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      How to Learn Python (Fast & Free)


      There are plenty of resources available that can help you learn Python in no time. From free to paid options, you can find a wide selection of online courses and websites to guide you through the lessons. Using these resources, you can quickly progress from beginner to advanced.

      In this post, we’ll explain what Python is, what it’s used for, and why you might want to learn it. Then we’ll provide you with some of the top places you can go to learn Python as quickly as possible. Let’s jump in!

      An Introduction to Python

      Python is a versatile, high-level, object-oriented programming language that helps you solve problems quickly:

      The Python website

      To give you an idea of how sophisticated and practical this programming language is, consider that some of the biggest brands across the globe have used Python in their projects. These companies include Netflix, Google, and Spotify.

      It’s also a preferred language for many developers. Last year, RedMonk research found that, among developers, Python was the second most popular programming language (behind JavaScript).

      Python 2 and Python 3 are different versions of the open-source Python programming language. However, Python 2 is no longer supported by the Python community. Python 3 is the latest version and is recommended for all new projects.

      What Python Is Used For

      Python is used in many places, including:

      • Web development
      • Scientific computing
      • Data analysis
      • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
      • Machine learning
      • Automation and scripting
      • Software testing and prototyping

      You can also use Python to build all sorts of applications, including web, desktop, and mobile apps. One of the most common use cases for Python is web development, which is the process of building websites and applications.

      Web development can be divided into three parts: front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.

      Front-end developers focus on the User Interface (UI) and experience of a website or web app. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

      Back-end developers focus on the server-side application that powers the front-end GUI. They use languages like Python to write code that runs on a web server. Finally, Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development.

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      Why You May Want to Learn Python

      Python is a popular language for web development for many reasons. There are also a variety of benefits to learning it.

      For beginners, Python is relatively easy to learn and has powerful libraries for advanced users. It also has a simple syntax that is simple to read and understand. These features make Python an ideal language for beginners who are just getting started with coding.

      Additionally, the Python language is versatile enough for various purposes. This broad applicability makes it a good choice for developers who want to learn one language that they can use for multiple types of projects.

      It’s also fast. Python code is compiled to bytecode, which is then executed by the Python virtual machine. This compilation step means that Python code runs faster than interpreted languages like PHP and Ruby.

      Another benefit is that Python has powerful libraries that make web development easier. These libraries include Django, Flask, and Bottle. They provide helpful tools for building websites and web apps.

      For example, Django has a module called Django ORM that makes it easy to work with databases in Python. Furthermore, Flask provides a module called flask-restful that makes it easy to build REST APIs.

      Finally, since it’s such a popular programming language, Python also has a robust community to offer support and resources. This means that if you ever run into any Python-related issues or concerns, there will likely be an experienced developer capable of providing a solution.

      What to Learn Before Python

      Technically, you don’t need to know any other programming languages before learning Python. However, mastering different languages can make learning Python easier. If you’re just starting with web development, we recommend taking an introduction to programming course.

      At the very least, it’s best to have a solid grasp of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It might also be helpful if you understand the basics of other programming languages such as PHP and JavaScript libraries like React.

      There are two ways to use Python for web development: with or without a framework. A framework is a collection of libraries and tools that make it easier to build a website or web app.

      As we mentioned, the most popular Python frameworks for web development are Django, Flask, and Bottle. We recommend familiarizing yourself with one of these frameworks if you’re just starting.

      If you’re at least moderately experienced with Python, you may want to try developing without a framework. This approach is sometimes called micro-framing because you only use the libraries that you need for your specific project. This method can be faster and easier than using a full-fledged framework like Django or Flask.

      The time it takes to learn Python will depend on your experience level and how much effort you’re willing to invest. Overall, you can learn Python relatively quickly if you can dedicate a few hours each day.

      How to Learn Python Fast (5 Helpful Resources)

      Now that we’ve covered what Python is and its use cases, let’s discuss how you can go about learning it. Here are five helpful resources to get you started!

      1. The Python Website

      The official Python website offers many resources, guides, and tutorials that can introduce you to the basics of programming languages. If you’re starting from ground zero, we recommend the Beginner’s Guide, available under the Docs tab:

      The Python Beginner’s Guide

      This guide is free to access and use. It also provides tons of links to other materials you can utilize throughout your learning journey. In addition to what’s essentially a map for your Python curriculum, you can explore various quizzes and assignments, cheat sheets, style checkers, and other tools. We recommend taking notes to absorb all the information.

      Also available on the Python website is a Developer’s Guide. This resource will be helpful to reference once you’ve mastered the basics and are ready to move to the next level.

      2. Udemy

      Udemy is a popular platform where you can find tons of online learning courses covering a broad range of topics. The website offers both free and paid lessons, including options explicitly geared toward web developers.

