When choosing the best Python course for you, there are two important things to consider.
Based on these, this blog will help you pick the best Python course, tailored to your specific learning needs and approaches.
Best for: building a solid Python programming foundation with hands-on learning
The two most important things a Python beginner needs are a good, structured syllabus and plenty of hands-on coding practice. Our Learn Python Basics course gives you exactly those things.
One, the course includes only the most important concepts for a beginner, broken down into easy-to-follow lessons. Two, the course forces you to solve Python quizzes and coding challenges — no skipping allowed.
This makes ours one of the more comprehensive courses in this list, ensuring your programming fundamentals are as good as they can be. There is very little hand-holding so you do not end up with a false sense of accomplishment.
Plus, there are learner aids like a real-time AI mentor (sensAI) and a final project to help you put all your learnings into practice. Once you complete the course, you get a completion certificate, and an entire learning path of more advanced courses and challenges.
Best for: those looking for a credit-eligible Python course for college
If you are a college student looking for a credit-eligible Python course, or preparing for college and would benefit from something that might get you extra credits, Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) is a great option.
This course, designed by the University of Michigan, is a popular, well-received course. It introduces you to the basics of Python, from teaching you how to install Python to working with functions and loops.
In the end, you will have enough knowledge of the basics to start building small projects and think about further specializations.
Plus, since it is a university-designed course, it could also be credit-eligible, depending on your college policies.
With that said, this course is not for everybody.
Coursera can be a bit too expensive for a beginner to justify the cost, especially if you are not after courses from reputed institutions. It is not for someone looking for an affordable way to learn Python.
Best for: those looking for free university-style Python lectures
Python Programming - MOOC is a Python course designed by the University of Helsinki. Therefore, it is university-grade Python learning material but completely free.
It is a comprehensive set of resources, too. There are video lectures, slides, and even quizzes and coding exercises — enough in number to help you put those reps in if you are motivated enough.
Plus, you can unlock a certification if you wish to.
However, despite being one of the most recommended Python resources for beginners, it is not for all kinds of learners.
SInce it is video-heavy course and does not force you to write much code, it is a bad choice for someone who prefers a more hands-on learning environment.
Best for: those looking for a course with a bootcamp-like learning experience
The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python attempts to do exactly what the name suggests — take you from a novice in Python to being able to build projects for yourself, bootcamp style.
This course includes quizzes, tests, coding exercises, and assignments, all of which are quite helpful for a beginner. It also has three projects you can use in your portfolio, which is great if you are aiming for a career in tech.
Jose Portilla is a well-reviewed instructor and this course often gets praised, which should give you some peace of mind about its quality.
It is a video course for the most part, and since it is a "bootcamp," expect things to move fairly quickly. You can always rewind the videos, but if you prefer something with a slower teaching pace, interactive courses or lectures might be better for you.
Best for: beginners looking for a great free video tutorial for Python
Looking for a great Python course (that is also video-based, free, and on YouTube)? We cannot recommend Corey Schafer's Python Tutorials enough.
Schafer's Python tutorials are well-explained, comprehensive, and accessible. And it is not just us saying that — you can often find reviews that compare his tutorials to Netflix and credit him with making people fall in love with programming.
But as with all video-only courses, you always run the risk of getting trapped in tutorial hell. You watch the videos and feel like you are learning a lot, but in reality, you do not learn much unless you actually write code yourself.
So, if you have the motivation to follow the instructions and practice on your own, this is a great resource. However, if you want your learning resource to force you to write code, look elsewhere.
If you seriously consider the two things we mentioned at the start of the blog, you should have an easy time picking a resource for yourself.
As a beginner, your resource should cater to your learning preferences and make you code as much as possible. If you are undecided about the medium of delivery, focus on interactivity and getting your hands dirty.
