Top 5 free Python courses: learn python from scratch this 2024
Python has become one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages today. Its versatility and ease of use have led it to be used in a wide variety of industries and fields, from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence. In this article, we'll explore why learning Python is so important and how it can benefit you in your career. We'll also review some of the best free courses available for learning Python from scratch.
Why learn Python?
Learning Python has numerous benefits that can boost your career. First, it is a very versatile language that can be used in a wide range of applications. From web development to task automation to data analysis and artificial intelligence, Python offers powerful tools for solving problems in many different areas.
As for industries where Python is commonly used, we can mention some such as financial technology (fintech), life sciences (bioinformatics), data analytics (data science) and even web development (with frameworks such as Django). The job demand for those with solid Python skills continues to grow every day.
What is Python and what is it used for?
Python is an interpreted programming language with a simple and readable syntax. It was created by Guido van Rossum in the 1990s and has become one of the most popular languages due to its ease of use and wide range of applications.
Python stands out for its emphasis on code readability, which makes it easier for programmers to collaborate and maintain applications over time. In addition, Python offers a plethora of libraries and frameworks that allow programmers to save time by using prefabricated solutions for frequent tasks.
In practice, Python is widely used in web development thanks to frameworks such as Flask and Django. It is also often used in data analysis, where programs such as Pandas and NumPy make it easy to work with large data sets. In addition, because it offers libraries such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, Python is a popular language for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
The best free courses to learn Python from scratch
Now that we've explored the reasons why learning Python can be beneficial, it's time to review some free courses available for those interested in starting from scratch.
In selecting these courses, we have taken into account important criteria such as the quality of the content offered, the completeness of the material presented and the accessibility for different types of students.
Python Codecademy Course
The free course "Learn Python"offered by Codecademy is an excellent choice for those who want to start from scratch with no previous programming experience. The course is structured in interactive lessons that guide you step-by-step through the basics of Python.
An advantage of the course is its hands-on approach, as it allows you to write code from the very beginning. As you progress, you will also have the opportunity to work on real projects to apply your knowledge.
However, one potential drawback is that the free course only covers the basics of Python and does not delve into more advanced topics. For those looking for more comprehensive learning, it may be necessary to supplement this course with additional resources.
Python Coursera Course
Coursera offers a free course called "Python for Everybody"taught by the University of Michigan. This course is designed for beginners and covers both basic concepts and some more advanced topics.
An advantage of the course is its modular structure, which allows you to learn at your own pace and review the materials as needed. In addition, the content is presented in both video and text, making it easy to understand for different learning styles.
However, some students have noted that the pace of the course may be too fast for those without previous programming experience. In addition, although the content is free, there is an option to obtain a certificate for an additional fee.
Python edX course
The edX website offers several free Python-related courses taught by renowned universities such as MIT or Harvard. One of these featured courses is "Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python" offered by MITx.
This course is designed for beginners and covers both basic fundamentals and more advanced Python concepts. In addition, the course includes hands-on exercises and projects to apply what you have learned.
An additional advantage is that edX offers the option of obtaining a verified certificate for an additional fee, which can be beneficial for those who wish to demonstrate their skills to future employers.
SoloLearn is an online platform that offers a free course called "SoloLearn: A Course for the Future".Python 3 Tutorial". This course is designed for beginners and covers the basics of Python through interactive lessons and hands-on challenges.
An advantage of the course is its interactive approach, as it allows you to practice your programming skills directly on the platform. In addition, SoloLearn has an active community where you can interact with other students and receive feedback on your progress.
However, some students have mentioned that the course content may be too superficial and does not delve deeply enough into more advanced topics. For those seeking more comprehensive learning, it may be necessary to supplement this course with additional resources.
Python Udacity Course
Udacity offers several Python-related courses, both free and paid. One of the featured free courses is "Introduction to Python Programming"designed for beginners with no previous programming experience.
This course covers the basics of Python through interactive lessons and hands-on exercises. An added benefit is that Udacity has mentors available to support you during your learning.
However, some students have mentioned that the pace of the course may be too fast for those without previous programming experience. In addition, although the content is free, there is an option to obtain a certificate for an additional fee.
What is the best course to learn Python?
When comparing the courses mentioned above, we can conclude that each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best course to learn Python will depend on your needs and level of experience.
If you are an absolute beginner with no previous programming experience, Codecademy's course can be an excellent choice due to its practical approach and step-by-step structure.
If you already have some programming knowledge or prefer a more flexible pace, the courses offered by Coursera or edX may be right for you. Both offer comprehensive content and the ability to earn verified certificates for an additional fee.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more interactive approach with hands-on challenges and an active community, SoloLearn may be the right platform for you.
Ultimately, choosing the best course will depend on your personal preferences and specific goals. I would recommend exploring the above options and researching additional resources before making your final decision.
Conclusion
Simply put, Python's flexibility and growing demand across a wide range of industries means that studying it can lead to numerous job opportunities. Regardless of your interest in artificial intelligence, web development or data analysis, Python provides solid tools for handling difficult problems.
We've reviewed some free courses that teach Python from scratch, including those offered by Udacity, edX, Codecademy, Coursera, and SoloLearn. When selecting the right course for you, it's critical to consider your needs and level of experience, as each of these offerings has its pros and cons.
Whichever course you decide on, the most important thing is to start your educational journey. Don't wait any longer to start studying Python; it is a fascinating and dynamic language that can help you acquire useful skills in today's digital world.