How to Learn Python: A Detailed Guide for Programmers

If you want to know how to learn Python, you’ve come to the right place. Programmers across the globe rely on this popular programming language to develop web and mobile apps, game development and so much more. 

Many aspiring programmers want to know “Is it hard to learn Python?” and “How long does it take to learn Python?”. The good news is Python doesn’t take much time to learn and it’s the best coding language for beginners. 

This detailed guide will give you a complete rundown of how to learn Python, common Python applications, and where to find resources to master this programming language.

Should You Learn Python in 2022?

Yes, you should learn Python in 2022. This coding language is the best for beginners and you’ll be able to complete a range of programming tasks. With Python, coding professionals can stay ahead of the game and develop basic and advanced programs. 

Here are some reasons why you should know how to learn Python in 2022. 

Learning Python will keep you relevant. Learning how to code will keep you in demand as the workforce evolves. Jobs in software development alone are expected to grow in the U.S. at a rate of 21% over the next decade. This rate is described as “much faster than average” by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given how many developers use it, learning more than just basic programming skills for Python will help you in tech. 

Python is similar to English. Many developers describe Python as easy to learn because it resembles the English language in many ways. The basic syntax and code readability makes it a possible learning goal for tech newbies. Python is widely used. Organizations like Quora, YouTube, Dropbox, and IBM rely on Python because it is versatile, simple, and powerful. Python powers tonnes of data science projects, and it’s an excellent option if you don’t know much code. Most tech employees look for this skill.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python?

Learning Python takes three months if you study 10 hours per week. For the first six to eight weeks, you’ll cover the basics like popular libraries, basic operators, and Python’s elegant syntax. If you work full time, spend two to three hours learning Python for five months. 

There are many options available to help you learn Python quickly. You can find coding courses and hundreds of tutorials online. Not forgetting, there are lots of courses that can help you advance to additional topics like data science and machine learning.

What Is Python Used For?

Python is used for tonnes of coding projects as it’s a general-purpose programming language. The community of developers uses Python for:

• Data analysis
• Back-end web development
• Scientific computing
• System scripting

The Best Way to Learn Python for Free

Programmers frequently ask, is Python hard to learn? The answer is no. There are so many online, free resources to help you know how to learn Python. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding this coding language in no time. 

Step 1: Have a Goal in Mind

Before you start learning how to code in Python, determine your motivation. Why do you want to learn how to code in Python? It’s best to understand this so you know what projects you’d like to work on. Once you have a learning goal in mind for Python it will be easy to brainstorm portfolio project ideas. 

There are a few reasons why people learn Python.

• Kick-off their career
• Progress as a programmer
• Expand their skillset

Step 2: Master Programming in Python Fundamentals

You may want to dive into the deep end and create structured projects with intricate code. While there’s no harm in that, Python has a wide range of elements like logical operators and control statements. You’re better off learning the basic concepts first.  

These are the basics of Python for beginners. 

1. Syntax

The syntax is a core part of Python as it defines the structure of this programming language. You can understand syntax as the rules that define how grammar and spelling are relevant in Python. The syntax for Python is much like English. 

When it comes to Python, syntax involves the following topics:

• How a Python program is created
• Variables
• Data types
• Printing statements to the console
• Arithmetic (basic math)
• Comments

2. Conditionals

Conditionals help control the flow of a program. They tell a program that it should run a certain code when a specific condition is met. For example, a conditional statement may tell a program to run a block of code when a user logs in.

3. Loops

When programming, you may want to execute the same block of code multiple times. For example, if you’re building a guessing game, you may want to allow a user five guesses. A loop is a Python feature that lets you run a block of code a certain number of times.

4. Functions

Functions are an essential aspect of Python. They help reduce repetition. By using functions, developers can write code that can be easily reused.

For example, a Python developer could create a function that adds two numbers. Instead of repeating the same block of code every time she needs to add two numbers, she could simply use the function she created.

The main function subtopics in Python to learn are:

• How a function works
• Formal and actual parameters
• User-built functions vs. system functions
• Importing libraries
• The basics of object-oriented programming

5. Lists and Dictionaries

After you’ve learned about functions, you’re ready to start exploring the list data type.

Lists store collections of similar pieces of information as a single variable. For example, a Python list could store a list of shoes sold at a department store. Another Python list could store a list of companies that supply food to a restaurant. Lists make it easy to store similar information in one place. They allow for easier manipulation of that information later.

Dictionaries are similar to lists. Dictionaries give programmers a way to store data with keys and values. Keys act as a label for the values that they store.

