feat: add curated video link pages for 8 beginner Python concepts

travisjneuman · claude · travisjneuman · commit 5bacd9568878 · 2026-02-26T00:08:01.000-05:00
Add concepts/videos/ directory with curated YouTube video links for:
- variables, loops, types/conversions, functions
- collections, files/paths, errors/debugging, reading error messages

Videos sourced from Corey Schafer, CS50P (Harvard), Socratica,
Programming with Mosh, Bro Code, and freeCodeCamp. Each page includes
a best single video, alternative explanations, deep dives, and
interactive Python Tutor visualizations.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 &lt;noreply@anthropic.com&gt;
diff --git a/concepts/videos/collections-explained.md b/concepts/videos/collections-explained.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# Videos: Collections Explained
+
+[Back to concept](../collections-explained.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Python Lists** by Socratica (~6 min)
+  A clear, focused introduction to Python's most-used collection type. Socratica covers creating lists, indexing, slicing, appending, and common methods with polished visuals. Start here before tackling the other collection types.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohCDWZgNIU0
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **Python Dictionaries** by Socratica (~8 min)
+  Covers dictionaries from creation to iteration, including keys(), values(), items(), and practical use cases. Same polished Socratica style -- great for learners who prefer short, focused videos over long-form courses.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCcpzWs-CI4
+
+- **Python Tuples** by Socratica (~4 min)
+  Explains what makes tuples different from lists (immutability), when to use them, and tuple packing/unpacking. Short and to the point.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI26dqhs2Rk
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Sets in Python** by Socratica (~5 min)
+  Covers set creation, membership testing, union, intersection, and difference operations. Sets are the least intuitive collection type for beginners, and Socratica makes the concept accessible.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBvaPopWOmQ
+
+- **Python Full Course** by Bro Code (~12 hrs full course)
+  Bro Code's full course includes dedicated chapters on lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries with practical examples. Use video timestamp chapters to jump to each collection type. Good for learners who want more practice time with each type.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKHEtdqhLK8
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize list operations](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=fruits%20%3D%20%5B%22apple%22%2C%20%22banana%22%5D%0Afruits.append%28%22cherry%22%29%0Aprint%28fruits%5B0%5D%29%0Aprint%28len%28fruits%29%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/errors-and-debugging.md b/concepts/videos/errors-and-debugging.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: Errors and Debugging
+
+[Back to concept](../errors-and-debugging.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Exceptions in Python** by Socratica (~5 min)
+  A concise, polished explanation of Python exceptions, try/except blocks, and common error types. Socratica covers the essentials without overwhelming beginners, making this the ideal first video on error handling.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlCKrKGHSSk
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **CS50P - Lecture 3: Exceptions** by Harvard / David Malan (~2 hrs full lecture)
+  Harvard's CS50 Python course dedicates an entire lecture to exceptions, covering SyntaxError, ValueError, try/except, else, pass, and raise. David Malan builds understanding methodically with live coding and audience interaction.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW7g1169v7w
+
+- **Python Full Course** by Bro Code (~12 hrs full course)
+  Bro Code's full course includes a dedicated chapter on exception handling with practical examples in a casual, approachable style. Use video timestamp chapters to jump to the error handling section.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKHEtdqhLK8
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Unit Tests in Python** by Socratica (~10 min)
+  Understanding testing is closely tied to debugging. This video covers Python's unittest module and shows how writing tests helps you catch and prevent errors systematically.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lfv5tUGsn8
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize try/except](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=try%3A%0A%20%20%20%20number%20%3D%20int%28%22hello%22%29%0Aexcept%20ValueError%3A%0A%20%20%20%20print%28%22That%20is%20not%20a%20number!%22%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/files-and-paths.md b/concepts/videos/files-and-paths.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: Files and Paths
+
+[Back to concept](../files-and-paths.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Text Files in Python** by Socratica (~7 min)
+  A concise, polished explanation of reading and writing text files in Python using open(), read(), write(), and the with statement. Socratica's classroom-style presentation makes file I/O feel approachable for beginners.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mX0uPQFLDU
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **CSV Files in Python** by Socratica (~6 min)
