how long it take to learn Python as a first programming language?

Question

Was wanting to start off trying to learn programming languages and have picked Python first due to its friendly reputation for beginners.

I was wanting to know how long it may take to learn it for a TOTAL programming newbie who is of fairly average/normal intelligence and who generally is no stranger to computers/internet and by 'learn it' I mean to be confident and knowledgeable in its general function and concepts. I know trying to learn an entire language would take forever but you get my drift.

So how long on average to get a good grasp on Python for a programmer newbie?

Answer 1

First of all you need to learn about what is programming in reality and how does it work like if you are going to learn python then you should know that for what purpose you are going to use this language.

You will need to learn flow of programming that how the code executes (where does it starts and ends) for this you need to learn syntax of this language. After that you need to learn logic building, e.g. that you need to do task in this language than how should you process this. You will be learning loops, redirects etc with arithmetic and logic operations. Suppose you have learnt all the syntax and everything regarding that now you should learn planning e.g. how break down your requirements and plan them? what should be done first, second and so on this is called Project Plan Indexing.

Therefore all of this procedure will take you almost 2 and a half month.

Answer 2

you could get really, really far in 6 months by doing this series of free courses from Rice University offered through coursera



the series / specialization is Fundamentals of Computing

https://www.coursera.org/specialization/fundamentalscomputing2/37



the series consists of 6 free courses taught using Python

they take you from the very beginning of programming to more advanced programming concepts; things like : algorithms, data structures, best searching and sorting methods, math, probability and other advanced concepts



and everything is taught by making games



you will make this game during the first 2 courses

/watch?v=e23oJZCjXTI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e23oJZCjXTI



here are the courses in the series



An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1)

https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython1 (starts Feb 13)



An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2)

https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython2



Principles of Computing (Part 1)

https://www.coursera.org/course/principlescomputing1



Principles of Computing (Part 2)

https://www.coursera.org/course/principlescomputing2



Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1)

https://www.coursera.org/course/algorithmicthink1



Algorithmic Thinking (Part 2)

https://www.coursera.org/course/algorithmicthink2



you will be learning the things Computer Science majors learn in their first 2 courses at University

and again, all the courses are free



(you can pay $49 per course, but that's only if you want a Verified Certificate - meaning you have a webcam and verify you are the one doing the work -- but if you don't want a verified certificate the courses are free)



and then you could work through this free book and get some really advanced computer science / programming knowledge (some of it will already have been covered in the courses you just finished)

http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/pythonds/index.html



or once you complete the first series of courses there are tons more free computer courses through coursera and edx https://www.edx.org/

Answer 3

You need to realize that becoming a programmer is a process that is not like

becoming a mailman; you don't stop learning. Once you advance beyond the

beginner stage, you'll realize that. Python may seem simple, but it is in fact very

deep and expressive and powerful. You will want to make your programs clearer,

faster, more capable, and more elegant. Learning doesn't end.

>

> John (gnujohn)

Answer 4

Really, this depends on you. Have you programmed before with another language such as Java, C++ etc? If so it will be a lot easier.



If not, you have to learn some fundamental programming concepts, how "fast" you can learn them depends on how easily it comes to you. My real advice is to work with a book, and DO the exercises. Application and keyboard time is the real way to learn a language.

Answer 5

It can take you from several months up to several years. Or never (if you give up).



If you like Sudokus, logic puzzles and math, you'll feel right at home. If those give you the willies, it'll take longer and might not be as much fun.

Also: you'll be able to write small apps like a text-based Battleship fairly early on, but more sophisticated stuff with user interfaces and the like is going to take much longer. Don't let yourself get discouraged.

Answer 6

That depends on you! How much time are you willing to devote to it? Are you a quick learner? The only way to find out is to give it a start and see how things go.

Answer 7

maximum one month