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Jose Sanchez

Python Fundamentals for Designers is an introduction to programming using Python meant for students interested in how programming is applied to visual applications and design. The course introduces the foundations of programming through a visual and dynamic learning environment. You’ll cover the essential building blocks of Python programming, from basic syntax and data types to more advanced concepts like control structures, functions, and inputs/outputs. Learn to build shapes and designs while implementing data structures that allow room for more complexity and depth within your projects. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create dynamic and organic visual effects using the Processing platform with Python.

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Python Fundamentals for Designers is an introduction to programming using Python meant for students interested in how programming is applied to visual applications and design. The course introduces the foundations of programming through a visual and dynamic learning environment. You’ll cover the essential building blocks of Python programming, from basic syntax and data types to more advanced concepts like control structures, functions, and inputs/outputs. Learn to build shapes and designs while implementing data structures that allow room for more complexity and depth within your projects. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create dynamic and organic visual effects using the Processing platform with Python.

This is the first course in a three-part series, Programming for Designers, aimed at equipping designers with essential computational design skills.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
In our first week, we will cover the basics: syntax, variables, coordinates, and functions. These are the building blocks of any programming language, and understanding them is crucial for moving forward. You'll learn how to write simple Python scripts within the Processing environment and lay the groundwork for more complex designs.
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Drawing Primitives / Randomness / Boolean Logic
We'll dive into drawing primitives, explore iteration, and develop compositions using randomness. This week is all about bringing creativity into coding. You'll start to see how programming can become an integral part of your design process, allowing you to create intricate and dynamic compositions.
Conditionals / Boolean Logic / Probability
Our focus shifts to conditional statements, boolean logic, and simple state machines. These concepts are key to making your designs responsive and interactive. You'll learn how to incorporate logic into your projects, enabling designs that can adapt and change based on different conditions.
Transformations
We'll explore the transformative power of coding with translate, rotate, scale, and the push and pop matrix operations. Understanding these transformations will allow you to manipulate your designs in complex ways, opening up a new dimension of creativity and control in your work.
Input and Output
Finally, we'll cover how to read and write output in various formats and alter image pixel data. This week is crucial for those interested in data visualization or working with images in a programmatically creative manner. You'll gain the skills to manipulate and utilize data, enhancing your designs with a layer of dynamism and interactivity.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores Python, which is used for visual applications and design
Suitable for students interested in applying Python to design
Introduces foundational programming concepts and data structures
First in a series of three courses on programming for designers
May require students to take other courses first
Taught by Jose Sanchez, an experienced instructor

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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 Fundamentals for Designers with these activities:
Review basic programming concepts
Strengthen your foundation by revisiting fundamental programming concepts, ensuring a solid base for your Python learning journey.
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  • Review online tutorials or textbooks
  • Solve simple coding exercises
Organize and review course materials
Enhance your retention by regularly reviewing and organizing course materials, ensuring that key concepts and information are readily accessible.
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  • Gather notes, assignments, and resources
  • Review and summarize key concepts
  • Create a study guide or cheat sheet
Explore the official Python documentation
Deepen your understanding of Python's fundamental concepts and syntax by thoroughly reviewing the official documentation.
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  • Visit the Python documentation website
  • Review the core Python concepts such as variables, data types, and operators
  • Explore the built-in functions and modules
Three other activities
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Join a Python study group or online forum
Engage with fellow learners by participating in study groups or online forums, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support.
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  • Locate or create a study group or forum
  • Actively participate in discussions
  • Share your knowledge and assist others
Build a simple Python project
Apply your Python skills by creating a project, such as a command-line tool, a web application, or a data visualization, to deepen your comprehension and reinforce your learning.
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  • Identify a project idea
  • Design the project architecture
  • Develop the code
  • Test and debug the project
  • Deploy the project
Write a Python tutorial or blog post
Strengthen your understanding and reinforce your knowledge by creating a tutorial or blog post that explains Python concepts and their applications.
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  • Choose a topic
  • Research and gather information
  • Write the tutorial or blog post
  • Proofread and edit your work
  • Publish and share your tutorial or blog post

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Learners who complete Python Fundamentals for Designers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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