This is my experience into learning Python from a network engineer’s perspective. Previously, I started this path with Zero Knowledge of Coding.

Is Learn Python The Hard Way 3 (LPTHW3) the best place to start coding? Sure! One of the worst things you can do is spend endless amounts of time figuring out where to start. I made this mistake. Finally, I just dove into Learn Python The Hard Way 3.

I’m a network engineer in higher education. Diving into the CLI is a regular task for me. And that’s the most difficult part of getting into LPTHW3. I kept looking for context. How could I use functions and lists with network engineering?

But hang in there. Get through the basics. Do about one to two exercises per day. It’s going to be challenging at first but it’s worth it.

We’ve been told to transform as network engineers and get familiar with Python. After attending DevNet Create in April 2018, I felt inspired to build something. So I grabbed a copy of LPTHW3 and got going.

My first try at the book I made it about half way before work projects prevented me from moving at a regular pace.

In August, I picked it up again and started from the beginning. There are 52 exercises in the book. I made it to exercise 48 before I decided to use another learning method that had more relevance to what I do, networking.

Conclusion

It’s a great book to get you started. You’ll learn the basics quickly but the exercises get challenging as you progress into the book. It definitely teaches you the hard way. Supplement your learning with other resources. Perform each exercise as described and don’t be afraid to experiment and break things.