Where to Find the Best Online Python Courses, Classes, and Training

Python is one of the most versatile and popular general-purpose programming languages in the world. It has 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 on the market. These online courses 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 codes are 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. No need to worry during this pandemic because the best online courses of Python are up for grabs any time you want.

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. 

Python 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.

Python 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.

Why Online Python Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Online Python courses are important for professional development because they teach people how to use this popular language and write efficient code. There is a wide range of Python learning materials available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. You can increase the difficulty as you progress in your training and eventually become a professional Python developer. 

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.

Can You Learn Python Online?

Python is a great language for beginner programmers to learn. Aspiring data scientists and computer science majors must learn this language. There are a lot of Python for beginners courses online that you can easily learn from on your own.

You can go deeper into it to become a Python developer despite the basics of the language being a must-learn for beginner programmers. You can also use it for other endeavors from data science and machine learning to finance and economics.

You can start taking beginner classes now or enhance your already established skill with the available online Python courses today. It might seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be a certified Python programmer.

Overview: The Best Online Python Courses, Classes, or Training

Students can find online courses, classes, and training for Python on bootcamp providers, learning platforms, and even universities. The table below shows the top 15 Python courses you should consider to acquire Python coding skills. 

Provider	Course	Price	Length	Certificate
Thinkful	Data Science Bootcamp	$9,500	26 weeks	Yes
Nucamp	Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python	$1,821	16 weeks	Yes
Le Wagon	Data Science Course	$6,954	9 weeks	Yes
General Assembly	Data Science Immersive	$11,591	12 weeks	Yes
Springboard	Full Stack Web Development: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, Django, and SQL	$9,900	74 hours	Yes
Udemy	The Complete Python Course | Learn Python by Doing	$18.99	35h 19m	Yes
Coursera	Python for Everybody Specialization	$49	34 weeks	Yes
Codecademy	Learn Python 3	$15 monthly	24 hours	Yes
edX	Professional Certificate in Introduction to Python Programming	$536.40	21 weeks	Yes
Udacity	Introduction to Python Programming	Free	5 weeks	No
eCornell	Python Programming Certificate Program	$3,600	3 weeks	Yes
University of Washington	Certificate in Python Programming	$3,747	N/A	Yes
University of Washington	Foundations of Programming (Python)	$1,029	9 weeks	Yes
Harvard University	CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript	Free	12 weeks	Yes
Python Institute	Python Essentials	Free	N/A	Yes

In Detail: The Best Online Classes, Courses, or Training

The Internet is filled with free and paid 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 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 most popular online bootcamps 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 self-paced. 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 students who don’t get tech jobs within the first six months can request a full refund. 

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. The Python course is 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. 

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 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 students with job-ready skills for a tech career.

Before the main classes start, students devote 40 hours to online prep work, which serves as an introduction to programming. This 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. 

Data Science Immersive | General Assembly 

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

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. 

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. 

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, Python fundamentals, object-oriented programming with Python, algorithms and data structures, interacting with APIs, databases

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

Right after you pay the tuition, you will get lifetime access to all the downloadable resources on the course. Even if the video tutorials are pre-recorded, fresh content is added at intervals to ensure that the syllabus matches current industry standards. 

Key Takeaway: The 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free investment in your education. 

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 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 assignments and quizzes.

This free program 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.

Learn Python 3 | Codecademy 

• Learning Format: Certificate course 
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Control flow, loops, 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.

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

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.

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

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 another free online course that is just as effective as many paid beginner courses. Industry professionals put together all the learning materials 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: The program is self-paced so you can study at your own convenience.

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. 

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

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

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

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 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.

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 foundational course for absolute beginners first before you can proceed to more advanced ones. It covers fundamental programming concepts. As part of the course, you will be given access to 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. 

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 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.

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.

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

Read the Syllabus Carefully

Before enrolling in any program, make sure to read the curriculum 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 videos available so you can learn at your convenience. 

Go for a Project-based Curriculum

Like with other 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 opportunity 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.

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, a professional 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 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 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 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.

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 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.