Today we’re looking at the best Python resources for beginners.
🧠 Did you know? Pythoneer Tim Peters wrote the poem “The Zen of Python” to highlight Python’s guiding principles.
What are some companies that use Python?
According to Data Flair, some companies that use Python include:
✅ NASA
✅ Nokia
✅ Spotify
✅ Shutterstock
And many, many more.
What are the best Python resources for beginners?
Some of the best Python resources for beginners include:
1️⃣ courses
2️⃣ books
3️⃣ YouTube videos
4️⃣ tutorials
5️⃣ podcasts
6️⃣ newsletters
And in today’s article, we’re showing you all of these.
This post contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation if you buy something. Read our disclosure for more details.
TLDR: 30 Best Python Resources for Beginners
🐍 Course: Learn Python 3 from Scratch: Educative.io
🐍 Book: Head First Python
🐍 YouTube Video: freeCodeCamp Learn Python – Full Course for Beginners
🐍 Tutorial: Learn Python – Free Interactive Tutorial
🐍 Podcast: Talk Python to Me
🐍 Newsletter: Python Weekly
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: COURSES
Now let’s look at some of the best Python courses for beginners.
1.✨ Learn Python 3 from Scratch: Educative.io
💰 Cost: $59 per month / $199 per year
🖥️ Format: Interactive
⏲️ Duration: 10 hours
💪 Support: Yes
🎖️ Certificate: Yes
🐍 Find out why we love Educative.io with our full Educative review.
| Lessons | 75 |
| Quizzes | 6 |
| Challenges | 10 |
| Playgrounds | 150 |
| Code Snippets | 51 |
| Illustrations | 63 |
Using playgrounds, code snippets, illustrations and quizzes, you’ll learn about Python from the ground up.
➡️ Learn Python 3 from Scratch is one of the best Python resources for beginners who learn best with hands-on instruction.
Educative.io has no videos. This is so you can absorb information faster… Rather than wasting time scrubbing through endless videos.
Learn Python 3 from Scratch starts off by teaching you what Python is and how to write your first line of code.
Also, you’ll learn Python fundamentals before moving to more complex concepts like data structures and libraries.
Because of its interactive learning style and simplistic approach, Learn Python 3 from Scratch is one of our top picks for Python resources for beginners.
2.✨ Full Speed Python: Educative.io
💰 Cost: $59 per month / $199 per year
🖥️ Format: Interactive
⏲️ Duration: 9 hours
💪 Support: Yes
🎖️ Certificate: Yes
| Lessons | 119 |
| Quizzes | 7 |
| Challenges | 45 |
| Playgrounds | 120 |
| Code Snippets | 37 |
| Illustrations | 274 |
While geared towards beginners, Full Speed Python is an accelerated approach to Python. Therefore, it’s recommended for students who are already familiar with programming fundamentals.
➡️ Full Speed Python is one of the best Python resources for beginners who learn quickly.
Full Speed Python focuses on Python 3, the most up-to-date version of Python.
As mentioned before, Educative.io has no videos. So you can learn information faster without watching endless videos.
This highly interactive course uses code snippets, playgrounds, challenges and quizzes to reinforce concepts.
You’ll start with Python fundamentals such as:
✅ basic data types
✅ lists
✅ functions
From there, you’ll graduate to more complex concepts like:
✅ iterators
✅ generators
And beyond.
3.✨ Introduction to Python: DataCamp
💰 Cost: $25 per month / $300 per year
🖥️ Format: Interactive and video
⏲️ Duration: 4 hours
💪 Support: Yes
🎖️ Certificate: Yes
🐍 Read our review of Introduction to Python here.
DataCamp uses a blend of videos and interactive lessons to reinforce concepts.
Introduction to Python is a little different than the other Python courses we listed.
➡️ Introduction to Python is one of the best Python resources for beginners interested in learning data science.
So you will learn Python from a data science approach.
For example, you’ll learn how to store and manipulate data.
In addition, you’ll learn about powerful data science tools you can use to conduct analyses.
Key topics covered include:
✅ lists
✅ functions and packages
✅ NumPy
And more.
So if you want to learn data science, it might be worth getting a subscription to DataCamp.
4.✨ Learn Python 3: Codecademy Pro
💰 Cost: $39.99 per month / $239.88 per year
🖥️ Format: Interactive and video
⏲️ Duration: 25 hours
💪 Support: Yes
🎖️ Certificate: Yes
🐍 Read our review of Learn Python 3 here.
Using a combination of lessons, quizzes and projects, Learn Python 3 starts with general programming fundamentals.
➡️ Learn Python 3 is one of the best Python resources for beginners who prefer interactive learning alongside video.
It covers key concepts in Python such as:
✅ syntax
✅ functions
✅ control flow
And more.
Then you’ll work on some more complex topics such as:
✅ dictionaries
✅ classes
✅ function arguments
And beyond.
Also, there are some videos to explain more difficult concepts like tuples.
5.✨ Complete Python Developer: Zero to Mastery
💰 Cost: $39 per month / $279 per year
🖥️ Format: Video
⏲️ Duration: 30 hours
💪 Support: Yes
🎖️ Certificate: Yes
🐍 Read our Complete Python Developer review.
