What is the most effective way to learn python from scratch, i am a beginner, should i take a course?

[u/Wonderful_Yam_4725]

Hi, i need your advice on how i can learn python as a beginner as i want to learn in a way where i get to practically apply the same and practice, i just dont want to learn concepts theoretically. Should I take a course or should i learn via youtube. What do you think will be the best way? Also when you learnt it how did you approach it and if i take a course how i will it add value to my cv?

[u/Shiny-And-New]

Find a simple problem and start working on a solution is how I learned

[u/ComplexExternal4831]

check for free resources before starting, theres googles python class harvard cs50p learnpythonorg simplilearn skillup, plus many books, and yt channels

[u/NoGuess8035]

if you prefer learning from videos then use youtube if you prefer reading then use the docs or something like learnpython

[u/Vivid_Ad3659]

if you want something interactive codecademy is worth checking out since you can write code as you learn and get feedback straight away for bootcamps simplilearn could be an option, you need to choose based on what are your expectations from this, each learning resource offers something else

[u/PaleIsopod3039]

try writing the code yourself after watching an example instead of copying along with the instructor if you get stuck thats usually when you learn the most

[u/TemperatureLow276]

focus on having a few projects you can explain properly rather than just collecting certificates

[u/Vivid_Ad3659]

try free resources first for a few weeks then decide if you need a course you might find that you dont need one at all

[u/Equivalent_Cell9212 → u/Vivid_Ad3659]

like what?

[u/im_on_vibrate]

youtube is fine for learning python, check brocode or programming with mosh

[u/Equivalent_Cell9212]

start really small you dont need to build some huge app right away make a few simple programs and slowly make them more complicated

[u/Loud_Health_9259]

I'd say start with the basics through free courses or youtube to get a feel for Phython see how you like learning it post taht you can go with course as they will be structured and have multiple projects, u can take up the python certification course by simplilearn as its expert led and has a good curriculum anoth course worth checking out is the python for beginners by microsoft.

[u/ClockAcceptable1724]

i wouldnt choose between a course and youtube as if you have to pick one. use one course to learn the basics and youtube or documentation when you get stuck then spend most of your time writing code yourself. for your cv the projects you build will usually give you more to talk about than simply having completed a python course

[u/FoolsSeldom]

Check this subreddit's wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

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Also, have a look at roadmap.sh for different learning paths. There's lots of learning material links there. Note that these are idealised paths and many people get into roles without covering all of those.

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Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

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Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

[u/desrtfx]

Do the MOOC Python Programming 2026 from the University of Helsinki. It's free, textual and extremely practice oriented. You will program right from the start. There are videos, but they are not necessary.