Learning Log: July 2026

Recap

Big wins: Started Learning, Python Refresher

In-Flight: Docker, NumPy

Dabbled In: LeetCode, PySpark

Notes: Non-distracting background noise helps with focus for less-engaging learning material

Log

• 2026-07-20: Two Sum problem on LeetCode¹. I really liked how LeetCode is designed around not only trying the problem, but fully helping with understanding and meeting me where I am. I also like the idea that I can try the same problem in multiple languages, so it'll good to revisit the idea and/or practice converting between languages.
• 2026-07-21: Started going through the Python tutorial pages on w3schools² and created a python-standbox public repository in my Github. This is all super basic compared to what I already know, but the completionist in me likes to start at the beginning and end at the end. I may need to change my tactics here depending on how slow this feels after a few sessions, but for now it's good to just get used to my own keyboard again and practice typing code faster.
• 2026-07-22: Went through more w3schools² Python tutorial pages. Even though it's still just the basics, there are some pieces from it I'm picking up and researching separately.
• 2026-07-23: Went through more w3schools² Python tutorial pages. Getting through the dry beginning sections, learning a few things when it links to more obscure functionality, but mostly basic coding and review. Looks like w3schools has a lot of extensions after the main Python module as well.
• 2026-07-24: Went through more w3schools² Python tutorial pages. Feeling less bad about reviewing the basics. There are some new things I'm learning that were only released in newer versions of Python (my first go at Python was circa 2011). I also read a few helpful hopeful posts that emphasized the importants of being really strong on the basics.
• 2026-07-25: Went through more w3schools² Python tutorial pages. Put in a lot of time today to push through a good chunk of the basics. Got through all of the array types and loops stuff. I'm on track to finish this section in about a week and then it'll get more interesting and branch into special topics. I am finding that I want a project out of this to practice and extend.
• 2026-07-26: Went through more w3schools². Completed the introductory section Python Tutorial. In all, it took me 5 days, two of which were weekend days where I can complete more per day. I do want to continue through the next topics on this site, especially since I've been going through it so fast, getting more comfortable and faster on my own keyboard (though the special buttons positioning is still annoying - I want to use the delete, end, and home pages more often but my fingers can't find the right one without looking), and really solidifying the basics, spending more time to really understand the full logic. Next up will be the Python Classes section.
• 2026-07-27: Went through more w3schools². Went through the entire Python Classes section and the entire File Handling section. Next up is the entire NumPy tutorial, for which my memory beyond the basics is definitely a few years more distant.
• 2026-07-28: Decided to choose a new path and try to learn PySpark. Went down a rabbit hole of Spark and Hadoop and Kerberos and Docker. Still not working yet, but making progress. Will revisit next time.
• 2026-07-29: Got Docker working (had to turn virtualization on in BIOS), went through some initial tutuorials, and started reading the docs. I want to spend some more time here because while I've used Docker before, my basics and startup are spotty. This will feed into the initial PySpark path choice.
• 2026-07-30: Started on Docker Tutorials. I plan to go through all of the introductory material, which should take a few days. After that, I'll extend to trying the Spark container. Also went through some w3schools NumPy³ as a lower-mental-effort alternative to switch things up and stay practiced with typing python.
• 2026-07-31: Went through the basics section of the introductory Docker documentation. Also went through a few NumPy tutorial pages, will probably finish this intro section the next time I visit it.

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