Build a Habit
Learning a complex skill such as Python programming is hard, and in my experience, the quest for improving your skills never stops. The best way to succeed is to make a daily or weekly habit of working on your skills. In this video you’ll see some tips on how Real Python can help you with that.
Congratulations, this video also marks the end of our onboarding course! Time to kick things off by picking a first course to watch—click the button below to see the latest available courses:
00:00 With any complex and complicated skill, such as Python programming—or any programming in any kind of language, for that matter—it helps a lot if you don’t let up and you keep going.
00:13 One of the best ways to do that is to build a habit. So, the way I envision Real Python for someone who is at an intermediate level or is not a total beginner, is really like a gym for Pythonistas.
00:28 It is a source of information where, even if you feel like you’ve covered all the basics and you’re a pretty good programmer, you can always come back to realpython.com, and every week we’ll have new stuff for you. It’s like another gym class.
00:43 And maybe you’re not interested in a particular topic, you know, maybe you don’t care about web development or data science or some other specific topic that we have a really deep article about it, but that’s totally fine.
00:55 Pick the stuff that you’re into and pick the stuff that you interested in and treat Real Python as your gym. We’ll keep you informed about the latest stuff that gets published on the website, the new courses that we put out, and just sample it.
01:08 Keep in touch with the latest changes in Python, the latest updates, and if you find something that’s interesting, then do a deep-dive and go back and try out all the other techniques.
01:19 This is a great strategy. If you build a habit and you check in, you know, at least once a week, maybe even every day. Maybe even make Real Python your homepage in your browser, if this is something where you just kind of naturally see it every time you open a new tab, this could be a great way for learning this stuff. I did that all the time when I was prepping for exams. I would set up my learning resources as my start page in the browser so that I would always see them. These days, I mostly use a weather widget or some kind of, you know, “This is what it looks like outside” widget in my new tabs, but this is actually a great hack that works.
01:58 And it seems stupid and so simple, but it’s actually something that works. So yeah, use Real Python as a way for you to stay up-to-date. By building a habit, you can overcome procrastination. If your habit is, you know, “Okay, I’m going to wake up, maybe I’m going to read the news for five minutes, ten minutes every morning, and I’m going to spend an equal amount of time on working on my Python programming skill”—this is going to have huge impacts.
02:23 Not within a day, not within a week, but within a month you’re going to see a huge effect, just priming your brain for this stuff. Even if it’s just a couple of minutes per day and just checking what’s out there, if there’s something that piques your interest, that’s a great way to improve your skills over time and to grow as a software developer. All right, so those were some tips on How to Learn Effectively and how to make the most of your Real Python subscription.
02:51 I hope they were helpful! If you’ve got some additional tips, leave them in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you’re thinking about this.
ashokbayana369 on Aug. 12, 2019
Very motivating.. :!
Eric P on Aug. 15, 2019
This was useful to understand RP site and what is available. Now to pick a topic and go deep.
Jean Ferreira on Aug. 30, 2019
Great initial videos.
Dan Bader RP Team on Aug. 30, 2019
Welcome aboard folks, see you soon on Slack :)
Mircea Cocosila on Sept. 2, 2019
Hi Dan!
Excellent onboarding course. I’m super excited to be in here. Eager to ingest RealPython learning resources.
Best, mircea
Kumar on Sept. 9, 2019
Loved the initial on boarding video.... Looking forward to become a good python developer.
Vaibhav Gupta on Sept. 11, 2019
Loved the intro videos.
D Sathyanarayana on Sept. 15, 2019
Excellent on-boarding sessions. This gives us a lot of encouragement. Super excited to learn Python. Thank you very much Dan!!!
Marco Belo on Oct. 10, 2019
Good intro, makes me happier for sign the course!
Erwin on Oct. 18, 2019
The first course where there is a course for the course. Very smart and well laid out. Thanks!
Lucy on Oct. 19, 2019
Great introduction. so excited about this course, hope to learn and share with all of you.
Jaou Dev on Oct. 21, 2019
Great initial videos, great introduction.!!
azmathias on Oct. 24, 2019
Thank you for the excellent introductory overview. Any information on projects for beginners wishing to build a portfolio would be very useful.
reblark on Nov. 1, 2019
Hey Dan, it seems that you are for real. I am totally impressed. You are a teacher and that is a talent under appreciated in America. But, I am thankful for it and know that I am going to learn a lot at Real Python. Thank you.
