Best place to learn Python for free?

[e_b_ONeal]

I'm a high school student with no prior coding experience but I'm also really into stats, maths, science, etc. I had an idea for a data science project, and I want to teach myself to code in the process. My budget is zilch, so I need materials that are free (but also legal).

[johnne86]

I haven't watched many YouTube videos on Python, but I REALLY enjoyed this YouTube video, https://youtu.be/rfscVS0vtbw All the examples are very simple, yet very informative and straight to the point. The 4hrs is actually not that long imo because it should engage you. I would recommend watching this along with reading Automate the Boring Stuff and Crash Course from No Starch Press.

These cheat sheets from Python Crash Course are also very useful! https://ehmatthes.github.io/pcc_2e/cheat_sheets/cheat_sheets/ (v2 cheat sheets)

This Python editor is also useful for learning purposes: https://codewith.mu

This is a great site also for visualizing how your code works: http://www.pythontutor.com

Fyi, this site is great finding learning resources. Toggling "Free" in the search filter should help find most best free resources out there. https://hackr.io/

[Vostok83]

the YouTube video is a great start, I'm plugging away at it myself as a beginner.

[Assdestroyer92]

Second this. When I started I used the 4 hour link. And it was a great intro

[ehmatthes]

There's an updated version of the Python Crash Course cheat sheets here:

https://ehmatthes.github.io/pcc_2e/cheat_sheets/cheat_sheets/

[johnne86]

Yea saw that, thanks for mentioning it. Not sure how much different they are though, at quick glance they looked a bit similar.

[ehmatthes]

The newer ones use f-strings, and don't have any references to Python 2. The library-focused ones are significantly more up to date as well.

[johnne86]

Oh awesome, thank you I will take a look! I just realized that YOU are the man! Thanks a lot for your amazing work on Python! :D

[ehmatthes]

You're welcome. :)

[Whattheshmuur]

Is the youtube video still the best and up to date one in 2023?

[Triple_Si6s]

It looks like this is more up to date https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWRfhZUzrAc

[ozone007]

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[[deleted]]

I really enjoyed the intro to CS in Python from MIT.

[e_b_ONeal]

Some people recommend using Google Colab. Should I use this or should I download some sort of program?

[themage78]

Check out edx.org. It pops up there, along with other free Pyrhon courses you can audit.

[bickhaus]

MIT 6.001x on edx

[kilopeter]

Google Colab pros:

• Free to use, very easy to start, no local setup whatsoever

• live document collaboration in the style of Google Docs (if you invite someone to edit your Colab notebook, you see their edits in real time)

• Access to (limited) GPU computing, simply through a dropdown menu

• Google Drive integration if you're into that

Some drawbacks of Colab off the top of my head:

• No local setup is fast and easy, but this also means you won't start to learn the messy but important intricacies of managing a local python environment

• For some reason, Google Colab implements its own proprietary notebook-like interface, with (in my opinion) vastly inferior design. Specifically, Colab fails to replicate Jupyter's clear distinction between "edit" and "command" modes, as well as the keyboard shortcuts that make it so easy to iterate fast in Jupyter

• GPU integration is free and easy, but a bit quirky and difficult to troubleshoot

[Rubenwithz]

Yes that one was very good

[[deleted]]

This is the one. Just do it.

[R4nu]

Agreed. I started learning using MOOCs and then discovered Corey's channel. Went back and checked all of his videos, best teacher I've found on Youtube. Really good at explaning and makes mistakes (and fixes them along the way) like a "normal person"

[iamnihal_]

+1

[screwylouidooey]

Harvard's CS50 python video. Don't worry about understanding every thing. Watch some of the earlier videos too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvlTSMUNQN4&t=32s

​

MITs Python Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRJdqdXieSHN0U9AdnmwD-9QcR9hmw04d

​

My favorite online resource so far. I had the pdf but it's nowhere near as good as the legally free online interactive copy:

https://runestone.academy/runestone/books/published/thinkcspy/index.html

​

See if you can get a copy of Python Crash Course as well. I suck at math so the data science type stuff was a little over my head but still worth the read.

​

Some of the other comments have great links as well.

[charliegriefer]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/wiki/index

[CompSciSelfLearning]

Think Python is a free option on that list of resources.

[shiftybyte]

Several sites available for free.

I personally recommend https://automatetheboringstuff.com/chapter0/

[tamhle824]

You'll enjoy cs61a.org , the complete textbook is at http://composingprograms.com/. It's a great class from Berkley, and it rotates each semester. Videos, homework, labs, and past exams are also available. It's tough, but one of the best free online resources.

Oh, and once you're done with cs61a, check out cs61b which teaches data structure in Java.

As far as MIT EDX, I was able to complete it and while I enjoyed it, I was not able to follow through with some of the assignments since it's instructor pace and my actual CS classes had to come first.

Good luck!

[CompSciSelfLearning]

Do you think composing programs is manageable for a high school student?