The main topics you should cover in these areas are:

• The basics of lists
• How lists are indexed
• The basics of dictionaries
• A comparison of lists and dictionaries
• Python data structures
• How to slice a list and a string
• How to iterate over a list

6. Objects and Classes

Python is an object-oriented programming language. Classes are blueprints for objects. Classes define how an object should be structured and what data it can store. Developers use classes to reduce repetition and increase efficiency in code.

Objects are individual instances of a class. For instance, a class may define the structure of a Player for a game. An object would be an individual player. This object would store values such as the name of that particular player and the date on which they registered to the service.

7. Files

Files are used throughout Python programs. Developers use files to store and retrieve information. Read our guide on reading from Python files for more information on how to work with files.

8. Other Subtopics

These are only some components of the Python programming language. If you master the topics discussed above, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Python expert.

As you continue your journey to learning Python, you’ll encounter more advanced topics. All the more advanced topics are built on the principles we mentioned above. So, once you master the fundamentals, you’ll have no trouble tackling new and complicated aspects of Python.

Step 3: Build Basic Python Projects

The best way to learn how to code is by developing a hands-on project. Building your projects allows you to apply your knowledge and learn through exploration. Before you decide to create an advanced project involving deep learning and artificial intelligence start small. 

Working on open ended and open source projects will help you build a portfolio. You can use your portfolio to showcase your skills to prospective employers. Having a portfolio proves you know more than just the theoretical concepts of Python. 

It may also be a great idea to integrate pair programming. You and a fellow programmer can team up and develop an impressive program. 

Here are a few ways to develop Python projects. 

• Research other programmers’ side projects online for inspiration.
• Look for open source software to which you can contribute. GitHub has a great tutorial on how to contribute to open source here.
• Volunteer your skills to help a local nonprofit.
• Add new features to projects you already built.
• Join an online community like Dev. to, Indie Hackers, or Product Hunt to see what other makers and developers are building or have built.

These are some of the best Python project ideas. 

• A tool that predicts the price of a stock
• A website that showcases a list of top movies
• An app that lets you share your favorite books with friends
• An app that displays election campaign contributions
• A website that allows you to track your habits
• A website for note-taking
• An interactive poker game
• A tool for shortening URLs
• A tool that aggregates content based on interests

Step 4: Progress to Advanced Python Projects

Once you’ve finished working on your first project, you can start to take on more difficult projects. As we mentioned previously, you can also add new features to your existing projects to make them more technically complex and exciting. 

Suppose your first Python project was a movie list site. Your next project could be to build a site that allows others to add to your movie lists. Here are a few questions worth considering as you undertake more advanced projects:

• Can you improve the efficiency of your program?
• Could you add a new feature to your program to make it more functional?
• Can you add a payments feature into your app to allow people to purchase access?
• Is there a way to use an external data source to improve your app’s functionality?
• Can you use a Python library to make your code more efficient?

Ultimately, the projects you work on should be things you want to work on. As soon as you determine an interesting project you think you can build, give it a go. If you encounter a roadblock, go back to Python basics and reach out to developer communities. 

Online Python Learning Resources

The Python developer community prides itself on its stewardship of one of the most popular programming languages in the world. They have managed to keep Python easy to use by creating lecture videos, hands-on video courses and so much more for beginners and advanced learners.  Here’s a long list of resources to know how to learn Python. 

Online Python Courses

Learn Python by Codecademy

• Cost: Codecademy membership (varies)
• Audience: Beginners

Codeacademy’s Learn Python 3 course for beginners is ideal to get started. Course attendees learn logical operators, boolean variables, and data structure in Python. To put your practice in play, there is an opportunity to develop a portfolio project.

This course consists of 11 core classes. There is an optional class to complete Python challenges. It takes around 25 hours to complete this course, and you’ll earn a certificate of completion. 

Complete Python Bootcamp

• Cost: $60.00
• Audience: Beginners

This is an excellent resource to learn Python 2 and 3. Over 23 course sections, you’ll understand comparison operators, Python statements, and web scraping with Python. Udemy includes two milestone projects to hone your skills.

Besides learning the basics of programming with Python, you’ll develop games like Blackjack and Tic Tac Toe. Concluding this course, students complete a capstone project. The course content comprises 22 hours, and it’s self-paced learning. 

Python Fundamentals

• Cost: Pluralsight membership (varies)
• Level: Intermediate

If you’re looking for a concise course that teaches you basic programming skills with Python, look no further. The course content makes up five hours, and students learn Python 3 techniques. You’ll also work on real-world projects, and your first ten days of membership are free.

While this course is quick, there is a certificate of completion available and additional learning material. 

Websites to Learn Python Online

LearnPython.org

Whether you know everything about Python’s key topics or not, this site has valuable resources. There are basic tutorials available, teaching functions, loops, classes, and objects and lists. You can also find advanced learning material on closures, partial functions, and lambda functions.

