How to learn Python for free: An ultimate guide

Python’s popularity continues to rise, thanks to its straightforward syntax, ease of use, versatility, and active community. It's an ideal language for beginners learning to code.

Python has a wide range of applications, including web development, machine learning, system scripting, and software testing. Popular platforms like Google, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest, Dropbox, and Netflix all utilize Python in some form.

Although learning a programming language can seem overwhelming, Python’s intuitive structure makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. This article will explore Python’s uses and highlight 10 free online courses to help you learn it.

Understanding Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language commonly used for website development, software creation, data analysis, and task automation. Its uses extend to:

• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Data visualization
• Game development
• Systems administration
• Software testing and prototyping
• Desktop applications

As a general-purpose language, Python is not restricted to a specific domain, making it versatile for many types of programs. It is particularly popular in data-centric fields like data science due to its robust data analysis capabilities. However, its ability to automate repetitive tasks also benefits non-technical professionals, such as marketers automating emails, generating reports, or organizing data. 

One of Python’s key advantages is its simplicity, requiring less code compared to many other programming languages, making it accessible to beginners and professionals alike.

University-backed Python courses

In recent years, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become a popular and affordable way for learners to develop new skills outside traditional academic paths. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer a range of content from various providers, often partnering with accredited universities and colleges.

For those seeking free Python courses with academic credentials, these MOOC platforms are an excellent resource. While some courses may charge for completion certificates or verification, you can typically access the learning materials at no cost if you don’t require certification.

Alongside courses from the University of Michigan and the University of San Diego on Coursera, you can explore free Python offerings from prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT on the edX platform. Additionally, some universities independently host their own Python courses. For instance, the University of Helsinki offers both beginner and advanced Python MOOCs, complete with live or recorded lectures, exercises, and a graded final exam.

10 free Python courses to learn programming

Here’s a list of 10 free Python courses designed to help both beginners and advanced learners. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your Python knowledge, these courses offer accessible learning experiences covering Python basics and advanced topics.

1. Microsoft: Introduction to Python

Microsoft’s short and concise module offers a 16-minute introduction to Python through eight units. Ideal for those with no prior experience, it covers running Python applications, using the Python interpreter, defining variables, and building a simple Python program that handles user input and generates output. It’s a fast, practical overview for beginners.

2. Coursera: Programming for everybody (Getting started with Python)

This beginner-friendly course, offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera, provides a solid foundation in Python programming. It covers key topics like Python syntax, semantics, loops, and functions. The self-paced course helps learners understand how to work with variables for storing, retrieving, and calculating data. It’s a comprehensive introduction to Python for those new to programming.

3. Google: Python class

Google’s two-day intensive course is designed for participants with some programming background. It includes written materials, video lectures, and coding exercises. Topics covered include strings, lists, file handling, and HTTP connections. The exercises start off simple and become progressively more challenging, making it a perfect fit for learners with a basic understanding of programming.

4. Udemy: Learn python for total beginners

This Udemy course covers Python 3 using Jupyter Notebook, perfect for those looking to get familiar with Python’s fundamentals. The course features 32 lectures organized into eight sections, teaching concepts like data structures, loops, functions, and file manipulation. With five exercises and solutions, students can practice hands-on coding skills.

5. Udemy: Introduction to Python programming

This short, easy-to-follow course offers 19 on-demand video lectures covering Python basics. It’s ideal for learners who want a quick introduction to key concepts like variables, strings, lists, loops, and functions. In just over an hour of content, the course provides step-by-step guidance for anyone new to coding.

6. Educative: Learn Python 3 from scratch

This interactive beginner-level course is perfect for hands-on learners. It begins with the fundamentals of Python 3 and moves into more advanced concepts like functions and loops. With 14 lessons, 29 illustrations, 62 coding playgrounds, and five quizzes, this course emphasizes active learning, encouraging students to engage with live coding environments.

7. freeCodeCamp: Learn Python

This comprehensive YouTube tutorial runs for nearly 4.5 hours and offers a strong introduction to Python’s core concepts. You’ll learn to install Python and PyCharm, and explore topics like variables, data types, strings, loops, and functions. The course also includes practical projects like building a calculator, translator, guessing game, and multiple-choice quiz, allowing you to apply your new skills.

8. Coursera: Advanced algorithms and complexity

For intermediate learners, this University of San Diego course focuses on advanced algorithms and solving complex problems using Python. The 27-hour course covers network flows, linear programming, and streaming algorithms for Big Data processing. It includes video lectures, readings, and quizzes, giving learners the tools to tackle more challenging programming tasks.

9. Codecademy: Learn Python 2

Designed for beginners, Codecademy’s Python 2 course covers essential programming concepts and Python’s core features. It includes 20 lessons, nine projects, and nine quizzes, taking roughly 17 hours to complete. Students learn about strings, conditionals, functions, lists, and loops. By the end of the course, you’ll have worked on real-world projects and tackled advanced topics like list comprehension and lambda functions.

10. Real Python: Advanced Python tutorials

Real Python offers a series of in-depth tutorials on advanced Python topics, available in both article and video formats. These tutorials explore advanced data structures, machine learning, functional and object-oriented programming, parallel processing, and text classification. Each lesson comes with detailed explanations and examples, making it a great resource for those seeking to elevate their Python skills beyond the basics.

These free courses provide a broad range of learning opportunities, from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring there's something for every Python learner.