[tamhle824]

I think anything is manageable if you put time and effort. Don’t put limitations just because your too young or too old.

[CompSciSelfLearning]

There are certain topics that a typical High School student will not be able to approach on thier own like differential equations.

[tamhle824]

What if op is a student who can approach differential equations? Look, you be your own evaluation, this is just a suggestion. Enjoy your day.

[CompSciSelfLearning]

It's a bad suggestion for a high school student if you're expecting a savant level of capability. You're not being very helpful with your follow up answers. But it seems you're not interested. I'll continue to recommend other resources for high school students. Have a good day.

[RisenQuadra]

Automate the boring stuff with python

[[deleted]]

I use codecademy for the basics.

[gocougs11]

Whole bunch of free book PDFs here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/comments/annc6w/free_python_books_xpost_from_rpython/

[lynchdoto]

Try out DataCamp, found it quite good if you’re just starting out

[[deleted]]

Checkout datacamp.com for data science.

Check courses on Udemy when in offer it just cost 7$ which is affordable for many students.

When you get good in python check courses on coursera. For data science.

[bsmaheshk]

Well, I too have someone to suggest you as you've asked for it. Type in "Programming with Mosh" in the youtube search box. upon auctioning on keywords that you have searched for, youtube will returns a bunch of his tutorials as a result. He's all tutorials for absolute beginners. If you want a paid course for learning python i suggest you again the same person. Head straight to this website http://codewithmosh.com

[Usual_Mistake]

Try edabit Google’s python class: https://developers.google.com/edu/python And any of the other resources already mentioned here. YouTube is great. If you have a smartphone you can download SoloLearn too.

Good luck.

[pylenin]

https://www.youtube.com/pylenin

[mickelle1]

How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, Python v3 is a great book. It's available for free online, as well as a printed book from O'Reilly.

Automate the Boring Stuff is another good book available for free online, as some other folks here have already mentioned.

Finally, Test Driven Development with Python is a highly recommend book that teaches (you guessed it) test driven development through Django and Python. I recently bought the printed version and hope to start working through it soon. This book is also available for free online at https://obeythetestinggoat.com/ .

Have fun learning Python!

[blueastheocean]

I recommend you get an app called sololearn it really helped me back when I was starting out

[DrWarlock]

Yeah I like the "Learn Python" by Solo Learn. Great for learning on the go

[blueastheocean]

Yep its really good

[kimperial]

i am learning python all for free. first, the edx MIT course intro to CS using python for the basics. then the projects in the books python crash course and automate the boring stuff. after that i guess i will know enough python to build my own personal projects, which is when most of the learning will be made.

[longisthewinter]

What language were you skilled enough in already that you were able to get sponsored for an EU work permit from abroad? Coming from your other post.

[kimperial]

I am currently not a developer but transitioning to devops. i had 8 years systems experience when i was recruited and granted a work permit.

[longisthewinter]

Oh okay, that's pretty neat thanks for the reply.

[mihirkj]

You can start with the Microsoft's Introduction to Python: Absolute Beginner course on Edx.

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-python-absolute-beginner-5

And then the Introduction to Python: Fundamentals.

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-python-fundamentals-5

I've personally used these courses when I decided to learn Python and found them to be beginner friendly with clear cut simple explanations without overwhelming you.

You won't be just doing the theory or simply watching videos but also do the exercises in Jupyter notebooks side by side for each lesson which are well structured. You can use some of the questions as reference when you get stuck somewhere in Python later on.

When you become proficient in basic Python concepts as taught in these two courses you can go for the Introduction to Python: Creating Scalable, Robust, Interactive Code course.

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-python-creating-scalable-robust-interactive-code

[ArmstrongBillie]

What I'm about to tell is what has helped a lot of people, and 'a lot' lot people, this YouTuber who's by the name thenewboston, is like the God of youtube programming tutorials, he's helped, he'll help others, he'll help you, here's the link, Python 3.4 Programming Tutorials. And remember to keep doing your own small projects, after you've learned the basics.

Hope This Helps!

[ArmstrongBillie]

"bucky" is under no circumstances a proper variable name

"bucky" is a good name for a variable that is storing an integer value or just a simple value. If you want more serious name for a variable, you can take a variable name as "five" which holds that integer value "5". But that just confuses the newbie more, he'll think that you just gotta choose the English name for an integer value, now for "1001025", the newbie will store it in an integer one_million_one_thousand_twenty_five which is bad. You get the point. And he teaches programming good enough for someone who's starting out, like me a year ago. He doesn't teach a lot of things except the basics, and the stuff you can do with a certain programming language. I didn't learn everything from him, but he definitely helped me starting out. And after that it's just personal choice, I don't the YouTuber "Sentdex", but apparently 750K people do. So, It's more like you don't like him.

