What Is the Best Way to Learn Python Programming?

Python is among the most valuable programming skills to learn for beginners and those with more experience alike. Its widespread use in artificial intelligence, automation, and data science makes it the third most-used programming language globally, trailing only slightly behind JavaScript and HTML. Not only is it among today’s most popular computer languages, and demand is growing. It’s now one of the top three programming languages recruiters seek in job candidates [1]. 

Explore various learning options, which include online courses, personal projects, boot camps, and free resources, to discover the best way to learn Python programming based on your preferences.

What is Python programming?

Python is a general-purpose computer programming language known for its efficiency and readable syntax. Developers often use Python for web development, software applications, machine learning, and data analysis, among other functions. This object-oriented language organizes data into classes and attributes to model real-world situations. 

Python first emerged in 1991, and it remains a popular option for programmers of all types. You can develop many applications with this easily accessible programming language, and it has a large community following, making it among beginners’ top choices when learning programming languages.

Why is Python so popular?

Python is easy to read, accessible for beginners, and versatile, offering a wide range of potential applications. Some of the world’s biggest companies, including Netflix and Google, use Python every day, and, in 2024, Python became the most-used programming language on GitHub, surpassing JavaScript for the first time in a decade [2]. Python is often in high demand because it is:

• Beginner-friendly: Due to its readable syntax and vast resources, Python is accessible to beginners and experts alike. While it’s still a computer language, it reads similar to English. Additionally, Python is quicker to learn than many other languages.

• Extensive libraries and frameworks: Python libraries and frameworks may help you create code faster and allow you to reuse functions effectively. For example, you might use SciPy for scientific computing or NumPy for mathematically advanced tasks like data cleaning and image processing.

• Open source: Python is free and available to anyone who wants to access it online. 

• Has extensive community support: Python has a large community following and many online resources and forums you can use as solid support options as you learn Python programming skills.

What is the best way to learn Python programming?

Everyone learns a little differently, and the “best” way to learn Python programming typically differs from person to person. Your preferred learning style largely dictates the learning pathways that will be most effective for you. For example, if you learn best by gaining practical experience, you might look for learning options that include practicing with the code and hands-on projects. If you are more of a visual learner, you could seek learning experiences that incorporate plenty of visual aids or lectures and lessons you can listen to if you respond best to auditory learning.

Professional courses, documentation, books, and online communities are among the resources at your disposal. You could also take Python classes or learn the language as part of a degree program.

No matter how you learn, it’s essential to begin by building your foundational knowledge and putting your skills into practice so you can gain experience. 

Begin with the basics.

Online tutorials or textbooks can offer an excellent introduction, allowing you a chance to begin developing a solid foundation in the general concepts that make the programming language work. Work on gaining a better understanding of the basics, like what text editors and Integrated Development Environments, or IDEs, are, and how you use them to work with Python. You can find much of this information online or in forums, often in self-guided learning formats. 

Some Python concepts that may be helpful to familiarize yourself with include:

• Variables: Memory locations where you can store a single value

• Data types: Categories for individual values, such as bool, integer, string, and floating-point numbers

• Operators: Python uses operators to perform operations between values in an expression. For example, in the math expression 1 + 1, the operator is +

Work on personal projects. 

If you already have a basic understanding of Python, jump right in and start reinforcing that knowledge with practical experience. Resources like GitHub and open-source libraries provide personal Python projects you can work on to build your skills and create a portfolio. Some also offer tutorials to aid you in your learning journey. These might include data analysis projects, building a calculator, or developing a desktop notification system. 

Personal projects are ideal for hands-on learners to put their knowledge into action. These projects can also help build your portfolio, which you can share with potential employers in job applications or interviews.

Take an online course.

If you learn better in a group setting or with a more structured format, massive open online courses (MOOCs) are readily available and give you the chance to learn directly from experts at your own pace. Depending on the course’s format, you may have the opportunity for more discussion, whether you want to ask questions, clarify concepts, or work more directly with an instructor. 

