The Best Python Courses Online

Here are the best python courses online to help you learn python programming and and practice your new skills through hand-ons projects and exercises.

Python is a very popular programming language, particularly for roles in data science, AI, and automation.

Let’s explore the best python courses online to help you gain knowledge and practical skills in this popular language.

Why Take an Online Course to Learn Python?

Google, Facebook, Netflix, NASA, and Dropbox are among a few of the world-class tech companies that use Python for various projects and are continuously on the lookout for Python engineers.

Python's readability, versatility, and extensive libraries make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced programmers.

Taking an online course in Python and mastering the language can significantly increase your job prospects in various fields.

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What are the Best Python Courses Online?

Here are is a list of the best online courses for learning python:

1. Python for Everybody Specialization

Would you like to learn to program and analyze data with Python?

The Python for Everybody Specialization introduces fundamental programming concepts including data structures, networked application program interfaces, and databases, using the Python programming language.

Program Syllabus:

Course 1: Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Course 2: Python Data Structures
Course 3: Using Python to Access Web Data
Course 4: Using Databases with Python
Course 5: Capstone: Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data with Python

In the Capstone Project, you’ll use the technologies learned throughout the Specialization to design and create your own applications for data retrieval, processing, and visualization.

Key course features:

Beginner Level - no prior experience required.
Flexible Schedule - takes approximately 2 months to complete, at 10 hours per week.

=> Enroll in the Python for Everybody Specialization on Coursera here.

2. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

If you don't want to enroll in the whole Python for Everybody specialization, Programming for Everbody (Getting Started with Python) is the first course in the series, and a good foundation to start with, or to enroll in alone.

Over 3 million students have enrolled in this course on Coursera.

It's offered by the University of Michigan and covers the basics of how to construct a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no prerequisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics.

You will learn how to:

Install Python and write your first program
Describe the basics of the Python programming language
Use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information
Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops

Course Syllabus:

Module 1: Chapter One - Why we Program?
Module 2: Installing and Using Python
Module 3: Chapter One: Why We Program (continued)
Module 4: Chapter Two: Variables and Expressions
Module 5: Chapter Three: Conditional Code
Module 6: Chapter Four: Functions
Module 7: Chapter Five: Loops and Iteration

Key course features:

Beginner Level - no prior experience required.
Flexible Schedule - takes approximately 18 hours to complete at your own pace.

=> Enroll in Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) here.

3. Coding 101: Python for Beginners

In this Skillshare class, you'll learn the fundamentals of code using Python.

The class is designed for anyone with little to no knowledge of coding.

The goal is for you to finish the class with (a) a set of nifty tools, (b) the ability to write more nifty tools, and (c) the recognition of code’s value in automating day-to-day functions.

You’ll cover the following concepts throughout the course:

Data types, expressions, variables
How to use functions
How to define functions
How to use methods and attributes
If-else statements
While loops
For loops

Along the way, you’ll create a set of tools to demonstrate these concepts - a wide set of tools that you can use out-of-the-box or with small enhancements, to improve your day-to-day:

Currency Converter
Email Reformatter
Name Picker
Location Checker
Birthday Countdown
Bacon Ipsum
Password Generator
Secret Messages

This class has 27 lessons and is 2 hours 52 minutes long.

=> Enroll in Coding 101: Python for Beginners on Skillshare here.

4. Google's Crash Course on Python

Google's Crash Course on Python teaches you to write simple programs in Python using the most common structures. No previous exposure to programming is needed.

By the end of the course you'll be able to:

Understand what Python is and why Python is relevant to automation
Write short Python scripts to perform automated actions
Understand how to use the basic Python structures: strings, lists, and dictionaries
Create your own Python objects

Course Syllabus:

Module 1: Hello Python!
Module 2: Basic Python Syntax
Module 3: Loops
Module 4: Strings, Lists and Dictionaries
Module 5: Final Project

Key course features:

Beginner Level - no prior experience required.
Flexible Schedule - takes approximately 20 hours to complete at your own pace.

=> Enroll in the Crash Course on Python here.

5. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate

This six-course professional certificate builds on the foundations established in the Crash Course on Python (above).

Developed by Google, the certificate is designed to provide IT professionals with in-demand skills - including Python, Git, and IT automation - that can help you advance your career.

You will learn how to:

Automate tasks by writing Python scripts
Use Git and GitHub for version control
Manage IT resources at scale, both for physical machines and virtual machines in the cloud
Analyze real-world IT problems and implement the appropriate strategies to solve those problems

Program Syllabus:

Course 1: Crash Course on Python
Course 2: Using Python to Interact with the Operating System
Course 3: Introduction to Git and GitHub
Course 4: Troubleshooting and Debugging Techniques
Course 5: Configuration Management and the Cloud
Course 6: Automating Real-World Tasks with Python

This certificate is designed to prepare you for a variety of roles in IT, like more advanced IT Support Specialist or Junior Systems Administrator positions.

Key course features:

Beginner Level - no prior experience required.
Flexible Schedule - takes approximately 6 months to complete, at 10 hours per week.

=> Enroll in the Google IT Automation with Python Certificate here.

6. Python 3 Programming Specialization

This specialization teaches the fundamentals of programming in Python 3.

By the end of the course you will:

Learn Python 3 basics, from the basics to more advanced concepts like lists and functions.
Practice and become skilled at solving problems and fixing errors in your code.
Gain the ability to write programs that fetch data from internet APIs and extract useful information.

Program Syllabus:

Course 1: Python Basics
Course 2: Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries
Course 3: Data Collection and Processing with Python
Course 4: Python Classes and Inheritance
Course 5: Python Project: Software Engineering and Image Manipulation

This specialization contains the following projects:

By the end of the second course, you will create a simple sentiment analyzer that counts the number of positive and negative words in tweets.
In the third course, you will mash up two APIs to create a movie recommender.
The final course is an extended project in which you'll perform optical character recognition (OCR) and object detection in images.

Key course features:

Intermediate Level - recommended to have some experience with Python or another programming language before enrolling.
Flexible Schedule - takes approximately 8 hours to complete at your own pace.

=> Enroll in the Python 3 Programming Specialization here.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for checking out this article on the best python courses online. Of courses, the course(s) you decide to take will depend on your personal and career goals, and how you plan to apply your knowledge of python.

The above courses will help you develop a solid understanding of the python programming language, while giving you the opportunity to practice what you learn through useful and engaging projects.

Happy learning!