New to Python, Yay!
So you have probably heard many people wax lyrical about how Python is an easy language to learn and that it tends to be the language of choice for self taught beginners. This is technically true. It's readable and the syntax can be picked up pretty quickly. The main stumbling block for people is learning how to program. This is a skill that takes time and practices to develop. So on this page you will find tools and websites that can help you learn the syntax and also a number of sites to learn programing and problem solving skills using Python.
Python Ireland primarily serves as a way for Pythonistas to meetup across Ireland however we also will try to help you when you just beginning your journey into Python world. We have developed this area for learning resources that can help you get started. Please remember though that we are just trying to pool the online resources to save you time trawling through the net.
Python2 is no longer supported, if you find resources using it be careful or search again for python3 resources.
Below you can find a list of free resources for learning Python. There are also event organised by Python Ireland and other affiliates that can provide a face to face introduction. Check out our meetup page for details on how to sign up for various Dublin based events.
Python Setup
There are many ways to use Python and it can seem a bit overwhelming at the beginning. Here are a few options you can use when you are starting out. As you gain more experience you will figure out how you like to work.
This is tutorial that talks through installing Python.
Install an IDE
Most popular are
You should definitely get one of those, get free or pro version depending on your needs.
Free Online Tutorials and Books
Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
This is a free online tutorial and you can also purchase the book. The benefit of this tutorial is it teaches you programming concepts through Python. In this way you don't just learn syntax but also how to develop.
This tutorial is similar to the tutorial available on the PSF website. It talks through various features of Python 3 with examples. It also features an extensive collection of videos. However without continuous exercises to practice, concepts can be difficult to master in a practical sense.
Related Online Courses
An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python
This course is offered by Rice University in Canada and available on Coursera. If you complete it you get a certificate of accomplishment.
Programming for Everybody (Python)
This course is offered by University of Michigan through Coursera and also offers a certificate of completion. This course consists of weekly lectures in conjunction with a free online book, mentioned above, Python for Everybody.
This is more of an interactive tutorial. Concepts are taught in a smooth manner of definitions and application of code through their web based interface. Good for people who don't want to spend hours watching videos or reading through dense material. There is no particular start or end date so you can learn at you own speed.
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python
This course offered MIT is intended for students with little or no programming experience. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the role computation can play in solving problems and to help students, regardless of their major, feel justifiably confident of their ability to write small programs that allow them to accomplish useful goals. The class uses the Python 3.5 programming language.
https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/blog/python-practice-problems/
is a resource with a Google Colab notebook, Python practice problems and solutions. This problem set is intended for people who already have familiarity with Python (or another language) and data types. Each problem highlights a few different skills, and they gradually become more complicated
Progressive introduction to the language
Created a free resource, beginner friendly
Get help from fellow pythonistas on Python forum or Reddit
Next Level
Ok, now you understand the syntax, are familiar with common data structures and algorithms. It's time to leverage.
This site is a mine of information of things you should know as a professional developper. Web frameworks, related technologies, cloud deployment, ...
An interesting collection of design patterns implemented in python
Cheat sheets
Network programming cheat sheet
nice set of cheat sheets for data analysis
Problem Solving Sites
So you have done the tutorials and you looking for something a bit more challenging. Here are a few sites that offer problems to be solved through Python.
This site offers loads of problems to work through starting from elementary to hard as nails...
This site present mathematical problems and challenges you to solve them through code. You can solve them using pretty much any language but obviously you're going to use Python ;-)
If you have any questions or comments please post below or send us an email. Happy Learning!