Named after Monty Python's Flying Circus, Python also holds a prominent place among tech professionals in data science and analysis. Job boards consistently feature listings for Python pros, and the number continues to grow.
Python is an object-oriented language, or OOP, organized around objects (data) rather than functions or logic. With its easy-to-learn syntax, massive worldwide support community, and a growing need, Python is one of the best programming languages to add to your skill set.
While some positions require one or two programming languages, others require several. Many tech roles that require skills like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS require Python, too. Whether you need Python fundamentals for an office role or advanced Python skills for a data science position, consider putting it at the top of your priority list.
The 10 Best On-Demand Python Classes
- Developer Bootcamp—Python Programmer Bootcamp
- The University of Michigan—Python for Everybody Specialization
- Udemy—Introduction to Python Programming
- DataCamp—Introduction to Python
- CodeAcademy—Analyze Data with Python
- Noble Desktop—Exchanging Excel for Python
- Skillsoft—Python Development: Getting Started with Programming in Python
- Udemy—100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp
- Treehouse—Python Basics
- Google—Google’s Python Class
Developer Bootcamp—Python Programmer Bootcamp
Developer Bootcamp focuses on web, software, and application development training. Some of the top skills they teach include Java,.NET, SQL, and Python.
The Python Programmer Bootcamp covers much more than Python fundamentals. Beginners switch between lecture sessions and hands-on lab exercises. Unlike on-demand programs that run self-taught, each Python Programmer Bootcamp participant gets access to support staff who can assist with lab equipment and answer questions.
The bootcamp curriculum includes topics like lists, tuples, datasets, and dictionaries. Once attendees master Python basics, the course moves through flow control constructs, arrays, strings, and more advanced subjects. Facilitators ensure that participants complete all sessions in a timely manner.
Key Information
The price for the Python Programmer Bootcamp is $1,495. Tuition is due upon booking. Check for special rates and availability if you want to book a group.
Because it is available on-demand, times are flexible, but the course lasts for 28 hours in total. The school expects participants to complete all sessions within four weeks.
This class requires prior scripting experience or knowledge of fundamental programming concepts. You can message the Developer Bootcamp community with any questions about prerequisite specifics.
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Most on-demand classes consist of videos and lessons or lab exercises. The Python Programmer Bootcamp is unique in that it offers a hybrid model, where live instructors may also be available once a week on Mondays. Check course listings and the Developer Bootcamp Community for more details.
Developer Bootcamp is proud of its graduates' success and scores a 4.9 out of five on SwitchUp. Says one reviewer, “[t]heir approach was perfect for me: self-paced but with all the help I needed.” Another adds, “I liked being able to take the course in a virtual setting. I can't imagine a better experience.”
The University of Michigan—Python for Everybody
The University of Michigan offers Python for Everybody through Coursera, a course provider for on-demand learning. Founded by Stanford University professors in 2012, Coursera is one of the largest providers of online degrees, free courses, and certificate programs.
The Python for Everybody Specialization is a series of five courses, culminating in a hands-on project. Graduates earn a certificate of completion. The individual courses are:
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
- Python Data Structures
- Using Python to Access Web Data
- Using Databases with Python
- Capstone: Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data with Python
In the Capstone session, participants build applications to complete their projects. These projects involve all aspects of materials covered in the four previous sessions.
Key Information
University of Michigan students may take the Python for Everybody Specialization for free. All other applicants who want to earn the certificate must subscribe to Coursera.
The Coursera monthly subscription fee is $39, which allows subscribers to access materials and earn the Python for Everybody certificate. Alternatively, enrollees may join for free to audit the course without the certificate.
As an on-demand provider, Coursera has many attendees who work full-time. Consequently, they recommend that participants take Python for Everybody over a period of eight months at a pace of three hours per week. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Most participants either pay the $39 monthly subscription fee or audit the course for free. You can apply for financial aid if you cannot afford the monthly subscription. Coursera also offers subscribers a free trial: you can cancel any time during the first seven days.
