We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Python 101

Develop Your First Python Program

Ryan Ahmed

In this hands-on guided project, we will learn Python programming fundamentals and build our first program in Python. We will learn understand variables assignment, differentiate between various data types in python such as strings, lists, integer and float, learn the difference between for and while loops, develop functions in python, perform math operations, get information from User and Print data on the screen, and develop a simple game in Python.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational Python programming skills

Taught by experienced instructors, Ryan Ahmed, with hands-on guided project examples

Suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience

Targeted audience includes those interested in developing foundational Python programming skills

May require additional resources and practice for advanced Python programming

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Foundational python for beginners

According to learners, this course is an excellent starting point for anyone new to programming or Python. It provides a clear and concise introduction to fundamental concepts, making complex topics like variables, data types, loops, and functions easily digestible. Many found the hands-on activities and guided project invaluable for practical application. While overwhelmingly positive, a few recent comments suggest some technical environment issues, particularly for those outside North America, and it may be too basic for intermediate learners.

Instructor delivers concepts clearly and at a good pace.

"The instructor was fantastic, explaining variables, loops, and functions in a very clear way."

"I really liked the pace and clarity of the lectures, making it easy to follow along even for new concepts."

"The explanations provided were very concise and helped me grasp the core Python concepts quickly."

The guided project and practical exercises enhance learning.

"The hands-on project to build a simple game really helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."

"I appreciated the practical application of Python fundamentals, it made the learning very engaging."

"The guided labs were extremely useful for seeing how the concepts work in real code."

Perfect for absolute beginners, clear and easy to follow.

"This course is absolutely perfect for absolute beginners, who want to make a first step in the world of Python programming."

"As a complete beginner, I found the instructor's explanations very clear and easy to understand."

"It provides a great starting point for someone with no prior programming experience, simplifying complex ideas."

Not suitable for those with prior programming experience.

"While excellent for beginners, I found it moved a bit too slowly for someone with prior coding knowledge."

"If you've done any programming before, this course might be too fundamental for your needs."

"It's Python 101, so don't expect deep dives into advanced topics; it's strictly introductory."

Some learners faced connectivity or platform problems.

"I had persistent issues connecting to the lab environment, which really slowed down my progress."

"The 'North America region' note is critical; I faced connectivity problems from Europe."

"The lab setup was a bit finicky for me, and I spent more time troubleshooting than coding."

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 101: Develop Your First Python Program with these activities:

Compile Python Resources

Show steps

Organize and expand your Python resources to enhance your learning experience and facilitate future reference.

Show steps

Gather a list of helpful Python tutorials, documentation, and online resources
Organize the resources into a structured format, such as a digital notebook or folder
Add notes, summaries, or examples to enhance your understanding

Review Basic Python Syntax

Show steps

Get a refresher on Python syntax to strengthen your understanding of basic Python concepts, and improve knowledge retention for the course.

Browse courses on Python Syntax

Show steps

Revisit Python data types and their operations
Review control flow statements
Practice writing simple Python functions

Seek Python Mentorship

Show steps

Accelerate your Python learning by connecting with experienced Python developers who can provide guidance and support.

Show steps

Identify potential mentors through networking, online forums, or professional organizations
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance
Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress, challenges, and goals

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Python 101: Develop Your First Python Program will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Python Developer

Python Developers help build computer programs according to user requirements and specifications. This course will help you develop the foundational skills necessary to becoming a Python Developer. You will learn how to assign variables, differentiate between data types, work with loops and functions, perform math operations, and develop simple games in Python.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts gather, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for data analysis. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design and develop computer software. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for software development. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in software engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for machine learning. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in machine learning engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for data science. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for web development. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help businesses make informed decisions about their finances. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for financial analysis. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which is a popular programming language for business analysis. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in business analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for project management tasks such as data analysis, budgeting, and scheduling. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage products. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for product management tasks such as data analysis, market research, and user experience. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in product management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for marketing tasks such as data analysis, campaign management, and social media marketing. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in marketing management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for sales tasks such as data analysis, customer relationship management, and lead generation. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in sales management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan and execute business operations. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for operations tasks such as data analysis, supply chain management, and inventory management. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in operations management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan and execute human resources policies. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for HR tasks such as data analysis, employee relations, and benefits management. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in human resources management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Accountant

Accountants prepare and analyze financial statements. This course will help you build a foundation in Python, which can be used for accounting tasks such as data analysis, financial reporting, and tax preparation. You will learn how to work with data types, loops, functions, and math operations. This knowledge will be valuable for a career in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Python 101: Develop Your First Python Program.

Head First Python

Save

Comprehensive guide to Python programming for beginners. It covers all the basics of the language, including variables, data types, operators, control flow, and functions. It is written in a clear and concise style, with plenty of examples and exercises.

Python 101

Develop Your First Python Program

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational python for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

14-Day Refund Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner