Episode 279: Coding Python With Confidence: Beginners Live Course Participants

The Real Python Podcast

Are you looking for that solid foundation to begin your Python journey? Would the accountability of scheduled group classes help you get through the basics and start building something? This week, two members of the Python for Beginners live course discuss their experiences.

We speak with course instructor Stephen Gruppetta about building a course where the participants start using their knowledge as soon as possible. He describes how he’s evolved his teaching techniques over years of working with beginners. We explore the advantages of having a curated collection of written tutorials, video courses, and a forum for asking those nagging questions.

We also speak with students Louis and Andrew about their experiences learning Python through the course. They discuss learning how to apply their new skills, employing them in their careers, and building confidence to continue their Python learning journey.

Topics:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:01:40 – Instructor Stephen Gruppetta
• 00:02:42 – Designing the course
• 00:09:01 – Introducing mini-projects early
• 00:13:22 – How have the questions changed for Python beginners?
• 00:20:23 – Taking advantage of Real Python resources
• 00:24:07 – More courses for 2026
• 00:25:40 – Spotlight: Python for Beginners
• 00:26:39 – Python for Beginners participants
• 00:27:50 – Louis’ background in programming
• 00:30:46 – Andrew’s background in programming
• 00:37:43 – Starting to use the knowledge with mini-projects
• 00:42:52 – What were challenges with the language?
• 00:54:15 – Working on the larger final project
• 00:59:45 – What advantages did the cohort-style course provide?
• 01:03:56 – Are you ready for that blank page?
• 01:12:00 – How do you see yourself using these new skills?
• 01:17:39 – Thanks and goodbye

Show Links:

• Python for Beginners: Code With Confidence – Real Python
• Episode #246: Learning Intermediate Python With a Deep Dive Course
• Intermediate Python Deep Dive Course – Real Python
• Cohort-Based Live Python Courses – Real Python
• MI6 chief: We’ll be as fluent in Python as we are in Russian - The Register