Python For Beginners Courses Ranked from Best to Worst – freeCodeCamp Edition

As a seasoned full-stack developer, I‘m often asked for advice on the best way to start learning Python. And one of my go-to recommendations is freeCodeCamp. They offer an impressive collection of Python courses for beginners, both on their main learning platform and YouTube channel.

However, with so many great options to choose from, it can be overwhelming for a newbie to know where to begin. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll rank all of freeCodeCamp‘s Python for beginners courses from best to worst, sharing my insights as a professional developer along the way.

But first, let me clarify – there really is no "worst" course on this list. Every single one is a high-quality resource crafted by experienced developers and instructors. The "best" course for you ultimately depends on your unique learning style, goals, and background.

In fact, I often suggest to new learners that exploring multiple beginner courses can be tremendously valuable. You‘ll pick up different tips and tricks from each instructor and solidify your understanding of key concepts.

With that said, let‘s jump into the rankings!

1. Scientific Computing with Python Certification

Topping my list is freeCodeCamp‘s Scientific Computing with Python Certification. This comprehensive track takes you through Dr. Charles Severance‘s (aka Dr. Chuck) renowned "Python for Everybody" curriculum, culminating in 5 hands-on projects to earn your certification.

What sets this course apart is its depth and breadth. You‘ll start with a thorough grounding in Python basics, then dive into key topics like data structures, web services, and databases with SQL. It‘s the most extensive introduction to Python on freeCodeCamp, clocking in at around 300 hours of content.

Dr. Chuck is a Clinical Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information and a leading figure in the Python education space. His teaching style is clear, engaging, and packed with real-world examples. He also provides high-quality supplementary materials, like his "Python for Everybody" book.

While it requires the biggest time commitment of all the courses, the certification track offers the most robust foundation in Python. It‘s ideal for learners who want a comprehensive, university-level introduction to the language.

In my experience as a full-stack developer, having a solid grasp of data structures, web services, and databases is invaluable. These skills are highly transferable and will serve you well as you progress in your Python journey.

2. Python for Beginners (Mike Dane)

Next up is Mike Dane‘s Python for Beginners course on the freeCodeCamp YouTube channel. Mike is a seasoned instructor known for his clear, concise explanations and beginner-friendly teaching style.

What I love about Mike‘s course is how he breaks down complex concepts into digestible pieces using relatable analogies. He takes the time to explain the "why" behind the code, not just the "how". As someone who‘s been coding for years, I still find myself nodding along to his insightful explanations.

Mike covers all the essential Python concepts like data types, functions, object-oriented programming, and more. He codes along in PyCharm, so you can follow his step-by-step process and start building your own projects.

One thing that sets Mike‘s course apart is the production quality. The video and audio are crisp, the pacing is perfect, and Mike sprinkles in a healthy dose of humor to keep things engaging. It‘s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into crafting this learning experience.

For visual learners who like to code along with the instructor, this Python crash course is an excellent starting point. It currently has over 5 million views on YouTube, a testament to its quality and popularity among beginners.

3. Python for Beginners (Beau Carnes)

Another standout course on the freeCodeCamp YouTube channel is Beau Carnes‘ Python for Beginners. Compared to Mike‘s course, Beau takes a more streamlined, interactive approach to teaching Python basics.

What‘s unique about this course is that it‘s fully browser-based. As Beau explains each concept, you can follow along and run code right in the video player. This interactive setup is perfect for beginners who want to get hands-on with Python right away, without the added complexity of setting up a development environment.

Despite clocking in at just 30 minutes, Beau covers an impressive amount of ground. He starts with the basics of Python syntax, data types, and variables, then moves on to functions, loops, and conditionals. Along the way, he walks through coding two complete Python programs step-by-step.

As a seasoned developer, I‘m constantly amazed by how much Beau is able to pack into such a concise tutorial. His explanations are succinct yet thorough, and he has a knack for anticipating common beginner questions and pain points.

