What I Learned Earning My Python Programming Certificate
Today I completed the OpenEDG Python Institute: Programming with Python Professional Certificate, and it gave me a great opportunity to reflect on my coding journey thus far.
Although JavaScript was the first programming language I started learning, I would consider Java my base language, as that has been the language of focus in my Programming Fundamentals 1 and 2 courses. (I'll be taking Programming Fundamentals 3 in C++... say what?!)
I'm also taking a Scripting in Python course over the summer and decided to get a jump on the material. It's interesting to see the subtle differences in how object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts are handled between Java and Python.
I’ve already started using Python to create scripts for CTF competitions, and I’m looking forward to building more complex projects with it soon.
If you're just starting down the path of learning how to code:
- Focus on the fundamental principles (how to store data, make decisions, repeat actions, and organize code) because they are universal in every language.
- Don’t rely on “vibe coding” to do it all for you.
Learning the fundamentals is like learning to play scales in music or learning blocks and stances in martial arts. It might not feel flashy, but it's how you build real fluency.
Thanks for following along. There's more to come as I continue exploring Python, Java, and C++ and applying them in various projects.
