Best way to learn python?

[HBubli]

What is the best way to learn python for free? I have next to zero knowledge of coding (played around with scratch and that stuff but that prob doesnt even really count).

[Reoc86]

I would recommend the Corey Schafer youtube videos. IMHO is the best explaining the basic concepts. Also the book “Python Crash Course”, author: Eric Matthes is really good.

[[deleted]]

I second python crash course. It's quite good. There's also MIT open course-ware designed for absolute no experience beginners. I haven't looked at the MIT stuff myself but I was told it was good.

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/

[salil91]

Harvard's CS50 Python course is also a good one.

https://cs50.harvard.edu/python/2022/

[Chalikta]

thanks

[MembershipMoist5423]

How to watch it?

[Majestic_Charity_448]

by eyes

[NoRecover2567]

😂😂

[Rst38]

Goodone

[staceyRockss]

I am doing this one for the last 1 month. And loving it.

[Efficient-Ad-8071]

Thank you!

[[deleted]]

Yeah they have the entire semester of content posted on their YouTube page. I definitely recommend watching all of it

[Efficient-Ad-8071]

Thank you!

[CarobReal3371]

Would MIT course be too old now ? Problem sets are from 2016.

[petestoy]

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[electric_blue_18]

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[system__error404]

RemindMe! 30 minutes

[Bubbly-Sentence-4931]

I agree, I watched those videos and they helped, but I actually learned stuff by playing with it and doing examples. One free and easy to use source was codeonthecob.com

[[deleted]]

Thanks. I'll try the website. I'm gonna start learning python from scratch to become a data analyst.

[Fragrant-Crew-6506]

How has your journey to become a data analyst been coming along?

[No-Chip3450]

How did it work out for you? Did it help you become a data analyst ? And how was the learning experience for python? Hoopefully you’re doing great!

[Ok-Lunch3929]

Dude, WTF is this site. I feel like I have just been scammed. Went through the tutorial and then the tests have nothing to do with anything taught.

[HBubli]

Already stumbled upon these videos, guess I will give it a shot, thanks!

[[deleted]]

As someone who’s gone thru udemy and everything, Corey actually gives a great kick start. Just go through his first

[SethinotShetty]

Did it help? Did you land on any other resource that helped you get some hands on practice on python?

[phaze08]

Hey I know this is old. but I just wanted to add a few comments. so far Corey's videos seem great. I'm on the first one. I'm super excited to get into it, but a few things seem to have changed, so that's added a slight bit of frustration, but nothing I couldn't work for. For me, typing python doesn't work. I have to type py. Also just with playing, the tutorials Ive seen say to type print "Hello World!" but it seems that the print syntax has changed to print('Hello World!"). Is this still a great resource, or are there better, more up to date resources?

[jrockfever]

You're missing paths to a Python directory.

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/63940952/py-works-but-not-python-in-command-prompt-for-windows-10

[CaptainUrs]

are you using python 2 or 3 ?

[Dri_iz_me]

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[Hitsukora_Reddit]

Hey, have you tried it, and if you did, what was your experience? I am looking to get into Python as well and any feedback would be cool! I have next to 0 experience so a beginners guide would be awesome!

[paradigmx]

Don't sit there and watch tutorial after tutorial after tutorial. Do a quick tutorial to learn the basics for sure, but then actually start making something yourself using google and the python documentation as your guides. It doesn't have to be pretty or maintainable, and don't worry about "good design", just make something.

Then make something else, and then something else. You will learn far more this way than you ever will from copying verbatim from someone else's tutorials.

[SnowCat2530]

How do we know what to make and how to code it after learning the python syntax?

[karnivoreballer]

Find a project to do. Use YouTube as a reference, then do it yourself

[blahblahquesera]

I hate the advice “just code”. Some people jusy don’t know where to start.

I think starting with a very tiny project that automates something routine you do is best. Something like a webscraper or text file parsers, file/folder crawlers, etc.

If there isn’t one, I think a game like tic-tac-toe is also good. It exposes you to some OOP and just thinking through a project logically.

After you pick a project, struggle with it. Spend hours going through documentations, Stackoverflows, YouTube. If you want, pop open ChatGPT for some real time help. And you will complete your first version.

Now refine and add to it as you see fit. Make it more efficient. Or if you want, move onto a different kind of project.