For unlimited access to Coursera programs, you can subscribe to Coursera Plus for $59 per month or $399 per year. Either subscription platform is available through an upfront payment as well.
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Reviews for Python for Everybody range from short comments to full-length articles. One reviewer, already a Software Engineer before subscribing, says, “[t]he specialization has a gentle arc of learning which keeps a novice motivated but with reasonable challenges which are engaging for the veterans.”
Udemy—Introduction to Python Programming
Udemy provides a broad range of free and paid classes: its catalog includes over 2,600 paid programs and over 300 free courses. Among the many Python options is a straightforward free course called Introduction to Python Programming.
This 1.25-hour class offers beginner programming students an on-demand introduction to Python in a series of mini-lectures. Topics include:
- Getting Started with Python: variables, Booleans, strings, tuples, lists, and dictionaries
- Logic and Loops: if, Elif, and else statements, FizzBuzz
- Functions: return, FizzBuzz function, recursion
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): syntax, methods, complex numbers
Key Information
Introduction to Python Programming is available to stream for free. To enroll, you must sign up with Udemy by providing your name and an email address. Upon signup, you'll need to answer two questions: your current career goal and for what profession you are learning. You can then begin as soon as you like.
Because this course is available on-demand only, you will not have interactions with other students or an instructor. However, you can add review comments at any time. Udemy recommends learning a little more each day; if you do not have time to stream the entire course, they recommend scheduling learning times via iCal, Google Calendar, or Outlook. And if you don’t want to schedule learning times, you can get push notifications using the Udemy mobile app.
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The Introduction to Python Programming class is appropriate for programming beginners or those who wish to refresh their basic Python skills. Within the limits of a video only slightly longer than one hour, Udemy still considers it a "crash course" in Python.
While in-depth reviews for free one-hour video classes are scarce, online reviews include comments like “excellent fundamentals of Python for beginners” and “the instructor is quite easy to follow and knows how to deliver the information easily.”
If you are new to programming, Python is a great place to start, and this short on-demand class can serve as the perfect introduction.
DataCamp—Introduction to Python
DataCamp offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses in data analysis, data engineering, machine learning (ML), and other subjects. Over 4 million users have taken their Introduction to Python class, an on-demand program open to students at the beginner level.
Introduction to Python covers Python basics with an emphasis on data analysis. Attendees learn about the Python interface and NumPy, one of the most popular Python packages. The curriculum is divided into four sections as follows:
- Python Basics—the Python interface, variables, types, calculations, conversions
- Python Lists—creating lists, subsets, slicing/dicing, inner workings of lists
- Functions & Packages—familiar functions, string methods, importing packages
- NumPy—NumPy arrays, side effects, 2D arithmetic, statistics
This class is appropriate for anyone on a Python-related track, including those studying to become any of the following:
- Python Programmer
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
Key Information
The Introduction to Python course is available for free and runs for four hours. There are no prerequisites.
Introduction to Python is available free of charge. To access the course materials, you must create an account with DataCamp. Alternatively, you can sign into DataCamp with your Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook account.
Setup is easy with DataCamp. You can download Python or use DataCamp's Workspace software to practice using Python and work on projects without installing it.
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The Introduction to Python course gets consistently high ratings from participants, garnering 4.8 of five stars on DataCamp’s website review section. People have left comments like the following:
“DataCamp certainly lowers the threshold for starting to learn, with great examples, feedback, [and a] built-in version of Python.”
“The course materials are introduced through short videos, which are very clear and informative.”
“Learning with DataCamp is a great choice for me. They simplified everything.”
CodeAcademy—Analyze Data with Python
Analyze Data with Python is a comprehensive on-demand course from CodeAcademy, which offers paid and free classes at all levels. The program consists of 28 lessons, 17 projects, and 19 quizzes. These are organized into eight units, as follows:
- Intro to Data Analysis
- Intro to Python
- NumPy: A Python Library for Statistics
- Data Manipulation with Pandas
- Data Visualization with Matplotlib
- Statistics for Data Analysis
- Hypothesis Testing with SciPy
- Final Projects
In this skill path, attendees learn how to clean and prepare data with Pandas, analyze it with statistics, create data visualizations, and evaluate A/B tests. Graduates of the Analyze Data with Python program receive a certificate of completion.
