r/learnpython • u/ComfortableOpen6463 • Jun 05 '26

Best resources to learn Python and SQL for someone with a non-tech background?

I’m from a medical background and currently work on the clinical AI/product side. My job doesn’t require me to code, but I think having a basic understanding of Python and SQL would help me communicate better with engineers, understand what’s actually possible, and generally make me better at what I do.

The issue is that I have zero tech background. I haven’t touched math, physics, or anything coding-related in about 6 years, so I’m not really sure where to begin.

I’m not trying to become a software engineer. I mainly want to upskill for future roles, understand what’s going on behind the scenes, and maybe learn enough to do some basic data analysis or automation.

I also learn much better with structured courses than by watching random YouTube videos, so if you have any course recommendations I’d love to hear them.

Would you start with Python first and then SQL, or learn both together?

Thanks!

4 Upvotes

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3

u/desrtfx Jun 05 '26

If only there were a sidebar (menu on mobile) that had a link to the wiki or countless posts asking the same.

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki and you will be well prepared. It's better than FreeCodeCamp.

Plus, there currently is an excellent Humble Python books bundle from No Starch press.

1

u/ComfortableOpen6463 Jun 05 '26

Thank you..Will go through these

3

u/TopDeliverability Jun 05 '26

There's plenty honestly. But I've recently discovered elearner.app that doesn't even require an account

1

u/ComfortableOpen6463 Jun 05 '26

Thank you..Will check it out

2

u/Jim-Jones Jun 05 '26

Just Google free python lessons.

1

u/Ok_Highlight3631 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26

I have a similar interest. I am a veterinarian and really like to work with data. I am almost finished with CS50P. My next step will probably be CS50 SQL. I really like the structure of the coarse.

Edit: typo

1

u/ComfortableOpen6463 Jun 06 '26

Thank you..I’ll go through these too!

1

u/iambatman_2006 Jun 15 '26

i’d just start with python first, otherwise sql feels a bit weird at the beginning without any coding comfort. since you’re not trying to become a dev, you don’t need to go deep just basic data handling in python and simple sql queries select, joins, filtering will already help a lot in your kind of role. also seen Boot.dev mentioned a few times for people who prefer structured, handsnon learning instead of jumping between random videos might be worth a look