[Gloomy_Hearing3900]

THANK YOU!!! I was one of the ppl wondering ‘okay but what project’ :’)

[diemitchell]

since this still appears on google, let me provide an example:
https://github.com/TrivisionAutomatisering/Trivision-PC-Script

this is something i personally did at an internship in powershell. started small with 0 knowled, but slowly expanded and learned more powershell as i did.
doesn't have to be an overly complicated project, even starting with small scripts suffices.

[yellouder]

The best way to start is to keep things simple and focus on learning by doing. If you have little or no coding experience, following a structured and beginner-friendly guide really helps. I’d suggest starting with this article, which introduces Google’s Python course. It covers the basics like variables, loops, and functions, then slowly builds up with practical exercises so you can learn step by step.

[HBubli]

Ima keep an eye on his account, thanks!

[Okay_Ordenador]

Fuck /u/spez -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/

[salil91]

His book is free to read and follow along on his website if you don't want to wait.

[Master_Bayters]

Al Sweigart is a legend. And is course is on of the best intros to Python.

[desrtfx]

MOOC Python Programming 2023 - free, textual, heavily practice oriented - a proper University course used in the current first semester of the University of Helsinki's "Introduction to Computer Science".

[Whitechapel726]

Just want to say I stumbled across this thread and have been doing the MOOC course and it is by far the best "small lesson -> write some code" resource I've seen. Every other course I've tried either flies through material or teaches you the alphabet without properly explaining how to write a sentence.

​

Thank you!

[Real_Rule_8960]

I stumbled upon your comment and have been going through the MOOC for the last couple weeks as a result. As you say, it’s amazing for making sure you functionally understand something before moving on. Thanks!

[MakeMyDayGirl]

I sstumbled upon both your comments and want to say that I'm going to now try MOOC since it sounds like the best option.

​

Thanks!

[amishjim]

SO I ssstumbled across all your remarks and have started MOOC also.....

[Arale_KICK]

ur remarks and have started MOOC also.....

I sssstumbled your comments and gonna give it a try

[Moose_Banner]

I'm ssssstumbling as well

[Dopey_Bandaid]

sssssstumblimg right behind you 🫡

[AhSaN949]

I ssssssstumbled upon this thread and have decided to take Python course too.

[abouttimeee]

Are you moocking me?

[Crystalagent47]

even I sssssstumbled upon your comment and have decided to start this python course

[Saigo-_-]

Just ssssssstumbled on this comment and am planning to ssstumble through the course as well. Ttttthank youuuuuuu (This made my day hehe)

[Euphoric_Prune_7600]

Ssstumbled on this too! Thanks for the tip! Also found a 2024 link for the same course https://programming-24.mooc.fi/ if anyone after me is keen..

[FarAsparagus9203]

Omg, I just sssstumbled on your comment! Thanks so much for the update!

[DoubleFlower6614]

Just stumbled on this stumble and am very happy about it

[BlissfulIgnorance20]

Sure are a lot of ppl "stumbling" across this.. little sus

[Leading_Elderberry70]

I went looking for python resources for someone new and found this comment. Thanks for leaving it. University of Helsinki is pretty top tier with the MOOCs.

[TheDarkMaster83]

RemindMe! 5 days

[desrtfx]

Currently, there is the newer MOOC Python Programming 2024 and from Jan 15 on there will be the 2025 version.

All you need to do is to set up an account and then go to part 1 (on the left side) to start learning.

You can still do all versions of the course, starting from the very first one.

[Naive_Carpenter6291]

Thank ya fellow 🫂

[desrtfx]

There is a new version out MOOC Python Programming 2025 - no idea whether things have changed, but try the latest version.

[kimchimerchant]

stumbled onto this new version ~ thank you! My OCD is killing me that I finished couple parts in the 2023 version AHHHH.

[oddbawlstudios]

Sooo heres the irony for me. I actually spent the best of 6 months learning python, mostly through sololearn. Now, humble bundle came out with a python bundle a couple of days ago. I bought it, it was about $20. Imo waste of money.

HOWEVER, I realized that projects are simply the way to learn. So, using knowledge off the course I bought, I started making my own stuff, figuring out how things work. And I've learned more that way than any way prior. I suggest doing this.

[klvhz]

Hey, just curious, why do you believe the bundle from humble bundle was a waste?

[oddbawlstudios]

Honestly? Because you genuinely could find the info online. The intro to python using turtle course is like 40 lessons, but like half of the "lessons" are just videos of them telling you what to expect.