Dan Bader RP Team on Nov. 1, 2019
Thanks for the kind words! And Happy Pythoning :)
Hector on Nov. 14, 2019
Nice things to keep in mind, thanks for site presentation.
tomasz on Nov. 16, 2019
Thank you for very helpful initial tutorial so I am starting from now on to learn python
reblark on Nov. 20, 2019
Hi RP Team, This comment and a couple of other fooled me. I thought I was hearing directly from Dan. I have since come to believe that all the “Dan Bader” postings and the few comments I thought I was receiving from Dan were team postings. Sort of like contacting my Senator.
Well, I have an issue that I would very much like to discuss with Dan. If it is possible, I would like to have Dan’s real email address (there will be no “flame”). Perhaps you could ask him to contact me at my login email address so that you wouldn’t have to post his email address publicly. Please pass on to Dan that I think our conversation will be fruitful. Thank you.
Ralph Barhydt
Dan Bader RP Team on Nov. 20, 2019
@reblark: I’m not sure I understand. This is the real me, you’re not talking to the PR office (which, incidentally, is also me) ;-)
reblark on Nov. 21, 2019
Aha, good to know. I am glad to be talking with the real you. It’s very encouraging.
Patrick Prince on Nov. 23, 2019
Hey Dan & the RP Team, excellent onboarding course. I will be way more efficient at learning Python now. Love the graphics you use.
Dan Bader RP Team on Nov. 23, 2019
Cheers Patrick! Happy Pythoning :)
nskgithub on Nov. 26, 2019
Really a great intro videos Dan
zamalessandro on Nov. 26, 2019
I appreciate your tips to start in a good way to learn Python and follow your tutorials. Thanks I happy to be here.
fredmord on Dec. 4, 2019
I am excited to belong to this place
Mico Siahaan on Dec. 11, 2019
Thanks for good onboarding videos and advices in learning effectively. I started learning Python many years ago in university but I have not been using it for 10+. I am thinking now it’s time to re-learn and update myself about Python and Python community.
Asif on Dec. 13, 2019
All the videos are really helpful…
charan on Dec. 19, 2019
Dan and RP team, I am very excited to learn Python with the best community, thanks for the great introduction course.
GeorgePo on Jan. 4, 2020
Videos are great!
Ekundayo Blessing on Jan. 5, 2020
The fact that there is an introductory course has shown that I will learn a lot here. Thanks for this great course.
Orkneyman on Jan. 8, 2020
Really good on-boarding course. Thank you.
rob on Jan. 10, 2020
Thanks for the instructive and kind introduction! :)
Richard Vincent on Jan. 10, 2020
Excellent. Very informative! I’m looking forward to diving into Python.
Phil M on Jan. 16, 2020
Thank you for all the great stuff!!
I am ready to dive in :)
Samuel Barbosa on Jan. 21, 2020
great intro! I’m happy and excited to improve my python skills this year.
jkendall on Feb. 15, 2020
Excellent onboarding course!
Sat K on Feb. 15, 2020
Very helpful info, Dan. It’s just like reading the preface of a book. Thanks!
pshekhar2707 on Feb. 29, 2020
Such a detailed and well thought out coverage of website and about learning approaches to follow on RP site, this is awesome
wanyoiker on March 2, 2020
Great on-boarding. Thanks RP team for a well thought out course on the course…
Emma on March 9, 2020
Very helpful， clear and motivated introduction.
Prasad on March 19, 2020
Awesome on-boarding course!
samsonca on March 27, 2020
Thank your for the introduction to your learning platform. This is an highly interactive on line learning that is very useful to people with limited programming experience.
Thank your once again!
ibrahim suleiman on March 28, 2020
Thanks for the initial introduction lessons it just encourage me and also start up a blog that i can post what i learnt since i dont have community around thanks alot look forward to the rest of an amazing courses
Dr VINOD KUMAR VERMA on March 28, 2020
Good
Almorisson on March 30, 2020
Very good onboarding. I really appreciated it.
Thanks a lot to Dan and PR Team for this nice onboarding.
Josh on March 30, 2020
Great introduction series. I look forward to diving in.
Cristian Luca on April 3, 2020
Awesome, Dan! Keep going!
Rob on April 4, 2020
Great intro, really looking forward to learning Python
ernestovieira on April 14, 2020
Great way to start, thanks.
