Python Roadmap – Get Started with Python as a Beginner
From which version of Python to install to which IDE or code editor is better, you face a lot of confusion and roadblocks as a Python beginner. And, proper guidance can save you a lot of time and hassle while getting started with Python.
We have prepared the perfect Python roadmap that will help you to get started with Python as a beginner. Let’s go through it…
Python Roadmap
Most probably you’re already aware of the key features of Python, let’s look at the roadmap which is divided into 5 simple steps, let’s take a look below.
Step #1 – Fix your goal
Do not make the mistake of not having a goal before you start learning the language. Fix your goal by asking yourself some questions, like:
- What do you want to achieve after learning Python?
- Are you planning to make your whole career around Python?
- Do you want to go into the data science field?
- Do you just want to automate some day-to-day tasks? or
- Are you planning to create some real-world apps using Python?
And, it’s important to ask yourself these questions because then only you will be able to fix a goal and decide how deep you will have to into the language.
If your goal is to become a software engineer or a machine learning engineer then Python can be a perfect choice. It’s also great for web development and data science applications.
Python is used by companies like Google, Facebook, Reddit, Pinterest, Intel, IBM, NASA, Netflix, Dropbox, etc. If these companies seem to you like a perfect company to work for, then Python can be a great choice.
Now that you have your goal, it’s time to install Python on your computer in the next step and start learning the concepts.
Step #2 – Install Python
The Python installation procedure can be a little bit different for different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS but it’s not difficult.
Here’s how to install Python on your computer:
- Select Python version — it’s always to get the latest one but depending upon your needs, you may need to select a previous version
- Download Python — head over to the Python official website and select the suitable version for your operating system under the Downloads section
- Run the installation file — install the downloaded installation file as per the operating system that you’re using (see the screenshot below for installation on Windows)
- Verify installation — open Command Prompt (or Terminal), type
python
, press enter, and it will show the Python version installed on your system
That’s it, you’ve successfully installed Python on your system.
Please note that, sometimes, you may need to manually add the PATH variable for Python (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Step #3 – Write your first Python program
Now that Python is installed on your system, it’s time to write and run your very first Python “Hello, world!” program to verify is everything is working as it should.
For writing the program, you can use any Python IDE or code editor of your choice.
After opening the IDE or code editor, create a new file with the .py
extension. You can name it anything you want. For example, let’s name it first-program.py
.
Now, write the below Python code in the file and save the file:
# First program to print Hello, world!
print('Hello, world!')
Run the program, and you will get the below output:
Hello, world!
Congratulations!
You crossed a major roadblock in your Python journey. Now, it’s time to start learning the basic concepts of Python.
Step #4 – Learn basic concepts
Assuming you have no prior knowledge of any other programming language, we recommend spending enough time to master the Python basics. Having a good command of the basics reduces confusion in the later stages of the learning process.
Some of the important Python topics and sub-topics that you must cover as a beginner are:
- Variables and data types (strings, numbers, lists, tuples, dictionaries, boolean, etc.)
- Control statements (conditions, loops, break, continue, pass, etc.)
- Functions (creating a function, return, arguments, variable length arguments, etc.)
- OOPs concepts (what is OOP, class, attributes, and methods, creating an object, etc.)
- Python libraries and frameworks (Django, Flask, various other interesting Python libraries)
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Step #5 – Build simple projects
Now, that you know Python basics, it’s time to learn by doing — start creating some simple real-world projects that will help you understand the concepts better. When you create a project, you will see how all your skills fit together and build something.
Benefits that you will get after doing simple Python projects are:
- you’ll be able to sharpen your Python skills
- you can show the projects in your portfolio
- doing interesting projects can help you get jobs
- appreciation from people will motivate you to learn more
Some interesting Python projects that are great for beginners are:
- Strong password generator app
- Rock, paper, scissors app
- Coin flipper app
- QR code generator app, etc.
Related: 10+ Python Project Ideas for Beginners
Final words
Python has become a very common language in the web development world. It is considered one of the easiest languages to learn for those just beginning out in programming. There is a lot you can do with Python too, from simple scripts to writing full-on programs for complicated games and apps.
The above Python roadmap will help you learn Python quickly and you will easily be able to have a basic understanding of Python and you can use it to build projects as well as get a job.
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