Best Free Python Programming Resources & Tutorials

Many professionals are eager to learn Python programming but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. Fortunately, you can download Python and its frameworks and libraries at no charge.

Also, a surprising number of free tutorials and seminars can help novices get the hang of this powerful programming language. Read on to learn more about the different types of free resources available to help you learn Python.

What is Python Programming?

Python has emerged as one of the most popular general-purpose programming languages worldwide. While Python is the language of choice for many Data Scientists and Data Analysts, it’s also essential for Web Developers and Software Developers. Python’s easy-to-use frameworks and libraries contribute to its success, and the worldwide community of Python pros ensures that novices can always find assistance.

The essential language ranks within the top three among those learning to code, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth for Web Developers will be 13% from 2020 to 2030. Many of these jobs require Python programming skills. Other fields requiring Python include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

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

What Can You Do with Python Programming?

Python is a high-level programming language with numerous applications. Its ease of use and scalability make it a popular choice among Back End Developers, Game Developers, and Software Engineers, among others. Companies ranging from Disney to JPMorgan Chase and Comcast need Python development pros for tasks like developing software, testing automation code, and developing back end elements in coordination with Front End Developers.

The most common areas for Python programming experts to find employment include:

• Software Development - Software development with Python involves tools like Django, Git, and SQL. Software development professionals using Python can have titles like Python Developer, Full Stack Developer, or DevOps Engineer, among others. 

• Web Development - Python pros famously used frameworks like Django and Flask to develop sites for companies like Instagram, Pinterest, and Dropbox. Positions for Python web development pros include:

• Python Developer
• Back End Developer
• Solutions Architect
• Web Developer
• Game Developer
• Software Engineer
• Automation Engineer

• Game Development - Python game development frameworks include Panda3D, Pygame, and PyKyra, to name a few. Tech pros with Python and game development expertise may have titles like Python Developer, XR Developer, or Video Game AI Engineer. 

• Enterprise Applications -  Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include large technology stacks like Microsoft and Netflix. Titles for pros in this area include Applications Architect, Solutions Architect, and Enterprise Software Engineer, to name a few.

Free Introductory Courses & Materials

Want to learn Python programming online? You can start like most novices do: access some of the widely available free introductory resources about this powerful programming language. The most popular free resources fall into three categories: Free on-demand live webinars, pre-recorded videos, blog posts and articles

Of these, on-demand webinars and pre-recorded videos are the most popular options. However, free on-demand resources may be few and far between; most on-demand courses require either payment or a subscription to a paid platform.

Popular on-demand courses include:

• Making a Twitter Bot in Python from Noble Desktop
• Exchanging Excel for Python from Noble Desktop
• Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python from the University of Chicago
• Learn to Program: The Fundamentals from the University of Michigan 

For more Python programming resources, check out the Noble Desktop blog and Learn Hub, where you’ll find a variety of articles and free tutorials. You’ll also find Noble’s Intro to Python Fundamentals on their YouTube channel.

Other Free Resources 

If you start learning Python programming through free online courses and articles, you may quickly decide to jump into paid formal training. Comprehensive training through a bootcamp or certificate program is one of the most practical and popular choices today.

On the other hand, you might want to check out other resources first. Consider the following:

• The Python website - Because you can easily find information about Python programming online, many people overlook the obvious, the Python website. It’s a great place to start, though.Here, you can download Python for numerous platforms, or read through the Beginner’s Guide and Developer’s Guide. Don’t forget to check out the Python Community, where you can sign up for their free weekly newsletter.

• Industry news - Python programming applies to virtually every industry today, from big tech to finance. If you want to keep up with the latest news for Python Developers, check out the Python section of Developer Tech News. For more general stories, you might prefer to follow resources like CNET or TechCrunch or join social media sites like Hacker News.

Key Insights

• Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Python and its frameworks and libraries are 100% free to download.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the average growth for Software Developers will be 13% between 2020 and 2030. Many of these tech pros will need Python programming skills.
• You can access widely available free resources to begin learning Python programming, like free on-demand live webinars, pre-recorded videos, blog posts and articles.

• Additional free resources include: the Python website, including the Python community and weekly newsletter, and industry news via sites like Developer Tech News, CNET, and TechCrunch.

• You can receive comprehensive Python programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Popular Noble programs include:

• Python Developer Certificate
• Python Programming Bootcamp

Learn Python Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers numerous options for those looking to learn Python programming, both in-person and live online over teleconferencing applications like Zoom. They also provide a host of free resources online, including tutorials, seminars, and blog posts. 

Those interested in Python for development should consider one of the following options:

• Python Programming Bootcamp - The Python Programming Bootcamp features multiple days worth of hands-on intensive training. Participants new to Python learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and will create a portfolio of projects and code samples. There is no prerequisite for this bootcamp but students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Data Science Certificate.

• Python Developer Certificate - Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate program is their flagship offering for Python programming on the server side. It combines the Python Programming Bootcamp with an advanced Python Web Development with Django course. The course has one prerequisite: attendees should feel comfortable with HTML/CSS, at the level offered in Noble’s Web Development with HTML & CSS class. Covered skills include:
• Django
• Django REST
• VS Code
• Git
• GitHub
• SQL

Additional programs that may be of interest to Python developers include:

• Python Web Development with Django 
• Software Engineering Certificate 

Those interested in Python for data science can get their training through multiple Noble Desktop programs, including: 

• Data Science Certificate
• Python for Data Science Bootcamp
• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp
• Python for Automation

Python for Finance and FinTech programs include: 

• FinTech Bootcamp
• Python for Finance Bootcamp

Python for Cybersecurity programs include:

• Cybersecurity Bootcamp
• Cybersecurity with Python
• Python for Network Security
• Offensive Security with Python

Noble Desktop’s bootcamps and certificate programs earn high marks from graduates. They are available live online or in-person in New York City. Additional perks include a Certificate of Completion upon graduation and free retakes for up to one year. Many certificates and bootcamps also feature 1-on-1 mentoring; check course descriptions for more details, including any prerequisite information.