If you‘re brand new to coding and want a quick, interactive introduction to Python, Beau‘s crash course is a great place to start. It‘s racked up over 1.5 million views and counting, with learners praising its clarity and engagement.

4. Python Beginner Tutorial (Bobby Stearman)

Rounding out the top 5 is Bobby Stearman‘s Python Beginner Tutorial, based on the official Python documentation. As a core developer at freeCodeCamp, Bobby has a deep understanding of the platform‘s educational philosophy and a gift for making complex topics accessible.

What I appreciate about Bobby‘s course is his focus on teaching Python in the context of its source material. He follows the structure of the official Python docs, diving deep into syntax rules and language-specific quirks. It‘s a great way to get comfortable navigating the primary resource that all Python developers rely on.

Throughout the tutorial, Bobby walks through a ton of code samples, explaining each concept along the way. You‘ll get hands-on practice with drills and exercises that reinforce your understanding. And if you‘re a fan of dark mode, you‘ll appreciate the sleek, purple-themed code editor.

One thing to note is that this course is more code-focused than some of the others on the list. Bobby spends less time on high-level concepts and analogies, and more time diving into the nitty-gritty of Python syntax.

For learners who prefer a more technical, hands-on approach, this is a great fit. You‘ll come away with a solid foundation in Python and the confidence to tackle the official docs on your own.

5. Python for Everybody (Dr. Chuck)

If you‘re intrigued by Dr. Chuck‘s Python curriculum but not quite ready to commit to the full certification track, this condensed version of his "Python for Everybody" course is an excellent entry point.

In this more streamlined format, Dr. Chuck covers all the essential Python concepts, from basic syntax and data structures to web services and databases. You‘ll get a taste of the same high-quality instruction and real-world examples as the certification track, but in a more approachable package.

One of Dr. Chuck‘s greatest strengths as an instructor is his ability to break down complex topics into understandable pieces. He has a warm, engaging teaching style that makes you feel like you‘re learning from a trusted mentor. His passion for Python and commitment to learner success shines through in every video.

While this course doesn‘t include the hands-on projects of the certification track, it still provides a comprehensive introduction to Python. It‘s a great way to test the waters and see if Dr. Chuck‘s teaching style resonates with you before diving into the full curriculum.

6. Python Beginner Course (Jabrils)

For a fresh take on Python education, check out Jabrils‘ beginner course on the freeCodeCamp YouTube channel. Jabrils is known for his creative teaching style that blends coding concepts with real-world analogies and storytelling.

What sets Jabrils‘ course apart is his focus on the "why" behind Python programming concepts. He takes the time to explain the thought process and problem-solving strategies that go into writing effective code. This approach is invaluable for beginners who are still developing their computational thinking skills.

Throughout the course, Jabrils draws comparisons between Python and other programming languages like C#. This is really helpful if you‘re coming from a different language background or curious about how Python stacks up. As someone who codes in multiple languages, I appreciate how Jabrils highlights Python‘s unique strengths and quirks.

Jabrils covers all the Python basics like data types, functions, classes and more, but he does so in a way that feels fresh and engaging. His upbeat energy and sense of humor make the learning experience fun and memorable.

If you‘re looking for a Python course that‘s equal parts informative and entertaining, Jabrils‘ beginner course is a great pick. It‘s racked up over 500,000 views and has become a fan favorite in the freeCodeCamp community.

7. Python for Beginners (Octallium)

Rounding out the list is Anil Kulkarni‘s Python for Beginners course on the freeCodeCamp YouTube channel. Anil is the founder of Octallium, an educational platform dedicated to making coding accessible to all.

What I appreciate about Anil‘s teaching style is his emphasis on the fundamental concepts of programming, not just Python syntax. He believes that many beginners get stuck trying to memorize language-specific rules without understanding the underlying logic. His course aims to bridge that gap.

