Back in the day, when I used to work as a QA engineer and learn Python on the side I was very passionate about programming, but I also had no one to help me out at first. One of the main questions I had was: “Can I Learn Python By Myself?” Let me tell you about my experience and to what conclusion I came.

Can I Learn Python By Myself?

Yes, it is possible to learn Python on your own to a degree.

Let me explain what I mean by “to a degree”.

You won’t become an expert on your own and you’ll miss a lot of key concepts professionals use in the industry every day, but you can learn all the basics on your own with tons of research and time investment.

There are many resources available that can help you get started, including online tutorials, books, and video courses, but to become a real professional Python developer you’ll likely have to find mentors to become reasonably good and to be able to work alongside other professional Python developers.

Here are a few steps you can follow to start learning Python on your own:

1. Choose a programming environment: There are many options for writing and running Python code. You can use a simple text editor and run your code through the command line, or you can use a more advanced integrated development environment (IDE) that has features like syntax highlighting and debugging tools. One of the most popular IDE for Python is PyCharm.
2. Learn the basics: Start by learning the basic syntax and concepts of Python, such as variables, data types, loops, and control structures. Read other blog posts I’ve written on basic Python-related topics.
3. Practice writing code: The best way to learn programming is by writing code. As you learn the basics, try to write small programs to practice what you have learned. This is how I started, I used to work as a QA engineer and write Python code as soon as I had time to spare.
4. Learn more advanced concepts: As you become more comfortable with the basics of Python, you can move on to more advanced topics. At this point, you must find mentors and ask them to suggest what you need to learn. There are concepts in programming you won’t be aware of and won’t stumble upon by yourself.

It’s important to remember that learning to code takes time and practice.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand something right away – it’s a normal part of the learning process.

With dedication, practice and mentors you can learn Python in a relatively short period of time and even get hired for a fairly decent salary. 🔥

🚨 This is a very simple answer to a Can I Learn Python By Myself? question. I’ll give you a way more detailed answer based on my own experience and also the experience of my students in the following sections of this post.

Is It Possible To Learn Python At Home?

Yes, it is possible to learn Python at home, but there are a few things you have to keep in mind, let me explain..

Deciding whether to take a coding bootcamp, hire a personal mentor or learn programming on your own at home is a personal decision that depends on your learning style, budget, and goals.

Both options have their pros and cons. I’ve learned myself, had mentors, taught a course at coding bootcamp and have been working in the industry for years, let’s look at pros and cons of both situations:

Pros Of Coding Bootcamps

• Structured learning environment: Coding bootcamps typically have a set curriculum and schedule, which can be helpful for people who need more structure and guidance.
• Hands-on experience: Many coding bootcamps provide practical, hands-on experience working on projects and exercises, which can be helpful for learning and applying new skills.
• Networking opportunities: Coding bootcamps can provide opportunities to network with other students and professionals in the field, which can be helpful for finding job opportunities or getting advice and guidance.

Cons Of Coding Bootcamps

• Cost: Coding bootcamps can be expensive, especially if you’re not able to secure financial aid or scholarships.
• Time commitment: Coding bootcamps typically require a full-time commitment, which can be challenging for people who have other responsibilities or commitments.
• Limited support: Coding bootcamps usually have strict time schedules and if you don’t “get it” or learn enough before the bootcamp ends, you’re done and have no way of receiving support from teachers.
• Quality: Not all coding bootcamps are created equal, and some may not provide a high-quality education or job placement after graduation. It’s essential to research and compare different coding bootcamps to find one that meets your needs and goals.

Pros Of Learning At Home

• Flexibility: Learning at home allows you to set your own schedule and pace, which can be helpful for people who have other responsibilities or commitments.
• Cost: Learning at home is generally cheaper than attending a coding bootcamp, especially if you hire a personal mentor and use free resources on top of that.
• Customized learning: When you learn at home, you have more control over what you learn and how you learn it. If you have a personal mentor you can discuss and decide to focus only on the topics and skills that are most relevant to you.

Cons Of Learning At Home

• Discipline: Learning at home requires self-motivation and discipline, which can be challenging for some people who need more structure and guidance.
• Limited hands-on experience: It can be harder to get hands-on experience learning at home if you’re doing it by yourself. I personally try to only share real project situations with my students and push them to study topics that Python developers are actually using at their jobs.

How Can I Learn Python At Home?

One of the most straightforward ways to learn Python at home is with a personal online mentor.

Take, for example, one of my students Yuliia.

We have never met in real life, we worked together online over a span of 8 months and Yuliia got hired by a US-based company.

Here’s the whole story:

Of course, you might still ask: Can I learn Python by myself? Do I really need a mentor?

Well, I used to have the same mindset when I was learning Python years ago..

I was eager to learn on my own, I actually thought I’ve learned most of what I needed to know by myself and I don’t need a mentor.. happen to find I was totally WRONG!

Only when you surround yourself with way more experienced Python developers you realize how little you know and how much there’s for you to learn!

Having a mentor can provide personalized feedback and guidance, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and get help as you learn.

With the help of a personal online mentor, you can make faster progress and get the personalized assistance you need to succeed in learning Python.

Can I Learn Python At Home And Get A Job?

Yes, it is possible to learn Python at home and get a job.

Many employers are looking for Python developers and are open to hiring candidates who have learned the language and are reasonably professional to get the software developer job done.

On a weekly basis, I get new job opportunities similar to the following one and I’m not even actively looking for a new job:

It’s not just me, once we got Yuliia’s profile ready and her portfolio project was presentable, she got many opprtunities too!

I strongly recommend check out Yuliia’s story again, she’s a definition of a great student! 🎉

She came to with little to no knowledge and in about 6 months completely turned her life around.

Is 1 Year Enough To Learn Python?

Yes, it is possible to learn Python in one year, although the amount of time it takes to learn the language can vary depending on your background, learning style, and the amount of time you are able to dedicate to learning.

Here are a few factors that can affect how long it takes to learn Python:

1. Previous programming experience: If you have previous programming experience, you may be able to learn Python more quickly. However, even if you are new to programming, it is still possible to learn Python in one year with dedication and practice.
2. Learning resources: The quality and effectiveness of the learning resources you use can impact how quickly you learn Python. Look for high-quality resources that are well-organized and provide clear explanations and examples.
3. Practice and dedication: The more you practice and the more time you dedicate to learning, the faster you will progress. Try to set aside a consistent amount of time each week to practice writing code and working on projects.
4. Goals and motivation: Your goals and motivation will also play a role in how quickly you learn Python. If you have clear goals in mind and are motivated to learn, you may be able to progress more quickly.

🚨 You can start by checking out some of the posts I’ve written here on this blog or by reaching out to me. My contact details should be available here at the end of the post. Reach out to me, tell me about your story and I’ll see if I can help you!