Udemy VS Practice Makes Python

Overall verdict

• Udemy is generally considered a good platform for casual learners and professionals looking to gain new skills or knowledge at their own pace. However, course quality can vary since anyone can create a course, so it's important to read reviews and check instructor credentials before enrolling.

Why this product is good

• Udemy offers a wide range of courses across various subjects at affordable prices. It provides lifetime access to purchased courses, allowing for flexible learning. The platform includes features like progress tracking, quizzes, and certificates of completion. Many courses are taught by industry professionals, providing practical and up-to-date knowledge.

Recommended for

• Individuals seeking affordable and diverse educational opportunities
• Professionals looking to learn new skills or upgrade existing ones
• Students who need supplementary material for their studies
• Hobbyists interested in exploring new topics

Overall verdict

• Practice Makes Python by Reuven Lerner is a well-regarded exercise-based book/course aimed at helping intermediate Python learners solidify their skills through deliberate practice. It's good for those who want structured problem-solving repetition rather than just conceptual learning.

Why this product is good

• Written by Reuven Lerner, an experienced and respected Python trainer with decades of teaching experience
• Provides 50+ hands-on exercises with detailed solutions and explanations, not just theory
• Focuses on practical, real-world coding patterns rather than abstract computer science concepts
• Explanations often show multiple solution approaches, helping learners understand tradeoffs and idiomatic Python
• Good for reinforcing muscle memory and confidence in writing Python code independently
• Exercises are curated based on common sticking points Lerner has observed in his many years of teaching corporate Python courses

Recommended for

• Beginner-to-intermediate Python learners who understand basic syntax but want more practice applying it
• Self-taught coders who feel shaky translating concepts into working code
• People who've finished an introductory Python course/book and want a bridge to intermediate skills
• Learners who prefer exercise-driven practice over long-form conceptual reading
• Developers preparing for coding interviews or wanting to sharpen fundamentals