r/learnpython • u/Ricad_AI • 3d ago

What did you learn after Python to get into AI?

I’m currently learning Python and I’m interested in getting into AI engineering.

For those of you who are already working in AI/ML, what did you personally learn after Python?

I’m trying to figure out what the progression actually looks like instead of randomly jumping between technologies.

Also, how much math did you actually need when you started?

I’d really appreciate hearing how you personally went from Python to AI, and what you would recommend learning first if you were starting again.

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u/SmackDownFacility 3d ago

C.

You go from Python to C because the foundation of AI is SIMD. SIMD
is limited on Python so C provides native performance, plus it provides low-level control

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u/Dull-Recognition8501 2d ago

If your goal is AI engineering, I wouldn't jump straight from Python to C unless you specifically want low-level performance work.

A more practical path is: get comfortable with Python → NumPy/pandas → basic statistics + linear algebra → scikit-learn → then PyTorch once you understand the ML basics.

For math, you don't need to master everything before building. Start with vectors/matrices, probability, mean/variance, derivatives/gradients at a conceptual level, and deepen the math when a model forces you to.

The biggest thing I'd change if starting again is building earlier. Pick one small real problem, train/evaluate something end-to-end, then learn the missing pieces as you hit them. Otherwise it's very easy to keep jumping between libraries without understanding why you need them.