Best Python Courses on Pluralsight 2026: Top 10 Reviewed

Python has become the most popular programming language in 2025, powering everything from web applications to artificial intelligence systems. If you are looking to learn Python or advance your existing skills, Pluralsight offers over 200 Python courses---but which ones are actually worth your time?

We spent 40 hours reviewing Pluralsight’s Python course library, analyzing instructor credentials, examining course content, checking student ratings, and testing hands-on labs. This guide identifies the 10 best Python courses on Pluralsight for beginners, data science, web development, and automation---so you can skip the mediocre courses and learn from the best.

Quick Picks: Best Python Courses by Category

Category	Course	Instructor	Duration	Level
Best for Beginners	Python Fundamentals	Austin Bingham & Robert Smallshire	5h 9m	Beginner
Best for Data Science	Python for Data Analysts	Reindert-Jan Ekker	4h 37m	Intermediate
Best for Web Development	Django Fundamentals	Reindert-Jan Ekker	5h 23m	Intermediate

How We Evaluated Pluralsight’s Python Courses

To identify the best Python courses on Pluralsight, we used a systematic evaluation process:

Our Evaluation Criteria

1. Instructor Credentials: Industry experience, teaching track record, course ratings
2. Content Quality: Depth of material, practical examples, real-world applications
3. Course Structure: Logical progression, clear explanations, appropriate pacing
4. Hands-On Practice: Code demos, exercises, labs, and projects
5. Currency: Updated content reflecting modern Python practices (Python 3.10+)
6. Student Outcomes: Reviews from learners who completed the course
7. Production Quality: Audio, video, and slide quality

Why Pluralsight for Python?

Pluralsight stands out for Python learning because:

• Skill IQ assessments help you identify your current Python knowledge level
• Learning paths provide structured curriculum from beginner to advanced
• Hands-on labs let you practice Python in cloud environments
• Expert instructors with real-world Python development experience
• Consistent quality through vetted authors and production standards

We reviewed 50+ Python courses across Pluralsight’s library to identify the top 10 that deliver the most value for different learning goals.

Top 10 Python Courses on Pluralsight: Detailed Reviews

1. Python Fundamentals

Instructor: Austin Bingham & Robert Smallshire Duration: 5 hours 9 minutes Level: Beginner Rating: 4.7/5

This is the definitive beginner Python course on Pluralsight. Austin Bingham and Robert Smallshire bring years of professional Python development experience to create a comprehensive introduction that does not talk down to beginners while remaining accessible.

What You’ll Learn:

• Python syntax, data types, and control structures
• Functions, modules, and object-oriented programming
• Working with files and exceptions
• Python standard library essentials
• Writing Pythonic code from the start

Why It’s Excellent: Unlike many beginner courses that rush through fundamentals, this course takes the time to explain why Python works the way it does. The instructors emphasize writing clean, readable code---building good habits from day one. The course covers Python 3.10+ features and avoids outdated Python 2 content entirely.

Best For: Complete programming beginners and developers switching from other languages who want a solid foundation.

2. Python: Beyond the Basics

Instructor: Austin Bingham & Robert Smallshire Duration: 7 hours 41 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.6/5

The natural progression from Python Fundamentals, this course dives into intermediate concepts that separate casual Python users from professional developers.

What You’ll Learn:

• Advanced functions: closures, decorators, lambdas
• Object-oriented programming patterns and best practices
• Iterators, generators, and comprehensions
• Context managers and the with statement
• Working with strings, collections, and itertools

Why It’s Excellent: This course covers the Python features that make code more elegant and efficient. The sections on decorators and generators are particularly strong, with real-world examples that show when and why to use these advanced features.

Best For: Developers who completed Python Fundamentals or have basic Python experience and want to write professional-grade code.

3. Python for Data Analysts

Instructor: Reindert-Jan Ekker Duration: 4 hours 37 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.8/5

If your goal is data analysis, this course provides the fastest path to productivity with Python’s data science stack.

