Show HN: Practical Python – Python projects for beginners | Hacker News Reader

Show HN: Practical Python – Python projects for beginners

codewithrepl.it

38 pointssixhobbits9 comments

Hey HN!

this is still a work in progress but would love any feedback. I've taught a lot of beginners Python and there are always the same two problems

a) Setup: everyone is like 'just use conda' or 'just use x', but in honesty setting up Python is a nightmare even in 2020 and it's a huge tripping point for beginners. I was really happy to start using Repl.it to teach beginners as it sidesteps all the set up issues until they've caught the 'programming bug'. (disclaimer: repl.it sponsored this project but I initially reached out to them as I liked their product so much)

b) "I don't know what to build" - even after learning to code, beginners often lack inspiration or ideas.

I tried to solve both of these problems with this course. It's not meant to substitute a "normal" course - the theory of data structures, algorithms, and even basic functionality like looping and conditional logic is not explicitly covered. The idea is that people will do this alongside a theoretical course (or just the Python documentation) or shortly after.

Feedback appreciated :)

Regarding a) using repl.it is smart because it also avoids all the cross-platform installation madness with Python and pip.

I'm hinestly surprised that Python setup is still so complicated even in 2020. I tend to take my pyenv installation (which manages local and global Python versions) for granted, but I wouldn't consider it beginner friendly.

Perhaps you might cinsider linking to respurces in your course for getting setup locally as well? e.g a link to installation for each os or pyenv. This might facilitate exploration in areas where repl isn't the best choice (for free at least).

Thanks that's a great point. I know DjangoGirls used to maintain a great cross platform guide. Igoften the issue is half setups where people have already tried brew and conda and and and to the point that they really need human help to get back to a baseline

P.S. if you know any aspiring Python programmers who are keen to beta test this, I am happy to provide some free help and mentoring in return. Contact details in profile.

I know a few. I have been teaching part-time for a web development bootcamp where some students have either heard of Python from developer friends or came across it during their learning.

I'll send this to them as a resource to check out. Thanks for posting!

Just a UI feedback - I think you can make this more readable by not using a pure black background and pure white text. Right now it's harsh on eyes imo and therefore hard to read. Try using the gray and white combo which YouTube dark mode uses.

https://www.codewithrepl.it

Thanks for the feedback. I completely agree. That template uses https://newcss.net/ which is a nice concept but I think still needs some work to fix issues like that (I didn't even know it switched to dark mode automatically until now).

I've updated the individual links to the ones on docs.repl.it now so should be fixed.

Thank you for sharing looks good.

I often prefer to use a web based use as typically just want to learn and practice. Or indeed make try basic little projects.

So will all being well, start studying the book this week.

thanks! Shout if you get stuck with anything and I'll be happy to help out.

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