Black Friday Special: Free $500 CourseHorse Gift Card with Eligible Certificate Program Purchase. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Learn Python

A Comprehensive Guide to Start Learning Python

Python is one of the world's most popular coding languages. Used primarily for web development and data science, Python is well-known for its simple syntax and numerous open-source libraries, which have helped it develop a rich user community.

Interested in learning Python and exploring various careers that employ this versatile language? This guide provides insights into Python's role in fields like data science, web development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), game development, and enterprise applications.

Key Insights

  • Python is a fast-growing object-oriented programming language used for building websites, data analysis, automation, and machine learning.
  • Python skills are essential in various fields including cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 13% growth rate for Web Developers between 2020 and 2030.
  • Python is popular in data science for understanding and visualizing data, in AI and ML for building models and automation, in web development for creating robust websites, and in game development for building dynamic games.
  • Python training options vary from college and university programs to online and in-person courses, bootcamps, and certificate programs, with many starting their learning journey through free online resources.
  • Python's ease of learning, its applicability in various industries, and the rise of data-driven companies make it an attractive tool for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.
  • A Python Developer Certificate or Data Science Certificate from Noble Desktop can provide hands-on experience and mastery of Python fundamentals, with such courses typically costing under $5,000.

If you’ve always wanted to learn Python but can’t figure out how to get started, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll learn more about the various ways to learn Python, free resources to take advantage of, and the types of careers that commonly use Python.

What is Python?

Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages on the planet. Data Scientists, Web Developers, and other tech professionals use Python for a range of tasks—from building websites to data analysis, automation, and machine learning. Like Java and Ruby, Python is mainly an object-oriented programming language (OOP), which means it organizes around data (objects) instead of functions or logic.

Thanks to its straightforward syntax, adaptability, and the urgent need for Python skills in today’s job market, this essential language ranks as the number one choice for those learning to code. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth rate for Web Developers will be 13% between 2020 and 2030, and many of these positions demand Python. Other fields requiring Python include cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis.

Read more about what Python is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Python?

Python is a versatile language with a host of applications, but the most well-known include:

  • Data Science - Data science extends to numerous industries, and using Python to understand data is paramount. Python libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib enable Data Scientists and other professionals to use visualization to gain insights into data. Additional top Python libraries include TensorFlow, SciPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) - Machine Learning Engineers and Architects use Python to build models. At the same time, AI Engineers and Architects may need this essential programming language for everything from assessing AI solutions to advanced automation.
  • Web Development - The use of Python in web development goes back to its beginnings. Frameworks like Django and Flask have famously provided web development for household name companies like Instagram, Dropbox, and Pinterest. Tech pros, including Developers, report that Python is easy to integrate with other languages like C/C++ and Java. Other top frameworks include Bottle, CherryPy, and Dash.
  • Game Development - Frameworks for game development include Pygame, PyKyra, and Panda3D, but there are numerous others. Python continues to support the gaming industry in meaningful ways.
  • Enterprise Applications - Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include leading technology stacks like Netflix, Microsoft, and Spotify.

Why Learn Python?

One of the world's most popular open-source programming languages, Python remains essential for nearly every industry, including public and private sector roles. Academia, electronics, government, manufacturing, and media are among the top areas where Python reigns. Python is an in-demand skill not only for Python Developers but also for Data Scientists, Software Engineers, Financial Analysts, and Cybersecurity Analysts.

Learning about Python fundamentals like scripts, modules, and variables prepares you for learning frameworks like Django and Flask, and libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. As companies become more data-driven, the need for data visualization tools and the move to artificial intelligence and machine learning make Python one of the most attractive, flexible tools.

Read more about why you should learn Python.

How to Learn Python

Python beginners often find various ways to learn this essential programming language. While some professionals benefit from college or university programs, others get their training quickly in a matter of months or even weeks. Online or in-person courses, including bootcamps and certificate programs, have become one of the most popular methods to learn Python. And many novices start with free online resources like blog posts and video tutorials.

You can find a host of Python Training options either held in-person or live online through teleconferencing using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Here you’ll find everything from a Data Science Bootcamp and FinTech Bootcamp to machine learning (ML) classes and algorithmic training. Live online courses offer benefits similar to in-person training, but participants can learn from the comfort of home.

