How to learn Python skills online for free in 2024

What skills do data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers and full-stack developers have in common?

Python.

And no, in case you’re wondering: Python is not a snake in this case.

Python is actually a high-level, general-purpose programming language and one of the most popular programming languages ​​in the world. The language is used for everything from automation to software development to data analysis and everything in between.

In addition, it is the third most used programming language in the world, used by 51% of software developers worldwide according to Statista. Only JavaScript and HTML/CSS are more important than JavaScript, with 62% and 53% of usage respectively.

Why learn Python?

Knowledge of programming languages ​​is useful whether you’re pursuing a purely technical career or not. Some people teach themselves skills like SQL or Python simply because they think they might be useful one day; others may even want to monetize their skills by developing apps on the side; others learn Python to start a new career, such as a business analyst or data analyst, or even a technical project manager.

Others choose to learn Python programming skills to enhance their existing skills and expand their knowledge and expertise as a developer, because every good developer knows that learning new languages ​​increases one’s attractiveness on the job market, expands career opportunities and, accordingly, brings one higher salary.

One thing you should know about Python as a programming language is that it’s a skill that can earn you a lot of money – it’s considered one of the highest-paying skills in the tech industry. This means that the skill is in high demand among employers (and potential clients if you’ve chosen to freelance) and they’re willing to pay a premium for it.

For example, even at the entry-level Python developers earn an average of between $110,311 and $128,924 per year, while a data scientist—a job that also requires Python skills—earns an average of up to $134,000, according to Salary.com.

So it’s easy to see how learning Python can positively impact your career.

8 Free Python Courses in 2024

But where can you learn Python programming skills, and is it possible to start learning for free?

Here are several online platforms where you can start learning this popular programming language today:

1. Codecademy: Offers a free Python course that covers the basics and more advanced topics.
2. Kursra: Offers free Python courses from universities like the University of Michigan and technology companies like IBM. You can access course materials and the certificate for free if you are eligible for financial aid for the course.
3. edX: Offers free Python courses from leading technical institutions like MIT and Harvard. However, you may have to pay for the certificate.
4. Google’s Python class: This is another free course that includes video lectures, written materials, and programming exercises and is designed for professionals with some level of programming experience.
5. Kaggle: Offers a free Python course with a special focus on Data Science. You can practice Python on this platform by participating in programming competitions as well.
6. Real Python: Provides a series of free tutorials, articles, and exercises covering Python from beginner to advanced levels.
7. YouTube: Subscribe to technical education channels like Corey Schafer, Programming with Mosh, and freeCodeCamp, which offer comprehensive free Python tutorials.
8. W3Schools: Provides free Python tutorials and resources that are beginner-friendly and cover the basics.

These free online resources allow you to learn Python at your own pace and gain confidence in your skills through hands-on experience – whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level.