Can I Learn Python on My Own?
Modern society is built on the use of computers, and programming languages are what make any computer tick. One such language is Python. It’s a high-level, open-source and general-purpose programming language that’s easy to learn, and it features a broad standard library. Guido van Rossum developed it in 1991, and it still sees plenty of use today.
Python is designed for automated memory maintenance, the implementation of basic concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP) and developing programming paradigms. You can also use it to establish frameworks, like Pyramid and Django, or high-level content management systems, like Plone and Django CMS.
If all this sounds complicated, don’t worry. The following Python tutorials are designed for people who don’t know anything about the language as well as those with more experience. These are some of the best tutorial platforms for learning Python on your own.
The Python Software Foundation
Who better to learn the Python programming language from than the organization that continues to maintain it? Python.org is the official website of the Python Software Foundation, and it has a wonderful tutorial for anyone looking to either learn the basics of the language or familiarize themselves with more advanced features.
Interested in learning what mutable and immutable objects (MIO)? Python enhanced proposals (PEP)? Generators and iterators entails? The tutorial has you covered. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to advance to other topics like Python libraries.
Learn Python the Hard Way
“Learn Code the Hard Way” definitely doesn’t have the most inviting name, but it’s actually a popular and easy-to-use online platform for learning programming, including how to use Python. Other programming languages you can learn about on the site include JavaScript, C, SQL and more.
Topics you can expect to learn about include functions, strings and text, classes and objects and variables and names. While full courses cost $20 to $30 each, the first portion of each course is available for free online, which can be enough for many users. Either way, once you’ve completed the free content, you’ll likely know if the full course is something you want to spend money on.
Coursera
Coursera is a great website for learning about basically anything. While most courses are not free, they’re significantly cheaper than attending a university (roughly $30 to $100 a month), and many can be audited for free. Without paying anything, you get access to most or all course materials, including videos and readings. The site also offers videos in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish and others. Subtitles in more languages are also available.
You can find courses on Python (among other programming languages) that are appropriate for learners of nearly ever levels. From Python for Data Science and A.I. to a class that’s literally called Python for Everybody offered through the University of Michigan, there’s no shortage of options.
Udemy
Like Coursera, Udemy courses on a range of subjects. With topics ranging from advanced Python features like timestamps and decorators to basic coding exercises, the education platform can propel you from beginner to expert in no time. While only a few courses are free, most are fairly cheap, and sales are frequent.
Start your preferred Python course by signing up for an account on the platform. You’ll receive a certificate of completion upon completing the entire course. Options include Introduction to Python Programming, Learn Python 3.6 for Total Beginners and Python for Absolute Beginners. More advanced courses for Python 2.0 and Python 3.0 as well as Python REPL also exist.
Codecademy
More than 45 million students have learned programming languages through Codecademy, and the education company has continued to emphasize the importance of developing diverse coding skills as well as the overall learning experience. Codeacademy was established in 2011 and has emerged as the go-to online learning platform for free coding classes.
The company has several courses that cover the full range of Python skills. Like Coursera, while certificates, step-by-step support and other features require a Codecademy subscription, interactive lessons and daily practice are free. You can also use the free code editor and access the community discussion forums to discuss lessons with other learners.
