18 Best Python Courses for Beginners [Including Python Learning Paths]

Today we’re looking at the best Python courses for beginners.

🧠 Did you know? According to Data Flair, Python was a hobby project for Guido Van Rossum in 1989? He wanted something to do over Christmas break.

And he called it Python because of… Monty Python.

What is Python?

Python is a general purpose, high-level programming language. It’s object-oriented with built-in data structures. These features enable Python to help developers write clean, logical code for both small and large projects.

It’s generally considered easier to read so is a good language to learn for code newbies.

In addition to web development, Python is used for:

✅ data analytics

✅ machine learning

✅ design

And beyond.

But where do you start learning Python as a beginner?

We picked through piles of courses to bring you the best Python courses for beginners.

And we came up with 18 courses and learning paths where you can start learning Python today.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

TLDR: Best Python Courses for Beginners

It was tough, but we picked three of the best Python courses for beginners:

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Complete Python Developer: Zero To Mastery

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Learn Python 3 from Scratch: Educative.io

💸 Best Value 💸
Python 101: Interactively learn how to program with Python 3: Educative.io

Best Python Courses for Beginners

Here are some of the best Python courses from some of the top online learning platforms.

1. Python 101: Interactively learn how to program with Python 3: Educative.io

💰 Price: $29 for course / $59 per month / $199 per year for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 10 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Educative Certificate: Yes

🧐 Read our full Educative review to find out if it’s worth it.

Python 101 is a massive course to teach you all things Python.

➡️ Python 101 is one of the best Python courses for developers on a budget.

The course contains 43 smaller modules.

But they are separated into 5 manageable parts:

1️⃣ Python basics

2️⃣ subset of Python’s standard library

3️⃣ intermediate material

4️⃣ small tutorials

5️⃣ Python packaging and distribution

Some concepts covered include:

✅ strings

✅ lists, tuples, dictionaries

✅ exception handling

✅ logging

✅ functions

✅ classes

✅ decorators

✅ Python code analysis

And much, much more.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of beginning and intermediate Python concepts.

And you should be able to create programs.

Educative.io is an interactive learning platform.

So you’ll be doing all of your work in the same browser using 213 coding playgrounds.

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2. Learn Python 3 from Scratch: Educative.io

💰 Price: $0 to audit course / $59 per month / $199 per year for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 10 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Educative Certificate: Yes

The modules in Learn Python 3 from Scratch are jam-packed with information in digestible sections.

➡️ Learn Python 3 from Scratch is one of the best Python courses for beginners.

You’ll first learn the basic building blocks of Python.

Then after learning the fundamentals, you’ll work on more difficult concepts like functions and loops.

There are 8 modules in Learn Python 3 where you’ll learn:

✅ data types and variables

✅ conditional statements

✅ functions

✅ loops

✅ data structures

✅ libraries

And more.

In addition, there are two Python Exams.

One is administered halfway through the course. And the other is at the end.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to build simple Python applications.

Educative.io is an interactive learning platform.

So you’ll do all work in the browser using:

10 coding challenges

150 coding playgrounds

6 quizzes

And 63 illustrations.

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3. Full Speed Python: Educative.io

💰 Price: $39 for course / $59 per month / $199 per year for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 9 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Educative Certificate: Yes

If you like life in the fast lane, Full Speed Python might be the course for you.

Instead of going slow and steady, you’ll go head first into the wild world of Python.

➡️ Full Speed Python is one of the best Python courses for beginners who are familiar with programming fundamentals.

In addition to basic Python syntax, you’ll learn methods specific to Python 3.

Full Speed Python contains 9 modules:

✅ Basic Data Types

✅ Lists

✅ Modules and Functions

✅ Iteration & Loops

✅ Dictionaries

✅ Classes

✅ Iterators

✅ Generators

✅ Asynchronous Programming

Educative.io is an interactive learning platform.

So you’ll do all your work in the browser with:

45 coding challenges

120 coding playgrounds

7 quizzes

And 274 illustrations.

