The Best Online Python Courses, Classes, and Training

Python is one of the most versatile and popular general-purpose programming languages in the world. This is one reason why there are so many Python courses online. It also has numerous applications in the world of software development and data science. What’s more, Python is surprisingly easy to learn and use. 

This article is for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Python programming, whether you already have some coding experience or are a complete beginner. We cover the best online Python courses online. These online classes will teach you how to create efficient and simple code as well as the foundational skills to become a business leader and innovator. 

The language is known for its ease of use and its code is the backbone of many popular websites. Python is adaptable, versatile, and brings about a sense of high functionality for web programs. The combination of Python with other languages, like HTML, makes for good results. 

Every budding programmer must take the chance to learn Python. For those strapped for cash, there is a wide range of free Python courses available online that we will cover too.

What Is Python?

Python is an object-oriented programming language. It is an interpreted high-level programming language that is most commonly used to design intuitive websites as well as for data visualization and data analysis. Python is also one of the best tools for software automation. 

It is one of the few high-level programming languages that tech professionals can easily use with other programming languages. In addition, Python is an open-source scripting language, which explains why it can be incorporated easily on a commercial scale. 

Python is a language used to build intuitive websites. It is an object-oriented programming language, and any data you organize is easily controlled in Python.

It is also very popular among programmers because it is easy to use and navigate. Programmers appreciate that Python can be easily mixed with other languages like Java. Being able to combine languages makes for an attractive and reliable website.

Python is highly recommended for beginners, as the language is straightforward. You should consider learning it along with other programming languages.

Python’s Role in Programming

You can rely on Python for software development to data analysis used in data science. Python is useful for modeling even in the fields of economics and finance. In the field of tech development, companies like Slack, Netflix, and Google use Python.

Python is useful for calculating user interface (UI) and desktop applications. The power of Python extends up to its ability to build operating systems similar to Windows and macOS.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Attending an Online Python Course

Which Aspects of Python Would You Like to Learn?

Before signing up for a Python course online, you must first determine which aspects of this language you want to learn. There is a wide range of material to learn when it comes to Python. The topics range from conditional statements in advanced courses to statistical analysis and deep learning. There are coding exercises in Python that apply to all of these cases and more.

Python is a very diverse programming language. It is a great start in the coding world for an absolute beginner. Due to the fact it is so diverse, it can be hard to pinpoint the aspect you want to focus on.

Do your research, and try your hand at a free interactive exercise to help you determine which focus works best for you. After you have gained hands-on experience from a tutorial, you can decide if you’ve made the right choice or if you should shift your focus to some other aspect of this language. Eventually, you will be able to determine which aspect of Python you want to learn, as well as which Python online courses you should commit to.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Python?

Yes, you should attend a coding bootcamp to learn Python if you are looking for an accelerated form of education that only runs for a few months. Bootcamps provide structure and accountability, making them a great option to truly master this language. In addition, the best Python bootcamps give students access to a wide network of hiring partners as well as career mentorship.

How to Learn Python for Beginners

• Online courses. Beginners can opt for one of many online Python courses available to get an intro to the programming language. Through engaging video lectures and basic projects, a certificate program can help you become a professional Python programmer. You can find these courses on online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
• Attend a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps are short, rigorous programs that provide hands-on training to people interested in learning a tech or coding skill. Using real-world examples, students learn basic concepts in Python and industry applications. The best bootcamps are generally open to those with no programming background.
• Get a college degree. College offers a more traditional path to becoming a professional programmer. A programming class in Python will expose students to basic programming concepts. The instructors typically show code samples, give students common programming tasks, and assign basic projects to help them hone their coding skills.
• Read Python books. Reading and practicing with Python programming textbooks can also help develop programming experience. These books walk you through the basic programming concepts and provide sample lines of code. You can then move on to create and apply your own custom functions. Many of these books are available for free online.
• Use interactive programming websites. Several websites, like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp, allow you to learn and practice Python programming. These websites are specifically designed for beginners and entry-level Python programmers. Some of these websites even offer free Python courses. They include text editors, compilers, and designs that will equip you with a good development environment to learn the popular programming language.
• Apply for internships. As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and apply knowledge in real-world instances. The major benefit of internships is that you get industry experience, work with industry professionals, and can often land a job with the company at the end of your training. Entry-level Python programmers can find internship opportunities on job boards, career fairs, and networking events.

The Best Online Python Courses: An Overview

Students can find Python online courses, classes, and training from bootcamp providers, learning platforms, and even universities. The table below shows the top 20 Python online courses you should consider to acquire Python coding skills, or even land a job as a Python developer. 

The Best Online Python Classes, Courses, or Training

The Internet is filled with some of the best online Python courses. Some of them are short introductory courses, while others need your full-time commitment. You should check these out if you aim to hone your Python programming skills.

Data Science Immersive | General Assembly

• Learning Format: Full-time or part-time bootcamp
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Data science fundamentals, advanced machine learning models, deep learning, exploratory data analysis, classical statistical modeling, statistical learning, statistical programming

General Assembly is another bootcamp with significant reach, boasting 30 campuses worldwide. It also has an easy-to-navigate online portal for those who prefer remote learning. In addition, General Assembly hosts free and paid Python workshops at intervals.

At General Assembly, you can learn Python as a part of its data science bootcamp. This program is recommended for those who are looking for a complete career overhaul. The online program runs for about 480 hours.

Key Takeaway: General Assembly currently has over 19,000 hiring partners across the globe. 

Data Science Bootcamp | Thinkful

• Learning Format: Self-paced, part-time bootcamp
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Python, SQL, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Hadoop, Spark

Thinkful is one of the best courses to learn Python. However, you can only learn Python as part of the data science course. This bootcamp teaches students how to derive insights from raw and unstructured data using Python. 

Thinkful’s data science program is part-time and a self-paced learning option. Classes consist of live video lectures running for about 15 to 20 hours weekly. In addition, Thinkful offers monthly installment and deferred payment plans for those who cannot afford the upfront tuition. 

Key Takeaway: Thinkful offers job guarantees so online learners who don’t get tech jobs within the first six months can request a full refund. 

Data Science Course | Le Wagon

• Learning Format: Full-time bootcamp
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Python for data science, data visualization, machine learning, cloud computing, relational databases, SQL

Le Wagon offers an immersive bootcamp on data science that covers Python extensively. While the full-time online Python course runs for nine weeks, part-time courses may run for up to 24 weeks. Both options offer the same quality of intensive education, providing online learners with job-ready coding skills for a tech career.

Before the main classes start, students devote 40 hours to online prep work, which serves as an introduction to practical programming. This solid introduction is followed by one week of interactive lessons. This mandatory introductory work makes this program a great option for people without any foundational knowledge of Python. 

Key Takeaway: Le Wagon places a lot of emphasis on collaborative learning, which is ideal for almost every tech career.

Certificate in Python Programming | University of Washington

• Learning Format: Graduate certificate course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python scripting, data visualization, data analytics, Python best practices, conditional statements

This program by the University of Washington consists of different in-depth courses on practical programming skills and Python techniques. Classes include Programming with Python, Advanced Programming with Python, and Internet Programming with Python. 

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

The classes are online and self-paced, but you also have the option to attend lessons in-person in the Puget Sound region. The university also offers a programming foundations course for those with zero previous programming experience in coding who want to learn Python. 

Key Takeaway: This is a non-credit graduate certificate that you can take even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

Python Programming Certificate | eCornell 

• Learning Format: Graduate certificate program
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Python fundamentals, user-defined functions in Python, data structures, dataset auditing

This program is offered by Cornell University’s online platform, eCornell. It is a standalone certificate program for anyone who wants to master Python. You do not need to be enrolled in any degree program at Cornell University to take this course.

The program starts with the fundamentals of programming using Python and covers topics such as scripting, variables, and functions before moving on to more advanced topics like data structures, machine learning, and neural networks. At the end of the program, the student will also receive a certification of completion.

Key Takeaway: This is a prestigious certificate because it is awarded directly by Cornell University’s online learning platform.

Back End, SQL, and DevOps Developer with Python | Nucamp 

• Learning Format: Full-time bootcamp
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Python Fundamentals, SQL, Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering with DevOps

Nucamp is a reputable bootcamp that is available to students in the United States and abroad. They offer one of the best online Python courses for anyone who wants to explore both data science and software development with Python. The extensive curriculum includes several weeks of workshop training. 

