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Looking for the best beginner Python course? “Python for Everybody” on Coursera offers a structured, beginner-friendly approach. Read our review to see if it’s right for you!
Python for Everybody Review: The Best Free Course for Learning Python?
If you’re looking to break into programming, Python is an excellent place to start. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages, widely used across data science, web development, and automation. But where should you begin your Python journey?
One of the most recommended courses for beginners is Python for Everybody by Dr. Charles Severance on Coursera. This highly-rated course has helped thousands of learners get started with Python, but is it the right course for you?
Let’s dive into its structure, strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your time.
🎓 What is Python for Everybody?
Python for Everybody is a free-to-audit Coursera specialization offered by the University of Michigan and taught by Dr. Charles Severance (Dr. Chuck). It’s designed to teach absolute beginners the fundamentals of Python programming.
💡 Key Details:
- Instructor: Dr. Charles Severance (University of Michigan)
- Platform: Coursera
- Level: Beginner-friendly
- Duration: ~4 months (self-paced)
- Price: Free to audit, $49/month for certification
This specialization consists of five courses, each covering crucial programming concepts:
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
- Python Data Structures
- Using Python to Access Web Data
- Using Databases with Python
- Capstone Project (Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data)
🔍 Who Should Take Python for Everybody?
✅ Best for You If:
- ✔️ You are a complete beginner with no coding experience
- ✔️ You prefer a structured approach with video lectures and exercises
- ✔️ You want to learn fundamentals before diving into data science or web development
- ✔️ You like the idea of learning for free before committing to a certificate
❌ Not Ideal If:
- ⛔ You already have coding experience (it may feel too slow)
- ⛔ You need a certificate with strong hiring weight in the job market
- ⛔ You prefer interactive coding environments (like Codecademy)
Pros:
- ✔️ Beginner-Friendly: No prior coding knowledge needed
- ✔️ Free to Audit: You can access all course materials at no cost
- ✔️ Amazing Instructor: Dr. Chuck is engaging and explains concepts clearly
- ✔️ Solid Foundation: Covers data structures, databases, and web scraping
- ✔️ Real-World Applications: Teaches how Python is used in data and web development
Cons:
- ❌ Too Basic for Some: If you already know programming, it may feel slow
- ❌ Paid Certificate Isn’t Career-Changing: Employers prefer more advanced certifications
- ❌ Capstone Project is Challenging: Beginners may need extra guidance
- ❌ Some Sections Feel Outdated: Though still functional, certain materials could use a refresh
💡 What Real Students Say
From Reddit:
🗣️ “Dr. Chuck is an amazing teacher. His explanations are clear, and he has a great sense of humor. Highly recommend for beginners.” — u/python_newbie
🗣️ “I found the course a bit slow-paced, but it’s perfect if you’re completely new to programming.” — u/codingjourney
From Quora:
🗣️ “Python for Everybody gave me a solid foundation. I landed my first programming job after expanding on what I learned here.” — John D., Software Developer
🗣️ “Great for beginners, but you may need extra resources to go deeper into Python projects.” — Sarah M., Data Analyst
🔥 How Does It Compare to Other Python Courses?
Course | Cost | Best For | Main Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Python for Everybody (Coursera) | Free to audit / $49/month | Beginners | Structured approach with video lectures |
Codecademy Python | $19/month | Hands-on learning | Interactive, but less depth |
Udacity Intro to Python | $399/month | Career-minded learners | Expensive but includes mentorship |
freeCodeCamp Python | Free | Self-learners | Totally free but lacks structured support |
💰 Pricing: Is Python for Everybody Worth It?
✅ Free to Audit: This means you can access all course materials, quizzes, and projects without paying.
💲 $49/month for Certificate: If you want a verified certificate to showcase on LinkedIn, you’ll need to subscribe.
🔥 Final Verdict: Should You Take Python for Everybody?
Yes—if you are an absolute beginner looking for a well-structured introduction to Python.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Here’s why you should enroll:
- ✔️ Perfect for beginners: No prior coding knowledge needed
- ✔️ 100% free to audit: No financial commitment required
- ✔️ Well-structured learning path: Learn programming fundamentals step by step
- ✔️ Taught by an expert instructor: Dr. Chuck is highly respected in the field
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
📌 Is Python for Everybody completely free?
Yes! You can audit the course for free, meaning you can access the materials without paying. However, if you want a certificate, you’ll need to pay for Coursera Plus ($49/month).
📌 How long does it take to complete Python for Everybody?
The course is self-paced but typically takes 3-4 months if you study part-time.
📌 Will this course help me get a job?
Python for Everybody builds a strong foundation, but you’ll need additional projects and learning before applying for Python developer roles.
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