Key Information
CodeAcademy works on a subscription basis. You can gain access to courses like Analyze Data with Python with their Basic Plan, which is free.
Additional options are as follows:
The Plus Plan includes access to all CodeAcademy courses and most skill paths. It costs $17.49 per month on average if billed annually or $34.99 if you pay monthly.
The Pro Plan from CodeAcademy includes all the features from Basic and Plus. It adds career paths, interview prep skill paths, code challenges, and career services. Pro members can also get certifications in areas like data science and analysis. The Pro Plan costs $29.99 per month on average if billed annually or $59.99 if you pay monthly.
The Analyze Data with Python program runs for ten weeks. There are no prerequisites. Novices may also want to review comparable beginner-level classes from CodeAcademy, like Visualize Data with Python or Getting Started with Python for Data Science.
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Analyze Data with Python is more than an on-demand course. CodeAcademy provides hands-on learning, where students can write code live on the school's interactive platform. AI-driven recommendations keep learners on track with online reviews.
CodeAcademy graduates around the world give the school high marks for their courses. Says one, “I love how CodeAcademy uses learning by practice and gives great challenges to help the learner understand a new concept or subject.” Another calls the class “a brilliant learning experience, ” adding, “It's a game changer if you're learning on your own.”
Noble Desktop—Exchanging Excel for Python
Noble Desktop provides in-person, live online, and on-demand courses in subjects like Python data science, web development, and machine learning (ML). Exchanging Excel for Python is among their most popular on-demand tutorials.
The video serves as an introduction to Python for working with data. Many professionals are familiar with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for collecting and sorting data, and Python can help them bypass some of Excel's inherent limits.
Python beginners get an introduction to the Pandas library in this one-hour seminar. A Noble Desktop instructor teaches them how to work with datasets and operations in Python, an excellent option for tech pros in sectors like marketing, finance, or business services.
Key Information
Exchanging Excel for Python is one of several tutorials Noble Desktop offers for free. Noble's YouTube channel hosts the one-hour video, which features segments on creating a Python notebook, the Python interface, and Python strings and variables.
Additional sections include creating a Python spreadsheet, working with data frames, and Boolean masks. The seminar ends with segments on operators, conditionals, and logic, followed by a coding exercise.
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Exchanging Excel for Python is one of many video tutorials Noble Desktop offers. Other Python webinars include Intro to Python Fundamentals, Python Programming Challenges, and Making a X (formerly known as Twitter) Bot in Python.
Any of these can provide an intro to this popular programming language and prepare beginners for more in-depth courses like Noble's Python for Data Science Bootcamp or Data Science Certificate program.
Noble Desktop gets consistently high ratings from tutorial attendees and certificate graduates, ranking five out of five on Course Report and 4.9/5 on SwitchUp. One reviewer says, “[t]he method Noble teaches, with a demonstration followed by a hands-on exercise, is extremely effective, ” while another adds, “I'm very grateful to have found this school and it was well worth it.”
Skillsoft—Python Development: Getting Started with Programming in Python
Skillsoft offers learning solutions for business leaders, platforms, and partners. Along with bootcamps and certification training programs, they host many on-demand courses, including Python Development: Getting Started with Programming in Python.
This video course takes beginners from novices to skilled Python knowledge. It begins with installation, then progresses through Jupyter Notebook, operations, built-in functions, data types (lists, tuples, sets), strings, Booleans, and conversions. The program winds up with a summary and review of core concepts.
Python Development consists of 13 videos, about two to 12 minutes long, a total of about an hour and a half. At the end of the training, graduates receive an assessment and a digital badge upon course completion.
Key Information
Like many on-demand platforms, Skillsoft functions on a monthly subscription basis. Individual enrollees can try the plan for 45 days for free and may cancel at any time during the trial period. The subscription costs $199/year if billed annually or $19/month if you pay monthly.
