First Experience with Coding

Python was the first coding language I ever learned. I started learning it in the Fall of 2020 in my Introduction to Computer Programming class. I learned Python 3.0, and used Spyder to work with Python. Spyder had an Editor, Debugger, Variable Explorer, and Shell all in one. It was a very contained experience which made it easy for me. I found the Shell fun because I could test out code by writing it directly into the shell to see the results instead of having to write a program and then run it.

I started learning Python in my first semester of college, which is when I also started working with TARDIS. As TARDIS is written in Python, I had to learn Python fast so I could start contributing to the research. This led to CodeAcademy, which gave me the benefit of going over material twice and also learning more Python ahead of the class, even in a somewhat shallow depth.

My college python class progressed somewhat slowly, as it is a course that teaches the basics of programming and lays the foundation, which is very useful as I had never coded before. However, this pace allowed for a lot more depth and practice with all of the techniques and data structures of Python, which I think was invaluable. It led me to be a lot more familiar with Python that I would have been just doing CodeAcademy.

My Python skill is proficient; I can write complex programs and classes to do tasks. The final project that I had in my class was to replicate a Pokémon battle, using data from a .csv sheet and creating classes and methods that would allow for the fight. It was a fun challenge that combined everything I had learned in Python. This introduction class made me realize my enjoyment of coding and using code to solve problems.