Students should devote eight hours a week to classes and four hours to workshops. This is a hands-on training course. By the end of the program, students will have a large project portfolio to show potential employers.

Key Takeaway: This program offers a perfect combination of theory and practice. Students will work on 12 projects in total. 

Foundations of Programming (Python) | University of Washington

• Learning Format: Standalone class
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python foundations, object-oriented programming, GitHub, web development with Python

If you do not have any experience in Python and only limited experience in coding, you need to take this basic introductory course for absolute beginners first before you can proceed to more advanced concepts. It covers fundamental programming concepts. As part of the course, you will be given access to practical programming tools that you need to complete the hands-on projects. 

Key Takeaway: Income-based scholarships are available to those who can’t afford the tuition. 

Professional Certificate in Introduction to Python Programming | edX

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Computer science, computer programming, Python libraries, object-oriented programming

By devoting just eight to ten hours to self-paced studies weekly, you can complete this introductory course in just five months. Classes are instructor-led, providing structure to students while still retaining the flexibility of an online program. This course also offers learner assistance through an online forum and other additional resources.

Key Takeaway: This is a beginner-level program that requires no prior practical programming experience. 

The Complete Python Course – Learn Python by Doing | Udemy

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Introduction to Python, advanced Python development, mobile development, Python fundamentals, object-oriented programming with Python, algorithms and data structures, interacting with APIs, databases

As the name implies, this Python online course covers the most essential aspects of Python for both data science and web development. There are a total of 344 video lectures that students can access at their convenience. You do not need any prior experience with programming or coding to get started. 

Right after you pay the tuition, you will get lifetime access to on-demand video lectures as well as all the downloadable resources on the course. Even if the online video lectures are pre-recorded, fresh content and interactive exercises are added at intervals to ensure that the comprehensive syllabus matches current industry standards. 

Key Takeaway: The 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free investment in your education. Additionally, this platform has advanced features such as access on mobile to allow learning on the go.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming | Udemy

• Learning Format: Standalone Class
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Python debugging, automating Excel sheets, writing complete programs, functions, strings, and dictionaries

This course offered by AI Sweigart on Udemy provides a comprehensive introduction to Python. The course contains 16 sections, 511 video lectures, and 95 downloadable resources.

Over 1 million learners have enrolled for this course, and you can waive the payment by getting a free coupon on the creator’s Reddit page. No prior experience is required, and you’ll learn all the basic coding skills required to eventually write your own code in Python.

Python for Everybody Specialization | Coursera

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python installation, Python syntax, and semantics, computer programming, data structures, SQL, database management systems, web scraping, XML, JSON, tuples, SQLite

This program is a specialization that includes several coding courses designed by the University of Michigan. It is primarily for those with no Python coding experience who would like to learn the basics of developing a Python app. It involves graded programming assignments and quizzes. Students are also invited to participate in optional code challenges for additional enrichment.

The course has valuable content to help students develop fully functional Python applications. Students learn to analyze, visualize, and scale large and small datasets to become Python professionals.

Key Takeaway: This is a high-quality course on Python programming created by a prestigious university.

Crash Course on Python | Google

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Relevance of Python, Python structures, Python objects, Python scripts

This course offered by Google gives a basic intro to Python for beginners. It teaches everything you’ll need to know about Python, including the built-in function, powerful features, data types, common errors, and compound data structures of the popular programming language.

The program runs for six weeks with five-hour course material each week, but you can go at your own pace. Learners can pay a premium fee to get a Google Automation IT Python Professional Certificate. 

There are no official prerequisites for this course as it serves as a basic introduction to Python. However, although students do not need prior experience with programming, they are required to have a reliable internet connection.

Learn Python 3 | Codecademy 

• Learning Format: Certificate course 
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Control flow, loop statements, lists, functions, strings, modules, classes, files, dictionaries

Python 3 is the newest version of the Python programming language and is also the most common option for web development. This online program covers everything you need to know about Python 3, from Python syntax to loops that reuse Python code. The course has 25 hours worth of content, but you can study at your own pace. There are quizzes, projects, and advice on what you should do after completing the course.

After you complete this online course, you will also be able to access career services. The career services team will help you enroll in follow-up courses, and guide you in creating a professional portfolio. This is beneficial as it assists in opening the door to a different career option for each student.

Key Takeaway: Codecademy offers several flexible payment options to ease the financial burden.

