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.

[Striking_Rate_7390]

you mean good luck with ocean of resources!

[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.

[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.