Complete Python Developer is a course for absolute beginners.
➡️ Complete Python Developer is one of the best Python resources for beginners who are motivated to go beyond the basics.
With over 30 hours of video, you’ll learn about beginner, intermediate and advanced Python topics including:
✅ Python fundamentals
✅ functional programming
✅ debugging
✅ web development
✅ automation
And MUCH, much more.
In addition, you’ll build 12 real-world Python projects.
Similar to DataCamp, you’ll also learn about data science and machine learning concepts.
Use code FRIENDS10 to SAVE 10%
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: BOOKS
Now let’s dive into some of the best Python books for beginners.
6.✨ Learn Python Programming
Learn Python Programming is a bit different from your typical programming book.
➡️ Learn Python Programming is one of the best Python resources for beginners who want to work on interactive tutorials and hands-on projects.
You’ll begin by learning Python fundamentals.
Then, you’ll explore the foundations of Python and learn how it can be manipulated.
Finally, you’ll learn about:
✅ best approaches
✅ debugging
✅ performance optimization
✅ writing reusable code
And much more.
7.✨ Python Crash Course
Python Crash Course is another book with a project-based approach to programming in Python.
➡️ Python Crash Course is one of the best Python resources for beginners who work at a fast pace.
The first half of the book covers basic programming concepts like variables, loops and lists. In addition, you’ll practice writing code with multiple exercises.
The second half of the book contains 3 projects:
✅ Space Invaders-style arcade game
✅ data visualizations with Python libraries
✅ deploy a web app
By the end of the book, you should be able to build your own Python applications.
8.✨ Head First Python
Head First Python is jam-packed with fun illustrations, quirky fonts and tons of examples.
With this fun approach, learning Python fundamentals is almost a breeze.
➡️ Head First Python is one of the best Python resources for beginners who are visual learners.
Your brain is sure to be stimulated with the learning methods used in Head First Python.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll start working on more complex concepts like:
✅ building your own web app
✅ database management
✅ data wrangling
And beyond.
9.✨ Learning Python
Learning Python is geared towards absolute newbies.
➡️ Learning Python is one of the best Python resources for beginners with no prior programming experience.
With illustrations, exercises and quizzes, this book teaches Python 2 and Python 3.
You’ll learn about:
✅ Python syntax
✅ functions
✅ classes
And more.
In addition, you’ll learn how to write large programs.
Finally, Learning Python touches on advanced topics like processing Unicode, descriptors and metaclasses.
10.✨ Python for Beginners
Python for Beginners is a crash course guide to learn Python programming in 1 week.
➡️ Python for Beginners is one of the best Python resources for beginners who want to learn in a short amount of time.
First you’ll learn the absolute basics like:
✅ Python background
✅ how to install Python
✅ interacting with Python
Then you’ll move on to beginner concepts such as:
✅ booleans
✅ for loops
✅ constructing classes
✅ defining objects
By the end of this course-like book, you will be able to complete simple Python projects.
Keep in mind that you will learn Python fundamentals in this guide. But you will not have a complete comprehension of Python concepts.
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Now let’s dive into some of the best Python YouTube videos for beginners.
11.✨ freeCodeCamp Learn Python – Full Course for Beginners [Tutorial]
Learn Python -Full Course for Beginners by freeCodeCamp is about 4 1/2 hours long.
In that time, you’ll learn about absolute basics such as:
✅ installing Python
✅ setting up Python
✅ Hello World
And beyond.
Then, you’ll learn about core concepts in Python such as:
✅ if statements
✅ for loops
✅ lists
✅ functions
And much more.
12.✨ Python Tutorial – Python for Beginners [Full Course]
Python Tutorial – Python for Beginners is a 6 hour course by Programming with Mosh.
In that time, you’ll learn how to install Python and execute code.
Then you’ll work on core concepts in Python.
In addition, you’ll build games, create a usable function and generate random values.
Finally, you’ll work on 3 projects:
1️⃣ Automation with Python
2️⃣ Machine Learning with Python
3️⃣ Building a Website with Django
13.✨ Python Tutorial for Beginners
Python Tutorial for Beginners by Telusko is a 110-video playlist.
Each tackles a new topic in Python.
You’ll learn Python fundamentals like:
✅ tuples
✅ dictionaries
✅ arrays
✅ loops
And much, much more.
Then you’ll work on more complex concepts like bubble sort, socket programming and Python GitHub code contributions.
14.✨ Python As Fast as Possible – Learn Python in ~75 Minutes
Pay attention to the name, because the aim of this Python tutorial is to teach you as fast as possible.
Clocking in at about 75 minutes, you’ll whiz through various Python concepts.
And while the video is a speedy whizbang, you’ll be spending much more time on learning concepts outside of the video.
It just explains the concepts, but it’s your job to spend time familiarizing yourself with them.
15.✨ Learn Python by Building Five Games – Full Course
Learn Python by Building Five Games is another gem by freeCodeCamp.
