Learn Python: The Best Courses and Resources

Due to the popularity of the coding language, there are many opportunities for you to learn Python. There are also plenty of career opportunities around the world for anyone with skills in Python. 

The different job openings attract both novice developers and experienced developers. You can work as a software engineer, data scientist, or app developer once you become a Python developer.

Learning Python will significantly improve your chances of employment and promotion. But what is Python and how long does it take to learn Python?

What Is Python?

Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language. It is used for web development, software development, system scripting, and mathematics. It can also connect database systems and read and modify the files. You can use it for prototyping or software development as you become a software engineer. 

Python works on different platforms, hence its extensive use. The language is compatible with Raspberry Pi, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Its simplicity in terms of syntax helps new developers around the world read it. As a developer, you can write programs using fewer lines with Python than any other language.

Python relies on loops, functions, and classes to define the scope. Other languages depend on brackets. Primarily, the language was intended for reading, hence its close similarity with the English language.

What Jobs Use Python Skills?

The versatility of Python makes it suitable for different fields. Once you acquire this highly sought-after skill, you are flexible enough to work in different industries. 

You can work in software engineering, government administration, education, or business science. Below are the top jobs that require Python skills today.

• Software developer. This role requires you to build, test, and iterate versions of software products. Here, Python is a common language that is used for writing, testing, and debugging code. 
  
  
• Quality Assurance Engineer. The primary role here is to test the software. Python is highly reliable for automation processes. 
  
  
• Python Full Stack Developer. This role necessitates you to have extensive knowledge of front end development and backend development. 
  
  
• Geographic Information Analyst. For this role, Python can help in scripting to allow the users to streamline their data analysis. 
  
  
• Data Scientist. Python can automate and analyze large data. It’s the premier language used by data scientists in their profession.
  
  

Steps to Learn Python

There are plenty of applications written in Python. It’s not only an easy language to read but also to analyze and interpret. This has led to a growing number of developers with skills extending in Python. 

Learning Python includes mastering loops, variables, if statements, Python syntax, and data types. Below are a few steps to help you become a Python software engineer.

1. Learn Basic Syntax

Before you learn anything else about Python, you need to know about the basic syntax. There are plenty of Python tutorials online to help you start your journey. The fundamental aspect of the language is relatively easy to grasp. Make sure that you are learning about Python 3 and not Python 2. The latter is no longer supported. 

2. Start A Project

Creating your projects will give you a deeper insight into how the language works. Use the little knowledge you have to build any project.  You will frequently need to refer to your notes, but this is advantageous as you gain confidence in more structured projects.

Before you begin on any project, ensure that you are proficient in debugging to avoid frustration. Add more functionality to the initial project you had as a challenge.

3. Practice

Make sure you are also increasing the level of difficulty of your projects. The best way to become a full-stack web developer is by constant practice and exposure. Remember that the technology world is ever-changing; make sure you are at the frontline of any significant developments.

The Best Courses to Learn Python

The growing demand for software developers with extensive skills in coding cannot be suppressed. As a developer, it is not enough to know just one coding language. You must have a good command of several languages to stand out in a crowd of developers. Below are some of the available courses you should consider taking this year to learn Python and to learn coding.

Learn Python Programming Masterclass

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: $9.90
• Time: 436 lectures
• Prerequisite: A computer

Udemy regularly runs offers during the year. This course initially costs $129 and has been reduced to less than $10. You will gain a fundamental understanding of Python as a programming language. You will also acquire relevant Python skills for data science and machine learning.

The instructor will ensure you have an in-depth understanding of Python and take up several programming projects. You will also add object-oriented programming as a skill for your resume. Learning from industry professionals is crucial if you want to become a skillful software developer.

Full Stack Web Development with Python

• Provider: Pluralsight
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 3 hours 2 minutes
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is an excellent course to learn full-stack web development. You will learn the basics of Python, how to install WEB2PY, and how to build your first web page. You will also learn about the request object and the response object. By the end of the course, your knowledge of Python will increase significantly.

To earn certification, you must build a blog app. You should design the application as well as the database. You will learn how to use models to determine different data elements. You will also learn how to build SQL forms.

Python for Everybody Specialization

• Provider: University of Michigan
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 6 weeks
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is one of the best Python programs available. The instructor breaks down the complexities of the language by providing easy-to-understand exercises. For each lesson, you must complete a quiz and a peer review assignment. 

This course will teach you how to write a program and describe Python’s basics and use variables. You will be knowledgeable in databases, Tuple, XML, and computer programming. Sign up for the class to also learn interfaces and data structures.

Analyze Data with Python

• Provider: Codecademy
• Cost: Free
• Time: 10 weeks
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This course will help you visualize data with charts and graphs. You will also learn how to interpret large data sets to make informed decisions. The instructor will also teach how to test hypotheses to evaluate data. 

The course features the basics of Python, NumPy, Jupyter Notebooks, and SciPy. This is a great course to gain Python skills.

2020 Complete Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero In Python

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: $10.79
• Time: 22 hours
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is a beginner-friendly course to learn about Python. The bootcamp features 22 courses in Python functions, object-oriented programming, and loops. It’s a standard course for both a novice and an experienced programmer. The course is currently on offer, but it usually goes for $131.

You will know how to use Python as a coding language from these lessons. You will get exposure to both Python 2 and 3. By the time you are done with the course, you will have an in-depth understanding of decorators, and creating GUI in the Jupiter Notebook system.

AI Programming with Python

• Provider: Udacity
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 3 months
• Prerequisite: Coding skills and foundational algebra
  
  

In these classes, you will gain extensive knowledge of math, deep learning, and Python. This is highly beneficial to learn python software foundation, standard library, algebra and neural networks. You must complete two real-world projects for a Python certification that reviewers will provide unlimited feedback after evaluation. 

Python Desktop Application Development

• Provider: Pluralsight
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is an excellent beginner course to learn the basic structure of code. You will learn about UI elements, DEMO, layouts, and the relevance of Python. 

Writing desktop applications shouldn’t be a struggle. In only 50 lines, you can create a fully functional application. You will also be able to run it on different operating systems.

Python Programmer

• Provider: Datacamp
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 62 hours
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

You will learn about the programming language, variables and data analysis in Python. It’s a great beginner course to understand the basics of the language. You will learn the data types in Python regarding data science, Python Toolbox and Data Manipulation. 

Python 3: A Beginners Guide 

• Provider: Skillshare
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 8 hours
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is the available short course to help you learn Python 3. You will learn about the language, variables, dictionaries, and conditional tests. You will get enough resources to help you study for this course. The instructor will also issue a new project with challenges relevant to the course.

Python 3 Tutorial from Codeacademy

• Provider: Codecademy
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 25 hours
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is an excellent course to learn about the latest version of Python. The newest Python tutorials feature extensive topics. You will learn about looping in Python, Python syntax, working with lists, and different Python modules. 

There are several benefits in line with this particular course. It’s a reliable certification course.

Why Learn Python? 

Python is a simple coding language to learn. It is relatively easy to read for any programmer. It’s an essential language for web development and data science. Python is one of the most dominant programming languages among industry professionals. This is due to its versatile nature.

There are plenty of applications that support the Python language. It has extensive libraries, frameworks, file extensions, and object-oriented features. It’s a reliable language to build any web services or support other languages. 

You should learn Python because it is a high-level language that can accomplish complicated tasks. The easy-to-learn language is recommended for both novices and experienced coders. You can easily understand the language on your own or enroll in any of the above classes, or even consider taking a Python coding bootcamp.