What You’ll Learn:

• NumPy for numerical computing and array operations
• Pandas for data manipulation and analysis
• Data cleaning, transformation, and aggregation
• Reading and writing data from CSV, Excel, and SQL
• Basic data visualization with Matplotlib

Why It’s Excellent: Reindert-Jan Ekker focuses relentlessly on practical data analysis workflows. Rather than teaching every feature of Pandas, he teaches the 20% of features you will use 80% of the time. The course includes real datasets and business scenarios.

Best For: Analysts, business professionals, and aspiring data scientists who want to analyze data with Python.

4. Data Science with Python

Instructor: Janani Ravi Duration: 5 hours 12 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.5/5

This course bridges the gap between data analysis and machine learning, providing a comprehensive introduction to the data science workflow.

What You’ll Learn:

• Data exploration and visualization
• Statistical analysis with SciPy
• Machine learning fundamentals
• scikit-learn for classification and regression
• Model evaluation and validation

Why It’s Excellent: Janani Ravi excels at explaining complex statistical concepts in accessible language. The course balances theory with practice, ensuring you understand why you are using specific techniques, not just how.

Best For: Data analysts ready to transition into data science and machine learning roles.

5. Django Fundamentals

Instructor: Reindert-Jan Ekker Duration: 5 hours 23 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.7/5

Django is Python’s most popular web framework, and this course provides the best introduction on Pluralsight.

What You’ll Learn:

• Django project structure and configuration
• Models, views, and templates (MVT pattern)
• Django ORM for database operations
• Forms, authentication, and user management
• Deployment considerations and best practices

Why It’s Excellent: Rather than building toy examples, this course walks through developing a realistic web application. You learn Django’s conventions and best practices from the start. The instructor explains Django’s “batteries-included” philosophy and when to use Django vs. lighter frameworks.

Best For: Python developers who want to build web applications using Django.

6. Flask: Getting Started

Instructor: Anthony Shaw Duration: 2 hours 39 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.6/5

For developers who prefer a lightweight, flexible web framework, Flask is the alternative to Django.

What You’ll Learn:

• Flask application structure and routing
• Jinja2 templates and rendering
• Request handling and forms
• Database integration with SQLAlchemy
• RESTful API development

Why It’s Excellent: Anthony Shaw keeps this course focused and practical. Flask is minimalist by design, and this course respects that philosophy by teaching core concepts without unnecessary complexity. The course is perfect for building APIs and small-to-medium web applications.

Best For: Developers building APIs, microservices, or web apps who want more control than Django provides.

7. Python for Automation

Instructor: Reindert-Jan Ekker Duration: 3 hours 18 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.8/5

One of the most practical Python courses on Pluralsight, this teaches you to automate repetitive tasks and save hours every week.

What You’ll Learn:

• File and directory operations
• Automating Excel, CSV, and PDF processing
• Web scraping with BeautifulSoup and requests
• Scheduling tasks with Python
• Email automation and notifications

Why It’s Excellent: Every module solves real business problems. The Excel automation section alone is worth the course for anyone working with spreadsheets. The instructor provides ready-to-use scripts you can adapt immediately.

Best For: IT professionals, analysts, and anyone who wants to automate boring, repetitive tasks.

8. Testing Python Applications

Instructor: Elias Kohut Duration: 3 hours 52 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.5/5

Professional Python development requires testing, and this course covers Python’s testing ecosystem comprehensively.

What You’ll Learn:

• Unit testing with pytest and unittest
• Test-driven development (TDD) workflow
• Mocking and patching dependencies
• Code coverage and continuous integration
• Testing best practices and patterns

Why It’s Excellent: Testing is often treated as an afterthought in programming courses. This course makes testing a first-class skill, showing how tests improve code quality and development speed. The pytest coverage is particularly strong.

Best For: Python developers who want to write production-quality code with comprehensive test coverage.

9. Working with Algorithms in Python

Instructor: Deepti Chopra Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Level: Intermediate Rating: 4.4/5

Understanding algorithms is essential for technical interviews and writing efficient code.

What You’ll Learn:

• Big O notation and algorithm complexity
• Sorting and searching algorithms
• Data structures: stacks, queues, trees, graphs
• Dynamic programming and recursion
• Algorithm design patterns

Why It’s Excellent: This course strikes a balance between theory and implementation. You learn algorithms conceptually, then implement them in Python. The explanations of time and space complexity are clear and practical.