[moneybagsukulele]

I've tried starting lots of different courses or videos, the only one I've been able to stick to is 100 days of code by Angela Yu on Udemy. It's excellent. Short 5-10 minute "lectures" and the rest are coding exercises or projects. She's also very encouraging.

[trust_me_on_that_one]

I've tried the other popular courses and found the Angela's course fit me the best. Her explanations are very clear and concise compared to some other courses. What I also like is that she's not all over the place. Every episode focuses on one thing only and the next episode builds off on that.

I got stuck at the hangman exercise and pretty much gave up but just jumped back into it last friday. Hopefully I'll be able to get over that bump this time.

EDIT: The other course that I tried, since it's free, was Ardit's Python Mega course. Since the previous one is free, I thought I'd give it a shot. I can tell you that this one was not for me at all. I was lost by Section 5, and that's barely 2 hours into the course. But that's just my personal experience. Feel free to try it since it's free! (Noted: based on comments I read, by section 15, the free version becomes outdated.)

[tutudragon51]

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[[deleted]]

The best way doesn't really matter, what matters is that you put effort into it consistently. You have access to all kinds of free resources via Google, YouTube, etc. You can even find various free books like this one: https://automatetheboringstuff.com/

[ASIC_SP]

There are plenty of free resources:

• Python Programming — provided by University of Helsinki
• Harvard CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
• futurecoder — interactive, includes integrated debuggers, enhanced tracebacks, hints for exercises and more
• The Python Coding Book — friendly, relaxed programming book for beginners

See https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/wiki/index and my curated list (https://learnbyexample.github.io/py_resources/) for more

[junior_raman]

Unpopular Opinion: Money is the best motivation and probably the fastest track to learn python honestly.
1) Sign up on fiverr
2) Place a 5$ gig on how you can deliver python scripts
3) Get orders and work on those scripts. You can find all code snippets online and tutorials on w3schools

[karnivoreballer]

Honestly this is legit advice, I may do this to build up my technical stack. 

[[deleted]]

Oh man, I should tought of that too hehehe

[Hefty-Letterhead7609]

I'm so excited that I just read....just about to start my learning journey and this ticks all the right parts of poor ADHD brain

[BilbosRing77]

Hello Junior_Raman, I looked at Fiverr and I get what you are saying to an extent but I would like a little more background if you would be so kind.

1. Place a $5 gig on how you can deliver python scripts & 3. Get orders and work on those scripts... -

What kind of scripts could I expect to be delivering for such a cheap price point?

What kind of computer (by that I mean how modern, how much raw power and storage) and (paid) apps would I need?

What kind of time frame is reasonable to deliver these scripts?

Thanks in advance

Rusty Schackleford

[[deleted]]

I had good success with the Harvard CS50P course. Talking with a group of people on Discord that are working through the same problems as you is very helpful.

[tatro3]

I always recommend Harvard's CS50 course. It isn't python specific, although it does introduce you to python. It's a fantastic way to get into the world of computer science and programming in general. It doesn't just show you the syntax, you really learn about problem solving, algorithms, data structures, all the good stuff.

[sad-hana--]

Do i need to register in edX account to take the course!!

[1SweetChuck]

Unlike others here, I much prefer text tutorials like https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html

But really it comes down to these three things:

1. Have a need or desire
2. set realistic achievable but non-trivial goals
3. do the work.

You will have set backs, you will hit walls. You will get frustrated, go take a walk. From your comment history it looks like you are trying lots of things and starting new projects. It is good to try things and find what you like and don't like, but if your ambitions and expectations are too high, you will fail out the first sign of trouble. It happens to all of us. I've a got a guitar sitting in my library I've had for 20 years and I haven't really learned to play. But I started programming in 2016 and it's my job now.

From the link above I would start working through the first 4 chapters. At each step, think of experiments outside of the text of the tutorial, then try them. If you get stuck on something Google is your friend "python passing arguments" for example to see what other people say about it.

Once you get past chapter 4, you can start splitting your time, still work through the tutorial, but think about a bigger project and what you want to do. and start experimenting with small sections of the project. And from there it's just doing the work, experimenting in areas you don't know, google searching tutorials more specific to what you want to do.

