8 Helpful Python Tips for New Coders

In case you are someone who is interested in picking up a new hobby, why not try coding? Quite a few newbie-friendly coding languages exist, but Python seems to often be one of the most popular choices. Below, you will find 8 Python helpful tips that will pave the way for you as a beginner

There are neat and fun things you can create with Python, so even a more casual approach is perfectly fine. And for those who are serious about becoming coders and making a living off of the craft, Python is a solid choice as well.

And remember that the more of the information in this article you absorb, the better off you will be.

Start With the Basics

Let’s start with the basics. As with many other things in life, before you start doing something, you want to become familiar with the fundamentals, especially if you plan to move to advanced stuff later.

Python is a high-end language, but it has a clear syntax system, so grasping the basic concept and building a solid foundation is not an issue.

Early on, you should expect to face issues, but that is natural given what coding is. You need to be patient and remember that everyone started from scratch at some point.

Establish Your Goals

Establishing goals is another good piece of advice. Knowing what you want to achieve with Python will help you move forward.

For some, it will be monetary gains, whereas others might be inclined to dip their feet in coding and maybe create something fun while they are at it. 

If you want, you can also set smaller goals for a single day or a week rather than creating a grandiose milestone. For example, set to spend at least an hour learning Python every day for one week straight or learn to apply a specific function at the end of the week.

Whether a milestone is big or not is not the biggest concern. It is more important to have goals so that you can pursue them and find more motivation.

Find a Source to Learn

Since we live in the age of the internet, there is a plethora of different sources to learn Python (or any other craft, for that matter). Sure, you could take a more outdated approach and buy physical books, but hardly anyone chooses that.

Instead, you can look for tutorials online. Much of educational content these days is in video format, so you can find a fair share of video tutorials on YouTube, Skillshare, Udemy, and other similar platforms. And one of the best things about it is that a lot of great courses are free, particularly those covering beginner topics.

Use Google to Find Solutions

Once you start coding and go past the basics, it is most likely that you will encounter quite a few problems.

Troubleshooting coding errors yourself as an inexperienced coder is more or less impossible. Instead of wasting time and trying to come up with a solution yourself, use Google and search for an answer on the internet.

Because the coding communities are so friendly, you can join one of those and ask a question in case you cannot find an answer on Google.

Another benefit of joining coding communities is that you will get to surround yourself with like-minded people who can share tips from their own experiences and guide you in the right direction. 

Learn Regularly

Coding languages are something you need to work on constantly. Keep in mind that things are advancing quite fast, and failing to adjust to the trends can result in being left behind by other coders.

Regular hours are a must, particularly if you set out to become a professional. Treat the hobby as a job if you must and try your best every day.

Of course, it is not just trying your best to code every day. Those who can dedicate many hours are more likely to succeed than those who can, let’s say, spend half an hour or an hour per day.

Write Code on Paper

Another tip in our Python helpful tips list is writing code on paper. Although it might seem redundant, it happens to be one of the most effective memorization methods.

The trick has been used for many years, and it continues to be effective even in the digital era. 

Get a piece of paper and write down notes from watching an educational video as if you were in a classroom.
You will be surprised by how much the method helps with memorization. And in case you are reluctant to bother writing notes, check a study that appeared in NPR.org. 

Take Regular Breaks

Another one in our list of Python helpful tips is taking breaks. Regular breaks are worth a shout because it is easy to lose track of time when you get into coding too much. This is especially true if you are having fun because time passes quicker than usual.

Spending hours and hours in front of a computer screen is not good for your health. So at the very least, make sure that you take a small break to rest your eyes, back, and fingers from typing too much.

Get the Right Coding Tools

The last bit of advice is related to taking regular breaks. It is necessary to have the right work tools as a coder because you will be spending a lot of time in front of the monitor.

For starters, get a comfortable chair, so your back does not suffer as much from all the sitting you have to do.

Next, find a keyboard that you are comfortable with. Some coders prefer membrane keyboards, whereas others would rather have mechanical keyboards.

Both options have their pros and cons, most notably the comfort on the fingers, the price, and the clicking sound they make. 

Finally, the computer itself. Despite the fact that Python does not require high-end specifications, it is still necessary to have an optimally running computer.

From cleaning the drive to closing redundant background processes, ensure that you have no problems with the computer. And in case you run into problems with it, you can find tips to solve the issues here.

Conclusion

All in all, Python is a newbie-friendly coding language, but you should not treat it as a piece of cake. No, there are still fundamentals to be learned and basic practices to take when you are learning the language.

Thanks for reading and I hope you can put these python helpful tips in practice!

Guess article provided by HomeOfLinks contributor.

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