Though millions of Americans face unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic tech companies like Apple and Amazon are still hiring . If a new career move is what you're after, learning to code can help you acquire the skill set for a new digital position, including working from home opportunities -- and there are plenty of online classes that can help.
It's important to know that which programming language you'll want to learn before you get started -- Python, JavaScript, C#, or one of hundreds of others -- hinges on what you want to do with it, like build a website, a game or an app. We recommend starting with Python, which is frequently ranked as an in-demand and relatively easy-to-learn programming language often used in business settings.
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Here are five of the best online Python course options that you can take right now:
Read more: Learn cybersecurity with these 5 online classes
Python Beginners Programming Guide with Jack Donaldson
Skillshare
No previous coding experience is required for this Python course. Jack Donaldson is a game designer and programmer who'll teach you the fundamentals of the Python programming language. You'll need a laptop or desktop computer and will start by installing Python and PyCharm , an integrated development environment used to help build software applications. Both are free to download.
Donaldson first takes you through the introductory course topics, Python training basics like variables, data types, condition statements and manipulating strings and texts. He also covers more complicated advanced topics like loops and functions. In his class description video, Donaldson says his Python online course relies heavily on "doing" -- expect lots of projects and walkthroughs to help you build a foundation in Python.
What it costs: Some online classes on Skillshare are free when you create an account, but most require a premium membership, which costs $99 annually or $19 a month. You can sign up for 14 free days of unlimited classes. The premium membership is also ad-free and lets you download classes to your mobile device and watch offline.
See at SkillshareProgramming for Everybody: Getting Started with Python with Charles Russell Severance
Coursera
The Programming for Everybody: Getting Started with Python course , offered on Coursera through the University of Michigan, explores the basics of Python, writing your first program and using variables and core programming tools.
The programming foundations course is part of the five-course Python for Everybody Specialization . You can enroll in a single Python class to get started, go through Python certification, or audit the class and review the materials for free.
The Python for Everybody Specialization is considered a beginner specialization and if you subscribe to one Python course, you'll be included in the whole specialization. According to Coursera, the first two Python online training courses are aimed at those with no programming experience.
The online Python course requires a laptop or desktop computer to learn Python, which is free to download.
What it costs : Coursera operates more like a traditional online college course with enrollment windows. Sometimes the certificates you earn can apply as a credit at an institution, but it has to be stated. When you sign up for Coursera, you get a seven-day free trial and then it costs $49 a month. You can also choose to audit the class for free, which lets you read and view the course content only.
See at CourseraLearn Python Programming Masterclass with Tim Buchalka
Udemy
This Udemy course from a professional software developer aims to provide complete coding beginners with an understanding of Python fundamentals over 363 short lectures. You'll learn skills that can be applied to specific branches like machine learning and data science as well as other programming jobs centered around Python.
The course primarily focuses on Python 3 (the latest release being version 3.8), but you'll also learn how to work with Python 2. You can view and download active Python releases on Python's main site. As you learn more about the programming language, you can read up on the changes that have been implemented in the change logs.
What it costs: Udemy's course prices are set by the individual instructors from a price tier, unless they choose to offer them for free. This course costs $110, which is steeper than most of the others listed, but it has a lot to offer.
See at UdemyPython in 90 minutes with Max S.
Skillshare
The Python in 90 minutes class on Skillshare is a bite-size crash course on the coding language if you're pressed for time or in need of a refresher. The instructor efficiently packs the essentials of Python into 25 lessons along with extra materials, reviews and practice sheets. It's aimed at beginners and will teach you the fundamentals. Like the others, you'll need a laptop or desktop to work on.
What it costs: Some online classes on Skillshare are free when you create an account, but most require a premium membership, which costs $99 annually or $19 a month. You can sign up for 14 free days of unlimited classes. The premium membership is also ad-free and lets you download classes to your mobile device and watch offline.
See at SkillshareHow to Program: Computer Science Concepts and Python Exercises with Professor John Keysor
The Great Courses
This Python course from Texas A&M University Professor John Keysor starts with the basics and the course content takes a deep dive into the coding language over 24 lessons. Each lesson is about 30 minutes and builds upon the last to show you practical applications for Python. In the course description, Keysor notes such applications coding for games and graphics, analyzing sports statistics, simulating retirement funds and basic robotics.
What it costs: The Great Courses doesn't have a flat subscription fee like Skillshare. Keysor's course costs $50 on instant video or $70 on DVD. At the time of publication a sale was happening on The Great Courses website.
When you make a Great Courses account, you can stream the course for free with trial with The Great Courses Plus . The content can then be accessed over the iOS or Android app, or on your TV via the Roku app, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
See at The Great CoursesTo learn more digital skills, check out the free classes you can take through Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning . And for more, check out five Masterclass classes to become a filmmaker and other online classes to help you learn to play guitar , learn to code and learn to draw .
from Via PakapNews