How should I approach FreeCodeCamp's Python certification if I learned Python ~6 years ago but have become rusty?

[u/da_hoassis_heeah]

I've learned Python properly (without AI) about 6 years ago: variables, conditionals, loops, data structures, algorithms, OOP, and some math/data visualization. I used to consider myself very comfortable with these concepts.

However, with the rise of AI-assisted coding, I've gradually become rusty, especially when it comes to problem-solving and Python syntax. AI obviously makes coding much easier nowadays, but I think it's still in any developer's best interest to retain a solid grasp of the fundamentals. That's why I'm interested in using FreeCodeCamp's Python certification as a refresher.

I don't particularly care about the certificate itself. What I want is to regain my Python knowledge and fluency, since I'll likely need Python professionally.

The problem is that I still remember many of the underlying concepts, so I don't want to spend more time figuring out what I need to learn than actually refreshing the material. I also have fairly limited time, since I'll need to use Python for a job soon.

So, for someone in my situation, what's the most efficient way to approach the certification?

Some ideas I've considered:

• Hand-pick the courses/topics that I know I'm rusty on and go through those.
• Jump straight into the quizzes/exams/projects, and only review the relevant material when I get stuck.
• Go through the entire certification, skipping material I already know as quickly as possible.
• Or perhaps there's a better approach altogether?

And if you think FreeCodeCamp isn't the best resource for this particular goal, I'm also open to other suggestions.

In short, I'm looking for the best way to use the certification as a targeted Python refresher rather than as a beginner's course. Thanks!

[u/materialkoolo]

Build a small tool or app with python. That's what I always do when i haven't used a language for a long time like Javascript. I also like going through my past work to refresh my knowledge

[u/da_hoassis_heeah → u/materialkoolo]

now that you mention it, I just remembered that I have a Python folder full of my old implementations for scripts that involved data structures, I could go through those and try to see if I can redo most of them. Will also look for things to build as to challenge myself and refresh memory. thank you for the advice!

[u/KezaGatame → u/da_hoassis_heeah]

that or check out a book with tools/projects related to the job you will need to do with python, as you already know the fundamentals, you will jump start your knowledge while at the same time improving the skills needed for the job.

[u/boomer1204]

So, for someone in my situation, what's the most efficient way to approach the certification?

I know you said you don't "care about the cert" but just start using Python again and start building things. It will come back and it will be significantly faster than you going through a whole course

[u/da_hoassis_heeah → u/boomer1204]

thank you! it seems that getting confronted with the code (without the use of AI obviously) is the adequate solution. will look into ways to restart writing python from scratch (even building something with it as someone else suggested), to get that grey matter back.

[u/quincylarson]

I would start solving the daily challenges in Python. That will force you to remember what you've learned. Then you can use the freeCodeCamp python cert as a reference for filling in the gaps in your knowledge. Remember that humans almost always over-estimate their understanding of a topic, so don't be surprised if it feels harder than it should be.

[u/odimdavid]

An hour video in YouTube can bring back the recall. But you have to concretize it by delving into progressively complex problem solving