Online courses are appropriate for beginners looking to start becoming familiar with Python, or if you’re interested in gaining more techniques to improve your mastery as a more advanced learner. For example, several top institutions offer Python Specializations and Professional Certificates on Coursera that range in difficulty.

• Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan requires no prior experience.

• AI Agents and Agentic AI in Python: Powered by Generative AI Specialization from Vanderbilt University is also at the beginner level.

• Applied Data Science with Python Specialization from the University of Michigan is at an intermediate level, requiring some previous experience.

Choose a boot camp.

Boot camps are relatively short, intense, fast-paced courses that typically last from eight to 26 weeks. They offer an expedited opportunity to learn in-depth knowledge of Python and other concepts while also applying them in practice. Boot camps allow you to build real-world skills you can implement in your job or personal projects and are available for both beginners and more advanced learners. Python boot camp programs may be full-time or part-time and can be remote or in-person.

Read books.

If you want more self-paced learning, books are a valuable resource to gain an introduction to Python, its concepts, and its best applications. Books can introduce you to the most common programming terms you’ll encounter as well as provide a foundation in Python so you can begin your projects. They may also act as a resource to keep going back to as you advance your learning. 

Python.org, the official website for the programming language, has an extensive list of the best books to learn Python, including titles such as: 

• Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes

• The Quick Python Book by Naomi Cedar

• Essential Python for Machine Learning by Abhishek Singh

Use free resources.

Free online resources are another learning option you might pursue. According to the most recent Python Developer Survey, free resources such as documentation, YouTube, and Python.org are the top three most popular learning tools and technologies for Python developers [3].

These options can also help you get a better understanding of the programming language before you invest more time and resources. Once you dive in, documentation, online videos, and tutorials may help explain specific topics or provide you with a basic understanding of how Python works. They may be beneficial if you encounter more technical concepts as you start practicing. Sites like Python.org, YouTube, and RealPython.com may be good starting points to find relevant resources.

Join communities.

Online communities often provide a welcoming space to get advice from other programmers, project recommendations, and helpful tips as you begin. No matter how advanced you are, having a forum to discuss new ideas and gain valuable insights into Python can help with continued learning. Platforms like Python.org, Reddit, GitHub, and other online sites offer free online communities to learn more about programming.

Study for a degree.

While a degree is only sometimes necessary for Python-related jobs, it may help you build a robust set of relevant skills and stand out to potential employers. Roughly 72 percent of software developers, who often use Python, hold a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science or computer engineering, according to Zippia [4].

A degree in computer science can often teach you machine learning, computational thinking, data structures, and other topics relevant to Python. Compared to a boot camp or self-guided learning, you’ll likely gain a more comprehensive understanding of computer programming and how Python relates to other languages, which may be helpful if your role requires working with more than Python. A degree may also provide the opportunity to advance into more senior roles or into leadership positions that require a more formal credential.

How to highlight Python skills on your resume

Once you’ve built an arsenal of Python skills, it’s essential to effectively highlight what you’ve learned and the work you’ve done. Often, the best place to do that is on your resume through skills and relevant examples. 

• Use a skills section: Add a brief skills section to your resume to highlight Python skills and concepts you’ve mastered. If you’re applying to a specific role, tailor the skills you mention to what fits the job description. 

• Use real examples of achievements: In addition to listing your relevant skills, explain how you’ve used them in personal projects or past roles. Specifically, list any achievements or milestones you’ve accomplished to prove your skills were valuable. 

• Add a portfolio: Show potential employers you have relevant experience through real-world examples. Include a portfolio that showcases some personal projects, such as data analysis or games you’ve built, and add any relevant details. 

Explore ways to learn Python programming on Coursera

You can learn Python and build your proficiency with this popular language using one or more learning pathways, including free resources, tutorials, books, online courses, and degree programs. The best one is the option that best fits your learning style and goals.

If an online course is well-suited to your needs, consider learning more about Python programming with options like the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, a 12-course series that can help you become more familiar with Python programming, working with data, and the tools that data scientists often use. You could also pursue getting a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London on Coursera to learn Python and develop other advanced programming skills.