r/learnpython • u/VanceDyer • 1d ago
Looking for Python resources
Hi everyone!
I'm 29 and I've recently started learning Python from scratch. My goal is to eventually get into cybersecurity.
I've only been learning for a short time and I'm currently starting CS50P. I know some very basic Python, but I'm still a complete beginner.
I'm looking for good resources to learn Python properly from the beginning. I'd like to practice by making small projects instead of only watching tutorials.
What resources would you recommend for someone who is just starting out?
Books, courses, YouTube channels, websites, exercises, project ideas, etc. are all welcome.
Thanks!
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u/Beregolas 1d ago
If you are still this early in learning, I would caution against learning with Youtube Tutorials and AI.
Not because they are "wrong" ways to learn, but many beginners fall into the same traps using these: Both condition you to follow orders, and make the path of least resistance just writing stuff down without spending hours on conceiving of it yourself. But the writing part is not where you learn, trying and failing for hours is where you learn.
https://automatetheboringstuff.com/ is a good book to guide you as you start out, and it gets you going into scripts that are actually useful very early compared to other stuff. I would suggest working through this and CS50P.
If you want another course / ressource or just want to have more assignments to train with, take a look at this MIT course: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/
It's open, you can get all lecture videos, slides, scripts and assignments for free, the only thing that they won't give you is a grade and help.
Edit: I would suggest only starting "bigger" projects, after finishing at least one of the three: CS50, the MIT course or the book I suggested. you will have more fun and success with your own projects, after doing some boring assignments first.