When comparing Learn Python the Hard way vs Google's Python Class, the Slant community recommends Google's Python Class for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn Python?” Google's Python Class is ranked 2nd while Learn Python the Hard way is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Google's Python Class is:
This is a free class for people with a little bit of programming experience who want to learn Python.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Practical
Teaches by giving a piece of code and letting the user see what the code does.
Pro Free
Available online for free.
Pro Encourages use of flash cards
To help better remember certain parts of the language, the author suggests using flash cards.
Pro Great for people with little programming experience
This is a free class for people with a little bit of programming experience who want to learn Python.
Pro Good mix of theoretical and practical material
The class includes written materials, lecture videos, and lots of code exercises to practice Python coding. These materials are used within Google to introduce Python to people who have just a little programming experience.
Cons
Con Author still suggests newcomers to the language learn Python 2
The only reason to learn Python 2 these days is if you have to workout on legacy Python 2 software, and upgrading to Python 3 is not an option. Telling newcomers to learn a outdated, and soon to be unsupported version of the language is detrimental.
Con Suggests looking up details on the web
The book often suggests looking up details on the web instead of providing them. Additionally, no resources are suggested where to look up such information. As a result the quality of explanation of details can vary based on used resource.
Con Some programming experience is required
While the courses cover the very basics of Python, basic understanding of programming is needed to start learning from Google's Python class.