Free Online Python Courses

While some of the best Python courses cost money to enjoy, there are many free Python courses available as well. These courses have the same educational value as their counterparts and will provide a student with the basic knowledge and practical programming experience they need to land programming jobs. Below is a list of the best free online Python courses.

CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript | Harvard University 

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Intermediate 
• Subjects Covered: Computer science, SQL, Python, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Django, React, Bootstrap

This is a free computer science course that covers Python and other practical programming languages. All you have to do is dedicate about six to nine hours per week to learn the ins and outs of Python. Learning is free, but students who want to collect a certificate need to pay a $199 fee. Prior to enrolling, students should have foundational programming knowledge.

Key Takeaway: This program has a wide curriculum that also covers other popular programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and SQL.

Full Stack Web Development: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, Django, and SQL | Springboard 

• Learning Format: Certificate course 
• Level: Beginner to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Front end web development with HTML and CSS, backend web development, databases, version control, Django, Flask

This Springboard course covers everything you need to know about web development and how the web works. Students also get to learn how to use Python in database management and study the role of this language in server-side web development. The course starts with a foundational class and progresses to more advanced aspects of Python, allowing students to come into the program as beginners and leave as Python experts. 

Key Takeaway: Springboard currently has a 100 percent student job placement rate for its software engineering track. 

Python Essential | Python Institute

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner to intermediate 
• Subjects Covered: Universal basic concepts of computer programming, Python syntax, and semantics, data structures, Python library, object-oriented programming

This is a two-part Python program designed for anyone who wants to learn Python programming online, irrespective of their background. It is designed to prepare students for professional certification exams offered by the Python Institute. While the first part covers the basics, the second dives deeper into more advanced topics. 

Key Takeaway: The Python Institute is one of the most important providers of Python-related certification.

Scientific Computing with Python | freeCodeCamp

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Introduction to programming, Python structures, Python functions, strings, lists, dictionaries, tuples, networking, web services, databases, data visualization

The site freeCodeCamp offers this free beginner course that allows people to learn Python and apply their knowledge. It offers five projects on scientific computation for you to work on. The entire course curriculum is 300 hours, and graduates will earn a free certificate upon completing the course.

Intro to Python for Data Science | DataCamp

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Python basics, Python lists, functions and packages, NumPy

This course specifically teaches Python to those who want to apply it in data science. In this introductory online Python course, you will learn about variables, list comprehension, and functions. At the end of the program, you will be able to create your own Python package and use it for computation and analysis. This is a short training program and is completely free.

Introduction to Python Programming | Udacity 

• Learning Format: Hands-on course 
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python programming, control flow, data types, operators, scripting, functions

This is a free online course that is just as effective as many paid beginner courses. Industry professionals put together all the online course material and downloadable resources and even grade some of the interactive quizzes. Apart from the Python library, this course also covers third-party libraries.

Key Takeaway: This is a self-paced training program, so you can study at your own convenience.

Computing in Python | Georgia Institute of Technology

• Learning Format: Certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Computing, practical programming, debugging, procedural programming, variables, logical operators, mathematical operators, arithmetic operations 

Computing in Python was designed for people who want more than just a comprehensive knowledge of Python programming. Students will also gain skills in computer science and procedures and variables in Python such as logical and relational operators. You’ll master the foundations of web development and code, and can opt to receive a certificate of completion for an extra fee.

Python Course Certificates vs Certifications

The terms certificate and certification are often confounded. Many of the courses on this list yield a certificate. This is a credential given out by the school that shows that the student has completed the program.

By contrast, professional Python certification is not awarded by a school but by an independent organization that sets standards in the industry or designs key tools and technologies. A professional Python certification is only awarded after passing an exam and shows that the student has mastered a specific topic or technique.

Importance of Python Certifications

By getting Python certifications, you will be proving to prospective employers that you have an edge over your peers. There is also a solid chance to increase your earning potential when you have a Python certification compared to someone without one. Intermediate and expert certifications may also give you a shot at better jobs in the tech industry. 

Python certifications are incredibly versatile. Web developers, data analysts, mathematicians, machine learning engineers, Artificial Intelligence engineers, deep learning engineers, and game developers can all benefit from acquiring a Python certification. Learning Python and getting certified will also help you diversify your skillset.

