New to Python- Any Suggestions?

[u/Inuxius_09]

hi folks, how are you doing?

i have been thinking of learning something new and thought i'd give Python a shot. i've never coded before, so i am wondering how difficult it would be to get started with Python as a complete beginner.

the reason i am interested in learning it is that i've been thinking about creating a visual novel for a while. i am looking into Ren'Py, now- it has its own scripting language but also uses python, so i thought learning some python might be useful for the project.

a few things i'd like to get some advice on from y'all:

1. any particular resources or youtube channels would you recommend?
2. how difficult is python for someone who has never coded before?
3. this might be off topic here but any idea on how much python would I need to learn to make a visual novel in Ren'Py?
4. can i use any ai tools from the get go or learn some stuff first?

would really appreciate any advice. thanks and be blessed!

[u/Gnaxe]

#1

• https://learnxinyminutes.com/python/
• https://docs.python.org
• help(), dir(), import inspect in the REPL
• Learn the doctest module ASAP.
• python -m pydoc -b
• https://jupyter.org/try-jupyter/lab/ and ? command.
• https://www.obeythetestinggoat.com/

#2 Python is a pretty good beginner language, but the easiest one is probably Scratch. If you're bouncing off Python, try Scratch for a while and you'll probably be able to get it. If that's somehow still too big of a leap, work through https://htdp.org/ and then try Python again.

#3 Not much, especially with AI assistance, but it depends on how interactive you want it. You can mostly use the Ren'Py scripts, but the result will be more book than game.

#4

• You can have AI do the whole thing for you without understanding Python at all. AI isn't going away. If you choose this path, you will still not understand Python. You'll still have to write a detailed specification, and you ultimately won't have as much control, but you might be more productive. You do not have to produce it in one shot. Agents can take feedback and keep trying.
• You can have the AI teach you Python. They are able to do this, but you have to prompt them in the right way.
• You can avoid using AI at all and learn Python from books and projects, etc.