Best For: Developers preparing for technical interviews or who want to write more efficient Python code.

10. Advanced Python

Instructor: Robert Smallshire Duration: 5 hours 34 minutes Level: Advanced Rating: 4.7/5

For experienced Python developers who want to master the language’s most sophisticated features.

What You’ll Learn:

• Metaclasses and descriptors
• Advanced decorators and class decorators
• Coroutines and asynchronous programming
• Memory management and optimization
• Python internals and performance tuning

Why It’s Excellent: Robert Smallshire explores Python at a level few courses reach. This is not about libraries or frameworks---it is about understanding how Python works internally so you can write faster, more elegant code.

Best For: Senior Python developers who want deep expertise in the language.

Best Python Courses for Beginners

If you are new to Python or programming in general, start with these courses in this order:

1. Python Fundamentals - Complete foundation in Python basics
2. Python: Beyond the Basics - Intermediate concepts and patterns
3. Testing Python Applications - Learn to write professional code
4. Python for Automation - Build practical automation skills

This path takes you from complete beginner to job-ready Python developer in approximately 20 hours of focused learning.

Best Python Courses for Data Science & Machine Learning

The data science learning path on Pluralsight should follow this progression:

1. Python Fundamentals - If you need Python basics first
2. Python for Data Analysts - Master NumPy and Pandas
3. Data Science with Python - Learn machine learning fundamentals
4. Advanced statistical and ML courses - Specialize in your area

This path provides the foundation for data analyst, data scientist, or machine learning engineer roles.

Additional Recommended Courses:

• “NumPy Data Science Essential Training” for numerical computing
• “Advanced Pandas” for complex data manipulation
• “Machine Learning with scikit-learn” for production ML models

Best Python Courses for Web Development

For web development with Python, choose your framework first:

Django Path (Full-Featured Framework)

1. Python Fundamentals - Python basics if needed
2. Django Fundamentals - Core Django development
3. Django: Getting Started with Testing - Test-driven Django
4. Deploying Django Apps - Production deployment

Flask Path (Lightweight Framework)

1. Python Fundamentals - Python basics if needed
2. Flask: Getting Started - Core Flask development
3. Building RESTful APIs with Flask - API development
4. Testing Flask Applications - Flask testing patterns

Choose Django if: You want batteries-included features, built-in admin panel, and rapid development for content-heavy sites.

Choose Flask if: You want lightweight, flexible control for APIs, microservices, or simple web apps.

Best Python Courses for Automation & Scripting

Python excels at automation, and these courses teach practical automation skills:

1. Python Fundamentals - Core Python skills
2. Python for Automation - File processing, web scraping, Excel automation
3. Working with Files in Python - Advanced file operations
4. Python Scripting for System Administration - IT automation tasks

This path is ideal for system administrators, IT professionals, QA engineers, and anyone who spends time on repetitive tasks.

Real Automation Use Cases:

• Automating Excel report generation
• Web scraping for data collection
• File organization and backup scripts
• Email notifications and reporting
• Cloud resource management with boto3

Pluralsight Python Learning Path Recommendations

Pluralsight organizes courses into learning paths that provide structured curriculum for specific goals.

Recommended Python Learning Paths:

1. Python Core Language Path Covers Python fundamentals through advanced topics. Perfect for developers who want comprehensive Python mastery.

Duration: 28 hours Courses: 8 courses from beginner to advanced Outcome: Professional Python developer skills

2. Python for Data Science Path Focused curriculum for data analysis and machine learning roles.

Duration: 22 hours Courses: 7 courses covering Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, visualization Outcome: Data analyst or junior data scientist skills

3. Python Web Development Path Comprehensive web development training with Django and Flask.

Duration: 18 hours Courses: 6 courses covering frameworks, databases, deployment Outcome: Full-stack Python web developer skills

Hands-On Labs for Python Practice

One of Pluralsight’s key advantages is hands-on labs where you write and execute real Python code in cloud environments.

Available Python Labs:

• Python scripting labs for automation and system administration
• Data analysis labs working with real datasets in Jupyter notebooks
• Web development labs building Django and Flask applications
• Cloud automation labs using boto3 with AWS

Labs validate your code automatically and provide immediate feedback. This is far more effective than passive video watching---you learn by doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Python course on Pluralsight for complete beginners?

“Python Fundamentals” by Austin Bingham and Robert Smallshire is the best starting point. It assumes no prior programming knowledge, covers modern Python 3.10+ features, and emphasizes writing clean, Pythonic code from the start. The 5-hour course provides a comprehensive foundation without overwhelming beginners.

How long does it take to learn Python on Pluralsight?

For beginners, expect 15-20 hours to complete fundamental courses and gain basic proficiency. To reach job-ready skills for entry-level Python roles, plan for 40-60 hours following a structured learning path. Data science and web development specializations require additional time---typically 60-100 hours total including practice projects.

Are Pluralsight Python courses good for data science?

Yes. Pluralsight’s Python data science courses provide excellent training in NumPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn. “Python for Data Analysts” and “Data Science with Python” are particularly strong. However, for university-backed data science certificates, consider Coursera’s Google or IBM programs alongside Pluralsight for technical depth.

Should I learn Python on Pluralsight or Udemy?

Pluralsight offers more consistent quality through vetted instructors and professional production, plus Skill IQ assessments and hands-on labs. Udemy has more courses and lower per-course costs during sales ($10-30). Choose Pluralsight if you want curated quality and structured learning paths. Choose Udemy if you prefer paying per course and can evaluate quality yourself.

Does Pluralsight teach Python 2 or Python 3?

All modern Pluralsight Python courses teach Python 3 (specifically Python 3.8+). Python 2 reached end-of-life in 2020, and Pluralsight has updated or retired courses that focused on Python 2. Any course published after 2020 uses Python 3 exclusively.

Can I get a job after learning Python on Pluralsight?

Pluralsight Python courses provide the technical skills needed for Python developer, data analyst, or automation engineer roles. However, you also need to build a portfolio with personal projects, contribute to open source, and prepare for technical interviews. Pluralsight certificates show initiative but are not accredited credentials---focus on demonstrating skills through projects and GitHub repositories.

What Python libraries do Pluralsight courses cover?

Pluralsight courses cover the most important Python libraries including: NumPy and Pandas (data analysis), Django and Flask (web development), scikit-learn (machine learning), Beautiful Soup and Scrapy (web scraping), pytest (testing), boto3 (AWS automation), and Matplotlib/Seaborn (visualization). Specialty courses cover additional libraries for specific use cases.

Is Pluralsight Premium worth it for Python learners?

If you learn best through hands-on practice, yes. Premium ($449/year) includes interactive Python labs where you write and execute code in cloud environments with automatic validation. The Standard plan ($299/year) provides video courses only. The $150 difference is worthwhile if you want structured practice environments alongside video instruction.

Final Verdict: Start Your Python Journey on Pluralsight

Pluralsight provides one of the best structured approaches to learning Python in 2025. The combination of Skill IQ assessments that identify your starting point, expert-led courses that balance theory with practice, curated learning paths that provide clear progression, and hands-on labs that reinforce concepts through real coding creates a learning experience superior to scattered YouTube tutorials or outdated courses.

Our top recommendations:

• Complete beginners: Start with “Python Fundamentals” and follow the Core Language learning path
• Data professionals: Take “Python for Data Analysts” and continue with the Data Science path
• Web developers: Choose between “Django Fundamentals” (full-featured) or “Flask: Getting Started” (lightweight)
• IT professionals: Focus on “Python for Automation” for immediate practical value

The key advantage of Pluralsight over alternatives is consistency. Every course maintains professional production standards, instructors are vetted industry experts, and content is regularly updated. You will not waste time on outdated Python 2 courses or amateur instruction.

Investment recommendation: The Premium plan ($449/year) is worthwhile for serious Python learners. The hands-on labs transform passive learning into active practice, and the full course library ensures you can follow complete learning paths without hitting paywalls.

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Next Steps: Take the Python Skill IQ assessment on Pluralsight to identify your current level, then choose the appropriate course from our top 10 recommendations. Whether you are building your first Python script or advancing to machine learning, these courses provide the structured path to expertise.