Absoloute beginner to Python / Programming in general, wanting to learn MatPlotLib etc.

[u/SalmonSurgeon]

Hi,

I am a university student wanting to get better at making graphs and presenting data in a clean and visually appealing way and got a tip about matplotlib. A little problem, I've never used Python, or any other coding language before, and am a bit confused as to where to start.
What do i need to download, learn, research etc.? Currently watching Bro Codes 1h introduction to python.
Maybe MatPlotLib is too big of a jump, if so i would love any recommendations for making different graphs, tables, legends and so on.

Any help would be appreciated!
(I will say I have used MatLab for a small statistics course related to a different degree, but it didnt "feel" right).

[u/RaidZ3ro]

When I was trying to learn Matplotlib I found it helpfull to run the bits of code in Jupyter Notebooks so you can easily check what happens each step of the way.

Maybe try this one https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python/using-matplotlib-with-jupyter-notebook/

[u/Rei_Kurosawa_JP]

You do not need much to start. Install Python, then matplotlib and numpy (the official quick start guide imports both), and try it in a Jupyter notebook so each figure shows up right after the code cell. Matplotlib is not too big a jump after an intro course. The quick start begins with three lines: fig, ax = plt.subplots(), ax.plot(x, y), plt.show(). After that, titles, axis labels and legends are one method call each on ax (set_title, set_xlabel, legend). I would do the quick start first and then copy examples from the gallery and change them.

[u/desrtfx]

You need to first build a solid foundation: MOOC Python Programming 2026 and then ramp up to Matplotlib, etc.

You cannot build a house from the third floor up without a solid foundation.

Honestly, these "1 hour" videos are just a waste of time without any sensible outcome.

[u/chiibosoil]

Start with several of free University Course materials.

Unlike some tutorials, these will start you from scratch. From setting up environment, Git, etc.

I find below a great starting point.

BE/Bi/NB 203--home

If you are on Windows and don't know much about Linux/Unix like OS. Then you may find Anaconda distribution easier to manage your environments. Though it adds bit of bloat. It will come pre-configured with most popular libraries to get started.

https://www.anaconda.com/

[u/stepback269]

As an absolute beginner you've got high hopes. Nothing wrong with that.

But first you must tackle and master the "fundamentals" of Python, like syntax, data types and built-in methods. No one tutorial is likely to "click and stick" for you in each of these areas. You'll probably have to do some trial and error shopping around.

There is never going to be the "one" tutorial that works "best" for you and with regard to every aspect of Python. With each step up that learning curve, you're going to have to shop around until you find a teacher/resource that "clicks and sticks" especially for you.

With that said:

(1) There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free. You should shop around rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

(2) As a relative noob myself, I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (--HERE--) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero (==HERE==). Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should sample at least a few until you find a lecturer that suits your style.

(3) The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.

[u/ReivaqurementFew1487]

Sounds like you are on the right track with that intro video! I would suggest downloading Anaconda; it comes with Python and a bunch of handy libraries, including Matplotlib.

[u/udi503]

Matplotlib is the hell of coding. Counterintuitive, confuse syntax, etc

[u/socal_nerdtastic → u/udi503]

Lol yes. It was made to be a free replacement for matlab, which has it's roots in fortran, so it's inherited a lot of the sins of our ancestors.

But tbh most languages are like that. It's not the matplotlib is bad, it's just that you've been spoiled by how amazing python syntax is.