MuratD on April 19, 2020
Best on-boarding I went through in my 20 years in industry. Thank you!
leighdata on April 19, 2020
Great intro. Cheers!
Hnin Pwint Phyu Aung on April 20, 2020
Awesome!
jongunnarsson on April 25, 2020
Man, I’ve been dithering on getting a subscription here for months and this now feels like lost time. Super impressed and I hope to accelerate my learning here.
pnjogu320 on April 29, 2020
how can i get certificate
Ricky White RP Team on April 29, 2020
On the course page, you should see a link to download your certificate for that course when you have completed it.
Harsh Chaklasiya on April 30, 2020
Thanks this is Awesome Intro Section. i’m Not coder but looking for great content. and it’s good start for me <3 thanks!
monicobriseno on May 1, 2020
Hey there. I liked all the content of the introduction course. Great job !
After to watch the different sections of the course. I am ready to learn a lot ! See you
ericknieuwenhuizen on May 7, 2020
introductory video is a must. I knew what I was wanting to do but had no idea where to find it. This video pointed me in the right and correct direction
dtandersongb on May 13, 2020
Thanks for the videos, Dan. I must admit I went through these very quickly a while ago, but ran them again and they make so much sense!
Doug Ouverson on May 14, 2020
Thanks for the informative videos, Dan. I’m glad I didn’t skip this series. Got me off on the right foot.
smollito on May 15, 2020
while introduction = awesome:
print("Good Job")
else:
break
Dan Bader RP Team on May 15, 2020
print("\n".join(["!sknaht"[::-1].title()]*10))
Rick Veloz on May 17, 2020
Great introduction! I’m really looking forward to using Real Python’s resources!
Victor Emmanuel Balasoto on May 20, 2020
Great onboarding video, Dan! I’ve been reading bits and pieces of the emails I’ve been receiving. But this introduction gave me better understanding of what Real Python is all about. Excited to go deeper!
ramaraovemula86 on May 26, 2020
Great Intro. Dan....:) I will give my best to learn and follow the Best practices which you suggested.
Love you ....
Ezemonye O on June 4, 2020
The summary of this intro is this : The Soul of Python resides at Python.org, while The Body of Python resides at Realpython.com .
Ezemonye O on June 4, 2020
Most engaging, never-a-dull-moment intro. Thank you to Dan and All the RP Team members.
Dan Bader RP Team on June 5, 2020
Thanks so much, that made my day :) Welcome aboard, see you all soon on the RP Community Slack!
Patrick Parker on June 7, 2020
Thank you for explaining this well. If the implementation is easy to explain, it may be a good idea.(reference: import this). If the explanation seems well understood, the function of language to communicate information is likely working. Python as language, likely working better here; thank you!
sennacheribest on June 8, 2020
الاخوة الافاضل تحية من القلب لكل ما قمتم به وستقدموا في المستقبل. شكرا لكم جميعاً محمد - بغداد
lucnalie on June 9, 2020
Thank that was very helpful.
Ashif on June 15, 2020
Really, it was cool intro of your website. And how to use it. And thanks again for your free course in this Time
**Thanks! **
robinpipslayer on July 6, 2020
WOW!! Just for the intro, that was quite mind blowing!! I now dare to ask....this site is built with Python, right!?! :sweat_smile:
Dan Bader RP Team on July 6, 2020
Haha thanks, glad you’re enjoying the welcome course :) Yes, realpython.com is built with Python 3 and the Django web framework.
Mark on July 8, 2020
Great course breaking down all this site has to offer and ways to use it to learn. I’m already pleased with my purchase.
downboundrider on July 20, 2020
It’s great how much educational resources are available, freely or at a low cost, online. I have been using the Web, and building it, since 1995. This site does an outstanding job of onboarding, which most sites like this do not even attempt! Instead of selling and forgetting, Real Python goes to great lengths to ensure you get the most out of your (modest) investment. This site should be used as a template for educational sites seeking to ‘do it right.’
Dan Bader RP Team on July 20, 2020
Thanks so much @downboundrider, reading your comment made me smile :) Great to hear you’re having a good time! See you on the RP Community Slack!
