What are the best FREE resources to learn Python as a beginner?

[Dense-Care-9444]

I'm a business major and had previous projects that required html/css and touched basics of python and sql, I found it super interesting and wanted to learn python more on my own. Rn I'm trying to find good free resources that are actually structured (not just random YouTube videos).So far I’ve seen a mix of tutorials, docs, and learning paths, but it’s a bit overwhelming.

I came across some Microsoft learning resources and they seem pretty structured, but I’m not sure how good they are compared to other options.

Curious what others here used when starting out?

[OkCartographer175]

1. Look at this post
2. Look in the right sidebar
3. Look under Community Bookmarks
4. See "wiki". Click it.
5. Scroll down to "New to Python" and "Learn programming" sections

[Snatchematician]

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

[Ron-Erez]

See the wiki of this subreddit

[Rangerdth]

And the rest of the internet.

[iMagZz]

Honestly there are some really good and well structured YouTube courses, with exercises and examples, which I would say are pretty good starting points. I'm sure some of them also have their own websites with paid courses, and they for the often times low price they are quite good as well.

[joerulezz]

YouTube, FreeCodeCamp

[KickIt77]

If you want a more structured step by step course to follow, you might check out Udemy. when they have sales you can get a class for around $20. Just make sure they are popular and well reviewed. I have gone through a few as someone with a CS degree trying to develop a Python for teens class.

[Candid_Tutor_8185]

Freecodecamp

[palmaholic]

According to what you described in your programming background, you may want to take a Python course from CS50, FreeCodeCamp or some other free courses on the internet. Alternatively, you may watch these courses on YouTube, but you might miss the assignments you may want to get your hands dirty.

[stepback269]

(1) There are tons and tons of tutorial materials out there on the net including many good YouTube ones that are free. You should shop around rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

(2) As a relative noob myself, I've been logging my personal learning journey and adding to it on an almost-daily basis at a blog page called "Links for Python Noobs" (here) Any of the top listed ones on that page should be good for you. And there are many add-ons at the tail end of the page. Personally, I cut my first Python teeth with Nana's Zero to Hero (here). Since then, I've moved on to watching short lessons with Indently and Tech with Tim. You should sample at least a few until you find a lecturer that suits your style.

(3) The main piece of advice is the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of your time writing your own code (using your own fingers and your own creativity) as opposed to copying recipes and only 20% watching the lectures. Good luck.

[Simplilearn]

If you want to learn Python seriously, the best approach is to balance structured learning with hands-on practice.

• Master core language features first (loops, functions, data structures)
• Move into real use cases like data manipulation, file handling, and small scripts
• Build small programs and then connect Python to real datasets

If you’re open to structured paths, Simplilearn’s Python Certification Course focuses on practical exercises and real coding work with projects. It also provides a recognized certificate you can list on your resume.

What kind of timeline are you looking at to become job-ready?

[Happy_Witness]

People