How to learn Python as a student: a beginner's plan

You can start without installing anything by using an online Python editor, or install Python from python.org with a simple editor. Your school may use a particular environment, so check with your teacher. Your first program:

name = input("What's your name? ")
print("Hello, " + name + "!")

Run it, change it, break it on purpose, and see what happens.

import random

secret = random.randint(1, 20)
guess = 0
while guess != secret:
    guess = int(input("Guess a number from 1 to 20: "))
    if guess < secret:
        print("Too low")
    elif guess > secret:
        print("Too high")
print("You got it!")

This short program uses variables, a loop, conditions, input and a library. Try extending it: count the guesses, or limit the player to five tries.

Errors are normal, even for experienced programmers. Read the last line of the error first; it names the problem:

• SyntaxError: something is mistyped, such as a missing colon or bracket.
• NameError: a variable is misspelled or used before it's created.
• TypeError: mixing types, such as adding a number to a string.
• IndentationError: the spacing at the start of lines is inconsistent.

Then check the line number it gives. Fixing errors yourself is one of the fastest ways to learn.

• Type code yourself; don't copy and paste examples.
• Predict before you run: what will this print? Then check.
• Explain your code line by line, out loud or in comments.
• Revisit old programs and improve them with new concepts.
• Short daily practice (20 to 30 minutes) beats occasional long sessions.

After a few weeks, choose a project that interests you: a quiz game, a homework tracker, a simple text adventure or a calculator for a science formula. Plan it in steps, build the simplest version first, then add features. If you get stuck, an AI tutor can explain a concept or help you find a bug without writing the whole program for you; see our computer science tutor.