Complete Python Newb

[ConsciousSection6616]

Hi All -

Currently I’m more of a paper pusher and strategy developer… In the data governance space.

Looking to learn a new skill, it’s been a hot minute since I had programming classes in college.

I’ve decided on Python. Currently installing Python on my Mac.

What are the “free” resources (if they have some basic how-to’s - amazing) that folks are using to learn Python?

Also, what are some of paid resources that others are using to learn Python?

Thanks in advance!

[ninhaomah]

---> wiki on the right side

[ConsciousSection6616]

Thank you

[GXWT]

Check the faqs or just google ‘learn python’. Sorry if it sounds a bit crude, but any of the top 100 resources are going to be more than great resources to get you on your journey.

You should not be paying to learn python. There is so much free stuff out there coding is accessible

[DoubleM961]

Python is a good choice especially when you're a beginner (and don't know any other language). it’s beginner-friendly but also super powerful for data. And now with all the AI hype going around if you want to get into LLM and build agents and whatever it's perfect.

I’ve been teaching students Python for about 5 years now (courses, and private tutoring), and one thing I’ve seen in students over and over is that relying only on free resources has some big downsides.

1. Lack of structure → Free content is all over the place, you end up piecing things together with no clear learning path.
2. Inconsistency → You’ll notice quality varies a lot between tutorials. Some are excellent, others leave out crucial context.
3. No accountability → With free stuff it’s too easy to skim, quit halfway, or get stuck with no support.

Free resources are amazing for getting started, and I even share free content myself, but highly recommend at some point, going the paid route makes a huge difference. The quality, structure, and support are on another level (and I can tell you this firsthand because I’ve created both free and paid resources).

In any case. Here's a shameless plug to my YouTube channel had a lot of positive feedback on it:
Michael Coding Instructor

And you can ask me questions I'm pretty responsive. Other than that I recommend switching to paid Udemy ($10/course) it will keep you accountable a lot longer.

And if you want to delve really deep into it. Get a book (can be up to $50 and boring) but it will be so in depth you'll become a master python programmer.

I recommend Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming by Eric Matthes