How Hard Is It to Learn Python & How to Do It from Scratch?

Python is a programming language with simple, readable code. You can use it to create websites and web apps, analyze data, automate tasks, and more.

Despite AI-driven market changes in tech, this coding language remains in extremely high demand in the job market and continues to grow in popularity.

But is Python actually easy to learn?

It’s definitely more approachable than many other options like C++ thanks to its design. However, just like with any coding language, mastering Python takes time and dedication. 

While most beginners can learn Python basics in 1-3 months, becoming truly proficient can take you anywhere from 6 to 12 months. 

This guide will explain how difficult Python is to learn, set realistic timeframes, and provide a clear path to learning it from scratch—whether for career changes, task automation, or skill development.

How difficult is it to learn Python in 2025?

Python is moderately difficult to learn for a complete beginner—easier than most programming languages but still requires dedication and practice.

Why is it easier to learn than other back-end alternatives?

Because Python uses straightforward, English-like syntax that makes it easier to understand and remember. 

Instead of complex symbols, you’ll write code that almost reads like normal sentences. For example, to print text, you simply type print(“Hello World”).

Other Python design aspects that make learning easier include:

• Less punctuation and special characters than in languages like Java or C++
• Automatic handling of memory and other technical details
• Extensive documentation and learning resources
• Large, supportive community for beginners

Despite these advantages, many programmers point out that the difficult part isn’t learning Python’s syntax—it’s starting to think like a programmer. For instance:

• Learning to think logically and break down problems systematically
• Understanding abstract concepts like data structures and algorithms
• Developing debugging skills to fix your own code
• Building the persistence to work through frustrating errors

So, there’s nothing new here: to learn Python, you need to learn coding and invest your time and effort. And when people say they “learned Python in a weekend,” they’re usually either experienced programmers or are only talking about basic concepts.

That being said, it’s totally possible to learn Python without prior experience—and totally worth it.

Is it worth learning Python in 2025?

In short, yes.

Despite some shifts in the tech industry, Python has strong job prospects and growing applications in various industries.

Here are some statistics to prove this:

• Average Python developer salaries remain competitive at $123,679 per year in the US
• Python ranks as the most in-demand programming language by recruiters in 2025, with around 40% of recruiters seeking Python skills
• Python holds the #1 position in the TIOBE Programming Index (programming language popularity ranking) with nearly 24% market share

Python also dominates growth sectors like data science, AI, and machine learning, and it is requested by many companies. And no wonder—you can use it for everything from web development to data analysis and machine learning.

In other words, Python is a great option for anyone entering or advancing in tech in pretty much any industry.

How long does it take to learn Python from scratch?

The time to learn Python varies widely depending on your goals and commitment level. 

While there’s no single answer that fits everyone, you can expect these timeframes with consistent practice:

• Basic proficiency (1-3 months): Learning syntax and writing simple programs
• Practical skills (3-6 months): Working with libraries and building useful applications
• Job readiness (6-12 months): Developing a portfolio and solving complex problems independently

However, your learning speed depends heavily on several factors. 

For example, daily practice, even if brief, is more effective than sporadic sessions.

It’s also important to start creating real-world Python projects once you cover the basics to accelerate your learning.

The bottom line? Take this learning path seriously, and you’ll start seeing results in a few months. 

Learning Python vs other coding languages

Python is generally easier to learn than many other programming languages. All thanks to its straightforward syntax and readable code.

Here’s how Python compares to other popular languages:

Language	Time to learn the basics	Time to proficiency	Difficulty level
Python	1-3 months	6-12 months	Low-Medium
Java	3-6 months	1-2 years	Medium-High
JavaScript	1-3 months	6-12 months	Low-Medium
C++	6 months	1-2+ years	High
Ruby	1-3 months	6-12 months	Low-Medium

As you can see, back-end languages like Java and C++ require 1-2 years (or more) for proficiency—compared to around 6-12 months for Python.

