Can I Learn Python For Free?

Many Python beginners wonder whether they can learn this essential programming language for free. While it is certainly possible, the answer is that only the fundamentals are available at no cost. More advanced skills require more advanced training.

As one of the most popular programming languages worldwide, Python has a unique distinction: almost too much information about it is available online. This wealth of information can cause problems. Where should a student start? What type of class is best? Is Python better for development or data science?

Python novices can only answer questions like these through research, but the research often leads to even more questions. By contrast, learning Python with a live instructor in a structured environment is the best option for virtually everyone. Read on to learn more about the advantages and potential pitfalls of free Python resources.

What Free Resources Are Available for Learning Python?

The Python website is the first stop for many beginner-level students. It can be helpful, but the sheer quantity of available information can also be overwhelming. Python is free to download, and new users can check out the Beginner’s Guide and download the source code and installers. 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.

With these resources, you can download Python and learn some basics. However, some new learners mistakenly think that free resources can provide the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Read on for more about how to make use of free resources.

How to Make Use of Free Python Resources

The best way to use free Python resources is to learn the basics in preparation for training and then supplement your education with them. That means you use free online resources to orient yourself to the Python programming environment. Then, once you have found an appropriate formal training program, like a bootcamp or certificate program, you can refer back to your free resources.

The Explaining Tuples in Python tutorial is an excellent example of this approach. This short video offers a brief overview of materials covered in depth in Noble Desktop’s Python Programming Bootcamp, a foundational training module of longer courses like the FinTech Bootcamp, Python Developer Certificate, or Data Science Certificate program.

Another example of preparatory work is the Reading Text Files in Python video tutorial, which can be a good entry point for those new to programming. Many non-technical workers are familiar with .txt files, and learning to read them in Python can help before beginning a bootcamp or certificate program.

If you plan to learn Python for a data analytics career, you may also need intermediate or higher Excel skills. Courses like the Data Analytics Certificate from Noble Desktop include a training unit on Excel for Data Analytics, so consider brushing up on your Excel skills before enrolling in a Python data analytics bootcamp or certificate program. You can also find additional Excel-centered videos in the Learn Hub.

While these and many other free resources can be helpful, you might be best off getting most of your Python training in a targeted manner like the above mentioned courses. Consider using free online resources judiciously. Read on to learn more about their inevitable limitations.

Limitations of Free Resources

Most Python novices start their education by exploring free online resources: YouTube videos and other free online resources like articles and blog posts. These resources cannot substitute for a professional, formal program but can be an ideal way to prepare for future training.

The obvious advantage of free videos or articles is the price—free. However, this is also a drawback, as these resources can hardly substitute for guided formal training. In the fast-moving tech world, they can also become outdated quickly. You might be unable to tell whether a content creator has updated an article since they first wrote it. Videos can be better, as they typically display their posting data on sites like YouTube.

Noble Desktop offers multiple free resources and materials for students looking to become comfortable with Python programming. The Learn Hub and YouTube channel provide a comprehensive guide to start Python training. Here, you can search videos, articles, and links to other resources to help you understand different Python uses and how they apply to various fields.

Also, remember to explore the official Python website when evaluating free resources. The site posts updates frequently, so you can rest assured you are always getting the newest major release with supporting documents about new features.

Although you won’t learn Python from free resources, remember to use the ones at hand to prepare for formal training. With a solid understanding of a few basics, you can be more comfortable beginning your first Python class—even a beginner-friendly bootcamp or certificate program. Read on for more about what to do after you use free online resources.

What to Do After Utilizing Free Python Resources

Free Python resources are like a toolkit: you can always refer back to them if you need them. However, once you have explored online resources like the Learn Hub and the official Python Beginner’s Guide, your best move is to start paid live training. Consider the following types in order of preferred method:

Certificate Programs - Many certificate programs comprise multiple bootcamps mixed with shorter training modules. You might be able to take an individual introductory bootcamp (see below), but check to see whether you can save on tuition by taking that same bootcamp as part of a broader development, data science, or data analysis certificate program that includes or features Python.

The Python Developer Certificate is an excellent example of a certificate program that can help Python beginners qualify for entry-level development roles while building a professional portfolio. Topics include Django REST, Git, and SQL, to name a few. Applicants should feel comfortable coding HTML/CSS before enrollment.

Those looking to qualify for data-centered careers can get their Python training within multiple Noble Desktop certificate programs. For example, the Data Science Certificate is the perfect place to train after using free resources. The beginner-friendly program features extensive training from experts and requires no previous knowledge or experience. Topics include NumPy and Pandas for data analysis, SQL for communicating with databases, and Matplotlib for graphs and visualizations.

The Data Analytics Certificate is another immersive data-centered program featuring Python, SQL, Tableau, and other essentials. While this course comprises some of the same units as the Data Science Certificate (like the Python for Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamps), it also includes an immersive Tableau Bootcamp and units on data analytics.

Among its most comprehensive programs, the Software Engineering Certificate program from Noble Desktop runs around 510 hours. Participants complete the certificate in 20 weeks full-time and receive additional 1-on-1 mentoring. Topics in this beginner-friendly certificate include front end development with JavaScript, Python development with Django REST, and the MERN tech stack.

Python beginners who plan to work in data science, finance, or data analysis can train for entry-level roles through the Noble Desktop FinTech Bootcamp. This 114-hour program functions like a certificate, comprising multiple shorter bootcamps and six additional 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. Topics include Python for Data Science, Automation, and Machine Learning. Applicants can also choose an extra finance elective bootcamp.

Bootcamps - Some of the most intensive programs for Python are bootcamps. Among the many choices from Noble Desktop, the 96-hour Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp is a beginner-friendly bootcamp that functions like a certificate program. This course combines the shorter Python for Data Science and Python Machine Learning Bootcamps (see below) with a Python Data Visualization module. The course also includes up to four 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.

The Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers Python fundamentals, dataframes, arrays, structuring programs, and data visualization in an intense 30-hour format. You can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

Another immersive 30-hour course is the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, covering regression analysis, classifications, and decision trees. Applicants should have experience comparable to that gained in the Python for Data Science Bootcamp. You can also save by taking this Python Machine Learning Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate program.

The 18-hour Python for Finance Bootcamp may work best within the confines of the 114-hour FinTech Bootcamp curriculum. However, Noble Desktop offers Python for Finance separately if applicants are familiar with Python data science and financial concepts like IRR and NPV. Check listings for more detailed information.

One of Noble Desktop’s fundamental courses is the 30-hour Python Programming Bootcamp. If you’re a beginner, you can start here or save by taking the bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Python Developer Certificate program. Students receive an additional 1-on-1 training session outside the group class.

With these alternatives in mind, you should better understand what to do after using free Python resources. Consider your learning style, budget, and availability, and you will find the best approach to mastering this essential programming language.