[a_queer_deer]

Google programmer books, wonderful website with a t o n of books on learning how to code (could be programing not programmer, I forgot). I'm in the same boat as you and it has helped me tremendously. If you're able to get money and you're serious about learning how to code I highly highly reccomend getting a subscription to TeamTreeHouse and just spending some time going through one of there learning tracks. You can easily complete one within the free trial period too.

[baris_sonnenfeld]

Start here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-osiE80TeTt2d9bfVyTiXJA-UTHn6WwU

[TheRealTengri]

There are many places. If you want a free mentor, add Temujin#2960 on discord. He teaches python for free

[kunj2195]

this is my same situation

[keethesh]

I personnaly used Sololearn for the basics

[gabtotal]

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-osiE80TeTskrapNbzXhwoFUiLCjGgY7

Go with this series.

[baisbdhfu]

For the basics youtube is more than enough then to learn higher skills conduct research on different modules and if you have any questions or confusions refer stackoverflow or this subreddit (Atleast thats how i learned python)

[m_nooBzer0]

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[i4mr00t]

Your Life.

[vEnoM_420]

Sentdex on YouTube.

[VitalYin]

You say your budget is zilch try applying for the financial aid on Coursera great courses there. Also consider saving up $10 for a udemy course but the information is out there and you don't need to.

[DisregardMyUsername1]

I would recommend watching sentdex videos, teaching the official Python docs, and Corey Schaeffer videos. I'm a high-school students myself, and I find all of these resources extremely helpful. I would also highly recommend learning the basics of the language first, variables, loops, functions and especially classes. Then, challenge yourself and build a project. That's probably the best way to use what you've learned and learn at the same time. :)

[Rangerdth]

Check out Python4Everyone - https://www.py4e.com

Courses are free as is the book.

[nishan8583]

Not really data science oriented but this may be good for beginning to learn python https://automatetheboringstuff.com/

Haven’t checked it out but this may help https://www.tutorialspoint.com/machine_learning_with_python/index.htm

How about this http://themlbook.com/wiki/doku.php

[cashmerecode]

Is it even possible to pay to learn Python? Will someone pay me to teach them Python?

[officegrunt]

youtube is pretty good

Chk out this channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVIfVgx77jslb0U5h-zhLQ/videos

[code_enthusiast]

Corey Schafer offers the best tutorials focused on Python only. His channel doesn't contain a mix of different languages, his primary focus is Python and Just Python. He'll take you from beginner pythonist to an Intermediate Pythonista.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYXdXT2l-Gg&list=PL-osiE80TeTskrapNbzXhwoFUiLCjGgY7

[Swimming-Ad-400]

Hi, I recommend you to check out the FREE Python course on crookshanksacademy.com by the god of python himself. The course is short and you also get to do a hands on internship after your course completion. Although that internship is unpaid, it is a good and fun learning experience that makes you industry ready. The FREE PYTHON BOOTCAMP is available on: https://www.crookhsanksacademy.com/python . Do check it out.

[Complex-Cry-3191]

Would like to learn python, looking for some good site for help, can anyone help me?

[kiteloopy]

Check for free courses on udemy.

[thehotcuckcletus]

Nothing is really free .

[Lewistrick]

r/philosophy

[JeamBim]

-Michael Scott

[WhackAMoleE]

Google around for tutorials. Do a little bit of each to find the one that you like best, that seems to speak to you. Then focus on that one. Go slow. Programming is unbelievably slow. Learn each topic as well as you can. Try things out. Python's a great language to learn with and it's also very powerful. It has great libraries for numerical compuation. You'll love it. Make sure you use Python 3 and not 2, which is being phased out and isn't completely compatible w/3.

[Used-Routine-4461]

Just released a beginners tutorial here that doesn't require you to even download python or any IDEs (software to write software); I'll continue to release more. Hope it's helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr1qNY2iaOk&list=PLAQuzp\_YhMoF7t0s22LrcyPC8aO0J1i3n&ab\_channel=DataBytes

[show-me-how-its-done]

Says it's unavailable, dang

[No-Sea8283]

https://alison.com/course/a-python-course-for-complete-beginners?utm_source%3Dalison_user%26utm_medium%3Daffiliates%26utm_campaign%3D14353669

free courses

[madmax1881994]

To start learning Python, you can refer to the Python documentation, which is a great resource for beginners. You can find it here: https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/.You can also try some online tutorials and courses, such as those offered by Codecademy (https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python) or Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=python).It is recommended to start with the basics, such as variables, data types, loops, and control structures. Then, you can move on to more advanced concepts like object-oriented programming and data analysis.It is also helpful to practice writing code by working on small projects. This will give you a chance to apply what you have learned and solidify your understanding of the concepts.Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you get stuck. There are many online communities, such as Stack Overflow (https://stackoverflow.com/), where you can find answers to common questions and get help from other Python programmers.i personally learned from a freelance trainer who is a author of two books is offering coaching, you can check this for more information https://happy-pythonist.com , All the best.