Once you feel confident in your Python skills, there is a certificate course available from this site. Plus, you can learn additional topics like HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. 

Career Karma Python Guides

CareerKarma offers optimal support to learn Python and connect with like-minded programmers. This opens the opportunity to find the best Python bootcamps, courses, and universities that offer degrees in programming. You can also connect with other developers and do some pair programming,

If you want to rely on this site for all your Python skills, that’s possible too. CareerKarma has a long list of resources to understand Python terminology and learn the difference between its components and applications. 

Python Flask Mega-Tutorial

Flask is a web framework that’s essential to know for Python programming. This website offers a step-by-step video tutorial on how to use Flask for Python. There are 23 chapters of this comprehensive guide and a few of the topics include error handling, Ajax, and application programming interfaces (APIs).

This online resource is highly valuable, but not for beginners. You should first understand Python fundamentals before watching this guide. 

Best Python Tutorials for Beginners

Learn Python by Building Five Games – Full Course | freeCodeCamp

This YouTube tutorial is for beginners and covers crucial topics of Python programming, such as variables, loops, controls, functions, strings, and more. The videos provide straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions, making the series ideal for people without any programming experience.

The content in this video is six hours long, but you would have portfolio projects afterward. Before watching this tutorial understand the basics of Python components. 

Python for Beginners | Programming with Mosh

This six-hour, official Python tutorial for beginners explores all of the fundamental aspects of Python. Part tutorial and part online course, this tutorial starts with basic key topics in Python and progresses into advanced practices. There are also several real-world projects at the end of this tutorial. 

The YouTube content creator who provides this video tutorial also offers other tutorial options for beginners. There are one-hour Python tutorials, tutorials for functional programming with Python, tutorials explaining how to use Python for loops, and more.  

Python for Beginners Tutorial | Kevin Stratvert

Looking to learn the basics of programming with Python in an hour? This tutorial is what you need and covers crucial topics like variables, how to set up and run VS code, and troubleshooting code. Plus, you’ll know how to get an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to optimize your programming tasks.

Unfortunately, you won’t find any more tutorials on this YouTube channel. However, Kevin Stravert has worked for Microsoft for 14 years, so there’s a lot to gain from this beginner tutorial. 

Learn Python in 5 Hours | TechWorld with Nana

This five-hour YouTube tutorial is a detailed introduction to Python for the absolute beginner. The first part of the tutorial introduces you to Python and how to install PyCharm, an integrated development environment (IDE). The video explains the benefits of using PyCharm compared to a simple code editor and then moves on to key aspects of the Python programming language.

This online tutorial covers Python topics such as Python strings, variables, functions and logic, loops, and sets. Some of the Python projects that you will work on in this tutorial are a countdown app and a data automation exercise.

Python Tutorial, Python Course | Intellipaat

Over 11 hours, this tutorial explores key Python programming skills, such as variables, tokens, functions, loops, Python arrays, and modules. There is no prior Python experience you need for this tutorial, and there are hands-on projects available.

Not only will you learn Python basics but the content also covers machine learning in Python. Intellipaat guides Python interviews and job trends for this programming language.

Best Advanced Python Tutorials

Advanced Python Tutorials | Real Python

Experienced programmers looking to improve their craft can try Real Python’s advanced tutorials, which go beyond the fundamentals of programming with Python. There are several tutorial videos on this online platform, each focusing on a unique subset of advanced concepts.

The tutorials can teach you how to use Python to create speech recognition functions, grade books, and text classifications for natural language processing. There are also online books about Python accessible on the site. As a bonus, everything on this excellent platform is free.

Advanced Python for Everybody | Extern Code

Extern Code, together with the University of Michigan, created this comprehensive tutorial for those who wish to move beyond the absolute basics of Python. The entire video runs for 13 hours and covers key programming concepts. It starts with a nice refresher of the fundamentals before mostly focusing on advanced Python programming concepts.

The different sections of this tutorial cover databases, data visualization, web development, web services, and application programming interfaces (APIs). This tutorial is ideal for programmers looking to shift their career path in the direction of data science or data analytics.

Python Advanced Tutorials | NeuralNine

NeuralNine provides a YouTube playlist of 11 intermediate Python tutorials, each focusing on a different aspect of Python, including magic methods, decorators, and generators. These video tutorials are only for learners of an advanced skill level, as there is no foundational recap.

Later in the tutorials, you will learn Python design patterns, such as the factory method, proxy, singleton, and composite. These design patterns are really important for experienced developers looking for better career opportunities in software engineering. The design patterns help professional programmers provide a structure to the programs that they build. 

