Forum:Learning Python: list of resources

Question

[dago]

I recently start learning Python. I must say it is a lot of fun and also quite useful in my work. I just want to share below some nice websites where you can start if you intend to learn Python. I will try to keep this updated, but you are more then welcome to integrate this list.

Websites

• https://opentechschool.github.io/python-beginners/en/index.html Introduction to Programming with Python
• http://www.openbookproject.net/py4fun/ Python for Fun
• https://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/ Learn Python the Hard Way
• http://pymbook.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ Python for you and me
• http://pythontutor.com/ Python tutor
• https://developers.google.com/edu/python/ Google's Python Class
• https://www.codecademy.com/learn/python Python Code academy
• https://decisionstats.com/2014/12/24/python-for-r-users/ Python for R Users
• https://www.stavros.io/tutorials/python/ Learn Python in 10 minutes
• http://www.codeskulptor.org/ Interactive Python
• http://biopython.org/DIST/docs/tutorial/Tutorial.html Biopython
• http://pythonbooks.revolunet.com/ Python books
• http://www.learnpython.org/ Learn Python
• https://www.codeschool.com/learn/python Code school
• http://docs.python-guide.org/en/latest/intro/learning/ Learning Python
• https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/ Reddit
• http://scipython.com/book/ Learning Scientific Programming with Python
• https://pythonprogramming.net/ Python Data Analysis
• http://pythonforbiologists.com Python for biologists
• http://inventwithpython.com/chapters/ Free Python e-book
• http://telliott99.blogspot.co.at/ Python for Bioinformatics
• https://docs.python.org/2.4/lib/intro.html Python library reference
• http://pythoncentral.io/ Python Central
• http://perthon.sourceforge.net/ Python to Perl Language Translation
• https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/ Tutorials
• https://www.pythonlearn.com/ Learn Python
• http://herculesphaeton.com/2015/03/learning-python-novice-beginner/ Learn Python Novice level
• http://herculesphaeton.com/2015/03/python-learning-advanced-level/ Learn Python advanced level
• http://www.bioinformatics.org/bradstuff/bp/tut/Tutorial002.html Biopython
• http://people.duke.edu/~ccc14/pcfb/biopython/BiopythonBasics.html More Biopython
• https://github.com/mbourgey/Concordia_Workshop_Biopython Concordia Biopython
• http://www.practicepython.org/ Python exercise
• http://rosalind.info/problems/locations/ Rosalind
• http://www.programmingforbiologists.org/ Programming for Biologist
• https://alison.com/courses/Introduction-to-Programming-with-Python Python Course
• http://python-textbok.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html Python text book
• http://docs.python-guide.org/en/latest/ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python
• http://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python/ Think python
• https://github.com/biopython/DIST/tree/gh-pages/docs GitHub P. Cock, Biopython

MOOC

• https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python Coursera
• https://www.coursera.org/learn/python-genomics Coursera
• https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-mitx-6-00-1x-8 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

Videos

• Python Programming
• https://youtu.be/HBxCHonP6Ro Python Programming Tutorial

[Sukhi Singh]

Also, good collection here

What-is-the-best-online-resource-to-learn-Python

[Joost Kranendonk]

That's a great source. Thanks!

[Alex Reynolds]

Perthon is a Python-to-Perl translation program that might help translate unfamiliar Python into more readable Perl, to help Perl users learn Python.

[dago]

Thanks! Added to the list!

[Tonor]

This one was great for me: Learning Scientific Programming with Python: http://scipython.com/book/

[dago]

Thanks. Added to the list

[alpha_Qncx2K]

Thanks.. great info.. Perhaps these information sources should be ranked and classified? otherwise the number of links here is such that its just better to google when you have a question, rather than try to go through all of these links to find the information you are looking for..

[dago]

Hi, thanks for the comments. I think that every person has a different way of learning, so there could be some resources I really like, but you will find them nasty. Thus I do not really think that a ranking would be appropriate, at least not a ranking based on the judgement of one person. Maybe, when I have a bit more time I will add some description below each resource.

[pardeeppatel]

Also, Good collection here

http://easycodeinpython.com/

Answer 1

[John]

I would like to add that anyone some-what familiar with Python should learn about, if not use, PyPy. It will run your code around 3x to 7x faster than the standard python interpreter will. The only snag is that some imports don't work in PyPy, so it often either "just works" or it fails immediately.

Recent updates in the last 4 months:

• 99% of numpy now works in pypy.
• They recently received a $200,000 donation from Mozilla to support python 3, and I just had a chat with them and they said it will be done real soon. All of Jupyter Notebook for example now runs in PyPy.

PyPy is to the point now where if you know Python and you're thinking about starting a new project in Java or C because it has to be fast, you own it to yourself and the community to try writing it in pure python first. It will be infinitely easier for others to read the code, and most likely faster - particularly if you already have good habits from programming in C.

[Gjain]

PyPy is python on nitros.

Answer 2

[Gjain]

Hi,

I would definitely add Python for Biologists as a very nice resource for beginners.

link: http://pythonforbiologists.com

[dago]

Right I forgot to add it, Now it is in! Thanks

[steve]

I second this. Its worth purchasing the books, they are a great resource.

Answer 3

[StephanieK]

http://rosalind.info/problems/locations/ ; I suppose it's not specifically for python, but it gives you practise questions to test your new-found python knowledge on.

[dago]

Thanks! Added as well.

Answer 4

[Farbod]

Dear Dago, Hi. Nice topic!

I will recommend :

1- Python for Everybody

2- Python for Genomic Data Science

~ Best

[dago]

Thank you! I added them to the list.

Answer 5

[carlopecoraro2]

I would definitevely reccomand http://pythonforbiologists.com/ Here are more info about the author: http://www.physalia-courses.org/instructors/t1/

Answer 6

[Zaag]

Nice tutorials on pandas, matplotlib, bacis python, and more:

https://pythonprogramming.net/

[dago]

Thanks. Added to the list as well!

Answer 7

[Alex Lancaster]

We have written a book Python for the Life Sciences targeted at life scientists interested in learning programming in Python for their research. It covers genomics, bioinformatics and extends into other areas like systems biology and population genetics. More details here: http://pythonforthelifesciences.com/