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4. Complete Python Developer: Zero To Mastery

💰 Price: $39 per month / $279 per year
⏲️ Duration: 30 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Zero To Mastery Certificate: Yes

🧐 Read our full review of Complete Python Developer.

Complete Python Developer is a course on the Zero To Mastery platform.

Is was created by the esteemed instructor Andrei Neagoie.

The idea behind the Zero to Mastery platform is that you can start learning a programming language, technology or skill with no prior experience.

And by the end of the course, you’ll be a master of the craft.

In this case, a Python developer.

➡️ Complete Python Developer is one of the best Python courses for beginners.

Some things you’ll learn include:

✅ beginner, intermediate and advanced Python topics

✅ object-oriented programming

✅ machine learning with Python

✅ using Python to send emails and SMS

✅ testing, debugging and handling errors

✅ functional programming

✅ setting up authentication and user accounts

✅ how to use Python in web development

And much, much more.

You’ll work on 12 Python projects throughout the course such as building:

✅ a web scraper

✅ a Twitter bot

✅ your new portfolio website

And much more.

Zero To Mastery is a video-based learning platform.

So while Andrei will give you complete walkthroughs, you’ll be doing all work outside of the browser.

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5. Python Basics: Treehouse

💰 Price: $29.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo)
⏲️ Duration: 4 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and interactive learning
🎖️ Treehouse Certificate: No

Python Basics is just that: an absolute basic introduction to the Python programming language.

➡️ Python Basics is one of the best Python courses for beginners who want to learn just the basics.

You’ll learn about fundamental programming concepts in Python such as:

✅ input and output

✅ conditional branching

✅ loops

And exception handling.

The course is separated into 4 modules:

✨ Meet Python – learn about scripts, the Python Shell, syntax and errors

✨ Types and Branching – learn about numbers, strings, operators

✨ Functions and Looping – learn about functions, loops, raising exceptions

✨ All Together Now – apply your skills to a project: a ticket purchasing application

By the end of this course, you’ll have a core understanding of Python fundamentals.

Treehouse is a video-based learning platform.

However, you’ll be working on plenty of interactive exercises and quizzes throughout this course.

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6. Write Better Python: Treehouse

💰 Price: $29.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo)
⏲️ Duration: 1.25 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and interactive learning
🎖️ Treehouse Certificate: No

Write Better Python is a beginner course, but you should already have a basic understanding of Python under your belt.

➡️ Write Better Python is a good follow-up to the Treehouse course Python Basics, another one of our best Python courses for beginners.

This course is to help you format your Python code to match the standard.

So that means looking at the Python style guide. In addition, you’ll examine docstrings, logging and the Python Debugger.

The course is separated into 2 sections:

✨ Section 1 – Cleaner Code

Here’s where you’ll learn how to keep your Python programming up to standard. You’ll use two Python Enhancement Proposals to make your code cleaner and more attractive.

✨ Section 2 – Buggy Logs

Learn how to use a debugger inside your code. This makes your bugs smaller and more manageable.

Treehouse is a video-based learning platform.

But in this course, you’ll work on plenty of interactive exercises throughout the course.

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7. Learn Python 3: Codecademy Pro

💰 Price: $39.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo)
⏲️ Duration: 30 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning and video
🎖️ Codecademy Certificate: Yes

Using interactive exercises, you’ll learn fundamental programming concepts as they apply to Python.

➡️ Learn Python 3 is one of the best Python courses for beginners who like getting hands-on.

With 11 modules, you’ll learn about:

✅ control flow

✅ functions

✅ lists

✅ loops

✅ strings

✅ dictionaries

✅ classes

✅ function arguments

And many more Python fundamentals.

In addition to exercises, you’ll work on quizzes and multiple mini projects throughout the course.

Some mini projects include magic 8-ball, a pizza app, and Scrabble.

Codecademy has an interactive learning environment.

So you’ll do all of your work in the same browser as the exercises and instructions.

There are also a few videos to reinforce more difficult concepts.

If you enjoy Learn Python 3, it may be worth exploring Codecademy Pro’s Python skill paths.

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8. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python): Coursera

💰 Price: $49 per month
⏲️ Duration: 19 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and readings
🎖️ Coursera Certificate: Yes

Programming for Everybody is meant to teach newbies how to program computers using Python.

➡️ Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) is one of the best Python courses for beginners with no prior programming experience.

You’ll learn the basics like constructing a program using a series of instructions.

But first, you’ll learn how to install Python.

Then you’ll write your first program.

Next, you’ll learn the basics of Python.

Finally, you’ll learn how to use programming tools like functions and loops.

The course contains 7 modules. Here you’ll learn about:

✅ why we program

✅ installing and using Python

✅ variables and expressions

✅ conditional code

✅ functions

✅ loops

✅ iteration

And beyond.

Coursera is a video-based platform.

However, this course also has exercises, quizzes and readings.

What Python developers are saying about Programming for Everybody:

Great introduction to Python and programming as a whole.

– SG, Programming for everybody STUDENT

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9. Crash Course on Python: Coursera

💰 Price: $49 per month
⏲️ Duration: 32 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and interactive learning
🎖️ Coursera Certificate:

Crash Course on Python is another course on Coursera. But you can expect to move at a faster pace than Programming for Everybody.

➡️ Crash Course on Python is one of the best Python courses for beginners on an accelerated learning path.

In this course you’ll learn the basics of writing computer programs.

So you’ll learn how Python is used in automation.

Then you’ll learn about basic Python structures like strings, lists and dictionaries.

You’ll also build Python objects.

Finally you’ll write Python scripts to perform animated action.

There are 5 modules in Crash Course on Python where you’ll learn about:

✅ Python introduction

✅ basic Python syntax

✅ loops

✅ strings, lists and dictionaries

✅ object-oriented programming

Then there’s a final project where you’ll implement a script to generate word clouds.

Coursera is a video-based learning platform.

However, you will be working on interactive exercises.

In addition, there are readings and quizzes.

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10. Introduction to Python: DataCamp

💰 Price: $25 per month / $33.25 per month (access to all projects)
⏲️ Duration: 4 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning and video
🎖️ DataCamp Certificate: Yes

Introduction to Python is a little different than the other best Python courses for beginners.

➡️ Introduction to Python is one of the best Python courses for beginners interested in learning data science.

So if you know you want to take your Python skills down the data science path, this course may be for you.

However, if you aren’t interested in data science, you should probably skip this course.

In addition to learning some core Python fundamentals, you’ll learn about storing and manipulating data and using data science tools.

There are 4 modules in this course:

✨ Python Basics

✨ Python Lists

✨ Functions and Packages

✨ NumPy

DataCamp uses a combination of interactive learning and video to reinforce concepts.

So even though you’ll be watching some videos, you’ll still do all of your work in the same browser.

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11. Python: The Big Picture: Pluralsight

💰 Price: $29 per month / $299 per year ($24.91 per month)
⏲️ Duration: 1 hour
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Pluralsight Certificate: Yes

Python: The Big Picture is a perfect starting point to get your feet wet with Python.

➡️ Python: The Big Picture is one of the best Python courses for beginners who want a general overview of Python.

Instead of diving right into Python projects, you’ll start by learning the basics. This includes learning what Python is, where it’s used and how to get started.

In addition, you’ll understand when Python is the right choice for solving problems.

There are only 4 modules in this hour-long introductory course:

✨ What is Python?

✨ When and Where is Python being used?

✨ First Steps with Python

✨ Continuing your Journey

After this general overview, we recommend moving on to the Pluralsight course Core Python: Getting Started.

Pluralsight courses are video-based. So you’ll be doing your work outside of the browser.

But they’ll give you instructions on how to set up what you need to successfully complete their courses.

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12. Core Python: Getting Started: Pluralsight

💰 Price: $29 per month / $299 per year ($24.91 per month)
⏲️ Duration: 4 hours
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Pluralsight Certificate: Yes

Core Python: Getting Started is the logical next course to take after Pluralsight’s Python: The Big Picture.

➡️ Core Python: Getting Started is one of the best Python courses for beginners who are ready to tackle Python essentials.

This includes learning about core components of the Python standard library.

In addition, you’ll develop the skills to work on various Python projects.

With 10 modules, you’ll learn about:

✅ installing Python

✅ objects and types

✅ modularity

✅ built-in collections

✅ iteration and iterables

And beyond.

Pluralsight is a video-based platform where you do all work outside of the browser.

However, Pluralsight will show you how to set up your dev environment.

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Learning Paths

Learning paths are a combination of curated courses. They’re intended to give you a complete education on a particular discipline.

In this case, Python.

So you’ll start at the beginner level. But you’ll work your way up to intermediate and advanced topics.

In theory, you should be proficient in Python skills at the completion of these learning paths.

13. Python for Programmers: Educative.io

💰 Price: $59 per month / $199 per year for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: Unknown
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Educative Certificate: Yes

The Python for Programmers learning path is meant for students with previous programming experience.

➡️ Python for Programmers is one of the best Python courses for beginners who are ready to adapts their experience to Python programming.

In addition to learning Python fundamentals, you’ll learn how to:

✅ use data structures in Python

✅ use object-oriented programming (OOP) to write cleaner code

✅ master advanced concepts in Python

And more.

There are 4 course-length modules in the Python for Programmers learning path:

✨ Course 1 – Python Fundamentals

✨ Course 2 – Object-Oriented Programming in Python

✨ Course 3 – Data Structures and Algorithms in Python

✨ Course 4 – Advanced Concepts in Python

Educative.io uses interactive learning to teach students.

So there are no videos.

Instead, there are a total of 386 lessons which include:

✅ 19 quizzes

✅ 519 coding playgrounds

✅ 32 challenges

✅ 467 code snippets

✅ 715 illustrations

And you’ll do all work in the browser.

Read our full review of Python for Programmers.

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14. Python Development Techdegree: Treehouse

💰 Price: $199 per month
⏲️ Duration: 3+ months
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and interactive learning
🎖️ Treehouse Certificate: Yes

The Python Development Techdegree is project-heavy, similar to a coding bootcamp.

Throughout the Techdegree, you’ll be working on various projects to reinforce learned concepts.

You’ll create 5 portfolio-ready projects in the Python Development Techdegree:

✨ Project 1 – The Number Guessing Game

Build a console number guessing game.

✨ Project 2 – Basketball Stats Tool

Build a statistics tool to divide players into teams.

✨ Project 3 – Phrase Hunters

Create a word guessing game using Python and OOP.

✨ Project 4 – A Store Inventory

You’ll build an app that loads an existing store’s inventory data. Transfer it from a CSV file into a Sqlite database.

✨ Project 5 (Capstone Project) – Build a Learning Journal with Flask

Learn how to create a blog-like journal using HTML, CSS, and Flask (a Python framework).

Treehouse uses video-style learning.

But for Techdegrees, there are also in-browser exercises, workspaces and quizzes.

In addition, Treehouse offers peer reviews for their Techdegrees. This way you can give and receive feedback on projects.

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15. Computer Science: Codecademy Pro

💰 Price: $39.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo)
⏲️ Duration: 5 months
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning and video
🎖️ Codecademy Certificate: Yes

In Computer Science, you’ll learn the fundamentals of computer science using Python programming.

This includes data structures and algorithms, which are crucial to writing more efficient code.

You’ll also learn to ace technical interviews.

But most importantly, you’ll master Python in the process.

With 14 modules, you’ll learn about:

✅ data an iteration

✅ Python objects

✅ linear data structures

✅ recursion with Python

✅ sorting algorithms with Python

✅ asymptotic notation

And beyond.

In addition to various exercises, you’ll build projects.

By the end of this course, you’ll gain a mastery of Python.

Also, you’ll be able to write efficient code.

And ace technical coding interviews.

Codecademy Pro teaches using a blend of interactive learning and occasional videos.

So you’ll do all work in the browser alongside the exercise instructions.

