I'm Learning Python?

I frame it as a question, because it's still surprising to me.

When I started my data journey, Python was very far down the road for me. I thought of it as something I would definitely eventually get to, but my focus was really on learning the processes in SQL and Excel, so I knew what the heck I was doing and how to spot issues.

In the past year I have had the most marvelous opportunities. I've learned very well how to use a tool I'd never heard of -- QGIS, become much more comfortable with SQL, and overall my confidence in my work has increased. This evolution of mine has naturally landed at a place where Python is the next logical step. QGIS uses Python to automate tasks, customize workflows, and extend functionality through scripting and plugins. My work is highly repetitive, creating similar maps for many locations, and is ideal for scripting. Doing so will free up some of my time to focus on other items.

I'm learning Python...but it's not instant. I confess this is something I struggle with. I'm pretty quick to pick things up, but I floundered when I started college and had no study skills because I simply hadn't needed them. Now I have them, but identifying my goal and making a plan is not the same as following said plan, especially when it feels like it's taking forever to get results.

I'm learning Python...and learning to break big ideas into small steps. This makes it easier to find where things inevitably go awry, and identify when it's okay to move forward to the next step.

I'm learning Python...it will be an ongoing process. I don't expect to get up from my computer one day having mastered it, but that's also part of what makes it exciting.

The Process

It turns out that my previous life as a robotics educator actually primed me for this. Because of the robotics coding, even in the simple form of block code on Scratch.com, I already have an understanding of how the structure of things like for-loops and if-statements work. I understand how to create a block of code and call it in order to run it. Very fortunately, I have this background knowledge to build on.

I figured that since I would be using Python in conjunction with QGIS, starting with Python Foundation for Spatial Analysis from Spatial Thoughts. I'd be lying if I said I've finished it, but so far it has helped me understand some basics about the use of Python.

I also downloaded and used Mimo on my Android phone until my free "pro" trial ended. I really liked how the first few sections really solidified my understanding of the different types of data, the vocabulary, and the syntax. I'm no longer using this as I didn't want to pay for it, but I do feel like it was particularly beneficial in establishing my understanding.

Most recently, I've been using AI to write Python scripts I can execute within QGIS to make my work easier. This has its very own learning curve. I'm solidly confident in my ability to use QGIS, so I'm able to compare results and make sure that the script is really doing what it is supposed to. It takes a lot of tweaking, but I think it's paying off.

The result?

I'm learning Python.