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Intro to Python

edX Boot Camps

Python is one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages in the world — largely because of how readable and versatile it is. If you’re interested in learning Python, this free, introductory course will demonstrate how learning to code in Python could benefit your career. No previous programming experience is required.

From analyzing large datasets to building web applications, Python can be used for a variety of projects including:

Writing scripts for automating tasks
Web development
Collecting data from websites (also known as “web scraping”)
Scientific and numeric computing
Data analysis
Data visualization
Machine learning

Python is also a useful skill applicable to roles across a wide range of industries, including:

Energy
Finance
Healthcare
Marketing
IT
Retail

This course is an introduction to our Boot Camps, which combine data analysis and machine learning to prepare learners for careers such as data analysts, financial analysts, data scientists, and more. Learn more here.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

What python is and where it’s used.
Functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
How to create and name variables.
How to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.

How to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
How python interacts with a console.
How to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

What python is and where it’s used.
Functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
How to create and name variables.
How to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.
How to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
How python interacts with a console.
How to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

Syllabus

Part 1:

Functions: bits of code that tell Python what to do

Two of the most important functions: print and input

Part 2:

Variables - fundamental building blocks of all programming languages, they hold and name data in your code

Two variable types: Strings and Integers

Part 3:

Operators: Equal to, less than, greater than

Conditionals: If, Elif, Else

Part 4:

Decision-making with Python: if/else with dual alternative decision statements

Part 5:

Advanced decision-making: Nested if/else

Quick Demo: Build a Werewolf Detector with Python

Culminating Activity: Edit the Werewolf Detector code to create a vampire detector that uses nested if/else statements

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course introduces why Python is used in industry

Develops understanding of basic Python functions

Covers fundamental elements of Python, such as variables and operators

Builds decision-making skills with if/else statements

Applies Python to practical scenarios

Interactive activities reinforce learning

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Save Try It: Intro to Python to your list so you can find it easily later:

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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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:

Review Python Crash Course

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Review this book on Python Crash Course, as this book is a useful companion to this course as it offers additional examples and exercises to reinforce Python concepts taught in Python Programming I.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Read through the introduction and first three chapters to get an overview of Python basics.
Complete the exercises and projects in the first three chapters.

Complete Python Tutorial Exercises

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Help you practice and reinforce the basic syntax and concepts of Python.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Visit the official Python Tutorial website (https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/)
Complete the exercises and examples provided in each section of the tutorial.

Attend Python Study Group

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Provide opportunities to collaborate with other Python learners, ask questions, and share knowledge and experiences.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Join or find a Python study group.
Attend regular meetings to participate in discussions and work on projects.

Six other activities

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Attend Python Meetups

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Expand your network, learn from experienced Python professionals, and stay abreast of current Python trends and technologies.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Find local Python meetups through websites like Meetup.com.
Attend meetups to connect with other Python enthusiasts and explore new ideas.

Build a Python Calculator

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Strengthen your understanding of Python data types, operators, and control flow.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Create a Python file.
Define functions for basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
Get user input for the numbers to be operated on.
Call the appropriate function based on the user's input.
Display the result.

Follow Python Programming Tutorials

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Expose you to different Python libraries and frameworks and provide hands-on experience with real-world Python projects.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Identify tutorials that align with your learning goals.
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises in the tutorials.

Python Data Visualization Project

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Gain experience in data visualization, which is a valuable skill in various fields including data analysis, business intelligence, and machine learning.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Choose a dataset to visualize.
Load the data into a Python environment.
Use Python libraries (e.g., matplotlib, seaborn) to create visualizations.
Present your visualizations.

Create a Python Code Snippet Collection

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Build your Python coding skills, reinforce your understanding of different Python concepts and syntax, and encourage knowledge retention.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Choose a specific Python topic or project.
Develop code snippets that demonstrate the concepts or solve the problem.
Organize and document your code snippets for future reference.

Participate in Python Coding Competitions

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Enhance your problem-solving skills, learn to optimize solutions, and stay updated with the latest Python trends and techniques.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Identify coding competitions that align with your interests and skill level.
Register for and participate in the competitions.
Analyze the problem statements and develop efficient solutions.
Submit your solutions and receive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst combines business knowledge with technical skills to analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate insights from data sources such as spreadsheets and databases. Python is a key tool for data analysts, as it allows them to manipulate data, perform statistical analysis, and create visualizations. This course introduces the fundamentals of Python, including functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will help you build a foundation for a successful career as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. Python is a popular programming language for Software Engineers, as it is versatile and easy to learn. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will help you build a solid foundation for a career as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions about financial markets. Python is a commonly used programming language in quantitative analysis, as it allows analysts to perform complex calculations and simulations. This course introduces the fundamentals of Python, including functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be valuable for anyone interested in a career as a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make recommendations about investments and other financial decisions. Python is a helpful tool for Financial Analysts, as it allows them to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will help you build a foundation for a career as a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models to solve complex problems. Python is a widely used programming language in machine learning, as it provides a wide range of libraries and tools for data analysis and modeling. This course introduces the fundamentals of Python, including functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be valuable for anyone interested in a career as a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including Python, to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be a helpful foundation for a career as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Python is a popular programming language for web development, as it allows developers to quickly and easily build dynamic and interactive web applications. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will help you build a solid foundation for a career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data and analysis to help businesses make better decisions. Python is a useful tool for Business Analysts, as it allows them to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be a valuable addition to your toolbox as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They use data and analysis to make decisions about product design, marketing, and pricing. Python is a helpful tool for Product Managers, as it allows them to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be beneficial for anyone interested in a career as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They use data and analysis to track progress, identify risks, and make decisions. Python is a helpful tool for Project Managers, as it allows them to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be a valuable addition to your toolkit as a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts use data and analysis to help businesses make better marketing decisions. Python is a popular tool for Marketing Analysts, as it allows them to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will give you a competitive edge in the field of Marketing Analytics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build systems to manage and process data. Python is a popular programming language for Data Engineers, as it allows them to quickly and easily build data pipelines and data warehouses. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be essential for anyone interested in a career as a Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Statistician

Statisticians use data to make inferences and predictions. Python is a popular programming language for Statisticians, as it provides a wide range of libraries and tools for data analysis and statistical modeling. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be a valuable addition to your toolkit as a Statistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to solve complex problems in business and industry. Python is a popular programming language for Operations Research Analysts, as it allows them to quickly and easily build and solve models. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be beneficial for anyone interested in a career as an Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and uncertainty. Python is a popular programming language for Actuaries, as it allows them to quickly and easily build and solve models. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as functions, variables, operators, conditionals, and decision-making. These skills will be helpful for anyone interested in a career as an Actuary.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Try It: Intro to Python.

Python Pocket Reference

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A comprehensive reference guide to the Python programming language.

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Intro to Python

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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