Be cool if some of you could run the same prompt and post your results
DeepSeek R1 - 7B vs 32B
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Machine: M4 Mac Mini base model (16GB ram, 256GB HD, though itâs running off a 4TB TB4 SSD)
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Prompt: If I wanted to learn how to program, what are the top ten things Iâd need to know? Please include code examples.
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Settings: Default set by LM Studio
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Observations: Not only is 7B faster (expected) but I feel the quality of the response was better too. The 32B model did not provide any decent code examples despite being asked for them.
Model: lmstudio-community/DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-7B-GGUF (Q4_K_M) / 4.36GB
- Thought for: 34.37 seconds
Response:
Think:
Okay, so I want to start learning programming. Hmm, where do I even begin? Iâve heard that programming is a huge field with all sorts of languages and frameworks. But maybe thereâs a starting point. Let me think about what the user mentioned: top ten things needed to know. They also included code examples, which is helpful.First off, I know every language has its own structure, but how do I pick one? Maybe Python because itâs often recommended as a good first language for beginners. Itâs easy to read and write, right?
Then there are variables. Variables store data, like numbers or strings. So in Python, I can declare a variable with an equals sign, like
x = 5
. That makes sense.Next up is data types. In Python, int, float, string, boolean are common. So after assigning a number to x, maybe y would be a string? Like
y = "hello"
. And then thereâs booleansâTrue
andFalse
, which I use all the time in conditional statements.Control structures come next: if-else statements. They let me make decisions in code. So something like:
if x > 3:
print(âx is greater than 3â)
elif x < 3:
print(âx is less than 3â)
else:
print(âx is equal to 3â)That way, the program doesnât do the same thing every time.
Loops are next. For loops let me repeat code. Like looping through a list of numbers:
numbers = [1,2,3]
for num in numbers:
print(num)And while loops run as long as a condition is true. Maybe checking if a number is positive:
n = 5
while n > 0:
print(n)
n -= 1Functions are important too. They let me reuse code and make it modular. So perhaps writing a function to add two numbers:
def add_numbers(a, b):
return a + bThen, maybe the first program would be something like printing âHello, World!â which is classic.
Error handling is crucial. Using try-except blocks so that if someone runs into an error, my code doesnât crash. So when dividing by zero could happen:
try:
result = 10 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print(âCannot divide by zero.â)I also remember reading about variables and scopeâhow variables declared inside a function are not accessible outside of it. Thatâs important to understand for managing code.
Object-Oriented Programming is another concept, but Iâm not too familiar with it yet. Maybe using classes in Python:
class Car:
def init(self, make, model):
self.make = make
self.model = modeldef drive(self): print(f"{self.make} {self.model} is driving.")
car = Car(âToyotaâ, âCorollaâ)
print(car.drive()) # Output: Toyota Corolla is driving.I think that covers the basics. Each of these concepts builds on each other, so practicing with examples would help solidify them. Maybe I should try writing a small program that uses all these elements to get hands-on experience.
To embark on your programming journey, itâs essential to grasp foundational concepts and practice regularly. Hereâs an organized approach based on the key points:
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Choose a Programming Language: Python is a great starting point due to its readability and versatility.
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Variables: These store data. Example:
x = 5 y = "hello"
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Data Types: Represent different kinds of data.
print(type(x)) # Output: <class 'int'> print(type(y)) # Output: <class 'str'>
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Control Structures - If-Else Statements:
x = 5 if x > 3: print("x is greater than 3") elif x < 3: print("x is less than 3") else: print("x is equal to 3")
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Loops:
- For Loop:
numbers = [1, 2, 3] for num in numbers: print(num)
- While Loop:
n = 5 while n > 0: print(n) n -= 1
- For Loop:
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Functions: Reusable code blocks.
def add_numbers(a, b): return a + b result = add_numbers(3, 4) print(result) # Output: 7
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First Program: A classic example.
print("Hello, World!")
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Error Handling:
try: result = 10 / 0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Cannot divide by zero.")
