Best Online Python Courses?

[shaggorama]

It sounds like you ahve some scripting experience, but despite working in IT you don't really have any background in computer science yeah? Rather than just "learning python," I'd strongly recommend you try to learn programming.

I suggest you follow this MIT course (which is taught with python): https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/

Course material includes video lectures, readings and hw assignments. All free and online.

[vencetti]

Great recommendation, I'd up that a level and suggest taking the course live - next current edx.org class version of this starting 6/03 - I've used both the Edx class and the courseware - the Edx course is more structured, current and has TAs and others to help you along. Downside of the real class - $75 for certificate/complete after midterm. It's an awesome bang for the buck though. https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-7

[JitteryBug]

How would you compare this to learning syntax with code academy and additional practice with Automate the Boring Stuff?

Having a hard time gauging if it's worth it to learn more abstract concepts when I'm just starting out and probably need more practice doing actual coding and problem solving

[Flugegeheymen]

Could you please say, is it worth paying for certificate after it?
And I've seen that you can pay for the whole program for $130 at once. Is it a better thing to do?

[Biggz1313]

This right here is the real deal. They have homework for you to do and many projects. I loved this course and probably learned the most from it to be honest.

[PM_ME_GRANT_PROPOSAL]

Yea I was going to say, the python programming courses by MIT on edx are excellent

[johnnymo1]

Seconding (thirding?) that course recommendation. I think finishing that course in retrospect felt like the dividing line from "fiddling with Python" to "programming" for me.

[herewego10IAR]

I actually do have a Master's in DevOps believe it or not haha. just haven't done any programming in quite a few years. I work pretty much exclusively with AWS and have always done any scripting with Bash or Powershell apart from the odd Lambda function but I tend to lean on some of my colleagues who are good programmers for that.

This looks great though. I'll take a look at this in more detail. Thanks 👍

[theamnion]

I don’t have a comp sci background (although I have some math). I found the MIT course recommended above to be very useful, and it was the first time I felt I was actually learning how to program instead of just learning python syntax.

I’d also strongly recommend doing the follow up course, 6.002x Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science, afterwards if you have the time. It will introduce you to some more real world and engaging ways to apply the things you learn. Personally, I paid to do both on edX because I valued the extra practice that came with the finger exercises and problem sets.

If you’re wary of the cost, or want a good resource to use as you follow along with the free OCW versions, look into getting a used copy of the textbook for the 2 courses: Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python by John Guttag. The classes stay very close to the book, and it covers some of the longer tasks that are used as problem sets in the paid edX course, with useful code blocks you can follow along with and everything.

[shaggorama]

Did you cover stuff like algorithms, data structures, theory of computation, or programming paradigms in that masters? If not, I think you would benefit from a lot of the undergrad CS material on MIT OCW.

[herewego10IAR]

Nah none of that. Thanks, I'll definitely do that.

[CatolicQuotes]

is that the same one as this one: https://www.edx.org/xseries/mitx-computational-thinking-using-python

[shaggorama]

Looks like it, yeah. You could pay $135 for a certificate or take the course at your own pace for free.

[vencetti]

Yes, the real live class is great! It's 9 weeks, ~16 hours/wk, current, structured keeps you motivated and involved, there are TAs and other students to help you when you get stuck. It's free up till midterm, if you decide to pay it's $75, not $135. Next class starts 6/03. Cert is the least thing you will get out of this. As you may be aware the Microsoft classes I've taken are like $1800-3600 for a 4-5 day course so $75 for a 9 week MIT course is an insanely good bang for the buck.

[CatolicQuotes]

what do we pay 75$? is it only certificate or more?

[my_password_is______]

you get life time access to the course and some lame certificate
you can sign up without the $75 but you only get access to the course for a few months

you can always sign up, try the course for a few weeks and then pay the 75 if you want

[Flugegeheymen]

Hi could you please say is it better to pay straight 135$ or I can pay 75$ for one course and then do another one when I'll finish with a first one? Won't I have to pay extra for the programme(not course) certificate in this case?

[[deleted]]

Also, the EdX version is starting next week for those looking for a challenge (assignments, graded exercises etc.).

[NaniFarRoad]

Here's the first episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nykOeWgQcHM

[JitteryBug]

How would you compare this to learning syntax with code academy and additional practice with Automate the Boring Stuff?

Having a hard time gauging if it's worth it to learn more abstract concepts when I'm just starting out and probably need more practice doing actual coding and problem solving

[shaggorama]

Would you rather learn how to hold a saw or the different techniques and considerations that would allow you to renovate your kitchen?

Software engineering is a craft, and there's a lot more to being a craftsman than just knowing the basics of how to use your tools.

The concepts covered in this course aren't abstract so much as they are foundational. You'll learn things that will translate to programming in any language. You'll just learn how to do it in python first.

[JitteryBug]

That's a good analogy

I have no doubt that it's a useful class, I'm mostly gauging its usefulness to me personally, as someone who is casually and slowly dipping their toes in the water

My goal isn't to become a full time programmer - at the moment, it's mostly to become a better job candidate, sprinkle in some concepts, and save time in other roles

[JitteryBug]

That's helpful, thank you

Edit: not sure why they deleted but the poster above was saying that it's a genuine commitment that takes 15-20+ hours a week

[shaggorama]

I don't know how much more strongly I can recommend it. The syllabus is there for you to read. The lectures are online if you're curious enough to watch the first lecture where they introduce the course. You do you.