Question regarding a python course

I have recently found this course called intro cs in python by Dr Ana bell(MIT). What's the people's view on this is it still worth it?.

For background i have python knowledge but I have to revise and i was seeing some lecs have some concepts that i haven't covered earlier.

Anyways if anyone can tell any site or a book for problem solving that will be really helpful as well.

("Happy programming in python :)")

27 comments · 73% upvoted · other discussions

comments

riklaunim

Any good Python course will suffice, but you will have to work on your own as well.

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Local-Ad5424 [OP]

Thankyou, it's really helpful

Competitive_Travel16

One habit worth more than any site: after you solve something, delete it and solve it again from scratch the next day. The second pass is where it sticks.

That's worth repeating, so here it is again. I would say "a few days later" though. Source: am side-gig python tutor for middle schoolers through graduate students.

bleeed0p

For basic python knowledge I would not suggest for any paid course as its free in every platform whether its youtube or any websites. If you just want to learn basic python you can visit W3 schools website, they have segregated flow for basic to advanced with good examples or if you want a video lectures you can watch the python playlist of python with josh on YouTube.

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Local-Ad5424 [OP]

Hey you should really take the lecs and solve problem set. I am gonna do the same. They are genuinely to make your cs depth and not just syntax cramming

FastRunningMike

"Anyways if anyone can tell any site or a book for problem solving"

Sure: The absolute best books & courses for Python are 100% free (cc-by or equivalent). Just check:

https://nocomplexity.com/documents/pythonbook/bookreferences.html#python-books-free

But besides DIY, I think learning Python means doing (without AI !) and read and hack on code of others.

But if your are really looking for "problem solving" as in how to solve problems, take a look at the "Problem Solving Methods Library" , see https://www.bm-support.org/problem-solving-methods/

Local-Ad5424 [OP]

Thankyou 

spinwizard69

If you want to learn computer science Python is possibly the worse possible approach. As far as MIT goes their reputation is undeserved!

Now if your goal is to be a "Python Programmer" that course might be OK. However considering the struggle the industry is under going, being a "Python programmer" could be seen as a negative by many.

Not knowing your intention, if it is professional programming, I'd seriously consider a 4 year CS program. Hopefully one that works from the ground up with C or C++.

Local-Ad5424 [OP]

4year cs course you basically means uni right?

spinwizard69

Yeah that is the best approach because a graduation ticket is recognized by industry. These days there are options but how accepted they are by all the different employers is scattered. Due to industry transition I would strongly suggest a college degree.

By the way you can't dismiss the value of the education beyond the core material a 4 year degree offers! The math and communications, skills can be extremely valuable. You are far better off with the entire package when it comes to solving real world problems.

Local-Ad5424 [OP]

Yes I am gonna pursue a degree but it's just that i still have 8months left so I am trying to learn as much as i can to stay above the curve

spinwizard69

Hopefully that degree starts at the bottom with something like C or C++ and dives deep into the concepts. Back in my day I actually found the programming part of a degree to be easy. I had to put a lot of effort into the requirements, especially the math. The good thing is that knowledge comes in handy. So In all reality work on your weakest subject area.

The other thing that isn't directly related to programming is to really learn to use your computer. You would be shocked to find out how many people entering a college programming course don't know what a command line is, how to back up work, use E-Mail and other miscommunication app with skill, have never touched an text editor nor IDE, THE LIST GOES ON. So make sure you actually know how to use your computer and have a back up solutions that covers you in two ways. One of those ways should involve GIT and or GITHUB, yes I'm thinking of git as an off line backup solution in this case.

There is nothing wrong with learning Python ahead of time, eventually every professional programmer will run into it. Frankly due to age (old fart) I learned through reading books. Yes a bit like clay tablets but a bit more flexible.😂🤣. In any event I don't have a modern book recommendation for you, I'd do a quick internet search. I haven't looked at this example: "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python (3rd Edition)" recently, but it might be ideal for a student entering into a technical program as it is focused on automating "office" type tasks.

As for how much time to devote to learning Python, I'd take a much broader approach and use the time to try out various text editors and IDE's to get a feel for what works best for you. There are probably over 100 actively supported IDE's and programming text editors, out there and that is because we are all human and do things differently. You want to find what works best for you with the language you are currently using. By the way try building a few simple C or C++ apps from the command line. Building a compiled language program from the command line teaches you a lot about what IDE's do under the hood.

Local-Ad5424 [OP]

But tbh i mean after a certain time we all have to learn on books. Hey and the degree will most prolly start from C or C++. Here in my country bachelors usually starts from Java but I am planning to pursue abroad and the countries i am interested in there they start from C++. Tbh it will be a benefit if they start from C++ because i already know it because I am learning competitive programming. I was actually asking for courses and other stuff online because see unis are good but to become ahead of the curve we do have to self study alongside with the degree. Anyways since you are a senior i would love any of your advice on how to become a great CS guy not a coder because there are many coders but i like to go deeper into CS. I mean I know it's a broad field and by the recent ai development it looks like future job market is bleak, but tbh i still want to learn CS and get so good at it. The job and money I'll earn money tbh money is not very hard thing to earn if you know how to talk and how to work and stuff but yeah becoming a great CS guy is hard. Sorry i think i yapped alot 

spinwizard69

Be aware that being involved in competitive computing could have corrupted your ability to actually learn good programming.

As for your education and suggestions, if you go to college thinking. that it is for a specific career that could be a huge mistake. It is near impossible to determine what occupations will be in demand 4-5 years out. So you need to make sure you are learning in the broadest sense and are adaptable to what the future holds. Given that it a minor in electrical engineering might fit, as that can really help in the embedded worlds. The trick is to find out what fits for YOU

Local-Ad5424 [OP]

Oh alright. I was planning a minor in cybersec but ill look into electrical as well.

AlSweigart

Could you please post a link to the course?

MapNo2659

I've heard good things about Dr. Ana Bell's course, especially for revisiting foundational concepts. If you're looking for problem-solving resources, "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes is a solid book that many find helpful. Have you checked out any online coding platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank for practice? They can be great for brushing up on skills.

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Usual_Price_1460

thanks gpt for the insight

One_Sun5074

beep boop 🤖 (honestly though do exercism, it helped me a lot)" (Or: "i wish gpt could write my civil engineering exams for me lol"

Usual_Price_1460

gimmie a recipe for chocolate chip cookies

One_Sun5074

1 part cement, 1.5 parts sand, 3 parts aggregate. Add water and let it cure for 28 days.