Robert Zebrowski on July 30, 2020
Just finished this onboarding course. Great Job. Looking to get started! My job depends on it! How is that for motivation? :)
Sai Chandra on Aug. 20, 2020
Done with the course. Nice video course. I really liked the way real python was designed. The structure it follows actually simplifying readers search and giving most out of it with simple search. A great design and great approach. Keep Going!!!
kinsley on Aug. 22, 2020
Very good onboarding course. Glad to be part of the community and hope to learn more.
beingpython on Aug. 23, 2020
That’s a great walkthrough of the entire website and how to effectively use the realpython system. Thankyou.
José Salomón Contreras on Sept. 11, 2020
Happy to be here, Learning python.
Deepak Reddy on Oct. 10, 2020
Hello Dan
Its a great onboarding course . Thank you
aashish on Nov. 2, 2020
Wow, great tips to start this journey.
Eelco on Nov. 28, 2020
Inspiring! Thanks Dan
Greish on Dec. 1, 2020
I really thought about subscribing to Real Python because the website seemed so… confusing. So I bought the Python Basics Book of Real Python to have a more “chapter by chapter” workflow for learning Python. After buying the Book, there is this 14 Day Trial you can use before you have to pay $19 for the sub. So I tried it and now after this course everything is way cleared for me and I think about hold my sub after the 14 days :)
MrPresidentSam on Dec. 27, 2020
Thanks Dan.
jamesstomberg on Jan. 5, 2021
Great course, I really enjoyed watching it and feel happy about joining the community. I joined the Slack community and also got good information and insights about how to learn and using Real Python in an efficient way. Thanks! :)
JR on March 4, 2021
Great onboarding course. Thanks Dan
Rudy Hong on March 23, 2021
Great onboarding course. I am glad joined RealPython.
munkhyalaltkh on April 16, 2021
Wow, I’ve never seen such a lengthy also very good starting lesson.
Torasu on April 20, 2021
N00B to Python, glad to be here. I have been using RealPython for a few months and finally got the sub.
Day1: check
P.S. Pantheon Pineapple Pizza is yummy. Just cause.
Sophia on May 30, 2021
Thank you, Dan! This is a great introduction and I really love the structure!
Víctor H Torres on June 2, 2021
This website is so elegant that it makes you want to work here!
Jesus Espinoza on June 19, 2021
Terrific onboarding!!! Thank you!! :)
Gianni on June 24, 2021
This is a very good introduction, and I like also the structure!!! TOP!
Adam on June 30, 2021
Thanks Dan, great onboarding course !
Dan Bader RP Team on June 30, 2021
Cheers folks, welcome aboard and Happy Pythoning!! :-)
Glenn Lehman on July 2, 2021
Thank you for ensuring that my first steps as a member of the Real Python community are on the right path. I look forward to applying the information you shared and developing a habit that supports my daily learning.
JoeB on Aug. 10, 2021
It was a great idea (and one I haven’t seen done before) to have such an extensive onboarding tutorial.
I came across RP when I was searching for best practices in laying our a Python application. I found “Python Application Layouts: A Reference” and it was perfect for what I wanted. I also found RP in doing some other searches and had the same results.
So, I am now subscribed for a year and looking forward to the tutorials I have seen.
Dan Bader RP Team on Aug. 11, 2021
Thanks Joe! Welcome to Real Python :)
Vasanth Baskaran on Aug. 19, 2021
Thanks Dan for the wonderful onboarding experience!
jgallagher on Sept. 5, 2021
Best onboarding I have ever had!!
zacharywolinsky on Sept. 25, 2021
Great intro. Thanks for creating this.
galenisse on Nov. 14, 2021
Awesome intro ! Very encouraging.. Can’t wait to become the Python superhero of my dreams
Abraham on Nov. 18, 2021
Thanks for this! So excited to join this community!
Aldir on Nov. 25, 2021
Dear Dan, Fantastic introduction!!! Congratulations!! Thank you for the sincere and real empathy. Let’s go!!!
DJ on Nov. 29, 2021
Dear Dan, Great and Fantastic Intro content. I am excited to learning journey. I love the idea of Habit. I am reading a book called “Atomic habits” and the bullet in your content signifies the actual soul of the book. Breaking comfort barriers is the only key to learn. I joined Real Python yesterday and willing to have long association. Way to go!!
DJ
Loris on Dec. 5, 2021
I know Real Python for ages as I regularly listen to the podcasts that are great and that I am enjoying a lot.
I also knew the existence of the web site that I was browsing through every now and then but as a guest only.
I have just subscribed for a year and have just watched the introduction. Great job!
