So, I decided to learn Python

Aspen, from recent trip to Colorado (I know - not flowers)

 

After a lovely vacation in Colorado, I was figuring out how to network my laptops, and minding my business when a video popped up suggestion I watch, "How I would learn to code (if I started over)". I tried to ignore it, but I just couldn't. 

This was surprising because I had decided to just concentrate on HTML, CSS and possibly some JavaScript. Web design in already in my wheelhouse, so I figured I'd just learn to do it from scratch. No problem. I wasn't planning on learning programming languages. At least not any time soon (I am curious, after all). But Tina sang the praises of Python and how you can learn it in 2 weeks. How could I not check it out?

So, two days later, I have Python downloaded on my laptop and have started the freeCodeCamp course covering the subject (Lol). It's called Scientific Computing with Python.

Honestly, I haven't taken any advanced math(s) because my previous degree was focused on plant biology and design. I just didn't need it. Over the years working, I hadn't felt the need to go out of my way to learn more than algebra and geometry. I use a lot of geometry (more than I ever imagined) in calculating how much mulch I need or how many plants to order, etc. What I have seen of software programming looked like I would have to take some more advanced math courses. 

But, Tina made it sound so easy, how could I not try it. The fCC Python course consists of videos and short quizzes from a professor at the University of Michigan: School of Information. Charles Severance, the instructor, makes it seem doable as well, so here I go.

The one thing I noticed might help someone else is that installing Python and having a text editor before you get to the second section of the course might be useful. I used the video from Charles Severance, which covers installing Python and using a text editor (I use VS Code). I would watch that before getting too far into the course.

I'll keep you posted as to how it goes. So far, so good.