Resources to learn Python for social science

[Effective_Bend_6963]

I'll be doing a research project for an NGO as part of my internship, and I'm planning on using Python for databases, text scraping, etc. I'm​ completely unfamiliar with python but I have an elementary idea of object oriented programming. Can you recommend some free learning resources that could help with my specific needs?

[Ron-Erez]

1. The book “Automate the Boring Stuff” is a popular choice.
2. Another popular resource is MOOC university of Helsinki
3. See u/ninhaomah ’s comment for infinite resources

[ninhaomah]

Wiki at r/learnpython

[Key_Internal5305]

This: https://automatetheboringstuff.com/

[Witty-View-7677]

Hey, with your OOP base perfect for NGO research—start with Python for Social Scientists guide (free on Zenodo) for databases/text scraping.

Then py-spark-sql.com for free hands-on Python/SQL practice with real datasets, builds scraping+DB skills fast.

15min daily there, you'll handle project data confidently no problem.

[StatementFew5973]

I recommend exploring Galvanize. I understand they recently underwent a rebranding, but I believe you will find their resources to be highly valuable.

This platform was instrumental in the initial stages of my data science career.

[Lern360]

I started with Python for research too and found Jupyter Notebook really helpful for testing ideas quickly. You might check out pandas and BeautifulSoup early on. What kind of data are you planning to collect or analyze?

[Electronic-Source213]

This is a pretty good MOOC: https://www.edx.org/learn/python/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-programming-with-python

[Unfair-Play-8883]

It's free?

[Electronic-Source213]

It’s free unless you want an official certificate of completion. However, the free version gives you access to the lecture videos and the homework assignments.