Online Python Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

The terms courses, classes, and training are often used interchangeably in the tech industry. However, they have different meanings. Learning the difference between these programs will help you decide which option is right for you. 

Classes are individual lessons offered by traditional schools and bootcamps or as part of massive open online courses (MOOCs). A single Python class runs for about 30 minutes to one hour, but some can last for two hours. Note that there are some standalone classes available for those who want to learn only a specific area of Python development. 

Courses are modules of classes that address broad aspects of Python development. Python courses primarily focus on the theoretical aspects of Python. A course may run for weeks or even months. 

Finally, training is a form of project-based learning in which students learn about Python by using the programming language. Training usually includes some theoretical work, but the bulk of the curriculum is based on real-world projects. Coding bootcamps are generally considered training.

Courses and standalone classes are suitable for people who want to learn specific aspects of Python development. They are ideal for people who already have knowledge of coding but want to master Python. The best way to get a well-rounded Python education is to get a combination of courses and training. 

How to Choose the Right Online Python Course, Class, or Training Program

It may be tempting to jump into any online course labeled ‘the best online Python course’, but it is important to do research before enrolling in any online course or bootcamp. Not every bootcamp or online Python course is right for you. Some courses are better suited for advanced programmers, while others are better for absolute beginner programmers.

The key to finding the right program comes with a little patience and a lot of research. So before making a split-second decision to join the first free Python course you see, take the time to follow these tips to ensure you are enrolling in the best Python courses online.

Read the Syllabus Carefully

Before enrolling in any program, make sure to read the Python course syllabus carefully. You want to make sure that the program you choose covers Python dictionaries, lists, sets, tuples, and strings. Other topics that should be included in the course are object-oriented programming, data structures, modules, packages, web scraping with Python, and expectation handling.

Choose a Flexible Format

Online courses should be flexible by design. The goal is to learn Python at your own pace without worrying about making significant changes to your schedule. Find out how many hours you would be required to dedicate to the course each week and when each class takes place. Also, find out if there are pre-recorded video lectures available so you can learn at your convenience. 

Go for a Project-based Curriculum

Like with other practical programming languages, the best way to learn Python is by using it. Courses should not just teach you the theory; they should also give you plenty of opportunities to apply the skills you learn. 

The best Python courses usually have several projects and coding exercises to work on. Many advanced courses culminate in a capstone project where you get to apply all the skills you have learned. You can determine whether or not the coding courses you are looking at have these qualifications by reviewing the Python course curriculum before enrolling.

Consider the Cost

When considering a Python course online, it is important to research the cost of the program. Some Python courses cost thousands of dollars, while others are more affordable or free. Just because a course costs money it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is better. Compare the course curriculum to a highly-reviewed course and then compare their costs.

If the course seems to cover the same coding skills, practical programming knowledge, and practical experience as a more expensive course, chances are you will be investing your money wisely. Just ensure that these courses have good reviews and follow the other criteria mentioned above. 

Look up the Instructor

An experienced instructor will provide a better overall education experience than new professional instructors who just entered the field. Also, keep in mind that in many of these courses, you will only be interacting with instructors through video lessons. Not everyone is made for a camera, and not everyone can teach through on-demand streaming video.

There are many popular instructor review sites online that will tell you whether or not the experience an alumni had with an instructor was positive or negative. These reviews often provide good insight into the training program and curriculum as well. As a rule of thumb, if the instructor is poorly reviewed, look for a different Python online course.

Why You Should Take Online Python Courses or Classes

Online Python courses and classes are flexible, convenient, and affordable compared to university degrees. You don’t need to enroll in a college for a two or four-year degree just to learn Python. Online courses allow you to learn from the comfort of your home and at your own pace with access to downloadable resources. 

Learning Python will give you access to new employment opportunities and increase your salary potential. You could even get a promotion in your current job due to the extra value you will bring to the company. All in all, taking an online Python course is an investment in your education that could open new and exciting doors.

Python tutorials might not be enough to give you the big picture of the power of this practical programming language. Luckily, there are a lot of online courses around that you can choose from. 

Much of the digital world today uses Python, so it is better to keep up with the trend if you think about landing a tech job.

The programming world flourished because of the always-evolving perspective of programmers over the years. Along with the growth of this industry, the world follows and changes together with its people.

Python Courses Online FAQ