How do Beginners Learn Python?

Different Python-centered careers require different approaches. A training program that is ideal for one person can be a worst-case scenario for someone else. However, finding some commonalities among the best ways for beginners to learn Python is not difficult. 

The first essential skills students need to learn as beginners is basic digital literacy or computer skills. Most Python novices will only enroll in a programming class if they know their way around the internet, different browsers, or even multiple operating systems. Nonetheless, many beginner-level Python courses require only the most basic computer literacy.

While these beginner-friendly programs may not require previous programming or other experience, many students benefit from an existing skill set. For example, students with a background in probability and statistics may excel more easily in Python for data science classes. Similarly, students who know another programming language like JavaScript or a scripting language like HTML may find Python development training easier. Finally, those who work in finance may come to a FinTech bootcamp to learn Python but already possess knowledge about financial statements, portfolio and risk management, or newer areas of interest like cryptocurrencies and the blockchain.

Getting Started with Python

To prepare to learn Python, check out the Beginner’s Guide from the Python website and download the source code and installers. You might also want to familiarize yourself with Python fundamentals like scripts, modules, and variables, although you can also learn about these in training.

Python is a versatile language with numerous applications, so it can help you greatly if you know how and where you plan to use Python. If you don’t yet know, consider some of the best-known applications of Python:

• Data Science - Using Python to understand data is essential to many industries. Python libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib allow Data Scientists and other professionals to use data visualization to gain insights that can help decision-makers. Other Python libraries include Pandas, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
• AI & Machine Learning (ML) - Machine Learning Engineers and other ML pros use Python to build models. Artificial Intelligence Engineers and Architects also need Python to assess AI solutions, advanced automation, and other relevant tasks.
• Web Development - Python frameworks like Django and Flask have provided web development for well-known companies like Instagram, Pinterest, and Dropbox. Developers report that Python easily integrates with other languages like C/C++ and Java. Additional Python frameworks include Bottle, CherryPy, and Dash.

Other potential uses for Python include game development and enterprise applications. Use Python as a keyword for job listings in your area to see how local companies want their employees to use this popular programming language.

The First Steps When Learning Python

Python beginners typically learn several fundamental skills or tools, whether they plan to use Python for data science or web or software development. These include a computational environment and a platform that allows them to write and execute code. Python introductory materials also usually cover data types, variables, and functions.

If you take training for data science, you will have to learn a platform like Jupyter Notebook to code Python directly in your browser. You might also use a code editor like Visual Studio Code (VS Code), although this is typically for more advanced coding. Additional data science and analysis tools include popular data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau and SQL, which allows you to communicate with databases.

However, if you take Python training for development, the curriculum may include Anaconda to write and execute code. Anaconda includes popular Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn, so a data science curriculum might also feature Anaconda. Other potential tools for developers include HTML, CSS, and PyCharm, which supports development frameworks like Django and Flask.

Free Python Tools for Beginners

Some of the best free tools for beginners come directly from the Python website. The Beginner’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions are easily accessible, and novices can download Python source code and installers free. Python also provides written tutorials and extensive documentation for its standard library.

Once you have all these, you might wonder where to begin. You can get help from additional free resources like the Learn Hub from Noble Desktop. The Hub features a comprehensive guide to start learning Python, including multiple videos on topics like strings, variables, and tuples, to name a few.

Ready to dive in rather than peruse the free resources? Read on to learn more about live Python training.

Live Python Training for Beginners

Live training offers unique advantages. Many students prefer this setting to other options. Learning in the traditional classroom delivers the highest level of engagement possible. Participants can interact with the instructor and classmates, so many report feeling more connected to the material when they learn in a classroom. If in-person training has a disadvantage, commuting and finding parking or taking another means of transportation to attend class is it.

Learning online, however, has become a popular alternative. Online training offers engagement similar to the traditional classroom, and many providers offer a virtual option. Some host live online classes exclusively, whereas others provide in-person and live online training. Others host courses live online with the option to use their computer labs for students who live nearby. Another advantage to training online is that it increases the number of available options. Your city or town may offer little or no in-person classes in your chosen subject, but you can take live online classes from anywhere with an internet connection.

For introductory live Python training, consider the following courses.

Python in a Day - Many course providers, including Noble Desktop, offer 1-day or half-day Python workshops or seminars for corporate training. Among the many shorter offerings from Noble Desktop, the Python in a Day program gives organizations a time-saving, cost-effective method to introduce their teams to the popular object-oriented programming language. Contact Noble Desktop for more information, as the class fills up quickly, and you may need to be wait-listed.

A more advanced option is the 30-hour Python Programming Bootcamp from Noble Desktop. This course can help you level up from beginner to confident Python programmer in a strategic manner. You can also save money by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate, Python Developer Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

The Next Step

For more advanced training, consider enrolling in a certificate program that features Python or includes it within a broader data science or development curriculum. Whether you want a development, data science, or data analysis job, you can qualify for many entry-level roles with this method. Some certificate programs are open to beginners, whereas others require previous experience with tools like HTML or CSS.

The Data Science Certificate program from Noble Desktop is one of the renowned provider’s most popular programs. Available in four weeks full-time or twenty weeks part-time, this zero-to-hero approach takes Python novices from inexperienced to confident users through its multiple bootcamps and mentoring sessions. Topics include data visualization, automation, SQL, and machine learning, to name a few. Download a copy of the syllabus for more details.

Check out the Data Analytics Certificate if you want to learn Python within a broader data analytics curriculum. This immersive program includes Python for data science, automation, and data visualization, among other topics. Beginners are welcome and can finish in six weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time.

Those planning development careers can learn Python programming and build a professional-level portfolio with the Python Developer Certificate program. Applicants should have HTML/CSS experience comparable to that gained in Noble’s Web Development with HTML & CSS course.

Want to be a Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer? Get essential Python training in the comprehensive, beginner-friendly Software Engineering Certificate program. This 510-hour program covers everything from Python and HTML/CSS to JavaScript, development with Django REST, and the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js). Full-time attendees can complete the certificate in 20 weeks.

If you aren’t ready to dive into a Python certificate, you can begin your education with the Python for Data Science Bootcamp. However, you will save money if you take it as part of the Data Analytics Certificate, Data Science Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

Another intensive certificate is Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp. This intensive beginner-friendly bootcamp is available in four weeks full-time or four months part-time. It covers Python for automation, data science, and machine learning and includes an SQL bootcamp.

If you take the Python for Data Science Bootcamp for a finance career, you can qualify for the Python for Finance Bootcamp. However, you will save on tuition if you get your Python and finance education through Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp.

Python training for beginners can consist of a shorter bootcamp or even a single class. However, the best results typically come from a more immersive program like a longer bootcamp or certificate. If you need Python programming skills for a data science, development, or analytics career, you can save time and money by investing in one of these programs.