How to Choose the Best Online Python Course

How much do you know about Python? No, we're not talking about a type of snake or the British comedy team with the silly walks and the Spanish Inquisition. We're talking here about IT. How much do you know about Python, the programming language?

If you're a programmer or want to become one, then you had better not only know well what Python is, considering its ubiquity in today's IT world, but also how to work with it.

But even if your knowledge of Python is little to non-existent, fear not. You're about to get an education on all aspects of Python, including what it is, why it's essential to know, the different ways to learn it, and especially how to choose the best online course for Python. After all, online learning is a great way to gain knowledge at your convenience and pace.

So let's kick off with the fundamentals: what is it, and why do you need to learn about it? By the time you've finished this article, you'll have a better idea about what makes the best online course for Python, and on your way to getting ready to either start a new career in programming or upskilling your current programming toolbox.

Learn the essential concepts of Python programming with the Data Science with Python Training Course. Register now.

What Is Python?

To get a good grip on what Python's all about, we turn to the best source, namely its creators:

“Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics.” You can consider Python to be an alternative to Java, Ruby, or SQL. Python is simple and easy to learn, focusing on readability.

Why Is Python Popular?

Check the previous paragraph, especially the words “simple and easy to learn.” What more do you need? Well, alright, here's a bit more, then. Compared to other programming languages, Python is highly productive. Executing commands in Python takes fewer lines of code, less time, and less effort.

Also, Python boasts a simple programming syntax, English-like commands, and code readability. All of these advantages make Python not only the right language for beginners but also a cost-effective resource for organizations looking to keep their budgets under control while still getting the most benefit for their money.

But there's another significant reason for Python's popularity. It happens to be the preferred language in the world of data science. Considering how data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are growing by leaps and bounds, it's no wonder that Python's popularity is being boosted, riding on the coattails of these increasingly popular concepts.

It also doesn't hurt that Python has something akin to a corporate sponsor. You may have heard of one of the more prominent corporations; it's a modest little company called Google, which heavily relies on Python for many of their applications. And on top of all this, Python is open source software and is free.

All of this popularity means that there's an increased need for skilled Python developers. This, in turn, means that more Python developers need to be trained. More on this later.

In the interests of full disclosure, however, it should be pointed out that Python's speed and performance tend to be on the slow side when it's compared to other languages. However, too many people, the speed difference is so barely noticeable that it's a non-issue. Your actual mileage may vary.

How Do You Learn Python?

So with all of this fuss being made over Python, the question naturally becomes, “How do you learn it?” There are several different approaches you can take, with some being more effective than others.

• Read About It
  

  There are many books out there that can educate you on the basics of Python. Granted, the burden of accountability falls on you; you need to make sure you keep yourself focused on the subject, putting aside time to read and digest what you've learned.

• Internet Resources

  There are YouTube video tutorials, podcasts, screencasts, and other online study materials available if you want to take the independent study route. But just like reading books, you need to self-motivate to keep going.

• Continuing Education
  

  You can take Python classes at your local college. This offers a more structured environment but can also pose scheduling problems, primarily if you work.

• Online Classes 

  Combining the best of Internet resources and Continuing education, online classes offer flexibility, but with a degree of structure and accountability. Taking online courses provides the best of all worlds, and can be tailored to your level of expertise and availability. All that's left is determining the best online course for Python.

Whatever method you use, it's a fact that the best way to get better at Python is by actually using it. Practice makes perfect. As soon as you learn the coding basics, dedicate time to apply your newfound knowledge by coming up with your Python projects, and you'll end up sharpening those skills.

It's also important to network with a community of fellow Python programmers. By doing so, you make potentially useful social connections as well as learn from their expertise and get answers to your questions.

What to Look for in a Good Python Course

Taking the points of the previous section into consideration, we can infer a series of criteria for choosing the right Python course.

• Convenience
  

  The whole point of taking a course online is to be able to learn at your own pace, and as your busy schedule allows. Therefore, whatever online course you choose, make sure that it offers a flexible, self-paced curriculum.

• Different Complexity Levels
  

  Your online course provider should offer all levels of Python training, everything from introductory courses to the more advanced levels for those already familiar with the basics. In other words, your course provider should be able to accommodate you at whatever level of Python proficiency you currently are at.

• The Chance to Work on Projects
  

  You learn by doing, and any online course worth its salt will allow you to apply what you learned by giving you projects to work on. The more projects and the wider the variety, the better it is for you.

• Access to Resources

  Rather than having to hunt through the Internet to find all the resources you need, a course provider should provide easy access to all of the resources you will need, be it learning materials, manuals, multi-media, etc. Furthermore, those resources should be available whenever you need them.

The Simplilearn Method

Simplilearn is a proven online learning method that offers you the opportunity to either upskill to improve your standing in your current position or make you job-ready for a change in career. Simplilearn offers three different courses, each one a valuable resource that will help transform you into a programming superstar.

The Python Training Course is an all-inclusive program that introduces you to the Python development language and exposes you to the essentials of object-oriented programming, web development with Django, and game development. This course gives you hands-on development experience and prepares you for a career as a professional Python programmer. Available as a self-paced learning option or corporate training solution, it consists of three courses and three projects.

You will master Python Django (used to develop full websites), advanced web development, and PyGame, a platform used for creating video games. This is the perfect course for gaining your severe first exposure to Python.

The Data Science with Python Training Course establishes your mastery of data science and analytics techniques using Python. You'll learn the essential concepts of Python programming and gain in-depth knowledge in data analytics, machine learning, data visualization, web scraping, and natural language processing.

You will have access to 68 hours of in-depth learning via self-paced learning, online classroom Flexi-Pass, or corporate training solutions. It includes four real-life industry-based projects and interactive learning with Jupyter notebooks labs.

Today's digital world focuses heavily on machine learning, data analytics, and Hadoop, the latter being one of the most widely-used tools for processing Big Data. This training course provides you with instruction in all of these, turning you into a well-rounded data science professional.

Last but not least, we have the Software Engineer Master's Program. This program will train you to gain expertise on different levels of Software Engineering, Programming, Frontend, Backend, DevOps tools, Cloud, and Agile.

This program covers Python as well, so no worries. You will have access to over 50 in-demand skills and tools, accompanied by more than 15 industry-based projects. This course is for those programmers who want to not only master Python but branch out into a full-fledged, fully certified Master Software Engineer.

The courses include C Programming, Java Certification Training, MongoDB Developer and Administrator, Node.Js Training, Angular Training, AWS Solutions Architect, and DevOps Certification Training. There are seven additional electives to choose from, each one uniquely suited to round out your training.

Whichever course (or courses!) you take, you will have access to Simplilearn's 24x7 learner assistance and support, so you don't have to tackle this alone.

Now's the time to make yourself part of the Python revolution. Check out the courses, boost your skills, and get ready to push your career to more rewarding and challenging heights!