hello)
Output: SyntaxError: EOL while scanning string literal
Fix: Quotes are incomplete
print("Hello")
Step 2: Use print() Statements to Debug
If a program isn’t working, add print() to see what’s happening.
Example:
x = 10
y = "20"
print(x + y) # Error! Mixing int and string
Fix: Convert y to integer:
print(x + int(y)) # Output: 30
Step 3: Use Debugging Tools
VS Code Debugger – Step through your code line by line.
Python pdb Module – Helps find issues in complex programs.
Online Debuggers – Use Python Tutor to visualize code execution.
3. What If I’m Unsure How to Replace Bad Code?
If you’re stuck:
Google the error message – Developers do this ALL the time! Even my brother does this and I have seen others too. It's totally cool.
Ask for help – Use forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit r/learnpython.
Refactor your code – Simplify logic if it looks too messy. Also now a day AI can help too buuut it has its tricks.
Break big problems into smaller parts – Debug one step at a time.
4. Next Steps to Improve Your Python Skills
Beginner Goals:
Complete a Python tutorial.
Build a basic calculator or a simple game.
🔥 Intermediate Goals:
Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) (classes, objects).
Work with APIs, web scraping, or automation.
Advanced Goals:
Specialize in an area:
Data Science? → Learn pandas, numpy, matplotlib.
Web Development? → Use Flask or Django.
Automation? → Learn selenium or pyautogui.
Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
If you follow this, you’ll go from beginner to confident Python coder in no time. Now, go write some code! Good luck and hope it helps and if I miss anything don't hesitate to reach out! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Minghao CHEN
38
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Minghao’s Answer
1.Start with Python basics (e.g., variables, loops, functions) using online tutorials like W3Schools or Real Python.
2.Debug by reading error messages and using print() or debugging tools.
3.If unsure about fixing code, search Stack Overflow or ask ChatGPT for help.
4.Practice by working on small projects or following coding challenges.
2.Debug by reading error messages and using print() or debugging tools.
3.If unsure about fixing code, search Stack Overflow or ask ChatGPT for help.
4.Practice by working on small projects or following coding challenges.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Amir
Aidan McCarthy
CareerVillage.org Team
Backend Engineer
1
Answer
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Aidan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey Amir!
Others have provided great advice, but I wanted to chime in with a resource that was very helpful to me when I was first starting out. freeCodeCamp.org has a full Harvard computer science course on the YouTube channel (titled "Harvard CS50 – Full Computer Science University Course") that is essentially an introduction to computer science. It's a very well thought out course that covers a ton of the CS basics, including quite a lot of Python. The video is over 24 hours long but is broken up into individual lessons, so go at your own pace! You can also follow along with the coding exercises as you go through the course.
Best of luck, and remember to have fun with it.
Others have provided great advice, but I wanted to chime in with a resource that was very helpful to me when I was first starting out. freeCodeCamp.org has a full Harvard computer science course on the YouTube channel (titled "Harvard CS50 – Full Computer Science University Course") that is essentially an introduction to computer science. It's a very well thought out course that covers a ton of the CS basics, including quite a lot of Python. The video is over 24 hours long but is broken up into individual lessons, so go at your own pace! You can also follow along with the coding exercises as you go through the course.
Best of luck, and remember to have fun with it.
Thank you for your suggestion, I'll check it out soon!
Amir
Gabriel Wu
Quality and Monitoring Support Cases
5
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Great questions! Starting with Python can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry — it’s all about small steps:
-What am I supposed to be doing?
Start by learning the basics: variables, loops, conditionals, and functions. Then, try to build something simple — like a calculator, a to-do list, or a number guessing game.
-How do I start on Python?
Watch beginner tutorials on YouTube or take an introductory course on platforms like Udemy. Try writing code as you learn — don’t just watch.
-How do I know what’s wrong with the coding?
When Python gives you an error, read it slowly — it usually tells you the problem and the line. If it’s confusing, copy and search the error online. Stack Overflow is your friend!
-What to do if I’m unsure how to replace bad coding?
First, try to understand what the code is supposed to do. Then, break it into smaller parts and rebuild it step by step. If you get stuck, ask for help or look for examples online.
tip: Imagine small project ideas — like a simple product sales system that keeps track of product names, prices, and stock. You can start with basic code and, as you learn more advanced features (like saving data or making a simple interface), keep improving it.
-What am I supposed to be doing?
Start by learning the basics: variables, loops, conditionals, and functions. Then, try to build something simple — like a calculator, a to-do list, or a number guessing game.
-How do I start on Python?
Watch beginner tutorials on YouTube or take an introductory course on platforms like Udemy. Try writing code as you learn — don’t just watch.
-How do I know what’s wrong with the coding?
