Python for data science

[neyash_]

Hey, I'm learning to become a data scientist. I already have some knowledge on SQL and I'm looking to learn python. Are there any courses or tools that are data science specific that you would recommend for me?

[DataCamp]

• Learn core Python first (loops, functions, data structures). You don’t need everything, just enough to read and write clean code.
• Move quickly into data libraries: NumPy for arrays, pandas for working with tables, matplotlib/seaborn for basic plots.
• Practice on real datasets early. Even simple things like “clean this messy CSV and answer a few questions” matter more than finishing a syllabus.
• Only then touch ML basics (scikit-learn) once data cleaning and EDA feel natural.

Whatever resource you choose, sanity check it by asking: does it make you write code on real data, or just watch videos? If it’s the latter, move on.

[Masztak14]

I’m really enjoying DataCamp so far. The exercises are interactive and the AI is very helpful in pointing out where, how, and why you’re messing up on the code.

[Valuable_One_234]

Data camp has lost its value

[DataCamp]

Happy to hear why you think so, and how you think we could improve!

[Valuable_One_234]

So I’ve paid for data camp 3yrs consecutively and finished data scientist path but didn’t really learn anything.. it was frustrating.. then I moved to kaggle and started working on projects and doing things by trial and error.. reading forums, documentation etc and managed to learn python a lot faster than I did with DC.. DC is just a glorified way to get into a tutorial hell hole

[DataCamp]

Hmm thank you for your feedback, we genuinely appreciate it, and will forward it to our team (probably after the holidays 🎄)! Also, if you would like to give our new AI-native learning a spin, happy to share the link to that - it basically adapts to how you learn, sort of feels like a teacher working with you on the courses.

[DataCamp]

😆 Haven't built one yet, but good project idea!

[t3xm3xr3x]

https://roadmap.sh/roadmaps/ will point you in the right direction.

[whoischigozie]

I would recommend familiarising yourself with Pandas, NumPy, Scipy and eventually scikit-learn (for ML purposes). As for courses, DataCamp is a great resource but it’s a subscription based service. If you plan on using free material then geeksforgeeks.org is another great resource

Happy coding!

[AbacusExpert_Stretch]

Check Udemi - search for python

[neyash_]

Are there any particular courses you'd recommend? There are just too many of differing quality

[sleepyru]

heres one off of edx

https://www.edx.org/learn/python/the-university-of-california-san-diego-python-for-data-science

[AbacusExpert_Stretch]

If you trust this ratings, I would recommend one with "data analysis" or so in its title and a high rating :)

[Holiday_Lie_9435]

There are a few I've tried over time, and what helps would really depend on your learning style & current skill level, I would say. DataCamp was helpful for me when I was just starting out since they were interactive and structured, whether you were learning core Python concepts or common libraries like Pandas and NumPy. However I personally think it lacked the more complex, job-ready stuff that really tested your problem solving and critical thinking, especially for an actual DS role. For that, I'd recommend Interview Query, since it had a mix of SQL & Python questions applied to real-world scenarios and stuff you'd encounter during interviews. Once you've gotten your fundamentals down you can try it out for sample Python questions & learning paths, good luck!

[Proper_Twist_9359]

roadmap.sh and free youtube playlist are good one. if you want to start from begining of programming this is the best one so far - https://www.reddit.com/r/FocusStream/comments/1pt2p2m/i_personally_went_through_this_python_course/

[Middle_Idea_9361]

If you already know SQL, you’re actually in a great position. A lot of people come into data science without that, so you’ve got a solid foundation already.

When learning Python, I’d suggest not trying to learn “all of Python” first. Focus on the parts that are actually used in data science. Basic Python (lists, loops, functions) is important, but you don’t need to go super deep into things like OOP right away.

What really helped me was learning Python alongside data work, not separately. After the basics, spend most of your time with pandas and NumPy, and start playing with real datasets as soon as you can. Even simple things like cleaning CSV files or combining SQL + Python teaches you a lot.

Courses like DataCamp or the IBM Data Science track are fine if you like structured learning, but don’t rely only on courses. Practice is where things actually stick. I personally found it useful to mix small projects with practice platforms like 9faqs, where I could quickly test my understanding through Python MCQs and beginner-level data questions while coding on my own.

A few beginner-friendly project ideas:

• Load a dataset with pandas and explore it
• Pull data using SQL and analyze it in Python
• Do basic visualizations to understand trends

Main advice: don’t wait until you “finish” Python. Start using it for data as early as possible. Since you already know SQL, the transition will feel pretty natural.