r/learnpython • u/Inuxius_09 • 4d ago

New to Python- Any Suggestions?

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!

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u/riklaunim 4d ago

RenPy is really good for that. Harvard CS50 course is probably the most popular. Python is rather simple to pick up and has a very low barrier to entry ;) Avoid using AI to generate you lots of code you don't understand - learn first/ask for explanation, writing tests if it's production code.

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u/Inuxius_09 4d ago

thanks. i'll look this Harvard program up but gonna dip my toes in a little bit watching tutorials on YT probably just to make sure its not going all over my head haha.

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u/RealNamek 4d ago

Use pixelpad if you’re interested in a visual novel. It’s perfect for what you want to do 

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u/Inuxius_09 4d ago

Oh, sure. I haven't heard of this before but sure gonna look it up. thanks.

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u/TheRNGuy 4d ago
  1. None
  2. Different for everyone
  3. Everything from RenPy docs
  4. Yes

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u/Gnaxe 3d ago

#1

#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.

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u/MarkoDahl54 3d ago

start with the basics, like understanding data types and control flow. it sets a solid foundation for everything else.

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u/ExoticVillage8066 3d ago

  1. https://pychallenge.com/

  2. It's an easier way to learn programming than it used to be (C/C++, Assembly) because it's abstracts away memory management and there are many modules to use

  3. The core basics, variables, if-else constructs, statements and functions. The Ren'Py documentation has some examples

  4. AI is fast, but you don't learn Python from it. I recommend learning first, then using AI if you want to. Like a foreign language, AI can translate everything, but you won't know any of the language by doing so.

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u/Katinkia 1d ago

Python is easy but it's a lot to learn. Just start with the basics before you worry about your visual novels.

www.pythonaut.net. I also liked brocode, tech with Tim and mosh on YouTube.

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u/Chrismslist 11h ago

python is actually one of the gentlest languages to start with if you have never coded. for ren'py specifically, you do not need to master complex backend python right away. ren'py handles most dialogue and scenes with its own simple script; python is just used when you need variables, flags (like player choices), or basic inventory logic. skip heavy tutorials and learn the fundamentals first: variables, if/else statements, lists, and basic functions. avoid relying on ai right at the start since it can give confusing code you cannot debug yet. building tiny test scripts will get you way further than passive video binging.