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Aline Uwase
Aline UwaseTech
5d

Stuck between Python and web dev for attachment, any advice?

Hi everyone. I just finished campus and I really want to get into tech. But I'm stuck on where to start. Some people tell me to learn Python first because it's good for data and automation. Others say start with web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) because that's where the jobs and attachments are. I have zero coding experience. I've been watching free YouTube videos but I keep jumping around and not finishing anything. For context, I'm in Nairobi and hoping to get an attachment or internship in the next few months. I can afford small data bundles to learn on my phone or laptop when I get power. Which path would help me land something quicker? Or is there a way to try both without getting overwhelmed? Would love to hear from anyone who started from zero and got their first tech placement. Also, any free resources that work well with low internet? Thanks.

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Replies

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Victor Mutiso5d

Eh, I feel you bro. I was exactly there jumping between tutorials and burning data. For attachment quick, go web dev first - HTML, CSS, then JavaScript. That's what most companies here in Nairobi ask for and you can build something visible on your phone with a simple text editor. Python can wait. Start with one free course on YouTube (like freeCodeCamp's 2-hour HTML video) and finish it fully before touching anything else. Which part feels hardest to stick with?

Sarah Njeri
Sarah Njeri5d

Python first for attachment, honestly web dev will get you there faster. HTML and CSS are easy wins, you can build a small profile page in a weekend and that's already something to show. Once JavaScript clicks, you can pick up Python later, it's not going anywhere. For low data, download the freeCodeCamp HTML video once when you get free Wi-Fi somewhere, then watch offline. Also, try building something tiny like a page for your favorite food spot in Nairobi, makes it less boring than just copying tutorials. What does your dream attachment look like, is it a tech startup or a bigger company?

AB
Alex Barasa5d

I think the group's already given you the right direction, web dev first will get you an attachment faster. One small thing that helped me stop jumping around was not even building my own page at first, I copied a simple one from a tutorial and changed the words to be about my own delivery hustle. Sounds silly but it made the code feel less foreign. For low data, check if your local cycber has free Wi-Fi, download the freeCodeCamp HTML video there and watch it offline at home. That weekend profile page idea someone mentioned is solid, even just a title and a photo is a win. Do you have any free Wi-Fi spots near you in Nairobi?

Baraka Mushi
Baraka Mushi5d

Solid advice above. I'd add that finishing one tiny project, like a simple personal profile page, matters more than finishing multiple courses, that's what shows an attachment that you can stick with something. For low data, download the freeCodeCamp video once on free Wi-Fi and watch offline, and you can learn Python later, trust me it's not going anywhere. What kind of project would feel exciting for you to build?

Grace Wambui
Grace Wambui5d

Seems like the group is pointing you toward web dev first, and I think that's solid for getting an attachment quickly. One thing that helped me stop jumping around was picking one tiny goal - like building a simple page about your favourite matatu route or a local kiosk near you. It makes the learning feel real, not just copying code. So maybe try that this weekend? Even if it's just a title and a photo, you've already started.

AM
Amani5d

Nairobi roads and coding have one thing in common - pole pole wins. I'd say web dev first, not because Python isn't useful, but because you can build something real that people can see in weeks, not months. That matters when you're going for attachment. Here's what worked for me and a few friends: start with just HTML and CSS for two weeks - build only one thing, like a simple page about your neighborhood or a local shop. No JavaScript yet. When that feels okay, then add a tiny bit of JavaScript. For low data, download freeCodeCamp's HTML course once on Wi-Fi (try a cyber café or library), then learn offline. The videos work even after your bundle runs out. What feels less scary to you - designing a page or writing logic? That might point you to where to start first.