Earlier this month, I wrote an article about the importance of having a community to support and inspire you during your data science learning journey. For that article, I shared Slack Workspaces that you can join to get in touch with the community and have all the support you need to complete your learning process.

Although Slack is a good option to connect with others professionally, some of the workspaces I shared required an educational or professional email address, which I realize is not a feasible option for everyone. Even if you’re not a student or an employee in an educational institute, you still deserve to have a community to support and inspire you through your journey.

Aside from Slack, which can be more popular within the academic field, there’s another communication channel that has always been popular among gamers and programmers of all stripes. This communication channel is Discord.

Unlike my previous article, in this article, I will share with you 9 Discord servers about different aspects of data science, from fundamental maths to Python programming to more core data science concepts such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Joining these servers will allow you to learn, share your experience, and build a network to help you advance your career in data science.

№1: Mathematics

One of the fundamental steps when you begin your data science learning journey is gaining a solid understanding of mathematics. In particular, learn algebra, discrete maths, and probability theory. Math is also the reason some may decide not to go into data science in the first place. But, math can be easy to understand if you have enough support.

The first Discord server on this list is a pure mathematics one. This server has over 43000 members who are always engaged in various channels dedicated to the different branches of maths. This Discord server covers beyond what you need to get into data science, but you can focus your attention and communications on a few channels, such as: #prealg-algebra, #linear-algebra,#computing-software, and #probability-statistics .

№2: Code::Together

If we think of data as the storyteller, and pattern and trends are our end goal, then programming is the way to get from the story to the end goal. There are various programming languages that you can use to develop your own data science projects.

However, two programming languages always shine among others when we talk about data science, Python and R. But, you can learn the fundamentals of programming using any languages and apply that knowledge to any language as well. Code::Together is a Discord server for everything programming-related. From learning the different languages to getting familiar with databases and version control and also looking for software development jobs.

№3: Microsoft-python

Suppose you want to learn general programming knowledge and maybe try to get a feeling of the different programming languages on Code::together Discord. But, if you want to focus on just Python, then this — and the next — Discord servers are for you. Microsoft-python is a server supported by Microsoft that discusses various aspects of Python.

The server includes various channels with a different focus, from using virtual labs with Python to IoT with Python, Postgress DB, and VSCode. The Discord also includes a channel dedicated to learning and developing data science projects with Python.

№4: Python

The Microsoft-python server has some general Python-related topics but it focuses more on aspects of Python supported by Microsoft or tools developed by Microsoft. If you would like to try a more general Discord server for everything Python, whether it be learning it, using it for data science, security, or game dev, then the Python Discord server is the one to go with.

The Python Discord server is one of the largest servers on this list, with over 185k members. So, no matter what time zone you’re in, you can guarantee that there will be at least a few thousands member online to help you out.

№5: Data Version Control

When I was learning the basics of software development, version control was probably the skill that required the most effort. If you tried looking up a solution for making version control a breeze, especially for data science, then you must have come across Data Version Control (DVC) tool.

DVC tool is a version control tool that keeps all your project files synced with Git and supports various storage applications. The tool has its own Discord server that discusses the usage of the tool and the topic of version control for data science in general.

№6: r/DataIsBeautiful

If you ask me what my favorite part about data science is, I will, without a doubt, say visualization. Data visualization is an art form; choosing the correct visualization can make or break your data science project. If you can communicate your finding simply and efficiently, then you have successfully delivered your data’s story.

r/DataIsBeautiful is a subreddit Discord server that discusses how to utilize visualization to communicate data efficiently. This subreddit is one of the hot topics with over 17 million members. So, if you want to discuss visualization, there’s no better place to go.

№7: Artificial Intelligence

Data science is a broad field; the term data science is used to describe any technology that includes interacting with data. One of the buzz branches of data science is artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is the core technology behind many great technologies, like automatic translators, self-driving cars, and virtual assistance. The Artificial intelligence Discord server is a place to discuss all topics related to artificial intelligence and what you need to know about the field's current status.

№8: Data Science/ML/AI

Next on the list is the DS/ML/AI Discord server. This server is a rare new one, with a little bit more than 1700 members. Sometimes large Discord servers are the place to go, but small ones often have more concrete conversations.

This Discord server offers many activities, including weekly Kaggle collaboration and challenges, discussion of recent data science-related papers, with private rooms for professionals and researchers to discuss specific topics.

№9: Data Science

Last but not least is the Data Science Discord Server — another great option for a place to discuss data science topics, recent trends, and research advancements.

The organizers of this Discord server try to put together some channel activities such as a reading group, Kaggle contests, weekly video presentations, and much more.

Final Thoughts

One of the most difficult aspects of going on a solo learning journey is the solo part. You feel isolated, alone, and in need of support throughout your path. I can argue that the best part of going to school or a Bootcamp to kick start a career is the people you meet and how much you learn from their experiences more than what you learn from books and lectures.

Luckily, you don’t need to spend a ton of money meeting people and building a support community. Technology has come to our aid by creating online communities that allow people from all over the world to share experiences, learn and grow together.

Among these online communities, Discord, in particular, has always been known and used in the gaming and programming community. That’s why in this article, I shared with you 9 Discord servers that you can join today to find the support and encouragement you need to keep going on your data science journey and reach all your goals.