What Are the Best Online Python Courses?

It’s useful for data science, application development, and many other things. What are we talking about? Python! Simplicity, ease of learning, and an active community attract followers to this brilliant programming language. While the decision that Python is worth learning seems obvious, where to learn it is not. Here is a list of the best Python courses to take in 2021.

I selected six of what I think are the best Python courses, but of course, there are many other worthy offerings.

I chose LearnPython, LinkedIn, Pluralsight, Udemy, and EDX because they are great learning platforms; the courses they offer are always well done and quite cheap compared to the competition. Especially since, as I’m writing these words, all the courses on LearnPython.com are FREE!

I know you are looking forward to it, so here are the best Python courses to take in 2021!

1.  LearnPython.com:
Learn Programming with Python

You may think that I am not objective when I put LearnPython.com on my list, but I really think that these are the best Python courses available, especially among those for beginners. You will not only learn Python syntax, you’ll also think like a programmer and problem solve, not just write code.

This learning track is designed for complete beginners who want to learn how to write computer programs. Its creators assume that you don't know programming at all and have no IT experience. The courses are also great for people who started learning Python but got stuck for some reason.

Why do I like these courses? First of all, they have knowledge combined with practice. You learn a given topic and immediately write code in an online console. The courses are fully interactive, but you don't need to install or configure anything; everything happens in the browser. I also like the platform’s interface. It’s pleasing to the eye and helps the learner focus.

The Learn Programming with Python track includes 5 separate courses:

• Python Basics. Part 1 - 95 interactive exercises
• Python Basics. Part 2 - 74 interactive exercises
• Python Basics. Part 3 - 60 interactive exercises
• Python Data Structures in Practice - 118 interactive exercises
• Built-in Algorithms in Python - 67 interactive exercises

You came here and you're reading this article, so you already know about LearnPython.com’s great  blog. It’s worth subscribing to it if you haven’t already; there are a lot of interesting articles, tips, and guides published every month.

Ultimately, this is the best platform for learning Python (in my opinion). Don’t believe me? Log in and check for yourself. Even after this free period ends, every course has a free part that you can use to decide if it is right for you.

2.  LinkedIn Learning:
Python Quick Start

LinkedIn is Facebook for professionals. The platform brings together experts from many fields and representatives of almost every industry in the world. It has also been offering good online courses for some time. This Python Quick Start course is for people who want to learn Python. As its name suggests, it is not a course full of theory and practice, but rather something for those who are in a rush.

In this video course, the instructor, Lavanya Vijayan, explains in simple words the absolute basics of Python programming. What makes this Python course one of the best? Video quality. I have worked with video for many years and I am sensitive to these things. Everything looks nice and smooth here.

You will learn the basic functions of Python, but you will also learn how to set everything up on your home computer. Yes, you will need to install Python and the instructor's proposed Jupyter code editor if you want to practice. You can use our guide here.

If you haven't used the LinkedIn Learning platform before, use the 30-day trial period to complete this Python course. As a result, you will have the course for free, and maybe you can learn other things as well. Give it a try.

3.  Udemy:
The Python Bible

This is truly one of the best Python courses on Udemy. The instructor’s philosophy is close to what we believe at LearnPython.com, which is that only by practicing – writing code and doing real projects – can you really learn Python.

This is a project-based course; you will end the 11 chapters by completing your own code projects. As with all Udemy courses, this one is a series of video lectures. These feature a slightly crazy guy named Ziyad who explains the basics of Python pretty well.

Does this course, as its name suggests, "everything you need to program in Python"? It certainly gives you a lot of knowledge about Python’s basics. It is worth the time and money, although you have to set up a Python environment on your computer instead of completing them on the platform itself.

The course price depends on Udemy’s current promotions. It's best to buy it on Cyber Monday or during a sale; you’ll probably pay no more than a dozen dollars.

4.  EDX:
Analyzing Data with Python

If by some miracle you did not find EDX while looking for online courses, now is your chance to check out this great platform. I like it primarily because of the very many subjects on offer. Thanks to EDX, I’ve learned the history of China, the principles of healthy eating and dietetics, and marketing analysis. So why not learn Python here?

Out of the many options, I chose Analyzing Data with Python as the best Python course on EDX. Why? Because of the great instructor and data scientist behind this course, Joseph Santarcangelo. He’s a PhD who works at IBM, so this is a guarantee of knowledge at the highest level. You will learn the basics of data analysis, data preparation, multi-dimensional arrays, building machine-learning models, and more.

This is not something for absolute beginners, as there is a lot to digest. Yes, the course covers the basic functions of Python, but you should already know something of computer science and data analytics beforehand if you want to get the most out of this course. It is difficult to ask someone who is just able to write "Hello, world!" to dig into Python libraries such as pandas, NumPy, SciPy and scikit-learn. The course consists of a series of video lectures, capped by a final assignment.

Like many EDX courses, this one is done at your own pace. I prefer to work like this because sometimes there are days (especially if you have a family) when you just don't have a chance to sit down at your laptop. According to the course designers, you should spend two to four hours a week learning Python.

This course is free, but if you would like to get an EDX certificate of completion, you will have to pay $99 USD.

5.  Pluralsight:
Python Fundamentals

There are various e-learning platforms on the web and then there is Pluralsight. If you haven't seen this page yet, go and check it out – even if you don't intend to buy a course. It is just beautiful. Here, the graphic designers worked almost as hard as the subject matter experts! It really is impressive.

As for the course itself, it's a well-thought-out Python foundation. Again, you’re dealing with video lectures and the need to install programs on your computer. Everything is neatly arranged for you to enjoy learning. There is nothing groundbreaking in the course content, but the visual side of it does the job. Try the free trial and see if I'm right.

Pluralsight is based on a subscription plan. One year of access to its courses costs $299 USD. There's also a $499 premium option that includes more materials, more testing, and is richer overall. If you just want to learn programming, that level is probably an unnecessary expense.

6.  Python.org:
The Python Tutorial

This is quite the opposite of the previous course. You won't see a single picture, video, or other fancy thing here. The Python Tutorial on Python.org is as raw as it gets: only text and links. Still, it's a great source of knowledge.

Honestly, this is a tutorial for intermediate and advanced Python players. Sometimes I look in there if I can't remember a specific function and how it works. It’s very like product documentation. Nevertheless, Python can be learned from it and for free. If you’re patient and have a lot of motivation, this course will pay off.

So why did I choose this course if it’s so demanding? First of all, it gets you used to just looking at the code. There are loads of Python entries on every page. I believe that reading code is like reading sheet music; you have to get used to it to understand it well.

Give the Python.org tutorial a chance, or better yet return to it when you learn the basics elsewhere (for example, at LearnPython.com).

What’s Your Pick for Best Online Python Course?

So you already know where to find the best Python courses. Each of them has something unique and can be a very good source of knowledge. I checked all these courses, tested them, and gave my independent opinion on them.

My choice? Learn Programming with Python on LearnPython.com. Which one do you choose? Let me know in the comments. Enjoy learning!