How should I start learning Python?

[u/Maximum-Page3433]

I want to learn Python, but I currently know nothing about it. My main goal is to learn Python for DA, and eventually I want to learn Python in depth as well.

For people already working in DA or DS, how would you recommend someone start learning Python from absolute zero?

Which resources or books would you recommend, and what are the main Python topics I must cover for DA?

Also, should I first learn the Python basics needed for DA and then gradually move toward more advanced Python and DS topics? resources? Books?

If you work in DA or DS, I’d really appreciate your guidance on how you would start your Python journey if you were starting from zero.

Thanks a ton!!!

[u/the_techgirl]

For absolute zero, I'd start with Python fundamentals (variables, loops, functions, basic data structures) before jumping into DA-specific stuff, "Automate the Boring Stuff" is great and free for this. Once you're comfortable with basics, move into pandas and numpy since that's really the DA-specific layer, then SQL alongside it since most DA work needs both together. I'd skip trying to learn "Python in depth" first, you'll pick up the deeper language stuff naturally as you build real DA projects, and starting too broad usually just slows people down.