On the other hand, JavaScript has a similar initial learning curve to Python but requires more time to master its frameworks. 

Remember, the actual time you’ll spend will depend on how much time you dedicate to learning and practicing, no matter which language you choose.

What are the most challenging parts of learning Python?

As you can see, Python is considered beginner-friendly. But there are certain aspects that still present challenges for new learners:

• Understanding programming concepts, not just syntax. Many beginners can write basic code after a few weeks but struggle with applying programming logic to solve real problems.

• Error handling and debugging. Python’s error messages, while informative, can be cryptic to beginners who haven’t developed troubleshooting skills yet.

• Moving beyond tutorials. Many learners get stuck in “tutorial hell,” where they can follow along with guided examples but struggle to build projects independently.

• Object-oriented programming concepts (a way of organizing code by creating reusable blueprints). Classes, inheritance, and polymorphism represent a conceptual leap that many find difficult to understand when starting. Other advanced topics like decorators, generators, and context managers can also be challenging.

• The paradox of choice also presents a challenge. Python’s ecosystem offers multiple ways to solve problems, which can overwhelm newcomers trying to find the best approach.

To sum it up, the biggest challenge is not actually learning Python—it’s the problem-solving mindset needed to use it effectively.

Let’s see how you can approach this successfully, step by step.

How to learn Python from scratch in the fastest way possible

Learning Python requires a structured approach to overcome common roadblocks beginners face. 

With the right strategy, you can learn Python in months rather than years and start using it to grow your career.

Let’s look at the key steps you should take—from defining your goals and learning processes to exploring the theory and creating practical projects.

1. Define your learning goals

Always start by setting clear, specific goals. 

Why exactly are you trying to learn Python? For example, you might want to:

• Automate repetitive tasks at work
• Analyze data and create visualizations
• Build websites or web applications
• Develop machine learning models
• Create games or desktop applications

You could also be looking to get a job, upgrade your current skills, or start a new career altogether. 

Knowing your objectives helps create an appropriate learning path and keeps you motivated when facing challenges. For example, if your goal is to analyze data, you’ll prioritize learning libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib rather than web frameworks like Django. 

It’s also important to set a realistic timeframe based on your available time for learning. 

If you can dedicate 10+ hours weekly, you might realistically aim to build simple automation scripts within 2-3 months. For more complex goals like developing web applications, set a longer timeframe of 6-8 months.

2. Choose the right Python learning resources

After setting clear goals, you need quality learning materials that match your learning style. 

These are the key types of Python learning resources:

• Online Python courses provide structured curriculums with a mix of video lessons, reading materials, and assignments. Some of them also offer interactive coding platforms that let you write and run code directly in your browser with immediate feedback. 
• Video tutorials work well for visual learners who benefit from watching explanations while coding. 
• Books and ebooks offer comprehensive explanations for deep understanding. Recommended titles include “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” and “Python Crash Course.”
• Documentation and tutorials from Python.org provide official, reliable information straight from the source.

The most effective strategy? Combining several resource types. 

You can start with a structured interactive course as your main learning path and supplement it with free Python learning materials and practical exercises. 

For example, opt for Mimo’s Python developer career path to go from zero to finding a job. The platform offers an effective learning approach that combines structure with practice where you write Python code from day one.

The career path includes eight portfolio projects that directly address the “tutorial hell” problem by guiding you through building real applications. 

Each lesson provides hands-on practice with an AI assistant to help when you get stuck.

In addition, you can use complementary resources like:

• YouTube channels like Programming with Mosh
• Project-based sites like HackerRank 
• AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude Code to further enhance your leaning process

Remember that consistency with a good-enough resource beats constantly switching between perfect resources.

3. Set up a proper development environment

A Python environment is the setup on your computer that allows you to write and run Python code. 

It includes the Python interpreter (the software that reads and executes your code), any additional packages or libraries you’ve installed, and the settings that determine how Python runs on your system.

First, download and install Python from python.org. Make sure to check the box “Add Python to PATH” during installation, which allows you to run Python from the command line.

Next, choose a code editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) where you’ll write your code:

• Thonny: Simple interface designed for beginners
• VS Code: Free, lightweight, with excellent Python support through extensions
• PyCharm: More powerful features specifically for Python development
• Jupyter Notebooks: Great for data analysis and experimenting with code

Virtual environments become important later when you start installing additional Python packages. They keep your projects separate from each other, so that different projects can use different versions of the same tools without conflicts.

Don’t worry if this seems advanced—for absolute beginners, just installing Python and a code editor like VS Code is enough to start learning. 

And if you learn with platforms like Mimo, you’ll also access a code editor with immediate feedback, which should be enough while covering the basics.

4. Master Python fundamentals 

Before diving into complex applications, make sure you understand Python basics. Many beginners rush through fundamentals, only to struggle later with more advanced concepts.

Focus on these core concepts in sequence:

• Variables and data types: Learn how to store and manipulate different kinds of data (numbers, text, lists)
• Control flow: Master if-statements, loops, and logical operations to control how your program runs
• Functions: Understand how to create reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks
• Data structures: Get comfortable with lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets for organizing data
• File operations: Learn to read from and write to files for data persistence

Common stumbling blocks for beginners include understanding indentation (Python uses spaces to define code blocks), grasping the difference between mutable and immutable data types, and properly using variables inside functions.

A good approach is to practice each concept with small exercises before moving on. 

For example, after learning about lists, try creating programs that manipulate lists in different ways before tackling dictionaries.

Platforms like Mimo also offer such practical tasks for each topic:

5. Practice with Python projects and build a portfolio

The key to mastering Python is moving from passive learning to active building. Many beginners struggle to apply concepts independently after only following guided examples.

Start with tiny projects that use just what you’ve learned so far. 

Even simple programs like a temperature converter or a basic calculator help cement your understanding far better than just reading about concepts.

You can also practice creating small apps and sites for your personal or work projects or for your friends and family.

As your skills grow, gradually tackle more complex Python projects like:

• To-Do List App in Mimo to practice working with lists and functions
• Word Raider game to practice core programming concepts
• Weight Converter to learn about creating simple graphical interfaces
• Star Wars API project in Mimo to understand working with external data sources

The best part?

This way, you can build a real-world coding portfolio. Doing so serves two important purposes: it reinforces your learning and provides evidence of your skills for potential employers. 

Store your projects on GitHub to showcase your coding journey and progress over time. Courses like Mimo also help you build and host a portfolio within the platform.

6. Join the Python community

Learning Python becomes much easier when you connect with other programmers. 

The Python community welcomes beginners and freely shares help and resources. Joining it will help you solve coding problems faster, learn from experienced developers, stay updated on the latest Python trends, and discover new project ideas and resources (as well as gigs).

Here are some of the options you can try:

• Reddit’s r/learnpython is a supportive forum specifically for Python beginners. You can ask questions, share your progress, and get feedback on your code from more experienced programmers.
• Python Discord offers real-time help through chat channels. With over 100,000 members and dedicated help channels, you can get answers quickly when you’re stuck on a problem.
• Stack Overflow is where programmers go when they have specific technical questions. The site has thousands of answered Python questions, and you can ask your own if you can’t find a solution.
• GitHub lets you explore other people’s Python projects and learn from their code. Try reading through repositories that interest you and see how experienced developers structure their programs.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but do your homework first. 

Try to solve problems yourself, then ask specific questions about where you’re stuck rather than asking others to write code for you.

7. Develop debugging skills

Finally, learning to fix errors in your code is just as important as learning to write it in the first place. 

Debugging is a skill that separates beginners from more advanced programmers.

