Python Programming: A Concise Introduction from Coursera

The goal of the course is to introduce students to Python Version 3.x programming using hands on instruction. It will show how to install Python and use the Spyder IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for writing and debugging programs. The approach will be to present an example followed by a small exercise where the learner tries something similar to solidify a concept. At the end of each module there will be an exercise where the student is required to write simple programs and submit them for grading. It is intended for students with little or no programming background, although students with such a background should be able to move forward at their preferred pace. The course is four modules long and is designed to be completed in four weeks. SPECIAL NOTE: Python Programming: A Concise Introduction course will close for new learner enrollment on 2/16/22. In order to earn a Course Certificate, you will need to complete all graded assignments by 8/16/22. If you are interested in earning a Course Certificate for this course, please upgrade or apply for Financial Aid by 8/16/22. If you are a Coursera for Business learner, you can continue to use your sponsored credit through that date.

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Teaches Python Version 3.x, which is widely used in data science, machine learning, web development, and many other fields

Provides hands-on instruction through exercises and assignments, which helps learners solidify concepts and gain practical experience

Designed for students with little or no programming background, making it accessible to beginners

Offers a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, covering installation, IDE usage, and program writing

Aligned with industry standards, ensuring that learners acquire skills and knowledge that are relevant in the workplace

Taught by Bill Boyd, an experienced instructor with a strong background in computer science and programming

Reviews summary

Python programming: a concise introduction

This beginner's course gives a quick overview of Python programming. It is particularly well-suited for those with little to no programming background, providing hands-on instruction in topics like installing Python, using the Spyder IDE, and practicing programming concepts through exercises. The course emphasizes essential skills like using functions, manipulating data, and writing simple programs, making it an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning Python.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning through exercises and graded assignments, allowing students to apply what they learn immediately.

"It will show how to install Python and use the Spyder IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for writing and debugging programs."

"The approach will be to present an example followed by a small exercise where the learner tries something similar to solidify a concept."

The course lives up to its title, providing a concise yet comprehensive introduction to Python, covering essential topics without overwhelming beginners.

"This course is titled "Python Programming: A Concise Introduction"."

"Its description is: "The goal of the course is to introduce students to Python Version 3.x programming using hands on instruction.""

The course is tailored specifically for beginners with little to no programming experience, making complex concepts easier to grasp.

"The course is four modules long and is designed to be completed in four weeks."

"It is intended for students with little or no programming background, although students with such a background should be able to move forward at their preferred pace."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Python Programming: A Concise Introduction with these activities:

Read 'Head First Python'

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Python concepts and best practices

View Head First Python: A Learner's Guide to the... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Head First Python'
Read and take notes on the material
Complete the exercises and projects in the book

Join a Python study group

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Fosters peer learning and collaboration

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Find or start a Python study group
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on projects, and provide support
Share resources and knowledge with other members

Create a Python script that prints the Fibonacci sequence

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Reinforces understanding of loops and sequences in Python

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Install Python and set up a development environment
Create a new Python script in the IDE
Write code to generate the Fibonacci sequence using a loop
Run the script to verify the output

Four other activities

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Attend a Python coding workshop

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Provides hands-on experience and networking opportunities

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Find a Python coding workshop in your area
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
Connect with other participants and industry professionals

Follow a tutorial on using the Django web framework

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Expands knowledge of Python by introducing a popular web development framework

Browse courses on Django

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Find a comprehensive Django tutorial
Set up a development environment for Django
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, building a Django web application
Deploy the web application to a hosting platform

Write a blog post explaining the concept of object-oriented programming in Python

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Solidifies understanding of OOP principles and improves written communication skills

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Research OOP concepts and Python implementation
Write an outline for the blog post
Draft the content, explaining OOP principles and how they are applied in Python
Proofread and edit the blog post
Publish the blog post on a relevant platform

Participate in a Python coding competition

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Challenges skills and provides motivation for learning

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Find a suitable Python coding competition
Form a team or participate individually
Develop a solution to the competition challenge
Submit the solution and wait for results

Career center

Learners who complete Python Programming: A Concise Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Python is a popular programming language for web development, data science, and machine learning. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Engineers who want to learn the basics of Python programming and how to use it to build software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Python is a popular programming language for web development, as it allows developers to build dynamic and interactive websites. This course may be useful for aspiring Web Developers who want to learn the basics of Python programming and how to use it to build websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to improve business processes. Python programming is a valuable skill for Business Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build data visualization dashboards, and develop business intelligence reports. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Business Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. Python programming is a valuable skill for Data Analysts, as it allows them to automate data processing tasks, build data visualization dashboards, and develop machine learning models. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Data Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Healthcare Analyst

Healthcare Analysts use data to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Python programming is a valuable skill for Healthcare Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build healthcare models, and develop healthcare management strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Healthcare Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. Python is a popular programming language for machine learning, as it provides a wide range of libraries and tools for building and deploying machine learning models. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Machine Learning Engineers who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. Python is a valuable skill for Data Scientists, as it allows them to clean and analyze data, build machine learning models, and visualize their results. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Data Scientists who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to make investment decisions. Python programming is a valuable skill for Financial Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build financial models, and develop trading strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Financial Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and manage risks to businesses. Python programming is a valuable skill for Risk Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build risk models, and develop risk management strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Risk Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. Python programming is a valuable skill for Product Managers, as it allows them to collect and analyze data about customer needs, develop product roadmaps, and manage product development teams. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Product Managers who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data pipelines to move data between different systems. Python is a popular programming language for data engineering, as it allows engineers to automate data processing tasks and build data pipelines that can handle large amounts of data. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Data Engineers who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. Python programming is a valuable skill for Quantitative Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build financial models, and develop trading strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Quantitative Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to assess and manage financial risks. Python programming is a valuable skill for Actuaries, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build financial models, and develop risk management strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Actuaries who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Insurance Analyst

Insurance Analysts use data to assess and manage risks for insurance companies. Python programming is a valuable skill for Insurance Analysts, as it allows them to automate data analysis tasks, build insurance models, and develop risk management strategies. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring Insurance Analysts who want to build a foundation in Python programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical models to solve business problems. Python programming is a popular programming language for operations research, as it provides a wide range of libraries and tools for building and solving mathematical models. This course may be useful for aspiring Operations Research Analysts who want to learn the basics of Python programming and how to use it to solve business problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst