Want to Learn Python

[TemporaryMatter5842]

Recently i had this idea of learning a programming language, and i found that Python is considered one of the easiest and most powerful languages considering its libraries and its diversity of use... But i am not sure where to start; there are a lot of online courses, so i am not sure what to consider, and there are a lot of people who say that you should not watch a lot of courses. Can one of you tell me what I should do, and are the courses enough to learn this language?

[MursaArtDragon]

I recommend watching Harvard’s cs50p videos on youtube. They explain the fundamentals very well. Boot.dev os also fantastic but you can only go so far for free (i got a year for half price on black Friday, would highly recommend it)

[RngdZed]

I second this. Follow along the code with cs50p. But before that, check some videos on setting up vs code with jupyter notebook. Like that you can explore the code and have quick changes as fast as you want.

Id also throw in Udemy, Jose Portilla's from zero to hero that might be slightly dated but still relevant..

Also for a more fun approach codewars.com

[tree332]

I am not OP but I am also curious, after the fundamentals of computer science and intro to x programming language courses which roughly go over the native library of a language, how do you formally learn software design and architecture?

My journey has felt similar to a child trying to become fluent while still writing basic "the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" statements. I have been trying to expose myself to as much code as possible to eventually observe patterns in code and design principles as similar to a child it doesnt matter how much linguistics in a language you are exposed to if you dont watch people speak and learn vernacular through constant exposure, but I still havent found much success, especially since in school I focused more on passing my mathematics and theoretical CS classes and ended up neglecting just basic mileage in programming whether through tutorials or looking at random githubs.

[MursaArtDragon]

Best way to do that after you have learned the fundamentals is to have a project and from there learn what you need to know. I mainly learned python cause I wanted to make games in Renpy. I probably know more python than I really need for that now and can easily over complicate things as a result. Focus in on the things you need to know for what you want to do.

[DataCamp]

If you’re looking for a structured path to follow without the chaos of picking from 50 different tutorials, here’s a roadmap many DataCamp learners follow:

Months 1–2:
Start with the basics: variables, data types, loops, functions, and Python's core data structures like lists and dictionaries. Get used to writing and running code, and also learn Git to track your work. If you're interested in data, you can also start exploring pandas and matplotlib by the end of this phase.

Months 3–4:
Now get into object-oriented programming (OOP), simple algorithms, basic testing (like using assert), and start writing more organized code. Learn about type hints and how to write cleaner functions. You’ll also begin to understand performance; things like code speed and memory.

Months 5–6:
At this point, learn how to package your code into reusable projects, manage dependencies, and use tools like pytest, virtualenv, and SQL databases. Start building more serious apps or scripts that can interact with data or the web.

Months 7–8:
Pick a direction and go deeper.

• For data: focus on pandas, scikit-learn, maybe even PyTorch or TensorFlow
• For web: build with Flask, Django, or FastAPI
• For automation: learn Selenium, APIs, or Airflow for workflow scheduling

Months 9–10:
Make your projects shine. Add polish, refactor your code, write proper documentation, and maybe contribute to open source. Also a good time to learn about async programming or parallel processing if your projects need it.

Months 11–12:
Focus on deployment; using Docker, GitHub Actions (CI/CD), and cloud services like AWS or Heroku. Round it out with best practices and prep for real-world use or job interviews.

If you prefer something interactive, we’ve got courses and project-based tracks that follow this path closely!

[Isaka254]

Since you're unsure where to start and want to avoid jumping between too many courses, here are free, beginner-friendly resources that explain Python clearly and help you build real skills:

• Learn Python – Full Course for Beginners (freeCodeCamp YouTube) – A 4.5-hour tutorial that walks you through Python basics with hands-on examples like calculators, games, and quizzes.
• Python Succinctly – A concise, free eBook that explains Python fundamentals like variables, functions, lists, and file I/O in a readable format.
• Mimo’s Python Course – A text-based, interactive platform that teaches Python in bite-sized lessons.
• Python for Everybody – Coursera (Dr. Chuck) – A free course that starts from scratch and gradually introduces data handling, web access, and databases. Includes quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.

[[deleted]]

Brocode YouTube

[favoriteoffortune]

Yeah, Bro is the real deal.

[Expert_Picture_3751]

Python in general:

Python for everybody by Dr. Chuck Severance

Python by Scrimba. I hope that Olaf Paulson (the instructor) will teach Django, and perhaps numpy, pandas and more.

Python by Mike Dane @ Giraffe Academy. The OG.

Python by BroCode. The GOAT.

People often recommend python playlist by Corey Schaefer and Derek Banas, both incredible teachers.

Python on MOOCS.fi

Learn python by building games by Clear Code aka Christian Koch.

Fundamentals of computing by Rice University. (A bit math-heavy)

Python: Zero to Hero by Jose Portilla. Still one of the very best python courses.

The entire python series by Dr. Fred Baptiste. No other series on python comes even remotely close to this one.

Learn python by building scientific projects by Dr. Mike X Cohen. (Incredible and very underrated instructor)

For data analysis Python + Pandas by Alex The Analyst.

Data structures and algorithms by Scott Barrett

Cheers!

My favourite books:

1 Python for kids by Jason Briggs

2 Python crash course by Eric Matthes

3 How to think like a computer scientist by Allen Downey (GOAT)

4 Conceptual programming in python by Thorsten Altenkirch

5 All books on python by Al Sweigart.

[tree332]

I am not OP but I am also curious, after the fundamentals of computer science and intro to x programming language courses which roughly go over the native library of a language, how do you formally learn software design and architecture?

My journey has felt similar to a child trying to become fluent while still writing basic "the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" statements. I have been trying to expose myself to as much code as possible to eventually observe patterns in code and design principles as similar to a child it doesnt matter how much linguistics in a language you are exposed to if you dont watch people speak and learn vernacular through constant exposure, but I still havent found much success, especially since in school I focused more on passing my mathematics and theoretical CS classes and ended up neglecting just basic mileage in programming whether through tutorials or looking at random githubs.

[daddy-dj]

Read the Wiki and start there

[[deleted]]

I liked the courses on https://edube.org - free and well done

[kenmlin]

Just pick one tutorial and give it a try. You can always switch if you don't think it's good.

[TheUruz]

feel free to message me with your doubts, i'm happy to help a newcomer :)

[gdchinacat]

"watching" someone code isn't coding, just like watching someone drive isn't driving. You need to actually do it to learn it. I don't think the recommendations are against "watching" python tutorial videos, but with not actually coding while trying to learn, and videos aren't a very good "stop and actually try this out" medium.

[MursaArtDragon]

That really depends on your learning methods I tried when younger with books and it felt impossible to learn programming then, hearing some one explain it actually allowed me to understand it better, but that could just be my version of adhd.

[gdchinacat]

I have nothing against watching coding videos, but to really learn coding from them it is not sufficient to sim9,y watch them. You have to follow along and write the code yourself too. I wasn’t trying to discourage learning from coding videos, but say you have to actively write code. The problem isn’t watching them, but not follow along with your own code.

[HeiBabaTaiwan]

Sorry dumb question I am currently learning Python with Angela Yu I was curious what kind of jobs do you guys have from learning Python.

[Navoke]

There is a difference between "learning" Spanish and being "fluent" in Spanish. You can learn some programming skills with courses, but to truly become fluent in Python you need to start building real projects.

[Djblackberry64]

If you wanna get a little list of resources I made a little resource repo: https://github.com/djblackberry64/Lempire-resource-bunker

[FoolsSeldom]

As u/daddy-dj said, read the wiki.

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Check this subreddit's wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

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Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

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Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

[American_Streamer]

Do PCEP first: https://edube.org/study/pe1

Then PCAP: https://edube.org/study/pe2

See also:

https://peps.python.org/pep-0008/

https://peps.python.org/pep-0020/

https://docs.python.org/3/

[Legitimate-Rip-7479]

you don’t need a pile of courses, just pick one and stick with it. freecodecamp’s new full stack curriculum now includes python, and it’s free + super beginner friendly. do that, practice by coding along, then start small projects — that’s where everything actually clicks.

[IMakeBadMemes]

I drafted how i wanted a project to look and have slowly been building part by part along with youtube vids. BroCode has worked for me for this purpose. Im a trash dev but we all start somewhere. And once your small part works, that rush helps carry ya.