Other options include the Team subscription for up to 50 users, which costs $419/year if billed annually or $45/month if you pay monthly. Teams can try the plan for 30 days for free during the trial period. There are no prerequisites for Python Development: Getting Started with Programming in Python.
You must sign up with Skillsoft for a free trial for scheduling and other information. No payment is due upfront. Setup information must include your name, email, and company name, if applicable.
More Details
Skillsoft offers other training formats in addition to its on-demand courses. Course delivery can be in-person, live online, blended (a combination of on-demand and instructor-led), and private group training. Visit Skillsoft online for locations around the world.
With on-demand courses like Python Development, you get the same content delivered in real-time programs but can access the materials from anywhere and learn at your own pace.
Many online reviews give the company high marks, with comments like “Skillsoft provides you the opportunity to learn in many different ways. The instructional content is great, and the visuals are impressive.” Another reviewer adds, “I love that Skillsoft has a massive library of content. Whenever someone is trying to get a new certification, I recommend Skillsoft to them.”
Udemy—100 Days of Code: the Complete Python Pro Bootcamp
Udemy offers on-demand courses on a subscription basis, and one of their more popular options is 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp.
This bootcamp is an immersive experience: by "100 days of code, " Udemy means creating 100 projects in as many days. Because the program focuses on data science and development, beginners learn Python for whichever path they prefer. Also included are topics like automation and game development.
With its high-level overview approach, Udemy includes numerous Python-related subjects in 100 Days of Code. These include:
- Beautiful Soup
- Flask
- Matplotlib
- NumPy
- Pandas
- Plotly
- Request
- scikit-learn
- Selenium
Whether you plan to be a Data Scientist or use Python data visualization in an analysis role, consider the Udemy approach as one of your alternatives.
Key Information
This bootcamp has a retail price of $109.99, but Udemy may discount the cost to as low as $16.99. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime access to course materials.
This part-time course includes over 50 hours of on-demand videos, almost 140 downloadable resources, and 200+ articles. With its 100 Days of Code expectation, the goal is one hour daily for 100 days.
The bootcamp is open to beginners, but experienced Python programmers may also take it to level up from an existing skill set.
Udemy platform subscriptions start at $199/year if billed annually or $29.99/month if you pay monthly. Check the website for more details.
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One of the most compelling aspects of this bootcamp is its range of portfolio project types. In the final 20 days, participants create professional projects on everything from Python scripting to web scraping.
Udemy courses have thousands of ratings, and 100 Days of Code is no exception. One graduate says, “I enrolled in the 100 days of Python course and am glad I did. It takes you from basics to intermediate and gives you a sense of building things by adding small applications to your portfolio.”
#9: Treehouse—Python Basics
The Python Basics course from Treehouse is another unique on-demand way to start learning Python. This in-depth program includes topics like::
- Programming fundamentals
- Input/output
- Conditional branching
- Functions and looping
- Exception handling
At over 200 hours, Python Basics goes beyond beginner-level to cover subjects like running scripts, Python syntax, variables, and coding challenges. Once participants master Python fundamentals, course videos include sections on strings, operators, Booleans, and exception flow. The final section features a project and a wrapup with questions.
You can check out a one-minute video trailer on the Treehouse website or jump in, whichever you prefer.
Key Information
Treehouse runs on a subscription platform, which is how you can access their Python Basics course. You can try Treehouse free for seven days on one of three plan types:
- Courses—This plan starts at $250/year if billed annually or $25/month if you pay monthly
- Courses Plus—Courses Plus gives you access to all the Courses plan materials, and you also get Treehouse conference sessions and career-focused talks. The plan costs $490/year if billed annually or $49/month if you pay monthly
- Tech Degree—This plan starts at $199/month and adds a curated curriculum and project reviews. There is no annual payment option
The Python Basics course is available through any subscription plan. Payment is due upon enrollment in the free seven-day trial. Total run time is 234 minutes, or about four hours. There are no prerequisites.
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Perks included with this class depend on the related monthly or annual subscription level. The free seven-day trial is available at all levels, and you can pause or cancel a subscription at any time.