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Variables and Scope: Understanding where variables are accessible.
def greet(name): print(f"Hello, {name}!") greet("Alice") # Output: Hello, Alice! print(greet.__name__) # Output: greet
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Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):
class Car: def __init__(self, make, model): self.make = make self.model = model def drive(self): print(f"{self.make} {self.model} is driving.") car = Car("Toyota", "Corolla") print(car.drive()) # Output: Toyota Corolla is driving.
Practice: Implement a small program using all these elements to reinforce your understanding.
Model: bartowski/DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-32B-GGUF (IQ2_XXS) / 8.41 GB
- Thought for: 1 minute 43 seconds
Think:
Okay, so I want to learn how to program. Iâm a bit overwhelmed because thereâs so much out there, but let me try to break it down step by step. First, I think I should figure out why programming is important. From what Iâve heard, itâs everywhereâlike in apps, websites, and even devices. Knowing how things work might help me build cool stuff or understand technology better.Alright, so the first thing I need is a computer with internet access. That seems obvious, but maybe not everyone has that. Then, choosing a programming language. The assistant mentioned Python as a good starter because itâs simple and widely used. Maybe I should go with Python since itâs recommended for beginners.
Setting up an environmentâoh right, installing Python. I remember hearing about IDLE from the assistant. So, when they mention installing Python, thatâs just getting the software on my computer. Then, using an IDE like PyCharm or VS Code would make coding easier. Maybe Iâll download one of those to have a proper editor.
Basic syntaxâI think this is learning how to write code correctly. The example given was print(âHello, World!â). That looks simple enough. So variables and data types are next. Variables store values like numbers or strings. For instance, x = 5 is an integer, y = âHelloâ is a string.
Data types include int, float, str, bool. I should remember that each has different uses. Like if I want to do math, integers and floats are important, but strings are for text. Booleans are for true/false values.
Control flow structuresâlike if statements and loops. The example with checking age is a good start. If someone is 18 or older, they can enter; else, theyâre too young. Thatâs an if statement. Loops like while and for would let me repeat actions until certain conditions are met. I need to understand how these control the flow of my program.
Functionsâso functions are reusable pieces of code. The example shows a simple function that adds two numbers. Instead of writing the same code every time, I can just call the function with parameters. Thatâs efficient and saves time.
Arrays or listsâthese hold multiple items. The example uses list1 = [1,2,3], which is straightforward. Accessing elements by index is something to remember, like how list1[0] gives the first element. Looping through arrays is useful for processing each item individually.
Conditional checks are about making decisions in code. The if-else structure helps determine what happens next. Maybe I should practice writing some conditions to see how they work.
Problem-solving skillsâthis involves logic and creativity. Trying to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller steps is key. Maybe Iâll look for simple programming challenges online, like the âHello Worldâ exercise, but more complex ones as I progress.
Finally, practice is essential. The more I code, the better I get. So I should set aside time each day to work on small projects or exercises. Joining a community can help tooâlike asking questions on forums or Stack Overflow if I get stuck.
Wait, did I cover all ten things? Let me check: setting up the environment, choosing a language (Python), syntax, variables, data types, control flow, functions, arrays, conditional checks, problem-solving. Thatâs ten points. So that seems comprehensive enough to start with.
To learn programming effectively, follow these steps:
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Understand the Importance of Programming: Recognize its prevalence in technology and how it can enhance your ability to create and understand digital tools.
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Set Up Your Environment:
- Install Python on your computer.
- Use an IDE like PyCharm or VS Code for coding.
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Learn Basic Syntax:
- Start with simple commands like
print("Hello, World!")
. - Understand variables and data types (int, float, str, bool).
- Start with simple commands like
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Understand Control Structures:
- Use if statements to check conditions.
- Employ loops (for, while) for repetitive tasks.
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Use Functions: Create reusable code with functions to add two numbers or perform other operations.
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Work with Arrays (Lists): Store multiple values and loop through them using indices.
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Conditional Checks: Implement decision-making logic with if-else statements.
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Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Break down problems into smaller steps and solve them logically.
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Practice Regularly: Dedicate time daily to coding, starting with simple exercises like âHello World.â
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Engage with Communities: Join forums or groups for support and learning from othersâ experiences.
By following these steps, youâll build a solid foundation in programming and gradually enhance your skills through consistent practice and engagement with the community.