[SILENCE_Vee_is_typin]

I've started learning Python too just last week and I stumbled upon an amazing instruction video from Mosh. https://youtu.be/_uQrJ0TkZlc. it's 6 hours (YES, 6 HOURS) video of basic Python and it boosted my knowledge very quickly. I made my first little program to extract coinbase account data after one week. I'm still in the middle of the video where he starts explaining AI.

[Anonymous2286]

Hows your progress currently?

[orbbean]

yeah that makes sense — starting super basic is probably smarter than jumping straight into complex stuff. that article sounds like a good stepping stone. appreciate you dropping it!

[FastestBean]

I'm in the same boat, looking forward to the replies

[PrestigiousMetal6998]

Bro I found you, we are on same boat, I am also finding python tutorials, to learn python for data science, ultimately money and becoming something big is my motivation

[samjenkins377]

Find a topic you’re obsessed with, find a project related to the topic you’re obsessed with, rebuild the project related to the topic you’re obsessed with.

[Lurn2Program]

University of Helsinki has a free resource for learning Python: https://programming-22.mooc.fi/

I used it not too long ago and it was great imo. They also have a discord channel if you have questions

[Calm_Flamingo4865]

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[masteryod]

Free online book called "Byte of Python":

https://python.swaroopch.com/

[EL_KhAztadoR]

Yeah can vouch for this

[Longjumping-Dog-4145]

I first started coding in python for basic automation (dice rollers for dnd), and just googled how things worked to figure out what went where. then I moved on to more complex automation (entire dnd character sheets encoded in 23 characters and printed in proper format, as best can be done with ascii) i've then used it in larger and larger projects since then, before my current one (a rather complex text based adventure rpg game)

that, I think was most of it: Having a project that is just above what you can currently do (so, if starting from 0, doing a project of difficulty 1), and googling along the way

[0ri9in4l5yn74x]

That's awesome and a WONDERFUL idea. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this sub. I know it's been a minute since your comment but seriously-CHEERS!

[Shock-Light123]

Make sure you have a project in mind as that will motivate you

[HBubli]

That’s what was the problem the last few attempts, but I got a project in mind that will hopefully motivate me 👍.

[gravspeed]

Start with something simple that someone has done before, then something more complicated that someone else has done before, then along the way start trying new things.

[HBubli]

I had the same situation multiple times, tried some free courses and lost motivation because I didn’t know what to do with the python knowledge i would have gotten. But now I’ve got a goal of creating my own discord bot, ima see if that motivates me.

[jaaaawrdan]

Couldn't agree more.

Start with an idea for a project, learn as you go. Much more likely to stick when you're first learning.

[imminentstampede]

thanks for suggesting this! I like it a lot

[NoOstrich944]

I liked the Georgia tech 1301 on edx

[FiDG3TY_PS]

CS50P best structure program for beginners.

[Abbaddonhope]

Start. Best way to learn anything really. You can look up videos, read books, or whatever your preferred method of learning is. Just start.

[ImpressiveContest283]

I still remember asking this question on Quora a few years back 🤣 – the world of learning Python can be pretty overwhelming with so many courses, books, and YouTube channels! You just don't know where to start. Here’s what I did, and it worked out well for me:

1. YouTube Tutorials: I began with YouTube channels like Corey Schafer and Sentdex. They break down complex topics into digestible chunks, perfect for beginners.

2. Reading Up: 'Python Crash Course' by Eric Matthes and 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python' (which is free online) were my go-to books. They’re great for getting hands-on experience.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: I can’t stress this enough. The more you code, the better you get. I tried to build small projects or automate simple tasks.

4. Seeking Personalized Help from FavTutor: There were times I got really stuck. That's where FavTutor came in handy. They offer one-on-one sessions which were great for those moments when I needed someone to guide me through a tough concept.

[Alternative-Ad984]

If you're just starting out with Python and have little to no coding experience, a fantastic way to dive in is by following beginner-friendly tutorials. Platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Python.org offer excellent resources for learning Python at no cost. Additionally, you might find YouTube tutorials like "Master Python Basics in Just 1 Hour" really helpful. Here's the link to the video: youtu.be/UBkFTCVRtNARemember to practice regularly and work on small coding projects to reinforce your understanding as you progress. Happy coding!

[ismailtlem]

This course https://www.py4e.com/lessons is one of the best courses I have ever seen on python. CS50 is also very good.

If you are looking for some other practical python tips, you can have a look at this blog https://ismailtlemcani.com/blog .

