From Zero to Python: My Beginner Journey as a New Learner

Hillary Nartey — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:35:04 +0000

Who Am I and Why Am I Writing This?

Hi everyone, my name is Hillary Nartey, and I just started learning Python a few days ago. Yes, just a few days ago, I was a complete beginner.

I decided to document my journey from day one so that other newbies like me can follow along, learn from my mistakes, and hopefully feel less alone in the process. If you are thinking about learning Python and don't know where to start, this post is for you.

Why Python?

I chose Python because it is one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages out there. It is widely used in data science, web development, automation, and artificial intelligence, so learning it opens a lot of doors.

I want to build real skills that are useful in today's world, and Python felt like the perfect starting point.

The Tools I Am Using

You don't need to spend any money to start learning Python. Here are the free tools I am using:

Google Colab
This is a free online tool that lets you write and run Python code directly in your browser, no installation needed. It is perfect for beginners because you can just open it and start coding right away.

colab.research.google.com
Coursera (Free Audit)
I am taking Python courses on Coursera for free by using the audit option. When you open a course, look for a small "Audit" link below the enroll button. You get access to all the video lectures and most course materials — without paying a cent.

A great beginner course to look for is "Python for Everybody" by the University of Michigan.
coursera.org

I tried installing #Anaconda on my laptop, but was facing difficulty that why I opted for Colab

What I Have Learned So Far

I have only been at this for a few days, but here is what I have covered so far:

What Python is and why it is popular
How to write your first line of code: `print("Hello, World!").
Basic Python syntax and how to run code in Google Colab
Variables and data types (strings, integers, floats)

It might not sound like much, but every expert started exactly where I am right now.

My First Python Code

Here is the very first piece of code I wrote:

python print("Hello, World!")

Simple, right? But seeing those words appear on the screen for the first time felt amazing. It made everything feel real.

What's Next?

I plan to keep learning step by step and document everything here. Coming up next:

Python lists, loops, and conditions
Writing simple functions
Mini beginner projects

A Message to Other Beginners

If you are just starting like me, don't be discouraged by how much there is to learn. Focus on one small thing at a time. Celebrate the small wins. And don't be afraid to make mistakes,__ that's how we learn.

You don't have to be an expert to start. You just have to start.

Follow along with my journey, and let's learn Python together.

Written by Hillary Nartey | Beginner Python Learner
Feel free to leave a comment if you are also just starting. Let's connect!

DEV Community: Hillary Nartey

From Zero to Python: My Beginner Journey as a New Learner

colab.research.google.com

What I Have Learned So Far

My First Python Code

What's Next?

A Message to Other Beginners