+  Extends file I/O concepts to CSV files using Python's built-in csv module. A natural next step after understanding basic text file operations, and relevant for data-oriented projects.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi52tx6phRU
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course** by Mosh Hamedani (~6 hrs full course)
+  Mosh covers file handling in his full beginner course, including reading, writing, and working with file paths. Use video chapters to jump to the file I/O section. His explanations are clear and assume no prior knowledge.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners** by freeCodeCamp (~4.5 hrs)
+  The freeCodeCamp course includes file operations in the context of building real programs, which helps you see how file I/O fits into practical Python workflows rather than isolated examples.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize file operations](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=lines%20%3D%20%5B%22Hello%22%2C%20%22World%22%5D%0Afor%20line%20in%20lines%3A%0A%20%20%20%20print%28line%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/functions-explained.md b/concepts/videos/functions-explained.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: Functions Explained
+
+[Back to concept](../functions-explained.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Python Functions** by Socratica (~7 min)
+  A concise, elegant explanation of Python functions covering def, parameters, return values, and docstrings. Socratica's production quality makes this feel like a polished classroom lesson. Perfect for a first encounter with functions.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE97ylAnrz4
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **CS50P - Lecture 0: Functions, Variables** by Harvard / David Malan (~2 hrs full lecture)
+  Harvard's CS50 Python course covers functions from the very first lecture, building from print() calls to writing your own functions with parameters and return values. David Malan's explanations are thorough and build real understanding of why functions exist.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP7ITIXGpHk
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course** by Mosh Hamedani (~6 hrs full course)
+  Mosh dedicates a full section to functions, covering parameters, return values, keyword arguments, and default values. His style is calm, clear, and visual. Use video chapters to jump to the functions section.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners** by freeCodeCamp (~4.5 hrs)
+  The freeCodeCamp course covers functions in the context of building small programs, which helps you see how functions fit into real code rather than toy examples. Good for reinforcement after watching a focused tutorial.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize function calls](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=def%20greet%28name%29%3A%0A%20%20%20%20return%20f%22Hello%2C%20%7Bname%7D!%22%0A%0Amessage%20%3D%20greet%28%22Alice%22%29%0Aprint%28message%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/how-loops-work.md b/concepts/videos/how-loops-work.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: How Loops Work
+
+[Back to concept](../how-loops-work.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **CS50P - Lecture 2: Loops** by Harvard / David Malan (~2 hrs full lecture)
+  Harvard's CS50 Python course dedicates an entire lecture to loops, covering while loops, for loops, lists, dictionaries, and the range function. David Malan builds intuition with clear diagrams and live demos. Watch the first 45 minutes for core loop mechanics.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7xg8pGcP6w
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course** by Mosh Hamedani (~6 hrs full course)
+  Mosh covers for loops, while loops, and nested loops in a dedicated section of his full course. His explanations are clean, visual, and paced for absolute beginners. Jump to the loops chapter using the video chapters.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc
+
+- **Python Full Course** by Bro Code (~12 hrs full course)
+  Bro Code's comprehensive course covers while loops and for loops with plenty of hands-on examples and a casual teaching style that resonates with self-learners. Use the timestamp chapters to jump directly to the loops section.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKHEtdqhLK8
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners** by freeCodeCamp (~4.5 hrs)
+  This freeCodeCamp course includes an extended section on loops with practical exercises. Good for learners who want to see loops used in small projects rather than isolated examples.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize a for loop](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=fruits%20%3D%20%5B%22apple%22%2C%20%22banana%22%2C%20%22cherry%22%5D%0Afor%20fruit%20in%20fruits%3A%0A%20%20%20%20print%28fruit%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/reading-error-messages.md b/concepts/videos/reading-error-messages.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Videos: Reading Error Messages
+
+[Back to concept](../reading-error-messages.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **CS50P - Lecture 3: Exceptions** by Harvard / David Malan (~2 hrs full lecture)
+  David Malan spends significant time showing students how to read Python error messages, tracing from the traceback line to the actual bug. The first 30 minutes are especially focused on understanding what Python is telling you when something goes wrong. One of the best treatments of this topic available.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW7g1169v7w
