Hey! 👋 I’m looking for some solid advice on how to learn Python. I want to use it to start working on my own project (more like a passion project). I’ve got very basic programming knowledge from school. Like, I know what variables, loops, and functions are, and I played with some Pascal and a bit of Java years ago. But I’ve never really built anything useful.
My goal is to learn Python not just for the sake of learning it, but so I can actually start developing a real project I’ve been thinking about for a while (it’s a small app). So I’m looking for the most efficient and practical way to get up to speed with Python, I mean not just syntax, but actual development skills.
Should I go for any specific bootcamp? A YouTube series, a book, or some kind of interactive course /practical tutorial? I’ve googled a few options but I’d really like to know what you guys would recommend as a trusted source.
Ideally, I want something that can take me from “knows a little bit” to “can build stuff” without burning me out. Bonus points if it includes project-based learning.
Thanks in advance 🙏
Also, don’t underestimate Stackoverflow, which was already mentioned. The Python tag has answers to everything, from learning basic syntax to real programming cases. And browse Github! Look for projects similar to what you want to build. Read the code, see how others solved problems. That alone will teach you more than any course.
Actually, that’s a solid idea — you can search for Python projects on GitHub and read through the code. If you’re still pretty new to all this, maybe start with some mini projects like these: https://github.com/Python-World/python-mini-projects, just to warm up a bit.
It’s also a great way to learn programming in general. Maybe it’s not the best way to learn python consistently, but it’s definitely the cheapest learning option.
Very basic knowledge from school can mean anything. When was that? What kind of project are you planning to build, what’s that app?
If it’s just a calculator or web scraper, cool, learn syntax and go. But if it’s something more complex, you’ll need to know about architecture, deployment, maybe databases and APIs.
You’re the architect of your app. Understand which technologies you need to create and run it. Your learning path depends on the actual project.
I think it’s totally safe and reasonable to recommend some kind of beginner-friendly learning platform here. Honestly, I wouldn’t rely on any programming knowledge from school or dipping toes in java. You pretty much need to “rebuild the frame” from scratch. In my opinion, the best course to learn Python is on datacamp. You can start with a short intro course and then move on to something more in-depth.
It’s a great way to build a solid foundation, and the rest you can just google, watch on YT, or read in the docs. I’m a big believer in starting small with anything.
David Rácz, my level: basics (variables, loops, functions) with Pascal/Java 6-8 years ago, Python slightly touched.
Well, for example, I want to make a task tracker (web or desktop) with a database, maybe with features like reminders. I want to make a prototype in 3-6 months.
Xubres, i doubt the stuff on DataCamp will be enough. It’s not really the best python online course — more like a nice intro to Python programming.
Honestly, you can learn anything if you really want to. Even going through some super expensive bootcamp doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to code in the end. Bootcamps, courses, all that - they only help people who actually want to learn and are capable of keeping up. I’m not falling for a propaganda that programming is for everyone.
If someone’s got the drive and brain for it then they can learn with just google, reading code, digging into docs, and hanging out on forums. But if you’re not built for it… nothing’s gonna help.
David Rácz, dude, that’s not the point of this discussion, I dunno how we’ve got here.
I mean, if someone’s planning to learn Python to build their own project, that already tells me they’ve got at least some general programming knowledge and a knack for coding.
slavaweb11, your project sounds like a good start for diving into Python, and 6-7 months at 10-15 hours a week is a realistic time for a prototype, if you don't get distracted and stay focused.
As for learning: start with free resources like Python documentation and YouTube. If you want a structured course, Codegym has launched a course on Python. It's not bad, as it covers the basics: syntax, working with files, database basics, etc.
Bro, I learned Python just to build a smart home controller for myself. All I did was read the official docs and experiment. Seriously. That was enough to get going. It took time, but I learned a lot by just doing.
Same here but with a twist. I already work as a developer, just in Java. I wasn’t totally sure what the OP meant by having a “very basic programming knowledge.” Like, how deep was that past experience?
Cause if you already know how to code, switching languages isn’t that big of a deal. 2–3 weeks to get used to Python syntax and naming conventions, and you’re good to go.
But learning from scratch is a whole different story.
I probably can’t name the best beginner python course, cause I learned it independently, thanks to my existing experience as a dev, but if you're totally new, I’d suggest combining a modern online python course (like codegym) with a couple of solid books for theory, and then grind on platforms like leecode.
A few months of focused learning like that should give you the base you need to start building your own stuff.
Well in this case I wouldn't really recommend leetcode. It’s more for folks trying to land a job at amazon or something like that. You’ll get plenty of practice just by working on your own project. You’ll be learning and implementing new stuff at the same time. In my opinion, it’s better to also dive into the Python community, like on Stackoverflow or Reddit. That way, if you get stuck while building, you can get advice from real devs.
Not to be dull… but if your only experience is school-level coding, I’d also refresh the basics. Books can help you build that “developer mindset” which you also pursue.
Try reading these:
1. Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes — super beginner-friendly.
2. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart — practical and fun.
3. Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold — not Python-
specific, but a great foundation.
Then you can hit the project running.