      These classes include a free Introduction to Python Programming course that is perfect for beginners:

      The Udemy Intro to Python course

      It consists of one hour and 39 minutes of on-demand video content, covering the basics of Python, including scripts and functions. You can also upgrade to the paid version, which includes a certificate of completion and direct messaging with the instructor.

      When you’re ready to advance, you can enroll in the Python From Beginner to Intermediate in 30 Mins course. This is another free, video-based class that will teach you more sophisticated Python programming concepts.

      3. Codecademy

      Codecademy is a popular and robust online learning platform geared toward developers and programmers. It’s a wonderful resource for exploring and enrolling in classes that cover nearly every topic in data science, web development, IT, and more.

      Although it’s not free, the Pro plan offers a Learn Python 3 course that can serve as an excellent introduction to Python as well as basic programming concepts:

      Codecademy Learn Python 3

      The lessons cover a variety of topics, including:

      • Python syntax
      • Conditionals and control flow
      • Functions
      • Data structures lists and directories
      • And more

      The course doesn’t require any prerequisites. If you sign up for the Pro plan, you will receive a certificate upon completion. Furthermore, the course takes approximately 25 hours to complete.

      4. LearnPython.org

      If you prefer text-based learning materials, LearnPython.org is a solid option:

      The LearnPython.org website

      The website is dedicated to helping people of all experience levels learn the programming language and access resources that can simplify the process. It includes both basic and advanced tutorials, covering topics such as:

      • Variables and their types
      • Data science lessons
      • Generators, sets, list comprehensions, function arguments, etc

      The lessons are interactive. You can also find a Facebook group dedicated to the courses where you can discuss the material with other students.

      5. Free Code Camp

      Another platform you can use to find free and paid courses on Python is Free Code Camp. The website has various coding and web development materials, including courses, boot camps, and news.

      Free Code Camp offers a Learning Python: From Zero to Hero course that is free and text-based:

      Free Code Camp Python course

      It explains the basics of Python in simple, easy-to-understand sections. Some of the topics include:

      • How variables, conditional statements, and looping work
      • How to use lists
      • Iterations through data structures
      • Objects and classes

      If you enjoy video-based content, you can also find a YouTube version where the same topics are covered. The video course additionally discusses how to install PyCharm and Python. This course includes four hours and 20 minutes of video content.

      If you complete the beginner course and want to move on to more advanced concepts and projects, you can also participate in the One Month Python Bootcamp. This is a paid course, but the project-based, intensive material is self-paced. It will give you the foundation needed to become a Python developer.

      Start Learning Python Today

      If you’re just getting started with Python, there are many online courses, platforms, and resources you can use (many of which are free!) to help you learn the programming language quickly.

      We recommend beginning with a free introduction course or materials, such as those offered on Python.org. Once you nail down the basics, you can graduate to more in-depth and specialized teachings offered on third-party and premium platforms.

      Are you looking for an affordable yet reliable hosting solution for your web development projects? Check out DreamHost shared hosting plans to get started!

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      We make sure your website is fast, secure and always up so your visitors trust you. Plans start at $1.99/mo.

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      How to Create a Website for Free


      When creating your first website, it can be difficult to find an option that fits your budget. If you’re a blogger or a small business owner, you might want to avoid the monthly fees from custom domain names, hosting plans, and fancy website builders.

      Fortunately, it’s possible to build a website for free (or on a very limited budget). Accessible and user-friendly software such as WordPress.com and Google Sites can help you get a functional site up and running while avoiding unwanted costs.

      In this post, we’ll discuss why you might consider creating a free or low-cost website. Then we’ll show you three different methods you can use. Let’s get started!

      Is the Free Website Option Right for You?

      Building a website can be an important first step in growing your online presence. Whether you want to reach new customers or simply start a blog, you can fully customize a website to suit your specific needs.

      Here’s what any website can do for you:

      • Grow your audience
      • Establish your authority
      • Create a community
      • Provide a place to sell products and services
      • Increase your revenue

      Before you get started, it’s important to know about the typical start-up costs to create a website. You’ll usually need to pay for domain name registration and a web hosting plan to get your site online.

      However, it’s also possible to build a website for free. With a free website, you can:

      • Save costs by avoiding monthly and yearly fees
      • Quickly establish an online presence
      • Avoid the need for coding skills or advanced technical knowledge

      Of course, free website builders do come with some limitations as well. For example, you’ll likely have limited control and customization options when you build a free website. This is fine if you want to create something very small, but you run the risk of your site looking generic.

      Related: 11 Secrets to Making a Successful Website

      free website

      Hosting with free website builder tools does come with some downsides. For example, you may not have much control over page loading speeds. Also, you likely won’t be able to use a unique, professional domain name and instead need to opt for a subdomain (e.g., yourbusiness.freesite.com).

