Dutch computer scientist Guido van Rossum decided to take on a fun little side project over the Christmas break in 1989: building a new programming language. The one he used in projects at work was overcomplicated and clunky, but he thought he could use some of its better features to create something more forgiving, flexible, and easier to read.
Van Rossen developed his language mostly in his free time over the course of the next year, eventually deciding to name it “Python” after the British comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus, whose published scripts he was reading at the time of its implementation. In the years since, it’s basically become the Holy Grail of general-purpose programming languages. Read more…
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BEST FOR TOTAL BEGINNERS
2021 Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python
This fast-paced course is a clear favourite for Python rookies who want to learn how to code in their free time.
- Platform: Udemy
- List price: £59.99
- Instructor(s): Jose Portilla, head of data science at Pierian Data Inc.
- Prerequisites: None
- Class duration: 22 hours, 3 minutes (self-paced)
- Certificate of completion: Yes
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BEST FREE COURSE
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
A free-to-audit option makes this acclaimed Python course one of the best deals in online learning.
- Platform: Coursera
- List price: Free to audit
- Instructor(s): Dr. Charles Russell Severance, clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information
- Prerequisites: Basic math knowledge, moderate computer experience
- Class duration: Approx. 19 hours divided up over 7 weeks (set start date with flexible deadlines)
- Certificate of completion: No
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BEST PROJECT-BASED COURSE
The Python Bible: Everything You Need to Program in Python
It doesn’t go beyond the basics, but this video-based class is excellent at showing students the clear potential for Python’s use in the real world.
- Platform: Udemy
- List price: £99.99
- Instructor(s): Ziyad Yehia, CEO and core instructor at Internet of Things Academy
- Prerequisites: None
- Class duration: 9 hours, 8 minutes (self-paced)
- Certificate of completion: Yes
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BEST FOR PRACTICAL SKILLS
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming
This quick-hit course will show you how Python can take the tedium out of business tasks.
- Platform: Udemy
- List price: £49.99
- Instructor(s): Al Sweigart, software developer, UI designer, and tech book author
- Prerequisites: Basic computer skillls
- Class duration: 9 hours, 30 minutes (self-paced)
- Certificate of completion: Yes
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BEST FOR YOUR CV
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
This in-depth MIT offering presents a good challenge if you already have a grasp on Python basics.
- Platform: edX
- List price: Free
- Instructor(s): John Guttag, professor of computer science and electrical engineering at MIT; Eric Grimson, professor of medical engineering and computer science at MIT; and Ana Bell, lecturer on computer science and electrical engineering at MIT
- Prerequisites: Secondary school algebra and a “reasonable aptitude” for math; students with no programming background will experience a higher learning curve
- Class duration: 9 weeks (recommended: 14 to 16 hours/week) with set learning schedule
- Certificate of completion: Yes, for £50
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BEST FOR FEEDBACK
Python Development TechDegree
This online bootcamp places a high value on peer-to-peer feedback and staff support, so you’re building a network along with a portfolio.
- Platform: Treehouse
- List price: £140/month
- Instructor(s): Kenneth Love, Python engineer; Treasure Porth, web developer; Craig Dennis, backend developer; Jay McGavren, developer and author; Ashley Boucher, software developer; and Megan Amendola, UX designer and software developer
- Prerequisites: None
- Class duration: 2 to 5 months (self-paced)
- Certificate of completion: Yes
Source : 6 of the best Python courses for aspiring programmers