Advanced Python Tutorial | Python Engineer

Python Engineer offers a series of 21 YouTube videos to learn advanced Python skills. You’ll cover topics like threading vs multiprocessing, how to do multiprocessing in Python, and decorators in Python. Users can also learn the difference between shallow and deep copying in Python and context managers.

If you prefer, there is a written tutorial available for this advanced Python series. You can also get a free NumPy Handbook, and Python Engineer has many more tutorial series for this programming language. 

Learn Advanced Python Concepts | edureka!

This online tutorial is about 33 minutes long and covers advanced topics. It begins with an introduction to advanced Python, as well as some of its key concepts, eventually providing coding exercises to help you practice what you’ve learned. 

As this tutorial uses a practical approach, you will be working on real-time data and completing hands-on projects on your own. Some of the main coding skills you’ll learn here include how to use Python for machine learning and predictive modeling. 

Best Free Python Tutorials

Android Chat App in Python | NeuralNine

If you are interested in creating a messaging app, there’s a YouTube video containing comprehensive instructional material on this very topic. This tutorial by NeuralNine will help you get your feet wet with Python by building a chat app of your own. This particular chat app is compatible with the Android operating system.

Other than building the app itself, this tutorial will help you build a strong server that will help it run smoothly online. The first part of the tutorial teaches you how to establish the server for the app and build lines of code for the server and web client. Additionally, the tutorial will also guide you on how to achieve a good user interface (UI) for the chat app.

Python Tutorial for Beginners: Learn Programming Basics | Guru99

The e-learning platform Guru99 offers this Python tutorial in text form, which is ideal for people who prefer to learn by reading. The entire tutorial can be downloaded in PDF form, and it even has a guide that will help you install Python properly into your computer.

This tutorial starts with programming basics, eventually progressing to specific elements of Python, such as loops, strings, functions, and simple and complex data structures. There is a section dedicated to data science as well, which is free, along with other bonus content. 

Free Python Tutorial for Beginners 2020 | Automation by Rain the Dog

This is another beginner tutorial for aspiring Python developers. Within a little over two hours, you will learn the basics of programming with Python. This video tutorial thoroughly explores how to navigate elements like variables, conditions, and loops.

One of the more notable topics covered in this tutorial is debugging, which is one of the most essential programming skills. The last topics cover object-oriented programming with Python and how to use it as a scripting language.

Expert Python Tutorials | Tech with Tim

This YouTube playlist of video lectures by Tech with Tim is ideal for professional developers. The tutorial is composed of a discussion on how these key topics should be understood on a theoretical level. The latter part is a demonstration of how to use these features to achieve your developer and career goals. 

The first video is an overview of Python and how it works. This is followed by a thorough discussion on magic and dunder methods. This tutorial series also covers classes, decorators, generators, and context managers.

Get into Python | jobtensor

Get into Python is another text tutorial made for Python learners. Its difficulty levels range from beginner to advanced, as it documents all of the important components of Python. The Python packages and libraries it covers include how to learn NumPy, pandas, and SciPy.

The free tutorial is accessible online with all of the important information laid out according to category. The structure of this tutorial starts by covering the basic concepts of Python, eventually advancing to more complicated concepts and applications. There is also a dedicated section on how to use Python for data science.

Online Python Books

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes

This online book is a best-seller amongst aspiring programmers and developers. You can expect to learn all the key topics and advanced applications of Python programming. Some of the libraries you’ll work through include Django, Pygame, Matplotlib, and Plotly.

Before getting into the juicy stuff, the first half of this book covers fundamentals. You’ll learn skills like classes, lists, loops, and variables. 

Python Distilled (Developer’s Library)  by David Beazley

Focusing on Python 3, this book provides expert tips and techniques to use Python and adapt to technology trends. It’s ideal for intermediate or advanced Python programmers to read this book, and the key topics require fundamental Python skills.

From this book, you can learn how to solve data manipulation, functional programming idioms, and practices for I/O handling. 

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart

“Practical programming for total beginners” is the angle of this book. AI Sweigart writes about how to learn Python in a matter of minutes and begin writing your first program. After reading this book, you’ll have the skills to automate all Python tasks and create an efficient workflow. 

This author also offers another book, The Big Book of Small Python Projects. Python newbies can gain tonnes of valuable knowledge and techniques from both online books. 

Is Python Worth Learning?

Yes, it is. Python remains a crucial programming language to learn in 2022. Many people learn Python because it’s versatile, easy to use, and doesn’t require years to understand. If you want to master Python it’s best to start with a goal, learn the basics, develop entry-level projects, and then test yourself with advanced programs.

You can find a long list of online resources available to learn Python. Plus, some of these resources are free, require no experience and you can study at your desired pace. To stay ahead of technology trends and reign the job market, learn Python in 2022. 

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