Anil starts by introducing core programming concepts like data types, variables, functions, and control flow. He uses clear visualizations and analogies to illustrate each idea before diving into the Python implementation. This approach helps beginners develop a strong foundation in computational thinking that they can apply to any language.

Throughout the course, Anil provides practical examples and coding exercises to reinforce your understanding. He also shares his thought process as he breaks down problems and debugs code. As an experienced developer, I know how valuable it is to "think like a programmer" and Anil really helps instill that mindset.

If you‘re brand new to coding and want to start with a conceptual foundation before diving into Python syntax, Anil‘s course is a great fit. It currently has over 200,000 views and overwhelmingly positive feedback from learners.

Bonus: Python Courses in Spanish and Japanese

As part of their mission to make coding education accessible to all, freeCodeCamp offers several Python courses for non-English speakers. Currently, they have beginner courses available in Spanish and Japanese, with plans to expand to even more languages in the future.

These courses are high-quality translations of freeCodeCamp‘s core Python curriculum. That means you‘ll get the same great instruction and real-world examples, just tailored to your native language.

The Spanish course is taught by Estefania Cassingena Navone, an experienced developer and instructor with a passion for making tech more inclusive. She does an excellent job of explaining Python concepts in a clear, approachable way.

Meanwhile, the Japanese course is led by Toshiki Yasuda, a seasoned engineer and educator. He brings his wealth of industry experience to the curriculum, sharing practical tips and best practices throughout.

So if you‘re more comfortable learning in Spanish or Japanese, these courses are an excellent way to start your Python journey. And keep an eye out for even more language offerings from freeCodeCamp in the future!

Choosing the Best Python Course for You

With so many great options, how do you pick the best Python course for your needs? Here are a few tips:

1. Assess your current skill level and learning goals. If you‘re brand new to coding, a shorter crash course like Beau‘s or Anil‘s may be a good fit. If you‘re looking for a more comprehensive foundation, consider Dr. Chuck‘s certification track.

2. Consider your learning style. Do you prefer a more hands-on, interactive approach? Check out courses like Mike‘s or Bobby‘s that include a lot of coding practice. If you‘re a visual learner, look for courses with engaging graphics and analogies like Jabrils‘.

3. Don‘t be afraid to experiment. As I mentioned earlier, trying out a few different courses can be really beneficial. You may find that you resonate with one instructor‘s teaching style more than another, or pick up new insights from each course.

Remember, the key to success with any course is consistent practice. Make a commitment to code every day, even if it‘s just for a few minutes. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you‘ll become.

And don‘t forget, your Python learning journey doesn‘t have to stop with these beginner courses. freeCodeCamp offers a wealth of intermediate and advanced Python resources to keep you growing and challenged.

Some of my favorites include:

• Python Data Analysis with Pandas
• Python for Penetration Testing
• Python Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn
• Python Django Framework Full Course

So whether you‘re a total beginner or a seasoned developer looking to add Python to your toolkit, freeCodeCamp has you covered. With their comprehensive curriculum, engaging instructors, and supportive community, you‘ll be well on your way to Python mastery.

Conclusion

In the end, the "best" Python course is the one that aligns with your unique goals, learning style, and background. Whether you prefer a comprehensive track like Dr. Chuck‘s certification or a bite-sized crash course like Beau‘s, you can‘t go wrong with any of the offerings on freeCodeCamp.

What‘s most important is that you start your Python journey and stay consistent with your learning. Dedicate time each day to practicing your skills, building projects, and engaging with the community. The more you immerse yourself in the world of Python, the faster you‘ll progress.

As a full-stack developer who uses Python daily, I can attest to the power and versatility of this language. Whether you‘re interested in web development, data science, machine learning, or any other tech field, Python is an invaluable tool to have in your kit.

So what are you waiting for? Choose a course, start coding, and join the vibrant community of Python developers around the world. With freeCodeCamp as your guide, there‘s no limit to what you can achieve. Happy coding!