Python Basics
Get a jump-start on your Python career with our tutorials designed for beginners.
On this page you’ll find fundamental concepts for Python beginners that will help you get started on your journey to learn Python. These tutorials focus on the absolutely essential things you need to know about Python.
We’re super passionate about teaching with articles, courses, quizzes, and more here on realpython.com—and we’d love to help you, too!
Note: Browse all resources below, or commit to a structured sequence of guided beginner Learning Paths with progress tracking.
Once you’re ready to move on to the next stage, check out our intermediate Python tutorials.
Free PDF Download: Python 3 Cheat Sheet
The Best Way to Get Started
The best way to get started is with our Python Basics Book:
Learning Path
Python Basics Book (Supporting Materials & Bonus Resources)
19 Resources ⋅ Skills: Python 3 Fundamentals, Real-World Projects
Python Basics is for people who want to learn Python programming—whether you are a complete beginner to programming, or a developer with experience in another language.
Browse topics that interest you, or follow a structured learning path for guided progress. Each tutorial includes quizzes to test your understanding—take them to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Both—but prioritize writing code. Our tutorials include hands-on examples you should type out and experiment with. For extra practice, try our exercises courses and check out our project tutorials to build real programs.
Getting stuck is part of learning. Try re-reading the section, or search our site for a different tutorial on the same topic. Our 11 Beginner Tips for Learning Python article also covers strategies for working through challenges.
No. Focus on topics relevant to your goals—you don’t need to read every tutorial before moving forward. When you’re comfortable with variables, loops, functions, and basic data structures, explore intermediate tutorials.
When you can write simple programs without constantly looking up syntax, you’re ready to level up. Try building a small project from our project tutorials—if you can follow along and customize the code, you’re ready for intermediate content.