I am looking forward to starting using the content and to implementing the suggested learning habits and techniques.
Rupesh Kolatwar on Jan. 21, 2022
I really got inspired by the Welcome Onboarding video! And I’m feeling great to join Real Python. Thank you, Dan!
sdw997 on Jan. 26, 2022
I signed up and paid for a year for this course material tonight and your introductory videos are well prepared, short, and to the point. I have been receiving your e-mails and freebies for a year but it’s time that I dive into this training and begin doing some real work. I am new to Python, but back around 2010 through 2013, I was doing SQL while working in budget and accounting, so I have some experience, but it is limited. Thanks!
Dan Bader RP Team on Jan. 26, 2022
That’s great to hear 🎉 Welcome aboard and Happy Pythoning! :)
darzoian on Feb. 14, 2022
I’ve been listening to the Podcasts for quite some time and have dipped into some of the topics that were available without subscription. Finally took the plunge to officially join the RP community today. Thanks to Dan and the RP team for providing a valuable learning environment.
Tim W on March 4, 2022
I love the idea of making RP my home page so that I am reminded to use it.
I have taken other programming courses and foreign language courses but after a few months or so I don’t remember any of them. Making it a habit seems so simple and yet very profound also.
ErrorMan on April 2, 2022
Wonderful orientation course. Wishing to your all great team support.
Phillip on June 11, 2022
Great introduction to all that RP has to offer. I’m actually most excited about joining the RP Slack Community but I’m sure I’ll also enjoy working through some of the courses on offer.
Dan Bader RP Team on June 14, 2022
Awesome, welcome aboard @Phillip :)
Szabi Keresztes on Aug. 10, 2022
Thanks for the introduction Dan!
Really like how you’ve got different types of resources on the topics (such as videos, articles, quizzes). I believe it too that approaching something from different angles gives you a better chance of learning it.
Dan Bader RP Team on Aug. 11, 2022
Cheers Szabi, that’s exactly our teaching philosophy! I’d also include the Real Python Podcast on that list—it provides another perspective and a more personable connection to certain topics with the guests and experts we interview. So I’d recommend to check out the podcast as well 🙂
Our goal is to help you immerse yourself in a topic for hours and days, so you can really go deep on a skill or technique with several resources and types of media: articles, videos, quizzes, podcast episodes, books …
Terrel Shumway on Aug. 14, 2022
“Going deep” is not actually the best strategy for retention. Massed practice may make you feel like you are learning, but spacing your study and interleaving other topics makes for better recall. The book “Make it Stick,” by peter c brown, et al describes how and why.
Terrel Shumway on Aug. 14, 2022
The best learning strategy is to practice like you play, because you will play like you practice.
In the context of learning Python, this means you learn to code by coding. If you hear about “decorators”, for example, you can learn about them by trying to solve a problem using them. This connects the new knowledge to what you already know in a context where it is actually useful. Your brain will remember decorators when you see a similar problem.
Aleks Lykhin on Sept. 24, 2022
That’s great! I usually watch courses at the 1.25 speed. It would be great if you could mention at the beginning of the onboard tutorial that the default speed can be changed in the account settings.
Yuvaraj0807 on Nov. 30, 2022
Awesome intro about Real Python site and how to use it. Thanks Dan Bader.
Tom Dworzanski on Feb. 4, 2023
Thanks for the site tour and tips! I’m looking forward to my Python journey!
Rahul Pandey on June 10, 2023
Greate on boarding!
Mr B on July 29, 2023
Well, I’m here. If this is as good as you say it is then I’ll do the work, if I do the work, then I will learn how to write code. andif I will learn to understand code lingo, and end up coding for machines>> cause they don’t code themselves, then maybe I can do something usefull with those machines!
Stiabhna on Nov. 27, 2023
Great onboarding course. Great tips also for the Slack community! Thank you
jake on March 31, 2024
>>> print('Thank you')
Thank you
doink on May 13, 2024
Great on boarding. I was looking for how to improve a python program i made and landed in a RP article that explained me very clearly how to use threads, what’s GIL…, five minutes later i became a member. I’m so excited to go deep in Python. Thank you!
Dan Bader RP Team on June 5, 2024
Hey that’s awesome to hear, welcome aboard! 🙂
Become a Member to join the conversation.
Daniel on Aug. 11, 2019
Great onboarding course!