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **Exceptions in Python** by Socratica (~5 min)
+  Socratica demonstrates common Python exceptions (TypeError, ValueError, KeyError) and shows what each error message means. The short runtime makes it easy to rewatch when you encounter a new error type.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlCKrKGHSSk
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course** by Mosh Hamedani (~6 hrs full course)
+  Mosh covers exceptions and error messages in his full course, explaining the anatomy of a traceback and common error types. His calm, visual teaching style makes error messages feel less intimidating. Jump to the exceptions chapter.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners** by freeCodeCamp (~4.5 hrs)
+  The freeCodeCamp course encounters errors naturally throughout its projects, and the instructor explains each traceback as it appears. Seeing error messages in context -- rather than in isolation -- helps build the habit of reading them carefully.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw
+
+## Supplementary reading
+
+- [Understanding the Python Traceback -- Real Python](https://realpython.com/python-traceback/) (article + video)
+- [Deciphering Python's Traceback -- Python Morsels](https://www.pythonmorsels.com/reading-tracebacks-in-python/) (article)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/types-and-conversions.md b/concepts/videos/types-and-conversions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: Types and Conversions
+
+[Back to concept](../types-and-conversions.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners 3: Integers and Floats - Working with Numeric Data** by Corey Schafer (~12 min)
+  Corey explains integers, floats, arithmetic operations, and type conversion with live coding examples. Clear coverage of int(), float(), and how Python handles numeric types. A concise, focused treatment of the topic.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khKv-8q7YmY
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **Numbers in Python 3** by Socratica (~7 min)
+  Socratica covers Python 3 number types (int, float, complex) with polished visuals and a concise, classroom-style approach. Great for learners who prefer shorter, focused lessons over long-form tutorials.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_87ASgggEg0
+
+- **Python Strings** by Socratica (~7 min)
+  Covers the string data type, string methods, and type conversions involving strings. Pairs well with the numbers video above for a complete picture of Python's core types.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAzShkKzpJo
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners 2: Strings - Working with Textual Data** by Corey Schafer (~21 min)
+  A deeper exploration of Python's string type, covering formatting, slicing, methods, and type conversion between strings and numbers. Complements the integers/floats video for full type literacy.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9TUPpGqYTo
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize type conversions](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=x%20%3D%20%2242%22%0Ay%20%3D%20int%28x%29%0Az%20%3D%20float%28y%29%0Aprint%28type%28x%29%2C%20type%28y%29%2C%20type%28z%29%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
diff --git a/concepts/videos/what-is-a-variable.md b/concepts/videos/what-is-a-variable.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Videos: What Is a Variable
+
+[Back to concept](../what-is-a-variable.md)
+
+---
+
+## Best single video
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners 2: Strings - Working with Textual Data** by Corey Schafer (~21 min)
+  Corey's beginner series walks through creating variables and assigning values using strings as the first real data type. Clear, methodical explanations with live coding. Start here even though the title says "Strings" -- variables are the backbone of every example.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9TUPpGqYTo
+
+## Alternative explanations
+
+- **CS50P - Lecture 0: Functions, Variables** by Harvard / David Malan (~2 hrs full lecture)
+  Harvard's CS50 Python course opens with variables and functions in its very first lecture. David Malan's teaching style is engaging and thorough, with real-time audience interaction. Watch the first 30 minutes for a focused variables introduction.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP7ITIXGpHk
+
+- **Python Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course (Programming with Mosh)** by Mosh Hamedani (~6 hrs full course)
+  Mosh covers variables, strings, and data types in the first 30 minutes of this 6-hour course. His pacing is steady and beginner-friendly, with clean visuals and no assumed knowledge. Over 42 million views.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc
+
+## Deep dives
+
+- **Hello World in Python** by Socratica (~4 min)
+  A short, polished introduction to your first Python program, including creating and printing variables. Socratica's production quality is high and the lessons feel like a classroom experience.
+  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOdfpbnWLVo
+
+## Interactive practice
+
+- [Python Tutor - Visualize variable assignment](https://pythontutor.com/visualize.html#code=name%20%3D%20%22Alice%22%0Aage%20%3D%2030%0Aprint%28name%2C%20age%29&cumulative=false&curInstr=0&heapPrimitives=true&mode=display&origin=opt-frontend.js&py=3&rawInputLstJSON=%5B%5D&textReferences=false)
+
+---
+
+*Last verified: 2026-02-25. If a link is broken, please [open an issue](https://github.com/travisjneuman/learn.python/issues).*
