What are the best free resources to learn data science as a beginner?

I want to start learning data science to become a data analyst, preferably from free online resources. I have a mechanical engineering background and no prior experience with software or programming. I need resources that start from the basics and build up gradually.

Thank you in advance for any guidance!

To start, you’ll need to learn SQL, Python (or R), BI tools, and foundational concepts in statistics and math. A good starting point for coding basics is Mode Analytics. If you’re open to certifications, consider the Google Data Analytics Certification on Coursera. For more advanced topics, StrataScratch is a great platform.

After learning the basics, create projects on Kaggle to showcase your skills.

@Denver
Which is better to learn, Python or R?

Asa said:
@Denver
Which is better to learn, Python or R?

Python is more versatile and widely used in the industry, while R is great for statistical analysis. Start with Python if you’re new to programming.

Asa said:
@Denver
Which is better to learn, Python or R?

Both are useful. The broader your skillset, the better your job prospects.

Start with Python for Everybody (py4e.com) and Corey Schafer’s YouTube tutorials. Once you’re comfortable with Python, explore resources like Kaggle, KDNuggets, and Towards Data Science. Krish Naik and Ken Jee also have excellent YouTube channels.

For books, ‘Data Science from Scratch’ by Joel Grus is great, but only after you’ve learned Python basics.

@Jackson
Thank you. Could you share specific links for these resources?

Asa said:
@Jackson
Thank you. Could you share specific links for these resources?

You’ll need to search for them yourself. Learning to research is an essential skill for data science.

The IBM Data Science Certification on Coursera is a solid starting point. It covers the basics well and helps build a foundation. However, it won’t be enough on its own; you’ll need to supplement it with additional projects and experience.

Online courses like those on Coursera, edX, and Udacity are excellent options. For books, check out ‘Python for Data Science Quick Start’ and ‘R for Data Science.’ For practical experience, explore Kaggle and GitHub. Here’s a list of free resources to get started.

OpenCourseWare from MIT, Stanford, and Harvard is a great starting point. Here are some resources:

YouTube channels like Corey Schafer and 3Blue1Brown are also very helpful.

Try practical projects on Udemy, like the course ‘Data Science for Beginners in Azure and Python with Projects.’