When Python gives you an error, read it slowly — it usually tells you the problem and the line. If it’s confusing, copy and search the error online. Stack Overflow is your friend!
-What to do if I’m unsure how to replace bad coding?
First, try to understand what the code is supposed to do. Then, break it into smaller parts and rebuild it step by step. If you get stuck, ask for help or look for examples online.
tip: Imagine small project ideas — like a simple product sales system that keeps track of product names, prices, and stock. You can start with basic code and, as you learn more advanced features (like saving data or making a simple interface), keep improving it.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Amir! The first step is to familiarize yourself with the basics by using online resources, tutorials, or introductory courses. As you begin coding, don't worry if you encounter errors, it's a natural part of the learning process and very normal although it can be frustrating at times. When you run into issues, try reading error messages carefully, searching online for solutions, or asking for help in coding communities (there are huge forums online willing to help others)! If you're unsure how to improve your code, experimenting and practicing regularly will build your confidence and skill over time. Becoming an expert will take time, but it's awesome you're taking the initiative to become a better coder!
Zandisile Nqono
AI Evaluator and trainer
3
Answers
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Updated
Zandisile’s Answer
Sololearn is a great interactive platform to learn python. In order to start practicing on your own, you can use a open-source editor like Visual Studio Code (VS code), what I like about it is if there is something wrong with the code e.g syntax error/typos VS code notifies an error message. If you’re unsure how to replace bad code, google is the first place to try to find answers and mentors here on Careervillage.
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
109
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Amir,
Before you begin learning Python, understand the general background of what it is, what it can do, and how it compares to other languages. Start slowly and begin with a good beginners book or magazine dedicated to Python beginner projects.
Don't overwhelm yourself. This should be a fun process.
Initially you should do a few simple projects where all the code is provided so you can see something work. Later, you can try to figure out the code yourself.
How do I start on Python? Books, Magazines, Videos (Youtube), online searches.
How to I know what is wrong with the coding? You get better at this as you learn Python. Often in the beginning it may be a spacing issue or typo.
What to do if I'm unsure how to replace bad coding? Do a google search or Stackoverflow! Ask an AI chat tool for help.
Good luck, go slow, and have fun.
Before you begin learning Python, understand the general background of what it is, what it can do, and how it compares to other languages. Start slowly and begin with a good beginners book or magazine dedicated to Python beginner projects.
Don't overwhelm yourself. This should be a fun process.
Initially you should do a few simple projects where all the code is provided so you can see something work. Later, you can try to figure out the code yourself.
How do I start on Python? Books, Magazines, Videos (Youtube), online searches.
How to I know what is wrong with the coding? You get better at this as you learn Python. Often in the beginning it may be a spacing issue or typo.
What to do if I'm unsure how to replace bad coding? Do a google search or Stackoverflow! Ask an AI chat tool for help.
Good luck, go slow, and have fun.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Amir
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
43
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hey Amir, I totally agree with @Bright Komor. Let's make sure we have a clear understanding of how and why you'll be using Python and coding. If you're still unsure, make sure to connect with the AI, MML, Automation, and Big Data marketplace. It's important to focus on the outcomes of programming and coding, as you mentioned. Just remember that behind every code is a human being, and that could potentially be you.
Mario R
Mario R
Thank you so much for the advice.
Amir
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To start learning Python programming, define your goal and start small by starting with basic exercises and gradually increasing difficulty. Follow a learning path using online courses, tutorials, or books. Install Python from the official website (python.org) and choose an editor like VS Code, PyCharm, Atom, or Thonny. Learn the basics of variables, data types, control flow, functions, and print statements.
Online resources like "Python Crash Course" and "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" can help you understand coding issues. Pay close attention to error messages, debugging, reading the code carefully, breaking down complex issues into smaller parts, and searching online for solutions.
If you're unsure how to replace bad coding, simplify your code, refactor large functions into smaller ones, use built-in functions, look for patterns, study other people's code, and use Google to learn best practices. When making small changes, make incremental changes and test after each change. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches to see what works best for you.
In summary, learning Python programming requires understanding the basics, paying attention to error messages, debugging, breaking down complex issues, and using built-in functions. Experimentation and experimentation are essential to find the best approach for your specific needs.
Online resources like "Python Crash Course" and "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" can help you understand coding issues. Pay close attention to error messages, debugging, reading the code carefully, breaking down complex issues into smaller parts, and searching online for solutions.
If you're unsure how to replace bad coding, simplify your code, refactor large functions into smaller ones, use built-in functions, look for patterns, study other people's code, and use Google to learn best practices. When making small changes, make incremental changes and test after each change. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches to see what works best for you.
In summary, learning Python programming requires understanding the basics, paying attention to error messages, debugging, breaking down complex issues, and using built-in functions. Experimentation and experimentation are essential to find the best approach for your specific needs.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Amir
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