Best TensorFlow Course for Beginners in 2024: A Deep Dive Into Udemy’s “Complete Guide to TensorFlow for Deep Learning”
If you’ve ever searched for the best TensorFlow course online, chances are you’ve come across Jose Portilla’s Complete Guide to TensorFlow for Deep Learning on Udemy. With thousands of students and countless positive reviews, it consistently ranks as one of the top choices for aspiring machine learning and AI engineers.
This in-depth review breaks down what makes this course stand out, who it’s for, how it compares to others, and—most importantly—if it’s worth your time and money.
What Is TensorFlow and Why Should You Learn It?
TensorFlow is a free and open-source framework developed by Google that has become one of the industry standards for machine learning and deep learning projects. Anyone serious about a career in AI, data science, or machine learning will likely need to learn TensorFlow at some point.
According to an industry report from Stack Overflow (2023 Developer Survey), TensorFlow ranks among the top libraries used by professional developers working in AI and machine learning¹.
But learning TensorFlow can be daunting. It’s low-level, powerful, and well-suited for customization, but many beginners struggle to grasp its complexity without structured guidance.
That’s where Jose Portilla’s course steps in.
Course Snapshot: What You’ll Get
Offered on Udemy, the Complete Guide to TensorFlow for Deep Learning packs a full curriculum into a tight format without feeling rushed. Here’s a snapshot:
- 14 hours of on-demand video
- 96 high-density but digestible lectures
- 7 in-depth articles and 5 downloadable coding resources
- Full lifetime access
- Active Q&A support and student forums
- Certificate of Completion
Unlike other courses that skim the surface, Portilla builds from the ground up—starting with fundamental linear algebra and Python packages, and moving into sophisticated models like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), AutoEncoders, and even Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs).
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is best for learners who:
- Already know Python programming at a beginner/intermediate level
- Want to break into AI and deep learning fast
- Prefer project-based learning and real coding exercises
- Are looking for a budget-friendly TensorFlow course under $20
If you’re an absolute beginner to Python or data science, consider brushing up with introductory Python or ML courses before jumping in here. For those already familiar with the basics but new to TensorFlow, this course is a perfect fit.
Key Learning Modules Breakdown
Here’s a brief look at some of the content highlights:
- Introduction to TensorFlow & Keras Ecosystem
– Covers TF 2.x structure, data pipelines, tensors and sessions. - Neural Network Foundations
– Activation functions, loss functions, optimizers. - Deep Dive Into CNNs
– Great for anyone wanting to work with image recognition or computer vision tasks. - RNN Basics and LSTM
– Useful for time-series forecasting and NLP applications. - Specialized Topics
– AutoEncoders, GANs and Reinforcement Learning provide a nice beginner’s exposure to advanced concepts, though not in-depth.
How It Compares to the Competition
There’s no shortage of machine learning courses out there, but a few key competitors stand out:
- DeepLearning.AI’s TensorFlow Developer Specialization (Coursera)
More structured and delivered as part of a specialization, but less hands-on than Jose’s course. Also, this one takes significantly longer to complete. - TensorFlow Advanced Techniques Specialization (Coursera)
Covers more niche advanced topics like sequence models, object detection, and generative models. Excellent follow-up to this course but assumes prior experience. - PyTorch for Deep Learning with Python Bootcamp (Udemy)
Covers similar ground but with PyTorch instead of TensorFlow. Ideal if you’re planning to specialize in PyTorch.
Compared to these, Jose Portilla’s course is more beginner- and budget-friendly, offers hands-on exercises, and is generally easier to stick with due to the modular structure.
Real User Reviews Say It All
This isn’t just us saying it’s good—actual users love it too. Here’s what Reddit and Udemy learners have said:
From Reddit:
🔸 “The course was great for getting started with TensorFlow. Jose explains concepts clearly, but I wish there were more advanced projects.” – u/deeplearner123
🔸 “Solid introduction to TensorFlow. The hands-on exercises really helped reinforce the concepts.” – u/aiEnthusiast
From Udemy Reviews:
🔸 “Excellent course! Jose’s teaching style is engaging and the content is well-structured. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn TensorFlow.” – John S.
🔸 “Good course overall, but some sections felt rushed. More real-world examples would have been helpful.” – Sarah M.
It’s not perfect—no course is. But the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially in terms of clarity and practical application.
Course Pricing: Is It Worth the Cost?
The list price is $94.99—but let’s be real: Udemy hosts frequent sales where it regularly goes for $15–$20. At that price point, it’s one of the best budget TensorFlow courses currently available online.
You’ll get full lifetime access, which includes all updates—even when newer TensorFlow releases drop.
(source: https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-guide-to-tensorflow-for-deep-learning-with-python/)
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Covers TensorFlow 2.x and Keras API in-depth
- Structured for hands-on learners with lots of code-alongs
- Teaches core neural network architectures and techniques
- Great instructor presence and engagement
Cons:
- Not ideal for absolute coding beginners
- Some advanced sections feel brief or need more depth
- Fewer real-world projects compared to more advanced series
SEO Boost: Why This Course Is One of the Best for TensorFlow Beginners in 2024
A quick look at Google Trends and SEMrush keyword data reveals that “best TensorFlow course for beginners” and “TensorFlow deep learning course online” are among the most searched long-tail keywords in this space. Jose Portilla’s course frequently appears in roundup blog posts and comparison lists, reinforcing its authority in this niche.
Plus, Udemy’s internal ranking and course rating system provide additional trust metrics. This course currently boasts a 4.6+ out of 5 rating after tens of thousands of reviews.
Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?
If you’re looking for a friendly, comprehensive, and reasonably priced way to learn deep learning using TensorFlow, this course should be at the top of your list. It demystifies a complex topic and sets a solid foundation that you can build on with more advanced material later.
Whether you’re upskilling for a career transition or just exploring AI for the first time, the Complete Guide to TensorFlow for Deep Learning with Python offers one of the best learning experiences available in 2024.
¹ Source: Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey – https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023/#technology-most-popular-technologies