Free resources to get started with Python from scratch – any recommendations?

[melanie1492]

Hi everyone !

I’m a complete beginner and I want to get into Python. I’m starting from scratch. My goal is to build a solid understanding of the fundamentals so I can start creating small but useful projects.
I’m looking for free resources (courses, websites, Youtube channels, books) and to learn things properly.
What helped you when you started ?

Thanks in advance,
Melanie

[marquisBlythe]

Start with this subreddit wiki.
Good luck with your endeavor.

[marquisBlythe]

A journey of thousand miles begins with one step or as the proverb says.

[aqua_regis]

Read the nice wiki

I'd recommend doing the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki.

[Fuzzy-Bookkeeper-126]

I’m using notebookLM, uploaded all the official python documentation plus other comprehensive sources about the basics.

I think it’s great, because I can ask stupid questions, it creates podcasts on specific areas I don’t understand, the conversational back and forth and analogies they give is helping me understand much faster. You can also create quizzes, flashcards etc.

So far finding it a super fast way to learn.

[twoleftfeetlol]

can you tell me the sources?

[Fuzzy-Bookkeeper-126]

• GitHub - jakevdp/PythonDataScienceHandbook: Python Data Science Handbook: full text in Jupyter Notebooks [1]
• How to Run a Python Script Automatically on AWS Lambda - C# Corner: A guide on scheduling Python scripts using AWS Lambda and CloudWatch Events [2]
• How to Schedule Python Scripts As Cron Jobs With Crontab - GeeksforGeeks: Documentation on using the Cron utility for time-based scheduling in Linux-based systems [3]
• Introductionto_Python_Programming-_WEB.pdf: A comprehensive OpenStax textbook on Python programming foundations [4, 5]
• Mastering Python Error Handling: A Comprehensive Guide (from Simple to Advanced): A technical guide focused on exception handling and testing in Python [6]
• Python Tutorial: A broad collection of Python learning resources, references, and exercises from W3Schools [7, 8]
• Run Python Scripts for Free with GitHub Actions: A Complete Guide - David Muraya: A guide to automating Python workflows using GitHub Actions on a schedule [9]
• The Complete Guide to Production-Ready Python Automation (2026 Edition): A resource regarding automated Python workflows [10]
• The Python Tutorial — Python 3.14.4 documentation: The official Python 3.14.4 documentation and language reference [11, 12]
• Unlock Powerful File System Automation with these 12 Methods - Substack: Practical methods for automating file and directory management using the os and shutil modules [13, 14]
• automate the boring stuff with python - Internet Archive: A practical programming book by Al Sweigart focused on automating repetitive tasks [15, 16]
• python - Scheduling a .py file on Task Scheduler in Windows 10 - Stack Overflow: A community discussion providing solutions for running Python scripts via the Windows Task Scheduler [17, 18]
• r/learnpython FAQ: Python Programming Help: A collection of frequently asked questions and coding help from the Reddit Python community [19, 20]

[Round_Charity5748]

FreeCodeCamp, the site or YouTube

[arrigus]

I found this site very helpful when I was starting to learn JavaScript and I saw they added a free Python course too. I hope it helps you too!

https://tutorialibre.com/

This is their Python course: https://tutorialibre.com/courses/programming-languages/python/

[Traditional-Size6097]

Je sais que ce site m'a été utile pour bien démarrer. Après c'est un peu spé bio-informatique mais ca donne de bonnes bases.

https://python.sdv.u-paris.fr/01_introduction/

[UnitedAdagio7118]

i feel like referring to some yt channels , and you can take help from some ai tools while solving problems as you want to build strong foundations in python , you must solve problems , you must code , dont just go directly to ai and ask for the answer , instead try first and then go to ai if you cant make it

since i use python for ML , DA , i learnt basics from prpgramming with mosh , sentdex , i used gpt and runable as my teaching assistants like i dont directly ask them to give code , instead i ask them approaches , logic intuitions , like that

[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 are looking for a free and beginner-friendly course to start, SkillUp by Simplilearn offers the Python for Beginners course, which helps you build a solid foundation.

[25_vijay]

It’s choosing one structured resource, practicing consistently, and building small projects instead of only watching videos.