All levels feature access to the Treehouse video library, code challenges, and access to the student forum. Treehouse also offers corporate training for teams, including self-paced online bootcamps.
As one Python graduate, “Treehouse is great. I think it's worth it for those who want a detailed, guided experience.”
Google—Google’s Python Class
Tech juggernaut Alphabet took a no-frills approach when naming its on-demand program: Google’s Python Class. Hosted under the Google for Education banner, this free course provides materials for beginners via the Google site.
Google's Python Class consists of lecture videos and exercises. However, before you start these, Google provides an overview with linked sections: Python Setup, Python Intro, Strings, Lists, Sorting, Dicts & Files, Regular Expressions, and Utilities. You can follow each one and download the appropriate materials as you go.
As an on-demand free course, this Python class makes a good introduction for those most comfortable with Google. However, it should only serve as a basic introduction.
Key Information
Google's Python Class is free to use. There are no prerequisites. The lecture videos range from about 10 minutes to an hour, for a total runtime of around three and a half hours. Add the time required to work through the overview and accompanying sections through Utilities, then the exercises at the end of the lecture videos.
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Part of the Google for Education Workspace for Education Fundamentals, the Python Class provides a learning tool for new programmers. Those who connect with Google using Chromebooks may benefit most. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs regularly, the interface and videos may be a comfortable place to start.
Reviewers differ in their viewpoints about the course, but many comments are positive. One online review mentions “a good mix of theoretical and practical material, ” another calls it “great for people with little programming experience, ” and another says, “basic understanding of programming is needed to start learning from Google's Python Class.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an On-demand Python Class Worth It?
Learning on-demand requires a couple of things you might not need for an in-person or live online course: accountability and self-motivation.
Whether or not on-demand courses are for you depends on your learning style. If you need the interaction and stimulation of a live class, you might find on-demand learning heavy going. However, if you work odd hours, have family or other time-consuming obligations, or are a busy professional, learning on-demand might be your first choice.
Is an on-demand class worth the time, effort, and, in some cases, cost? Again, your answer will depend on your availability, budget, and personal preferences. If you are unsure whether to commit to a lengthy on-demand course, consider trying a free one or signing up for a trial you can cancel anytime.
What Will I Need for an On-demand Python Class?
For most on-demand classes, all you need are a laptop, desktop or notebook, and internet service. For an on-demand Python class, you will need to download Python.
Fortunately, you can get Python installers, standard libraries, and documentation for free from the Python website. Check your course requirements, too, as the provider may require you to use Anaconda or another distributor to set up your development environment.
Can I Learn Python On-demand for Free?
While anyone can self-teach some basic Python concepts with YouTube videos and online tutorials, most beginners benefit from taking a class to learn the most up-to-date Python skills.
Fortunately, Python source code, installers, standard libraries, and documentation are free to download from their website. Many novices start there, then learn Python fundamentals through on-demand tutorials. These can serve as excellent preparation for more in-depth courses like bootcamps and certification programs.
If you choose the on-demand route long-term, you must pay a monthly subscription fee. Most learners prefer to get their knowledge and skills through classroom training, whether live online or in-person. These programs typically offer payment installment plans or 12-month tuition financing.
Is It Better to Learn Python in a Live or Self-paced Class?
On-demand or self-paced courses offer more flexibility than scheduled live courses. Participants with busy schedules, families, and full-time jobs may find an on-demand class the only viable alternative at first. A non-traditional calendar often forces potential Python beginners to either learn on-demand or not learn at all.
By contrast, live classes, either online or in-person, typically cost more than self-paced programs. While many offer multiple scheduling options like evenings or weekends, others have preset schedules such as Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Still, most learners prefer live training if given a choice. A face-to-face class in the traditional classroom offers the highest possible level of engagement, and live online courses make a close second. Expert instructors can answer your questions in real-time, and attendees can engage directly with peers and instructors.
If you are beginning your programming education or on-demand training is the only choice that works with your schedule, it can be an excellent place to start. However, if you can attend a live online or in-person Python course, that may prove to be your best bet in the long run.