7 Best Resources to Learn Python: My Personal Journey and Recommendations

#python #webdev #programming

When I decided to learn Python, I was overwhelmed. The internet is full of tutorials, courses, and books, but which ones actually deliver? Over the past few years, I’ve experimented, failed, and eventually mastered Python — landing roles at startups and even acing FAANG interviews. Today, I want to share 7 resources that truly transformed my Python skills, so you can skip the noise and start building confidently.

1. Official Python Documentation: Your Go-To Reference (pro tip)

I’ll admit — when I first heard about official documentation, I thought, “Too dense, too dry.” But as I grew, I realized nothing beats getting familiar with the source.

Clear explanation of syntax and libraries
Includes tutorials for beginners
Excellent for understanding standard library modules

👨‍💻 My takeaway: Use it as your daily reference. When stuck, reading the docs reshapes confusion into clarity. Bookmark python.org/doc.

2. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart: Practical First Step

This book was a game-changer during my early days. Why?

Focuses on automating real-world tasks like file management, web scraping, and Excel manipulation
Great mix of theory + hands-on exercises
Free online version available, so cost is zero barrier

👨‍💻 How I used it: I automated mundane tasks at work, impressing my manager and internalizing Python concepts without dry syntax drills.

Get it here: automatetheboringstuff.com

3. Real Python: Depth and Breadth for Intermediate Learners

Once I finished the basics, I needed to deepen my understanding beyond “print” and “for loops.” Real Python offers:

In-depth tutorials on idiomatic Python and best practices
Explainers on topics like async programming, decorators, and testing
Video content combined with code examples

👨‍💻 My experience: It helped me write cleaner, more scalable code. During an onsite interview, I referenced some design patterns I'd learned there.

Visit: realpython.com

4. LeetCode Python Challenges: Sharpening Algorithm Skills

I hit a wall during system design and coding interviews until I committed to solving problems with Python on LeetCode.

Range of problems from easy to hard
Interactive coding environment — no setup required
Active community discussions and Python-specific solutions

👨‍💻 Lesson learned: Consistent problem-solving improved my coding fluency. It’s now part of my weekly routine.

Try it: leetcode.com

5. Python Tutor: Visualize Code Execution (aha moment)

Understanding code flow is critical, especially with recursion or complex data structures. Python Tutor helped me visualize:

Step-by-step execution of code
Variable changes over time
Stack frames during recursion

👨‍💻 Why it helped: I grasped concepts like call stacks and pointers better, improving debugging skills.

Check it out: pythontutor.com

6. Educative’s “Learn Python” Course: Structured Learning for Interviews

When preparing for interviews, random tutorials don’t cut it. Educative offers a curated course:

Interactive lessons focusing specifically on Python coding patterns
Covers common interview questions with optimized solutions
Emphasizes time & space complexity

👨‍💻 Pro tip: Pair this with LeetCode challenges to cement knowledge.

7. Python Discord and Stack Overflow: Community Support and Real-World Problem Solving

Learning alone is tough. Engaging with developers helped me:

Get immediate help on tricky bugs
Learn industry trends and new libraries
Share code snippets and receive constructive feedback

👨‍💻 My routine: I check Python Discord regularly and solved many bugs thanks to Stack Overflow answers.

Join Python Discord: pythondiscord.com

Stack Overflow: stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/python

Bonus: How to Structure Your Python Learning for Maximum Impact

Based on my trials, here’s a workflow that worked for me:

Start with syntax & basics using Automate the Boring Stuff + official docs
Do projects you care about — personal automation, small apps
Deep dive into idiomatic Python with Real Python and Python Tutor visualizations
Sharpen algorithms & data structures on LeetCode
Prepare for interviews with Educative and mock interviews
Engage communities for support and mentorship

Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think

Remember, mastering Python is a marathon, not a sprint. I was once overwhelmed by choices too. But these resources transformed me from a hesitant beginner to a confident developer. The key is consistency and using your learning to solve real problems.

Start exploring today — your first “aha” moment is just a line of code away.

Further Reading: