How to learn Python: Best Python courses 2017

Python is a powerful coding language you can learn with no prior coding knowledge in a matter of months. Here, we show you how to learn Python by signing up for the best online Python courses 2018.

How to learn Python 2018: How much time do I need?

It’s kinda subjective. Ultimately, it will come down to how much time you have to spare per day and how much effort you put it when you study.  

However, people who have learnt Python from scratch say it can be done in under a year. The difficulty, they say, isn’t so much learning the language – which you can do for free via Code Academy. That part is straightforward and can be done parrot fashion in a couple of months. Where you’ll spend most of your time is learning how to organise the code and data. This is the valuable part and, according to answers on Quora and Reddit’s Python forums, can take anywhere between 6 and 9 months. See also: Best FREE VPNs of 2018.

What can Python be used for?

Practically anything. Python code is really versatile. A lot of big brands – such as Google, Dropbox, and Instagram – use Python to build their websites.

That’s not all. Python is also widely used for Data Analysis; Machine learning; Game development; Web scraping and writing scripts.

How much do Python coders earn?

This varies wildly depending on who’s your client, the size of the job and a coder’s own reputation… and location. PayScale.com offers a little insight as to what you can expect as a ball part figure. The website suggests that anywhere between £30k-£50k (a year) is about average for Python coders.

Re hourly wage: PayScale suggests Python software developers get around £35/hour; Python software engineers get £20/hour; Python data scientists can command roughly £50/hour.

Do I need to know any other codes?

No. You can start to learn Python will no knowledge about coding at all. Pick any one of the courses below and dive right in!

The 3 BEST Python courses 2018

Below is TechTop100’s picks on the best courses to help you learn Python.

1. (UdemyComplete Python Bootcamp: Go from zero to hero in Python

Price: £195

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This course, as its name suggests, operates like a boot camp. Taking you from complete beginner to being confident with Python 2 and 3 when you’re finished with the course. 

Below is a bulleted preview of what the course offers.

  • Learn to use Python professionally, learning both Python 2 and Python 3!
  • Create games with Python, like Tic Tac Toe and Blackjack!
  • Learn advanced Python features, like the collections module and how to work with timestamps!
  • Learn to use Object Oriented Programming with classes!
  • Understand complex topics, like decorators.
  • Understand how to use both the Jupyter Notebook and create .py files
  • Get an understanding of how to create GUIs in the Jupyter Notebook system!
  • Build a complete understanding of Python from the ground up!

The Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from zero to hero in Python includes: 12.5 hours on-demand video; 16 Articles; Full lifetime access; Access on mobile and TV; Certificate of Completion

About Udemy: Udemy is a great way to learn a new skill online. It offers cloud-based video lectures that guide you through a subject in bitesize chunks. Udemy courses provide plenty of additional resources too, such links to helpful online tools or places you can do further reading to better understand complex lessons.

Because Udemy is cloud-based, you can access it from literally anywhere providing you have your laptop/tablet/smartphone and a working internet connection. The app and website are both excellent and they even sync up, so you can switch between devices and pick up where you left off.

2. (eBook) Learn Python the Hard Way: A Very Simple Introduction to the Terrifyingly Beautiful World of Computers and Code

Price: £21

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This is a book for the complete beginner. The idea is: if you read it from cover to cover, and follow all the steps, you will know all there is to know about Python. That’s the theory anyway. This book offers no shortcuts. You’ll have to type everything into notepad++ yourself and learn by doing.

The book itself has had mixed reviews. Many complain that the tasks are boring (welcome to coding). However, if you’re serious about learning Python then dedicating yourself to this book and its methods will get you there.

3. (Udemy) The Complete Python & PostgreSQL Developer Course

Price: £120

Python-code-best-how-to-3a

Rob Percival is a bit of a legend on Udemy. He’s created Udemy courses for every major coding language. His style is friendly, clear and easy to follow. This course is no different. 

No previous coding knowledge is needed here either. All you’ll need is a computer (anything running Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux is fine) plus an internet connection and you’re good to go.
This course advertises the following:

  • Understand software and programming with Python from beginning to end
  • Create Python applications ranging from beginner, basic applications to advanced, useful and engaging applications
  • Learn how to extend Python applications by using a professional data storage which is PostgreSQL
  • Understand advanced concepts extremely useful in jobs and interviews, such as data structures and algorithms

The Complete Python & PostgreSQL Developer Course includes: Includes: 21.5 hours on-demand video; 18 Articles; 20 Supplemental Resources; Full lifetime access; Access on mobile and TV; Certificate of Completion.

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