Python is a powerful, high-level programming language that supports multiple paradigms such as object-oriented, imperative, functional and procedural programming.
The language was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991, and has a design philosophy that emphasizes code readability, and a syntax that allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code.
Python is suitable for building web applications, games development, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning.
Python is suitable for building web applications, games development, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning.
Some large companies using Python include: Google (YouTube), Facebook (Tornado), Dropbox, Yahoo, NASA, IBM, Mozilla and Quora.
Python is currently the 4th most popular programming language according to the TIOBE Index.
From your question since you didn’t specify if you have any prior programming experience, I’ll assume you have no prior experience in programming. Python is an easy to learn programming language.
Python is now the most popular introductory teaching language at top US universities (see https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-...).
No course in the world can teach you how to master Python programming in a few weeks. As suggested in your question, the best way to learn Python is by doing it yourself. And the best way to teach yourself programming is by writing code. You will cover more ground faster if you just find the best programming resources available and do it yourself.
This is how I started learning programming many years ago.
The following is the same learning path someone recommended to me many years ago:
- Buy a good computer, preferably a laptop and install Windows or Linux. Mac is also ok.
- Buy good Python Programming books, especially the ones recommended on the official Python website (http://www.python.org) and other websites.
- Download and instal Python (www.python.org)
- Download and instal a good text editor (e.g. Notepad++, Atom, etc). DON’T USE MS Word.
- Sit behind your computer and bring out your manuals.
- Type every coding exercise manually using your favorite text editor (DON’T Copy Paste!)
- Practice, practice, practice…
- Learn Python, eat Python, sleep Python, dream Python…
- Make use of YouTube videos and any other motivational videos you can find online (there are many)
- Attend Python programming conferences if possible, ask a lot of questions. Learn from the best (we all sit on the shoulders of giants).
Having said that, there are numerous resources for learning Python programming:
Python.org – Nothing can replace the official Python website.
GitHub - GitHub is where people build software. More than 28 million people use GitHub to discover, fork, and contribute to over 80 million projects. One of the best resources for Python programmers.
LearnPython.org - Is a free interactive Python tutorial for people who want to learn Python fast.
TutorialsPoint.com - This tutorial is designed for software programmers who need to learn Python programming language from scratch.
GuRu99.com - Python Tutorial for Beginners: Learn Programming in 7 Days
StackOverflow.com – A large resource and forum for the newest 'python' Questions
repl.it - Python Compiler, REPL, and IDE
Codecademy.com – Free online resource for learning Python programming interactively. It has an interactive text editor and a forum. Good for beginners.
Udacity.com – introductory to advanced Python programming Courses.
Coursera.org - Learn Python online from 136 Python courses from top institutions like University of Michigan and deep learning, AI, build career skills in Computer Science, Data Science, and more.
Udemy.com - Learn Python like a Professional! Start from the basics and go all the way to creating your own applications and games!
eDX.org – This course bridges the gap between introductory and advanced courses in Python.
Recommended Python Programming Books:
Python 3.6 Tutorial by Guido van Rossum
Learning Python by Mark Lutz (O’Reilly Media)
Introducing Python by Bill Lubanovic (O’Reilly Media)
Python Programming by John M. Zelle
Learn Python The Hard Way by Zed A. Shaw
Python Cookbook by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones (O’Reilly Media)
Programming Python by Mark Luz (O’Reilly Media)
Machine Learning with Python Cookbook by Chris Albon (O’Reilly Media)
Fluent Python by Luciano Ramalho
Think Python, 2nd Edition by Allen B. Downey