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16. Python for Everybody Specialization: Coursera

💰 Price: $49 per month
⏲️ Duration: 8 months
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and readings
🎖️ Coursera Certificate: Yes

The Python for Everybody Specialization introduces fundamental programming concepts in Python.

This includes data structures, databases, networked application program interfaces and beyond.

Some skills you’ll learn include:

✅ writing your first programing

✅ using variables to store, retrieve and calculate information

✅ use tools like functions and loops

And much, much more.

There are 5 courses in the Python for Everybody Specialization:

✨ Course 1- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

Learn how to construct a program from simple instructions using Python.

✨ Course 2 – Python Data Structures

Learn some of the core data structures of Python.

Course 3 – Using Python to Access Web Data

Learn how the Internet can be used as a source of data. You’ll scrape, parse, and read web data and access this data using web APIs.

✨ Course 4 – Using Databases with Python

Here is where you’ll learn about Structured Query Language (SQL). Also you’ll learn about database design.

✨ Course 5 – Capstone Project

Finally, design and create applications intended for data retrieval, processing and visualization.

Each course on Coursera is comprised of video lessons, readings and quizzes.

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17. Python 3 Programming Specialization: Coursera

💰 Price: $49 per month
⏲️ Duration: 5 months
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video and readings
🎖️ Coursera Certificate: Yes

The Python 3 Programming Specialization teaches the fundamentals of Python 3.

In addition to learning fundamentals like variables and loops, you’ll learn more intermediate concepts such as keyword parameters, lambda expressions and class inheritance.

You’ll also learn how to:

✅ use third party libraries with Python 3

✅ detect text in images through optical character recognition (OCR)

✅ apply open source computer vision library (opencv) to detect faces in images

And beyond.

There are 5 courses in the Python 3 Programming Specialization:

✨ Course 1 – Python Basics

✨ Course 2 – Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries

✨ Course 3 – Data Collection and processing with Python

✨ Course 4 – Python Classes and Inheritance

✨ Course 5 – Python Project – Pillow, tesseract, and opencv

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to write programs that query Internet APIs and extract information from them.

Each of the courses on Coursera is comprised of video lessons, readings and quizzes.

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18. Core Python: Pluralsight

💰 Price: $29 per month / $299 per year ($24.91 per month)
⏲️ Duration: Unknown
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Pluralsight Certificate: Yes

The Core Python learning path has a whopping 15 courses and 5 projects.

So you’ll be working on everything from Python basics to building your own command-line interface planner app using Python abstract base classes.

Now that doesn’t make sense now, but it will as you progress along this learning path.

Some of these courses may look familiar to you. In particular, Python: The Big Picture and Core Python: Getting Started.

That’s because we included them in our list of best Python courses for beginners.

Some other courses include:

✨ Core Python: Robust Resource and Error Handling

✨ Core Python: Numeric Types, Dates, and Times

✨ Unit Testing with Python

✨ Core Python: Hashing and More Collections

✨ Advanced Generators and Coroutines

And the list goes on.

Projects are sprinkled throughout the 15-course Pluralsight learning path.

These Pluralsight projects are made easier with a step-by-step process:

✅ First you’ll set up your local developer environment with a video walkthrough.

✅ Next, you’ll follow a video walkthrough while building your project. This gives you direction from start to finish.

✅ Finally, you’ll submit your code to Pluralsight for review.

Pluralsight courses and projects are video-based. So you’ll be doing all work outside of the browser.

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Best Python Courses for Beginners: Conclusion

So today we looked at 18 of the best Python courses and for beginners.

And we had to make the difficult decision to pick the best of the best.

Here are today’s winners:

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Complete Python Developer in 2021 – Zero To Mastery

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Python Basics – Treehouse

💸 Best Value 💸
Learn Python 3 from Scratch – Educative.io

Happy Python programming!

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• 17 Best Java Courses for 2021 [Beginner & Intermediate Java Courses]
• Treehouse Techdegree Review [Is a Techdegree worth it?]
• Treehouse vs Codecademy Pro [Best Coding Platform in 2021]