While not as popular as the intensive bootcamp model, learning Python through self-paced training has become a viable option thanks to the many courses available on-demand through providers like Noble Desktop. These programs often focus on an attendee’s level of learning, which may include beginner (“apprentice”), intermediate (“journeyman”), or advanced.

Many Python learners begin with free tutorials and videos. It makes sense that novices should learn a few things about their subject before committing to a paid program. Start with Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, which offers an entire playlist of Python, data science, and SQL webinars and tutorials. Blog posts provide significant benefits for those who learn best by reading, and Noble’s Python Blog hosts valuable information as well.

Read the full guide on how to learn Python.

Free Introductory Python Course Online

Whether you’re not ready to commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate program or seeking an overview of Python before diving in, you might want to start learning about Python for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar, you’ll learn how to install this popular programming language, how to get started, and essential related subjects like the Anaconda platform, Jupyter Notebook, and how to run Python in Terminal. Once you have that foundation under your belt, you may be able to take the next step with a Data Science Certificate or Python Developer Certificate.

Other free online courses include Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University; Data Processing Using Python from Nanjing University; and the University of Toronto’s Learn to Program: The Fundamentals.

Read about more free Python videos and online tutorials.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

You might think Python will be difficult to master, especially if you lack coding experience. Fortunately, Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. You can master Python fundamentals in a few months or even less, though learning its many frameworks and libraries may take longer.

Before you begin studying Python, you should have a plan for how you’ll apply your newfound skills. Python training for a Data Scientist differs from that of a Financial Advisor or Cybersecurity Analyst. It’s also important to have basic computer skills, but your operating system won’t cause problems; Python runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Python is one of many programming languages available for free. You can download its libraries and frameworks at no cost whatsoever. While you can find many free online Python seminars and tutorials, you’ll eventually want to enroll in some form of paid training. Python bootcamps and certificate programs provide hands-on experience, and you can master it in months or even weeks for under $5,000.

Read about how difficult it is to learn Python.

How Does Learning Python Compare to Other Languages?

As a primary component of data science, web development, and cybersecurity, Python is both necessary and easy to learn. While many programming novices begin with Java or R, even more learn Python before any other programming languages.

Python is an open-source language, which means you can use its libraries and frameworks for free. However, to get started at a level that can get you hired, consider a bootcamp or certificate program. These courses offer immersive training in a concentrated timeframe. You can learn Python as easily as JavaScript or HTML and CSS in a Python bootcamp or as part of a broader data science or web development curriculum.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Python

To choose the best method for learning Python, you should know how and where you want to apply this essential programming language. While beginners may not want to incur any costs, they can only get a general overview from free tutorials, like Noble’s Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar.

If you want to develop Python expertise, either to start a career or level up from a

current role, consider a bootcamp or certificate program. Because Python’s application reaches so many fields, your choice will depend on your career path. Check out Python-centered programs from Noble Desktop like:

Other factors in the decision may include your budget, availability, current skill set, and whether you prefer live online or in-person training.

Learn Python with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers multiple ways to learn Python, both in-person and online through teleconferencing. They provide Python training as an essential component of areas like data science and analytics, FinTech, cybersecurity, and web development. Their Python Programming Bootcamp offers hands-on Python training in an immersive environment. Beginners learn Python fundamentals in this 30-hour bootcamp, where participants develop project-based coding portfolios. Graduates receive a verified Certificate of Completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.

Students can save by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program. The curriculum for this certificate includes a 60-hour unit on Python Web Development with Django. In this intensive course, you’ll learn about URL dispatchers and automation, along with GitHub and SQL. Attendees should have some experience with HTML and CSS before enrolling.

Additional courses featuring Python include Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, and Data Science Certificate program. Students planning careers in data science, data analytics, cybersecurity, or financial analysis should consider enrolling in one of these programs to get comprehensive Python training.

Python for Data Science Bootcamp: Live & Hands-on, In NYC or Online, Learn From Experts, Free Retake, Small Class Sizes,  1-on-1 Bonus Training. Named a Top Bootcamp by Forbes, Fortune, & Time Out. Noble Desktop. Learn More.

Learn More in These Courses

Yelp Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Instagram