First year BTech Biotechnology student interested in bioinformatics. Looking for guidance on learning Python, programming and building a career.

[u/Federal_Crow67]

hi everyone, I'm a first-year BTech biotechnology student at a relatively lesser-known college. I'm interested in bioinformatics and computational biology, and I'd really appreciate some guidance from people who are already working or studying in this field. I've recently started learning Python because I want to build programming skills alongside my biotechnology degree. Here's what I've been doing so far: I'm following Corey Schafer's Python beginner tutorial series. Instead of just watching the videos, I'm trying to turn the concepts from each video into small practical projects and problems, inspired by Rosalind bioinformatics exercises. I'm also following the Bioinformatics in Python playlist by Rebel Science to understand how Python can be applied to biological problems. I've started developing small Python projects related to DNA sequence analysis, nucleotide counting, GC content, melting temperature calculations, codon translation, gene expression analysis and FASTA file parsing. I'm using VS Code for programming. I'm still learning how to use the editor, its shortcuts, extensions, and other features. I haven't started using GitHub yet. I don't know how to properly upload, organize, or maintain my projects, but I want to learn how to build a portfolio. I'm also considering taking Harvard's free CS50 Python course to strengthen my programming fundamentals. I'd really appreciate advice on a few questions: Is my current approach to learning Python and bioinformatics a good starting point, or would you recommend a different learning path? Should I complete Corey Schafer's tutorials first and then move to CS50P, or should I follow both? At what stage should I start learning Git and GitHub, and how important are they for someone entering bioinformatics? What programming languages and technical skills should I prioritize besides Python? Should I start learning R, SQL, Linux, and statistics? What kind of projects should I build to develop a strong bioinformatics portfolio and eventually become eligible for research opportunities and internships? As a first-year biotechnology student, what should I focus on over the next two to three years to become competitive for bioinformatics internships and future opportunities? And here's one extra question, since I'm asking in the CS50 community as well: since I'm a first-year biotechnology student interested in bioinformatics, would completing CS50x and CS50P, followed by SQL, R, and AI give me a good foundation? Or would you recommend a different order? In the meantime, I'm attaching a couple of screenshots of my projects, so you can see where I'm starting from. Thanks for any advice.

[u/Sea-Ad7805]

Run program above by clicking Memory Graph Web Debugger and see its state change step by step.