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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) Setu

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 :)

sixhobbits 6y ago
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.
- dvaun 6y ago
  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!
replies-to-fool 6y ago
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).
- sixhobbits 6y ago
  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

sixhobbits 6y ago

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.

dvaun 6y ago
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!

replies-to-fool 6y ago

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).

sixhobbits 6y ago
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