Clocking in at almost 7 hours, you’ll learn Python while building five different games:
1️⃣ Pong
2️⃣ Snake
3️⃣ Connect Four
4️⃣ Tetris
5️⃣ Online Multiplayer Game
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: TUTORIALS
Now let’s take a look at some of the best Python tutorials for beginners.
16.✨ The Python Tutorial (Official)
The Python Tutorial introduces the basic concepts of Python.
But it doesn’t cover all features and concepts. Rather it introduces some of Python’s most commonly used features.
The tutorial is intended to give you a general understanding of Python. In addition, you’ll be able to read and write Python programs.
17.✨ Python Basics
Python Basics uses examples to teach you how to write Python code.
You’ll start with the basics of Python like strings and variables.
In addition, you’ll learn some more advanced concepts like:
✅ object oriented programming
✅ audio (text to speech)
✅ plotting
And much more.
Furthermore, you’ll learn about GUI bindings like PyQt and GUI builders like TKinter.
18.✨ Python Tutorials – Real Python
With Python Tutorials, you can select tutorials based on topic and difficulty.
And there are plenty of basic Python tutorials.
Some tutorials are text-based while others are video-based.
Some topics include:
✅ Formatting Python Strings
✅ Simplify Looping with Counters
✅ The Python Return Statement
✅ Numbers in Python
✅ Find & Fix Code Bugs in Python
And much more.
19.✨ Learn Python – Free Interactive Tutorial
Learn Python has over 26 interactive Python tutorials.
They cover beginner, advanced and data science tutorials.
Beginner concepts include strings, conditions, loops and functions.
Also, keep in mind that these tutorials are interactive. So you’ll be able to use the embedded code editor to practice coding.
20.✨ Python Tutorial – A Complete Guide
The Python Tutorial – A Complete Guide by TechBeamers touts itself as a one-stop guide for Python newbies.
Each Python concept has its own complete tutorial.
In addition to reading, there are ample code snippets.
Also, there are Python:
✅ interview questions
✅ quizzes
✅ tips and tricks
And more.
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: PODCASTS
Now let’s take a peek at some of the best Python podcasts for beginners
21.✨ Python Bytes
Co-hosts Michael and Brian cover everything from Python basics to advanced topics in this lively podcast.
Python Bytes has hundreds of episodes covering all things Python.
The downside is that you can’t look up podcasts by topic. Also, many of the podcast topics aren’t clearly defined by the title.
22.✨ Talk Python to Me
Talk Python to Me is a fun podcast largely due to their expansive guests in the field.
In addition, there are hundreds of episodes and the topics are clearly defined.
Definitely check out Talk Python to Me for a professional, engaging experience.
23.✨ The Python Podcast.__init__
This is a unique podcast in that it seems more… sophisticated than most podcasts.
This is included in our list of Python resources for beginners. But we recommend becoming familiar with Python before diving into this podcast.
Otherwise you will be totally lost.
24.✨ The Real Python Podcast
The Real Python Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Christopher Bailey.
It offers Python tips and tricks.
Also some related web developer topics.
In addition, there are interviews with industry experts.
25.✨ Teaching Python
Teaching Python is a podcast by two middle school teachers Kelly and Sean.
They wanted to teach kids how to learn Python, so they learned it themselves.
In this podcast, they share their stories about middle schoolers through the lens of Python.
💥 Python Resources for Beginners: NEWSLETTERS
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the best Python newsletters for beginners.
26.✨ PyCoder’s Weekly
PyCoder’s Weekly is an email newsletter on all things Python development.
In addition, it covers other topics within the Python community.
27.✨ The Real Python Newsletter
Real Python also has a newsletter.
Python developers receive weekly Python programming and career tips.
28.✨ Python Weekly
Python Weekly is filled with Python news, new releases, articles and more.
In addition, you’ll learn about upcoming webinars.
The newsletter is organized and packed with quality content.
29.✨ Awesome Python Newsletter
Awesome Python really is awesome.
But this is another newsletter where you should be a bit familiar with Python before signing up.
So take a Python course, read a Python book or tutorial, and dive in.
30.✨ Dan’s Python Newsletter
Dan’s Python Newsletter is meant to help you improve your Python skills.
The newsletter goes out every couple days.
And instead of your standard newsletter fare, you’ll get helpful Python tips and tricks.
Best Python Resources for Beginners: Conclusion
So what are the best Python resources for beginners?
Today we showed you 30 and picked our favorite from each category:
🐍 Course: Learn Python 3 from Scratch: Educative.io
🐍 Book: Head First Python
🐍 YouTube Video: freeCodeCamp Learn Python – Full Course for Beginners
🐍 Tutorial: Learn Python – Free Interactive Tutorial
🐍 Podcast: Talk Python to Me
🐍 Newsletter: Python Weekly
Read through them and decide what method of learning is best for you.
Python beginners are also reading:
- 18 Best Python Courses for Beginners [Including Python Learning Paths]
- 14 Best Python Books for Beginners [Learn Python Programming]
- Python for Programmers Course: Educative.io Review [Plus BONUS Python Books]
- 12 Best Python Testing Books [Learn Python Testing ASAP]
- 11 Best Python Machine Learning Books [Learn Machine Learning ASAP]
- Top 11 Python Books for Data Science [Learn Data Science using Python]