      That said, if you need something straightforward, a free website builder might still be a good option for you.

      Let’s dig in a bit further.

      3 Methods for Creating a Free or Low-Cost Website in 2022

      Method 1: Google Sites (Free)

      Google Sites is a free website builder developed by Google. By simply signing in to Google Workspace, anyone can access this tool. It offers easy-to-use customization features that allow you to build a simple website without any coding experience.

      free Google website

      One of the main benefits of Google Sites is that you can easily integrate other Google services into your website. For example, if you need to add a calendar, you can simply embed your Google Calendar.

      You might want to consider using Google Sites if you’re creating a simple personal blog or a static website. Google Sites could also be the best option for featuring a small, temporary project.

      Unfortunately, Google Sites has limited customization options. Since it is a free service, there are few themes available for personalizing your site’s appearance.

      Step 1: Create a New Site

      To create a free website with Google Sites, navigate to the home page and sign in to your Google account. You’ll need to create a new account if you don’t already have one.

      When you access the Google Sites home page, there will be an option to Start a new site:

      create a free Google website with Google Sites

      You can either begin with a blank site or use one of Google’s pre-designed templates. If you click on Template Gallery, you can view templates for personal, small business, and work use:

      create a free website

      Choose the template that suits your needs. Once you’ve selected one, the program will automatically create a new site. In the top-left corner, you can give your website a name.

      Step 2: Pick a Theme

      Now it’s time to choose your website’s theme. Themes are pre-designed styles you can use to determine your site’s overall look and layout. To see your options, navigate to the right-hand side of the customizer and click on Themes:

      create a free website

      There, you’ll find a variety of free themes to choose from. Simply click on one to apply it to your website. After you do that, you’ll see an option to customize your theme’s colors and font style:

      free website builder

      You can pick from the available color options or use the custom color picker.

      Related: 7 Web Design Mistakes That Scare Away Visitors

      Step 3: Customize Your Content

      Finally, you can change how your website looks by adding a unique title, a banner, and some content. When you click on the area you want to edit, you’ll see various options for changing text, headers, and images:

      create a free website

      You can also add pages, such as an about section, contact page, or blog. To create a new page, navigate to Pages, click on the + icon at the bottom, and give your page a title.

      create a free website

      When you’re ready to add content, go to the side menu and find Insert. There, you can add text boxes, images, or content from your Google Drive. You can choose from the pre-designed layouts to organize a cohesive page:

      create a website with Google Sites

      At the bottom of the page, you’ll see options to embed content from other Google apps:

      For example, clicking on Calendar will connect your Google Calendar to your website. You can follow this process to insert documents, maps, and other unique visuals.

      Method 2: WordPress.com (Free or Low-Cost)

      WordPress.com is one of the most popular site-building platforms. Many people choose to use this platform because it comes with built-in managed hosting. With WordPress.com, you can build a functional website without worrying about any of the technical aspects.

      Here are some of the other benefits to using WordPress.com:

      • Easy to use and maintain
      • Beginner-friendly
      • Free and secure
      • Scalable

      Although WordPress.com started as a blogging platform, you can now use it to create online stores, promote your business, or showcase a personal portfolio. Ultimately, you should consider this option if you’re looking for extra features, security, and support without having to purchase hosting.

      WordPress.com doesn’t cost anything to use, but the free plan only offers up to 3GB of storage space. If you’re planning to feature many photos and videos on your website, you might have to purchase a subscription.

      Additionally, WordPress.com places advertisements on your website. You won’t be able to control this content or where it’s placed. As with Google Sites, you’ll also need to pay extra if you want a custom domain name.

      Step 1: Create an Account

      If you choose WordPress.com to build your site, navigate to the home page and click on Start your website. Then enter your email, username, and password:

      create a free WordPress website

      Next, you’ll be prompted to choose a domain name. You can purchase a domain, which typically costs around $10 per year. However, you can avoid this fee by clicking on start with a free site.

      If you choose that option, “wordpress” will be in your URL. Your site’s domain will look something like this: mysite.wordpress.com.

      Step 2: Pick a Theme

      When you choose a website theme, it’s important to find one that maximizes functionality and aligns with your target audience. Fortunately, WordPress.com has many pre-designed themes to choose from.

      To find a theme, go to your website’s dashboard. Then navigate to Appearance > Themes. Next to the search bar, click on Free to only view no-cost themes:

      free wordpress website

      When you find a theme you like, click on it and select Activate this design. Then hit the Activate button on the following popup.

      WordPress also offers options to customize your theme. To find this tool, go to Appearance > Customize:

      create a free website

      The options you find here will depend on your chosen theme. You may be able to add a background image, alter fonts, change the color scheme, and so on.