I personally liked Effective Python by Slatkin more - really interesting way of presenting things. The author focuses on the why behind Python’s best practices, and there are tons of useful tips both for beginners and experienced devs. It helps you shift into a “programmer mindset” and understand the language on a deeper level. In the long run, that makes it easier to feel how to learn Python fast and effectively.
Books are usually a safe bet when it comes to building a strong theoretical base. But yeah, reading alone won’t get you to confident coding - practice is key.
All good advice above! Just adding another angle — check out YouTube tutorials. Sometimes a visual walk-through helps a lot.
The freecodecamp Python playlist covers everything from scratch and is well-paced. Also, Telusko’s Python series is great if you want shorter, focused videos. Perfect for beginners who want to try before committing to a course.
I’d also recommend programming with mosh’s python tutorials. Clear explanations, practical stuff, and he teaches in a way that’s easy to follow even if you’re rusty. For me it’s the best python course for beginners on youtube.
For me, the starting point was Tech With Tim — solid channel focused on Python and a bit of JavaScript. I kinda enjoy watching programming videos — helps create the illusion of constant learning 😅 When your brain is fried from coding or reading docs, it’s nice to switch gears and just watch a couple videos. Feels like you’re still learning, just in a more chill way.
Of course, gotta be careful with this kind of content — sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s a real dev or just a YouTuber pumping out shallow tutorials for views. But Tim’s channel (and the others mentioned earlier) — I can honestly recommend.
Cisco has a free Python course on their NetAcad platform.
You can do it at your own pace. It's a long course that has a lot of knowledge to digest.
I'm about to complete it, and I recommend this quality course.
I never heard about Python course on Codegym before, but I’d recommend freeCodecamp and Datacamp when it comes to courses, accessible for newbies, can really teach you something.
I'm honestly familiar with Codegym. I took an interactive Java tutorial a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised. There were tons of tasks at different levels and the way they explained stuff was really engaging. Had no idea they now have mentor-led bootcamps too, and in other programming languages. That’s cool.
If you're serious about building your own project, I’d say don’t limit yourself with learning just basics. When you’re working on something real, you’re the dev, the architect, and the QA person at once 😄 So you’ll need more than just knowing Python syntax.
Frameworks, web stuff, debugging, testing — that all comes in handy even in “small” projects. That’s why I’d recommend taking a full Python bootcamp rather than sticking to coding platforms. My brother is currently studying python here at CodeGym and he says it’s the best Python course he’s seen.
He had tried another bootcamp last year, but it was too fast-paced and extremely hard to follow. At CodeGym, he says the mentors are super attentive, there’s tons of coding practice after each live session with a mentor, and students get help whether they’re ahead or behind, so nobody’s bored or lost in the massive amount of new knowledge.
They’ve got live mentorship sessions twice a week, tons of lectures on the platform, auto-checked tasks which students solve in the real coding environment, and real projects. Plus, mentors give you extra tasks or help you when you're stuck. I think it’s a great setup if your goal is to not only learn but also build your own thing from the start, with guidance.
If you’re looking into bootcamps, also check out codingnomads. It’s more fast-paced — like, 3 months of intensive learning. But you’ll learn by doing, and it’s flexible enough to work on your own project at the same time, I suppose. A good fit if you want to dive in, but not for too long.
Honestly? If your goal is just to build a personal project and you already know some programming, don’t overthink it.
Check out the official Python tutorial and maybe Tutorialspoint. Get the basics, install an IDE (I use VS Code, but it can also be PyCharm), and just start building.
When you get stuck just google it, read docs, ask GPT. Worked for me. Bootcamps can be great, but they’re expensive and long. If Python is a hobby, you might burn out before launching anything.
ilian44, for an outside perspective, you can always post on Stackoverflow. Either share a link to your project on Github or ask a specific question there.
To be honest, I don’t really believe even a mentor from a paid bootcamp will spend their free time reviewing a student’s side project unless this project is a part of the actual course program. Just saying.
If you already have some programming background, interactive coding platforms might be the best fit. You don’t need theory from scratch, just practice.
Try practicepython — the tasks are small but great for getting your brain into Python mode. Also, pynative has really well-organized exercises on Python basics and even some real-world stuff like working with files and databases, which would be useful for your ultimate training goal.
These helped me a lot when I was restarting with Python last year.
+1 to practice sites. but i actually liked edabit more. there are tons of challenges, and the interface makes it easy to browse, filter by topic, and track your progress. it kept me motivated.
i still go back there when i want to warm up before actually coding.
Martin Evtimov, Yeah I’ve heard of Edabit too, just never actually got around to trying it.
By the way, besides those platforms, it’s also worth mentioning Leetcode — great for coding practice, especially if you’re prepping for interviews.
Might not be relevant for the OP right now, but who knows? Sometimes a hobby turns into something more.
I don’t think you can just throw a bunch of only coding platforms at a beginner — that doesn’t give any real understanding of the basics or Python syntax. You’ve gotta add some kind of foundation first, like the Python tutorials on CodeGym, or the basic one on the official Python site.
Practice is great, sure but you need at least a bit of theory. Otherwise the whole learning journey might end on day one. Nobody likes feeling dumb, let’s be real. And it’s easy to get overwhelmed as a beginner, especially if you’re learning solo without any structure or guidance.
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