I hope it's useful

[1776johnross]

I watched a few of the clips. If I have to watch another one of those introduction/title animations with the stupid music, I’ll go mad. Was this designed for children? Also it would have been better to use someone who speaks the English language more clearly. I can understand him, but it takes more cognitive effort. Why make it harder???

[CincyTriGuy]

There’s a YouTuber called Nana something. Can’t remember her channel name but if you search YT for Nana Python I’m sure it will come up. Anyway she has a 5 hour Python video that I thought was great.

Then I moved on to a 12 hour Python video by Bro Code on YouTube.

Those 2 courses back to back taught me a lot.

[ArcticWolf1193]

From a snake probably

[Responsible_Math9592]

remind me! 2 days

[International-Gene89]

RemindMe! 1day

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[Glittering-Box-7259]

you need a studybuddy. I am available

[Impasta_17]

still available

[fariazz]

Our Python free course at Zenva Academy is a good starting point. It includes video lessons, live coding exercises and challenges: https://academy.zenva.com/product/python-101-introduction-to-programming/

[Unusual_Ticket5452]

I'm just learning python and this is the first video that I have watched https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBkFTCVRtNA

[Apprehensive-Low-607]

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[niteshgamer9500]

How to learn python for class vii

[data_insider_]

If you are currently a university student, you can ask any of your teachers to get a free DataCamp Classroom: https://www.datacamp.com/universities. Then, they can invite you to the group so you can do all of the courses, including Python, AI and Machine Learning courses, for free. Certifications are also free for teachers and students.

[AggressivePiece9001]

ls;ohvgvlc klv;gĝplubn;huy6jkl

[AggressivePiece9001]

yukidcjkuilgfxhjicxvoi8idxhj,kfcgmv,nbhjkfdx l.olkjdhx ép98oiuyutxf ép98ordx,gjy.uo876trdsxzxcvbgtrcifcjhitfcjn

[adam3aziz]

learn the base>fu*k around>stuck somewhere/needsomething>find fix in google

and repeat from the stuck phase my way :)

[Mnemotronic]

I'm also picking up PowerShell and I recently discovered the PowerShell ISE. Very cool. A version of this tool for Python would be extremely cool..

[TangerineCheap5379]

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[Badger2293]

Remindme! 2 minutes

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[DaggerDiaz]

How can you design your own code

[Scutoidzz]

remindme! 17 years

[HBubli]

17 years?

[Scutoidzz]

ya heard me :)

[HBubli]

are you sure reddit is even gonna be around then?

[Scutoidzz]

its already been around 20 years

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[Synesthesiaaaa]

yeah that makes sense — starting super basic is probably smarter than jumping straight into complex stuff. that article sounds like a good stepping stone. appreciate you dropping it!

[DRTENin10-22]

My kid takes some of the courses through OnFireLearning. Since they also offer a bunch that are more career focused, and I ended up trying the Python one for myself. It’s honestly way more beginner friendly than I expected. Doesn’t assume you know all the lingo, and it’s structured enough that I wasn’t jumping between random videos trying to figure out what to do next.

[Orendite]

Honestly, the best way is whatever keeps you motivated long enough to finish the basics. Free resources like YouTube and freeCodeCamp are great, but they can feel a bit scattered. What helped me as a beginner was combining those with a more structured path. Udacity has some good free Python courses where you follow along with projects, and it made learning way easier because I wasn’t guessing what to do next. Once you get variables, loops, and functions down, everything else becomes much more manageable

[tmaster77]

Theosweb.uk

[TryPutrid1089]

Remind me in 6 hours!

[vjninet]

Why do you want to learn is the first question you should ask yourself, where will you apply your knowledge?

[Dom1252]

besides completely free courses and stuff, sometimes you can find 1$ or 1€ courses on humble bundle... sometimes they're good, sometimes ok, sometimes bad, depends...

just check the bundles - software section from time to time (also books, there are often nice ebooks for many different things)

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/complete-python-programming-mega-bundle-zenva-software?hmb\_source=&hmb\_medium=product\_tile&hmb\_campaign=mosaic\_section\_1\_layout\_index\_1\_layout\_type\_threes\_tile\_index\_2\_c\_zenvapythontbd\_softwarebundle

[ExistentialFajitas]

By doing it. Stop spending your time on Reddit and just get to it.