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 and tutorials here on realpython.com—and we’d love to help you, too! Once you’re ready to move on to the next stage, check out our intermediate Python tutorials.

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Get a Python Cheat Sheet (PDF) and learn the basics of Python 3, like working with data types, dictionaries, lists, and Python functions:

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The best way to get started is with our Python Basics Book:

Python Basics Book

Learning Path

Python Basics Book

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.

Advent of Code

Advent of Code: Solving Your Puzzles With Python

Dec 01, 2021 basics testing

Python's .append(): Add Items to Your Lists in Place

Building Lists With Python's .append()

Nov 16, 2021 basics python

Basic Input, Output, and String Formatting in Python

Reading Input and Writing Output in Python

Nov 02, 2021 basics python

Python Best Practices Artwork

Writing Idiomatic Python

Oct 26, 2021 basics best-practices python

Using the "not" Boolean Operator in Python

Using the "not" Boolean Operator in Python

Oct 25, 2021 basics python

Using the len() Function in Python

Using the len() Function in Python

Oct 20, 2021 basics python

Representing Rational Numbers With Python Fractions

Representing Rational Numbers With Python Fractions

Oct 11, 2021 basics python

Python's sum(): The Pythonic Way to Sum Values

Python's sum(): The Pythonic Way to Sum Values

Oct 06, 2021 basics python

Make Your First Python Game: Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Rock, Paper, Scissors With Python: A Command Line Game

Sep 28, 2021 basics gamedev python

Reverse Strings in Python: reversed(), Slicing, and More

Reverse Strings in Python: reversed(), Slicing, and More

Sep 27, 2021 basics best-practices python

Using the "and" Boolean Operator in Python

Using the "and" Boolean Operator in Python

Sep 20, 2021 basics best-practices python

Build a Personal Diary With Django and Python

Build a Personal Diary With Django and Python

Sep 15, 2021 basics django front-end projects web-dev

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python?

Sep 06, 2021 basics community python

Using Python Optional Arguments When Defining Functions

Using Python Optional Arguments When Defining Functions

Aug 30, 2021 basics python

The Python return Statement: Usage and Best Practices

Using the Python return Statement Effectively

Aug 10, 2021 basics best-practices python

Django Setup Guide

Your First Steps With Django: Set Up a Django Project

Jul 21, 2021 basics best-practices django web-dev

Use FastAPI to Build Web APIs

Using FastAPI to Build Python Web APIs

Jul 14, 2021 api basics web-dev

Introduction to Python 3

The Square Root Function in Python

Jul 13, 2021 basics

What Can I Build With Python?

What Can I Do With Python?

Jul 07, 2021 basics python

Defining Your Own Python Function

Defining and Calling Python Functions

Jul 06, 2021 basics python

Python's Counter: The Pythonic Way to Count Objects

Python's Counter: The Pythonic Way to Count Objects

Jul 05, 2021 basics python

Reverse Python Lists: Beyond .reverse() and reversed()

Reverse Python Lists: Beyond .reverse() and reversed()

Jun 28, 2021 basics python

Python Basics Video Course Setup Artwork

Python Basics: Setting Up Python

Jun 08, 2021 basics python

Using Pandas and Python to Explore Your Dataset

Explore Your Dataset With Pandas

Jun 01, 2021 basics data-science

Django Setup Guide

How to Set Up a Django Project

May 25, 2021 basics best-practices django web-dev

How to Use the Python or Operator

Using the Python or Operator

May 18, 2021 basics python

Common Python Data Structures (Guide)

Stacks and Queues: Selecting the Ideal Data Structure

May 11, 2021 basics python

Natural Language Processing With Python's NLTK Package

Natural Language Processing With Python's NLTK Package

May 05, 2021 basics data-science

Python's map(): Processing Iterables Without a Loop

Python's map() Function: Transforming Iterables

Apr 27, 2021 basics best-practices python

Python Basics: Paperback Now Available!

Python Basics: Paperback Now Available!

Apr 26, 2021 basics community

When to Use a List Comprehension in Python

Understanding Python List Comprehensions

Mar 30, 2021 basics python

Common Python Data Structures (Guide)

Records and Sets: Selecting the Ideal Data Structure

Mar 23, 2021 basics python

Introduction to Python 3

Navigating Namespaces and Scope in Python

Mar 02, 2021 basics python

Common Python Data Structures (Guide)

Dictionaries and Arrays: Selecting the Ideal Data Structure

Feb 23, 2021 basics python

Python Modulo in Practice: How to Use the % Operator

Python Modulo: Using the % Operator

Feb 09, 2021 basics python

How to Use Python: Your First Steps

How to Use Python: Your First Steps

Jan 25, 2021 basics python

C for Python Programmers

C for Python Programmers

Jan 20, 2021 basics python

Make Your First Python Game: Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Make Your First Python Game: Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Jan 18, 2021 basics gamedev python

NumPy Tutorial: Your First Steps Into Data Science in Python

NumPy Tutorial: Your First Steps Into Data Science in Python

Jan 11, 2021 basics data-science

Python's .append(): Add Items to Your Lists in Place

Python's .append(): Add Items to Your Lists in Place

Jan 04, 2021 basics python

The pass Statement: How to Do Nothing in Python

The pass Statement: How to Do Nothing in Python

Dec 16, 2020 basics python

The Beginner's Guide to Python Turtle

Python Turtle for Beginners

Dec 15, 2020 basics python

What Is Data Engineering and Is It Right for You?

What Is Data Engineering and Is It Right for You?

Dec 14, 2020 basics

Introduction to Python 3

Formatting Python Strings

Python enumerate(): Simplify Looping With Counters

Python enumerate(): Simplify Looping With Counters

basics best-practices

Introduction to Python 3

Regular Expressions and Building Regexes in Python

Using the Python defaultdict Type for Handling Missing Keys

Handling Missing Keys With the Python defaultdict Type

Python Modulo in Practice: How to Use the % Operator

Python Modulo in Practice: How to Use the % Operator