Python for Beginners: The Complete Guide

A code first path from complete beginner to writing real, useful Python programs. Twenty parts, in order, each with runnable code, its actual output, and the traps that catch new programmers. Written for college passouts, career switchers, and IT folks who need a little scripting. Start at Part 1 and work down.

Series complete · all 20 parts published
Phase 1 · Getting started
  1. 01Why learn Python first
  2. 02Installing Python and your first program from a file
  3. 03Variables, numbers, strings and types
  4. 04Input and output
Phase 2 · Making decisions and holding data
  1. 05if, elif and else
  2. 06Loops with for and while
  3. 07Lists, tuples and sets
  4. 08Dictionaries
  5. 09Functions
Phase 3 · Real programs
  1. 10Strings and formatting
  2. 11Reading and writing files
  3. 12Errors and exceptions
  4. 13Modules and the standard library
  5. 14pip and virtual environments
Phase 4 · Building blocks of bigger work
  1. 15Object oriented programming, gently
  2. 16JSON and calling an API
  3. 17A first taste of automation
  4. 18Debugging and trustworthy code
Phase 5 · Getting hired
  1. 19Build a portfolio
  2. 20Python jobs: paths, interviews and what next

Architect’s Toolkit

About the Author

Dr. Pranay Jha is a Cloud and AI Consultant with 18+ years of experience in hybrid cloud, virtualization, and enterprise infrastructure transformation. He specializes in VMware technologies, multi-cloud strategy, and Generative AI solutions. He holds a PhD in Computer Applications with research focused on Cloud and AI, has published multiple research papers, and has been a VMware vExpert since 2016 and a VMUG Community Leader.