{"id":209438,"date":"2024-03-01T20:50:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T20:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/01\/best-python-courses-free-and-paid-options-for-beginners\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:21:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:21:23","slug":"best-python-courses-free-and-paid-options-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/01\/best-python-courses-free-and-paid-options-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Python courses: Free and paid options for beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Trends for Stack Overflow reveal that Python-related inquiries dominate the platform<\/a>, accounting for approximately 13% of all questions posted in its Q&A forums. <\/p>\n

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Insights show that on Stack Overflow, the programming language has consistently outpaced others, like C++, SQL, and R, over the past decade\u2014even surpassing JavaScript in 2018.<\/p>\n

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With Python sitting in that No. 1 spot, it\u2019s no wonder why gaining the necessary skills to master the language is an increasingly popular goal for entry-level data scientists and developers alike.<\/p>\n

For those interested in working in artificial intelligence<\/a>, machine learning, bioinformatics, full-stack web development, and engineering, adding Python to your toolbox can be effective for building a solid career path across many different industries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is Python?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Python<\/a> is a computer programming language that developers use to create websites and software, conduct data analysis, and automate tasks. It\u2019s considered a general-purpose language, which means there are a lot of different applications and situations in which it can be used because it isn\u2019t specialized for any specific problems.<\/p>\n

It was developed by Guido van Rossum in 1991, and the name \u201cPython\u201d is a nod to the British comedy group Monty Python.<\/p>\n

The good news is that it is easy to learn and read and has a large community of support<\/a>. That\u2019s according to Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, a teaching associate professor of computer science at the University of Illinois. He tells Fortune<\/em> that his Introduction to Data Science Using Python, which started in 2019 with just 16 students, has multiplied over 100 times to 1,659 students at the time of publication.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people compare Python to other programming languages like C, C++, or even Java,\u201d Fagen-Ulmschneider says. \u201cBut if you look at those languages, you\u2019ll see lots of syntaxes\u2014lots of curly braces, lots of parentheses, lots of square brackets\u2014things that mean something to a programmer but don\u2019t mean anything to somebody with no concept of programming.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explains that with Python, you can achieve more with fewer lines of code, symbols, and keywords, leading to faster development. In fact, he thinks you can write your first program in a weekend\u2019s-time.<\/p>\n

When it comes to Python courses, Fortune<\/em> has you covered with programs that can not only help you toy around with the language but also get you on the fast track to becoming a Python developer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These classes range from free and beginner-friendly to more mid-level, offering certifications or are offered by credible organizations. Note<\/strong>: <\/strong>There is no single best course out there\u2014so consider which best caters to your personal needs, experience level, and career trajectory.<\/p>\n

4 free Python courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These four free courses teach Python at an introductory level. Each varies on program length but offers non-specialized, general coursework.<\/p>\n

1. Google\u2019s Python Class<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the course Google has its employees take<\/a> to introduce them to Python concepts. This free class contains a tutorial on how to set your computer up for coding and teachings on strings, lists, regular Python expressions, and its common utilities. Materials include several short readings, lecture videos, and exercises.\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to the site, Google typically turns this course into a two-day intensive course, but for non-Google employees, there\u2019s no harm in going at your own pace. However, some prior programming experience is helpful for this class\u2014but you do not need to be an expert. You should know what a \u201cvariable\u201d and an \u201cif statement\u201d are.<\/p>\n

2. Introduction to Python<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This free, 16-minute short course from Microsoft will teach you how to write a couple of lines of Python code<\/a>, declare variables, and work with console input and output. The topics taught are REPL, variables, and basic data types. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be able to build a calculator. In terms of prerequisites, you need a Microsoft Azure account.<\/p>\n

3. Learn Python 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This Codecademy course<\/a> teaches programming fundamentals and provides a spotlight on Python for more than 17 hours. In it, you will learn the full Python spectrum\u2014the syntax, strings, console output, control flow, conditionals, functions, loops, lists, and lambda expressions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are nine projects in this course. Topics range from simple tasks like building a Rock, Paper, Scissors game to more complex applications like DNA analysis. There are also nine quizzes. For certificate seekers, you need a paid plan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that Python 2 is not the most recent version of the language. According to Python\u2019s official website, the developers recently released version 3.13.<\/p>\n

4. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Taught in 27 languages, this University of Michigan Coursera course<\/a> has lectured more than three million people. It introduces the basics, like calculations and loops, taught over around 18 hours by clinical professor Charles Russell Severance. It\u2019s worth noting that it follows chapters 1\u20135 of the textbook Python for Everybody<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

4 paid Python courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Paid courses can provide comprehensive content, detailed explanations, and a structured learning experience\u2014and in them, you might gain a deeper understanding of Python concepts and practical applications.<\/p>\n

1. Learn Programming with Python<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This 38-hour, $145 five-course learning track from LearnPython<\/a> gives you hands-on practice with code editing software and more than 100 exercises based on real-life scenarios. After completing the course, you\u2019ll get a shareable LinkedIn certification. The only requirements are a web browser and WiFi.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2. Learn Intermediate Python<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This two-month course from Udacity<\/a> teaches high-level techniques like code debugging, object creation design patterns, and building robust codebases. You\u2019ll learn about file I\/O, the main command line tools, scripting, front-end development, and software monitoring.<\/p>\n

Projects include building motivational meme generators and using data from NASA to search for and explore near-Earth objects. In terms of prerequisites, you\u2019ll want to understand the basics of the programming language. Access to Udacity\u2019s courses costs $249 monthly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. Learn Python 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 25 hours, this Codecademy course<\/a> will teach you everything you need to know about Python 3, the latest language version. This course includes 14 lessons ranging from getting started to automating JSON files.<\/p>\n

Codecademy accounts range from around $15 to $20 monthly. However, you can get the stripped-down, basic version of the course for free. The subscriber version includes unlimited access to practice inside the mobile app, quizzes, real-world projects, certificates of completion, priority customer support, and the site\u2019s AI homework chatbot.\u00a0<\/p>\n

4. Complete Python Developer in 2024: Zero to Mastery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This ZTM Academy course<\/a> provides a comprehensive guide to using Python and getting hired as an entry-level coding professional. You work on 12 different Python projects for your portfolio, like an image recognition AI model, password checker, and HackerNews web scraper.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 32-hour class teaches you to write clean, bug-free code and create web applications while showcasing the capabilities of APIs like Twitter Bot, machine learning, and data science. ZTM Academy subscriptions range from $23 to $39 a month, or you can pay $999 once as a lifetime member and get access to all of the site\u2019s features.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Should I take a Python course that offers a certificate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When researching courses, you might come across a few that offer certifications. As such, you might ask yourself, \u201cDo I need a Python certification?\u201d and \u201cWhat\u2019s the best Python certificate?\u201d<\/p>\n

The answer isn\u2019t so clear-cut. When asked about classes that offer certificates, Fagen-Ulmschneider expressed a mixed view. \u201cOn one hand, certificates are a great way to showcase credentials on platforms like LinkedIn or a resume. But having a strong GitHub page showing projects that you\u2019ve worked on would be a stronger signal than any certificate alone,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

If your heart is set on certifications, this is a course path we like:<\/p>\n

Professional Certificate in Learning Python for Data Science<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Over six months, this self-paced HarvardX course bundle\u2014available through edX<\/a>\u2014gears you up for a job in the data science field and gets you certified for a price tag of $672. These are the three courses in the program:\u00a0<\/p>\n