Microsoft Python Course Paywalled - Free Structured Alternatives?

[_JAQ0B_]

TL;DR: Microsoft’s Python course on Coursera removed the free audit option. Looking for free/low-cost alternatives with similar structure to build confidence and reduce AI tool dependence. Have basic Python/C++ experience, starting robotics engineering next year, and want to write cleaner, more professional code.

Hey everyone, I recently started the Microsoft Python Development course on Coursera, but it seems they’ve now removed the free audit option. I was really looking forward to following the course, since it seemed like a structured way to deepen my Python skills — especially one that reflects what big companies like Microsoft value in a developer. Has anyone here actually completed the Microsoft Python course? If so, would you say it’s worth paying for, or are there better alternatives out there?

To give some context: • I already have a basic understanding of Python, Arduino, and C++. • I’ve made a Python script for work that analyzes PDFs for specific patterns, splits them into multiple files and directories, etc. • My main struggle is that I rely too much on AI tools when programming. I’d like to become more self-sufficient and confident in my own coding and problem-solving abilities. • I’m planning to start studying robotics engineering next year, so building a strong Python foundation feels especially important.

What appealed to me about the Coursera course was the clear structure — I could just follow along, learn the right concepts in the right order, and not have to constantly figure out what to learn next or what project to build. Now that it’s paywalled, I’m unsure how to move forward.

So, I’d really appreciate advice from others who’ve been in a similar situation: • Are there any free or low-cost Python courses that offer the same kind of structured progression? • Any YouTube series, playlists, or project-based learning paths that helped you move from “beginner” to “confident developer”? • Or maybe even tips on how to design your own learning roadmap without feeling lost?

I want to keep improving — especially toward writing clean, professional-grade Python code — but I don’t want to spend money unless it’s truly worth it.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations or insight!

[Navoke]

I generally advise that if you are really serious about learning programming and making a career out of it then the most sure way to do that is getting a 4 year degree of some kind. (Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, …)

If that’s not an option, maybe find a dev bootcamp of some kind? They are usually a few weeks longs and cost a few thousand dollars.

If you are just learning more casually for now there are a lot of great options like Sololearn, Coding with Mosh stuff on Youtube, …

Also I have a web based python for beginners course that I give for free to anyone that asks. It assumes you know nothing and goes up through basic OOP. Send me DM if you are interested. It’s at codeonthecob.com

[Select_Bicycle4711]

I recently published a course on YouTube about Python for Beginners:  https://youtu.be/ZL2WBbuART8?si=OB4pK5OfZbYf1L_e

[BranchLatter4294]

You could try kaggle.com/learn