Python & Foundations
Programming in Python and the computer-science basics every AI course assumes.
Beginner
Start here. No background needed beyond school maths.
Book
Beginner
↗ External site
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
Practical Python for total beginners: write small programs that rename files, fill spreadsheets and scrape web pages. Free to read online.
Al Sweigart
Book
Beginner
▶ Read here
Think Python (2nd edition)
A friendly book that teaches Python by building good programming habits from the first chapter, with exercises throughout.
Allen B. Downey, Green Tea Press