      Step 3: Add Content to Your Website

      Finally, you’ll want to add some content to your website. By going to Pages > Add New, you can add new sections. You might want to create an About page, a Contact page, a page for your blog posts, and so on:

      create a web page

      If you’re building a blog, you can navigate to Posts > Add New. There, you can start creating insightful content to build a dedicated audience:

      free WordPress website

      For your first blog post, it’s best to keep your ideal visitors in mind. You can also insert images and write short paragraphs to keep readers engaged. Finally, consider using SEO tools to make it more likely your content will rank highly in search engines.

      When a new page or post is ready, hit Publish. It will then be live for visitors to see!

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      Method 3: Self-Hosted WordPress (Low Cost)

      There are actually two versions of the WordPress platform: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. As we’ve seen, WordPress.com is a simple hosted website builder. WordPres.org or ‘self-hosted WordPress’ refers to the open-source platform that you can download and use to build any type of website you like.

      WordPress.org offers many advanced features and resources. Especially for business owners who need a functional online store or a site with complex functionality, free website builders such as WordPress.com might not provide enough customization or security.

      To solve this problem, we’d recommend creating a website with WordPress.org. This option won’t be completely free, as you’ll need to purchase a domain and a hosting plan. However, it can still be very cost-effective, and it’s an excellent way to achieve better security and performance on a budget.

      Step 1: Choose a Hosting Plan

      To get started, you’ll need a hosting plan. There are many options out there, some of which are quite expensive. Fortunately, shared hosting plans are very affordable and should give you everything you need to get a starter website up and running.

      Here at DreamHost, we offer shared hosting starting at just $1.99 per month:

      cheap website hosting

      When you choose this plan, you get access to one-click WordPress installation, a free domain, and fast loading speeds. Plus, thanks to automated backups and free privacy protection, you can make sure your website is secure.

      Once you choose a hosting plan, you’ll need to register your site’s domain. In the search bar, enter your domain followed by the TLD (the extension at the end, such as .com or .org):

      register a domain name

      If your chosen domain is available, you can add it to your cart. If it’s already taken, you’ll see a list of alternative options you can pick from.

      Then you can complete the checkout process. When they’re presented, be sure to check the Pre-Install WordPress and WP Website Builder options.

      Step 2: Access WP Website Builder and Choose a Theme

      After you’ve purchased a DreamHost plan, you can access the WP Website Builder. This handy tool comes with over 200 starter sites that you can use as a foundation for your website. Even without coding experience, you can create your own unique-looking website in minutes:

      how to create a website for free

      To access your WordPress site and WP Website Builder, check your email for login information. Then log in to the WP Website Builder setup wizard. There, you can choose from the available WordPress themes.

      Step 3: Customize Your WordPress Website

      After selecting a theme, you can continue to customize your website as needed. If you don’t like your theme’s default look or layout, you can navigate to Appearance > Customize and edit its details.

      One of the many benefits of using WordPress is the ability to install plugins. You can find thousands of free plugins – extensions that add new features and functionality to your site.

      To see what’s available, go to Plugins > Add New. On this page, you can look through the list of popular plugins or search for a specific solution you need:

      free WordPress plugins

      After that, you can also add new pages and content to make your website unique. For example, creating an About page can be a great way to make sure visitors remember and return to your site.

      Get Started On Your New Website Today

      Although creating a website is an important step in building an online presence, it can be expensive. Fortunately, you can avoid high monthly costs by using a free or low-cost platform.

      To review, here are three methods you can use to set up a free or low-cost website:

      1. Google Sites: This simple, easy-to-use website builder can be perfect for creating static personal websites.
      2. WordPress.com: This is one of the most popular website builders and is great for small blogs and portfolios.
      3. Self-Hosted WordPress: If you’re willing to invest in a low-cost hosting plan, you can build your site with the software available from WordPress.org, which offers far more customization and control.

      Sometimes, free website builders don’t offer enough features or security. At DreamHost, our shared hosting plans offer an affordable step up. They come with a free WP Website Builder for fast and cost-effective website creation. Your website can have automatic backups, free privacy protection, and unlimited bandwidth.

      Low-Cost Shared Hosting, Accessible to Everyone

      We make sure your website is fast, secure and always running. Plans start at $1.99/mo.

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      What is Free Software?


      Free software is any program released with a license approved by the Free Software Foundation that allows users to view, modify, and share source code.

      Like open source, the goal of free software is to amplify developer freedom using software and to curb the spread of proprietary software licenses. Learn more about the Free Software Foundation’s philosophy.

      For an in-depth explanation of the free software movement, check out DigitalOcean’s tutorial on The Difference Between Free and Open-Source Software.



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