Python progression path - From apprentice to guru

Embrace functional programming

Unleash your inner wizard with Python's functional programming features. Learn the incantations (syntax) and make your functions your loyal minions.

Efficient and elegant spells

Utilize the art of list comprehensions for compact operations. For instance, forge a list of squares in one line:

squares = [x**2 for x in range(10)]     # square them all, leave none behind!
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Power tools from the armory

Equip your code with the mighty Itertools and Functools, for specialized iterable sequences and higher-order functions respectively. Master the spells functools.reduce() and itertools.chain() for superior manipulations on sequences.

Engage with complexity

Cast out complexity using the powers of recursion and the design spell of the Strategy pattern. Reshape an ancient loop into a nifty recursive function for a fresh perspective.

Self-revealing code

Craft self-introspecting code using Python's built-in tools: dir() and type(). Uncover the underlying bytecode using the dis module, like peering into the Matrix. Understand how Python thinks with the Python memory model. Here's how to introspect:

print(dir(my_object))    # hey Python, what's in my pocket?
print(type(my_object))   # human, elf or dwarf?
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Broaden your horizons

Borrow wisdom from Haskell by reading "Real World Haskell", even while you wield your Python wand. Infuse your Python incantations with ideas of immutability and pure functions from the functional programming world.

Learn by doing, and the doing is good

Learn from the wise and the foolish

Draw wisdom from every script you encounter, be it cunning or clumsy. Delve into Django’s source code to understand how a Pythonic city (framework) is built. Even bad code serves as a good beacon of what to avoid.

Contribute for glory

Ascend to greatness by contributing to open-source projects. Peer reviews offer valuable critique, and engaging with the coding community yields real-time discussions—and occasional cookies.

Practical application of knowledge

Don't just learn—apply. Put the new skills you acquire into practice; that's where the true magic happens. Learn when to monkey-patch responsibly for modifying class or module behavior at runtime.

Your library, your arsenal

A skilled wizard chooses the best spell for the task. Understand and implement collections, queues, and other structures for smoother and faster data handling.

Command a variety of spells

Peter Norvig’s essay, a roadmap to a decade of programming mastery, is a sacred script for dedicated coders outlining the importance of deliberate practice.

Balance your powers

Python offers a multi-paradigm canvas. Strike a balance between the functional style you've been honing, and the pillars of OOP and procedural programming for a flexible approach to problems.

Continuous learning, continuous magic

Keeping up with the Pythons

The Python language evolves over time—don’t get left behind in the mists of history. Stay in tune with updates to add new spells and tactics to your armory.

Structured growth

Organized learning ensures a steady rise in power. Set aside time for thorough code reviews and rewriting legacy code as a means of consolidating your skill.