Best Source to Learn Python

Python, the most in-demand and burgeoning dynamic programming language, is making incredible strides today, increasing its user base to millions. For anyone planning to dip his toes into programming, Python is great to start out with. It’s uncomplicated and versatile, having usability in a diverse field of application – from data analysis and web development to Tesla’s neural network algorithms, there is hardly any tech-based task Python cannot handle. 

With skyrocketing popularity and amplifying job opportunities, the resources that help beginners learn and master Python are booming.

We’ve compiled a list of the best source to learn Python so you can get the hang of Python effortlessly and without breaking the bank.

Python Overview

Hatched by Guido van Rossum and released by Python Software Foundation in 1991, Python is a high-level, multi-purpose, and multi-paradigm language, supporting four major paradigms – object-oriented/OOP, procedural, functional, and imperative. It enables fast-trackers and aspiring programmers to code involved functions efficiently while keeping the program logical, legible, and clean.

It’s a scripting language that operates on a distinct programming environment termed PVM (Python Virtual Machine). The PVM mimics a computer system, specifically, a memory system and processor that compile the program source code to bytecode instructions (like machine code) so the emulator engine system can run them and show the output. The processor in PVM is stack-based instead of an R-R type in which all operands are in a Radio-Frequency (RF) module.

Why Learn Python?

As of May 2022, Python was the chart-topping programming language based on the search volume of its courses and online tutorial solutions on Google (Source: PYPL index). Having a 27.85%  market share, it has retained its stronghold as the most used programming tool in 2021, and edged out Java (17.86%) and JavaScript (9.17%). Let’s look through why people are after learning Python:

• Beginner-friendly: Python language comes with a shallow learning curve. The simplistic syntax that boasts natural language and easy-to-grasp basics and layouts make Python the recent smash-hit coding language. Plus, Python program execution needs minimal boilerplate code compared to other talked-about coding languages like Java, JavaScript, or C.
• Extensive Library Lists: Python gets installed with an extensive ecosystem of packages and modules that include codes for different applications – web browsers, unit-testing, databases, email and workflow automation, web mining, data wrangling, threading, CGI, email, etc. Gone are the days of writing programs manually and hunting down errors – all you have to do is call actions from modules into your code and execute it!
• Extensible: Python is convenient to write codes in, especially when you delve into large-scale projects – you can extend Python to other coding languages like Java, C++, C, etc., and write parts of your programs in them. More interestingly, Python gets embedded into other applications seamlessly. Plus, you can input a Python code in the program source code written in another language and use it as a scripting tool. 
• Active Open-source Community: Another driving force of Python’s increasing demand is its supportive community of peers. Its open-source approach makes it more adaptive and robust – Python has been around for more than 30 years and is predicted to evolve more, enriching the library list. So you can be assured that you have expert advice at your fingertips to troubleshoot as soon as an issue comes up. As Python is open-source, coders can tinker with the source code when required.
• Python Developers are in High Demand: Python is the go-to language of most tech-giant companies like YouTube, Amazon, Google, etc., which makes Python programming a high-paying and lucrative job. In 2021, Python took a big jump forward and rounded out the top 5 most used coding languages worldwide with a whopping 48.24% share of respondents following JavaScript (64.96%) and HTML (56.07%). 

How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?

Despite having high-level data structures, Python is a beginner-friendly programming language that is fun to explore. It emphasizes readability, is flexible enough, and the dynamic semantics coupled with dynamic binding and dynamic typing mark that Python rules are not hard set. 

However, it’s not that easy! While anyone with determination can grasp Python – even if he’s never gone through a single line of a program earlier – it will require time and devotion and come with challenges to conquer. 

Again, remember that Python is a dense language with a multitude of branches, and ever-mushrooming libraries and packages to decipher. While you can grasp the fundamental topics in 5-10 weeks, practicing 3-4 hours daily, you may need to invest months to even years to pick up a single branch.

Best Sources to Learn Python

Today, the web is loaded with countless quality Python tutorials to help grasp the language – a big thanks to the recent push in the e-learning sector. To help you climb on the recent programming bandwagon and enjoy a seamless Python learning process, we have rounded up a list of the best sources to learn Python.

Interactive Resources: Tools and Lessons

Codecademy

If you are up for knocking coding out as fast as possible, courses hosted on Codecademy can be your pick. For example, with 45,000,000+ learners, Learn Python 3 in Codecademy has carved out a shiny spot on the web and can give you a leg up on the career hunt by helping build a practitioner-lever portfolio. 

DataCamp

DataCamp is another brain-friendly interactive source with loads of FREE crash courses to help grasp Python faster. Its bit-sized yet fun videos with hands-on exercises and quizzes will walk you through each detail of high-level Python programming for data science and help you master web development, data wrangling, and advanced data analytics. 

With zero to minimum prior programming experience, you can take your next big step, embarking on your journey to nail programming with DataCamp’s beginner-friendly courses. 

Non-Interactive Resources: Python Books and Websites

Python Crash Course (Book)

Python Crash Course, a brainchild of Eric Matthes, really lives up to its name – walking through this chart-topping guide can be your best way to pick up Python effortlessly. 

Fusing illustrative examples with an interactive pedagogical style, this project-focused book targets to bring you up to speed faster and help create better and optimized real-life programs with ease. 

This two-part Python book starts with basics – classes, statements, and objects, and as you keep going on, you can build your own high-performance 2D games and custom web application. 

Moreover, incorporating skill-booster projects with each topic, Python Crash Course enables coders with some vague knowledge to fine-tune their skills and create data visualization by mastering Python’s handy libraries. 

Python.org (Website)

If you are an aspiring coder striving for a comprehensive guide to grasp Python and go, Python.org can be your quickest way to follow. It’s the holy grail of Python for beginners hosting the official documentation of Python. 

While the coders with no prior coding experience can delve into the carefully curated and neatly organized tutorials hosted on the site to get a handle on Python in a breeze, the in-depth guides, video tutorials on advanced programming, and FAQs help fast-trackers master Python without paying a cent.

Video Resources: Pre-recorded and Live

Coursera 

With loads of brain-friendly free online Python courses, Coursera is another chart-topping website for coders craving hands-on, practical skills with the latest version of Python. Hosting more than 5000 courses conducted by 200+ world-class universities, Coursera shines in its vast and comprehensive exercises and capstone projects that offer you tangible career benefits upon course completion. Even better, you can use Coursera’s mobile app to learn Python even on the go – rocking the coding world has never been this easy!

General Assembly

Take the guesswork out of your Python learning process and delve deeper into high-level programming to unveil the career opportunities in high-growth specializations leveraging the live Python courses run by General Assembly. Besides enrolling in top-notch live classes, you get lifetime access to a community of 70k+ alumni and Python whizzes that will set you up for job success by brushing up your Python skills.