With over 722 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. In addition to networking and job searching, LinkedIn also offers a wide variety of online courses through LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses in various subjects including programming languages like Python. So yes, you can definitely learn Python through LinkedIn Learning.
Introduction to Learning Python on LinkedIn Learning
Python is currently one of the most popular and fastest growing programming languages. It is a general purpose language that is very versatile and used for web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and more. Python is beginner-friendly with simple syntax but also powerful for advanced applications. Learning Python can open up many career opportunities in tech, so it’s a great skill to have.
LinkedIn Learning has several Python courses for different experience levels. For total beginners, they offer introductory courses that teach Python from the ground up. Some examples are “Programming Foundations: Fundamentals” and “Learning Python”. These courses cover Python basics like data types, variables, operators, control flow, functions, classes, modules, and more.
For those with some programming experience, LinkedIn Learning has courses like “Python Essential Training” and “Learning Python for Data Analysis” that dig deeper into the language. Topics include OOP concepts like inheritance and polymorphism, working with files and databases, data analysis libraries like NumPy and Pandas, and real-world apps.
There are also more advanced Python courses on algorithms, GUI development, web frameworks like Django, and specialized fields like machine learning and data visualization with Python. LinkedIn Learning really has a comprehensive Python curriculum for all levels.
Benefits of LinkedIn Learning for Learning Python
Here are some of the main benefits of using LinkedIn Learning to learn Python:
- Expert instructors – Courses are taught by industry experts
- Well-structured content – Lessons are organized into clear sections
- Hands-on learning – Coding exercises and projects to apply skills
- Flexible pace – Self-paced learning to go at your own speed
- Mobile access – Learn on the go with mobile apps
- Up-to-date courses – Content is kept current with latest Python versions and tools
- Certificates – Earn a certificate to showcase skills learned
- Affordable pricing – Individual and corporate plans available
The combination of clear lessons, practical coding experience, flexible access, and credentials make LinkedIn Learning a great online platform for mastering Python at any level.
LinkedIn Learning Python Courses and Instructors
Here is an overview of some of the top Python courses and instructors on LinkedIn Learning:
Courses for Beginners
- Programming Foundations: Fundamentals – Barron Stone
- Learning Python – Joe Marini
- Python Essential Training – Bill Weinman
- Python for Absolute Beginners – Kathryn Hodge
Courses for Intermediate Learners
- Python GUI Development with Tkinter – Barron Stone
- Python for Data Science Essential Training – Curt Frye
- Python Workflows for Data Analysis and Machine Learning – Kathryn Hodge
- Python for Web Development: Django – Caleb Smith
Advanced Python Courses
- Advanced Python – Rick van Hattem
- Python Algorithms for Job Interviews -518 Points
- Machine Learning with Python – Paul Bailey
- Bioinformatics with Python – Paul Bailey
These are just a sampling of some popular courses. There are many more Python courses on LinkedIn Learning taught by experienced Python developers, data scientists, and engineers.
Python Learning Paths on LinkedIn Learning
To help guide learners, LinkedIn Learning has created different “learning paths” that group relevant courses together. Here are some recommended Python learning paths for different goals:
Become a Python Developer Learning Path
- Python Essential Training
- Learning Python
- Python Workflows for Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- Building Web APIs with Flask
- Python GUI Development with Tkinter
- Python for Web Development: Django
Python for Data Science Learning Path
- Python for Data Science Essential Training
- Python for Data Analysis
- Cleaning and Preparing Data with Python
- Python for Statistics Essential Training
- Machine Learning with Python
- Python for Finance
Python for Beginners Learning Path
- Programming Foundations: Fundamentals
- Learning Python
- Python Essential Training
- Python Workflows for Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- Python for Absolute Beginners
These learning paths make it easy to identify the key courses to take for your specific learning goals with Python.
Top Python Courses on LinkedIn Learning
Based on student reviews and enrollment numbers, here are some of the most popular Python courses on LinkedIn Learning:
Course | Instructor | Rating |
---|---|---|
Python Essential Training | Bill Weinman | 4.6 / 5.0 |
Learning Python | Joe Marini | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Python for Data Science Essential Training | Curt Frye | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Programming Foundations: Fundamentals | Barron Stone | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Python Workflows for Data Analysis and Machine Learning | Kathryn Hodge | 4.7 / 5.0 |
These foundational Python courses are very comprehensive and teach both Python programming concepts as well as practical data science and analytics skills. The hands-on coding exercises and projects in these courses really help cement new Python skills.
Learning Outside of LinkedIn Courses
While LinkedIn Learning provides structured lessons and guidance, it can also be helpful to supplement your learning with outside resources. Here are some recommendations:
- Work through coding exercises on sites like HackerRank, LeetCode, and Codecademy.
- Build your own projects to apply what you learn, like a web scraper or basic game.
- Read programming books like Automate the Boring Stuff with Python.
- Learn from Python YouTube tutorials by creators like Corey Schafer and CS Dojo.
- Join Python online communities like Reddit’s r/learnpython for questions/discussion.
Combining LinkedIn Learning’s courses with hands-on coding practice and other resources can really accelerate your Python learning experience.
Earning Python Certification through LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides certificates of completion for finishing courses. While these aren’t official Python certifications, they can still be useful for demonstrating your Python proficiency.
Some popular Python course certificates on LinkedIn Learning include:
- Programming Foundations: Fundamentals Certificate
- Python Essential Training Certificate
- Learning Python Certificate
- Python for Data Science Essential Training Certificate
These certificates can be added to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills to employers and other developers in your network. Many LinkedIn Learning students feel that earning certificates gives them confidence and motivation to continue learning Python.
If you’re interested in official certification, LinkedIn Learning courses can still help prepare you for exams like the PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming) from the PCEP (Python Certified Entry Program). But LinkedIn Learning doesn’t administer Python certification exams themselves.
Pros and Cons of Learning Python with LinkedIn Learning
Here is a summary of some key advantages and potential disadvantages of using LinkedIn Learning to learn Python:
Pros
- Structured curriculum and learning paths
- Engaging, video-based lesson format
- Taught by industry experts
- Hands-on coding exercises and projects
- Self-paced and flexible access
- Mobile apps allow learning on the go
- Discussion forums to engage with instructors and peers
- Certificates to showcase skills learned
- Affordable paid subscription model
Cons
- Not a fully comprehensive Python education on its own
- Limited interactivity compared to coding environments
- Difficult to ask specific questions or get coding help
- No instructor guidance or code reviews
- Easy to lose motivation with self-paced courses
Overall most students have a very positive experience using LinkedIn Learning to build Python skills. But it requires self-discipline and utilizing additional resources to master the language.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning provides an excellent starting point and foundation for learning Python with well-designed courses for all skill levels. The hands-on coding projects and flexible access model make it easy to fit Python learning into your life at your own pace.
While LinkedIn Learning alone won’t make you a Python expert, it can take you pretty far in building Python skills as part of a broader learning strategy. Combining LinkedIn Learning with coding exercises, real projects, and other resources is the best approach to become a confident Python developer.