When you encounter errors—and every programmer does—try these approaches:

• Read error messages carefully. Python’s error messages contain important clues about what went wrong. The error type and line number point you to the problem area.

• Use print statements. Add print() statements in your code to check variable values at different points in your program. This simple technique helps you track how data changes.
• Break problems into smaller pieces. Test individual sections of your code separately to isolate where the problem is happening.

• Learn to use documentation. Python’s official documentation explains how every function and method works. Get comfortable searching the docs when you’re unsure about something.

Most importantly, develop patience and persistence. Getting frustrated is natural, but every error is a learning opportunity. 

Even experienced developers spend a lot of time debugging—it’s simply part of the programming process.

FAQs

Finally, let’s address some of the most common questions about learning Python.

Can an average person learn Python?

An average person can totally learn Python. It was designed to be accessible, with clear, readable syntax that resembles English. Unlike some programming languages that require specialized knowledge, Python can be learned by anyone with patience and consistent practice. You don’t need advanced math skills or previous programming experience to get started.

Does Python use a lot of math?

Basic Python programming doesn’t require advanced math. You can learn and use Python with just elementary math knowledge (addition, subtraction, etc.). However, the math required depends on what you’re building. For general programming, web development, or automation, you’ll need minimal math. For data science, machine learning, or scientific computing, you’ll use more mathematical concepts like statistics, linear algebra, and calculus. But even then, libraries handle most of the complex calculations for you.

Is Python enough to get a job?

Python alone can be enough for certain roles, particularly in data analysis, automation, or backend development. However, most tech jobs require additional skills. For web development, you’d need HTML, CSS, and likely JavaScript alongside Python. For data science positions, you’d need to know data visualization tools and statistical concepts. That said, Python is a strong foundation that opens doors to many career paths, and it’s often the primary technical skill required for many positions.

What is the salary of a Python developer?

In 2025, Python developers in the US earn an average of $123,747 per year, with salaries ranging from $92,653 to $165,277. Entry-level positions usually start around $70,000, while experienced developers can earn well over $150,000. Salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and specialized skills.

How much can a Python beginner earn?

As data shows, the lower salary range for Python developers starts at around $92,653, but beginners should expect to be on the lower end of the market until they gain experience. Remote positions sometimes offer competitive salaries regardless of location, and as you gain experience, these figures increase substantially.

What is the best way to learn Python?

The most effective way to learn Python combines structured learning with hands-on practice. Start with an interactive course like Mimo to learn fundamentals, then immediately apply what you learn by building small projects. Join Python communities to get help when stuck, and gradually take on more complex projects as your skills improve. The key is to move beyond passive learning (just watching tutorials) to active building as quickly as possible.

How much does a Python course cost?

Python courses range from free to several thousand dollars. Free options include resources like freeCodeCamp, YouTube tutorials, and Python’s official documentation. Paid courses typically cost between $10-$200 on platforms like Mimo, Udemy, Coursera, and edX. More comprehensive bootcamps can cost $5,000-$15,000 for intensive, mentor-led programs. Mimo offers a cost-effective middle ground, with a free version and a Pro plan starting at $8.33.

Speed up your Python learning

While Python is beginner-friendly, it requires consistent effort, and how you approach it determines your success. 

Here are some final tips to keep you on track:

• Break through learning plateaus. If you feel stuck, build a small project or switch up your learning method. Hands-on practice reinforces knowledge better than watching tutorials.
• Avoid burnout. Learning Python in sprints may feel productive, but a steady routine (even 30 minutes a day) is more effective long-term.
• Stay motivated. Set milestones and celebrate wins. Whether it’s writing your first script or completing a project, progress keeps you moving forward.
• Join a community. Learning with others makes a huge difference. Engage with Python forums, Discord groups, or learning platforms (like Mimo’s community) where you can get help and share insights.

Want a structured, hands-on way to learn Python? Mimo offers an interactive, project-based learning path that gets you coding from day one.