Python is a free, general purpose programming language widely used in both academia and industry. It provides a rich ecosystem of libraries—such as Matplotlib, Plotly, Pandas, and BeautifulSoup—that support tasks like data collection, cleaning, and visualization.
Free Resources¶
Explore a collection of open-access, discipline-specific textbooks that are completely free to use. Each resource includes highly valuable Jupyter notbooks, which you can download or clone to reinforce your learning. Practice the concepts using the included demo datasets or apply them to your own data for a more personalized experience.
Introduction to Cultural Analytics & Python
Introduction to Cultural Analytics & Python
by Melanie Walsh, 2024.
Winner of “Best DH Training Material” 2021.
Intro to Python for Digital Humanists
Introduction to Python for Digital Humanists
by William J.B. Mattingly
Boca Raton : CRC Press, 2023.
Coding for Economists
Coding for Economists
by Arthur Turrell, 2023
Books¶
Python Crash Course
Get started with Python in just a weekend with Eric Matthes’ Python crash course : a hands-on, project-based introduction to programming, 3rd edition. This beginner-friendly book uses clear, accessible language and practical coding examples to introduce core Python concepts—like variables, data types, methods, and functions—while encouraging you to actively apply what you learn through hands-on practice.
Automate the Boring Stuff
Build a strong Python foundation and go further with Al Sweigart’s Automate the boring stuff with Python : practical programming for total beginners, 3rd edition. Start with the basics, then dive into real-world tasks like web scraping, pattern matching with regular expressions, reading documents, handling .csv and .json files, scheduling tasks, manipulating images, and much more. Each chapter includes hands-on practice questions to help reinforce your skills and boost your confidence as a programmer.
Python Tools for Scientists
Python tools for scientists : an introduction to using Anaconda, Jupyterlab, and Python’s scientific libraries
by Lee Vaughan
San Francisco : No Starch Press, 2023.
O’Reilly Online Learning¶
For additional books and learning materials, the O’Reilly Online Learning: Academic/Public Library Edition collection provides extensive access to eBooks and videos in computer science, IT, business, and related subjects, featuring content from O’Reilly and other top publishers. This resource is provided by University Libraries and is available to all Ohio State faculty, students, and staff with a valid osu.edu email address.
Tutorials¶
University Libraries offers a variety of data skills workshops and events for Ohio State faculty, students and staff throughout the academic year. Additional hand-on tutorials cam be found in the menu located at the bottom left of this webpage.