Try It: Intro to Python from edX

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.

This Try It is offered in support of the Data Analytics Boot Camp, Coding Boot Camp, and FinTech Boot Camp with Rice University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Rice University unless you enroll in the Data Analytics Boot Camp, Coding Boot Camp, or FinTech Boot Camp.

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those wanting to automate tasks and make decisions which feature in many job roles

Useful for those in industries such as energy, healthcare and IT, making it a suitable addition to skill sets for these areas

Introduces fundamental concepts such as conditionals, variables and functions which are building blocks for more complex coding

Doesn't require any prior programming knowledge, making it accessible to those new to 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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:

Compile and Review Course Materials

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Prepare yourself for the course by reviewing the available course materials.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Gather all course materials, including syllabus, assignments, and readings.
Review syllabus and identify key course topics.
Review any existing knowledge of Python or programming concepts.

Review the Python Crash Course book

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Reviewing the Python Crash Course book will help you reinforce the concepts you learn in the course and provide you with additional practice exercises.

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

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Read the Python Crash Course book and take notes on the key concepts.
Work through the practice exercises in the Python Crash Course book.

Read 'Python Crash Course'

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Supplement your learning by reading a comprehensive resource on Python basics.

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

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Obtain a copy of 'Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition'.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Review the book regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Ten other activities

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Follow a Python tutorial series on YouTube

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Following a Python tutorial series on YouTube will provide you with additional instruction and examples, reinforcing your understanding of Python.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python tutorial series on YouTube that you find helpful.
Watch the tutorial videos and take notes on the key concepts.
Work through the practice exercises provided in the tutorial videos.

Study with a group of other Python learners

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Studying with a group of other Python learners will allow you to exchange ideas, help each other with difficult concepts, and stay motivated to learn Python.

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Find a group of other Python learners to study with.
Meet with the group regularly to discuss Python concepts.
Work on Python projects together.

Complete Coding Exercises on HackerRank

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Sharpen your Python skills by solving coding exercises on a reputable platform like HackerRank.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Create a HackerRank account.
Select Python exercises from the platform's problem pool.
Attempt to solve the exercises, referring to course materials and online resources when needed.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Practice writing functions in Python

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Practicing writing functions in Python will help you solidify your understanding of how functions work and how to use them to solve problems.

Browse courses on Functions

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Write a Python script that takes in two numbers as input and returns their sum.
Write a Python script that takes in a list of numbers as input and returns the average of the numbers in the list.

Follow Python Tutorials on Codecademy

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Enhance your understanding of Python concepts by following interactive tutorials on platforms like Codecademy.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Create a Codecademy account.
Enroll in the Python Basics course or explore other relevant tutorials.
Work through the tutorials, practicing coding exercises and reviewing concepts.
Complete the tutorials and assess your progress.

Start a Python project

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Starting a Python project will allow you to apply your Python skills to a larger, more complex project, deepening your understanding of Python and its capabilities.

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Identify a project idea that you are interested in.
Design the project and create a plan for how you will build it.
Write the Python code for the project.
Test the project to make sure it works correctly.
Deploy the project to a real-world environment.

Create a Python script that solves a real-world problem

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Creating a Python script that solves a real-world problem will help you apply your Python skills to a practical problem, deepening your understanding of Python and its capabilities.

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Identify a real-world problem that can be solved using Python.
Design a Python script that solves the problem.
Write the Python script.
Test the Python script to make sure it works correctly.
Deploy the Python script to a real-world environment.

Develop a Python Script for Automating a Task

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Apply your Python skills to practical problem-solving and enhance your programming abilities.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Identify a repetitive or time-consuming task that you perform.
Design a Python script to automate the task.
Implement the script, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Test and refine the script to optimize its performance.
Document the script for future reference and sharing.

Offer Support to Fellow Python Learners

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Deepen your understanding of Python by mentoring and assisting other learners.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify opportunities to assist classmates or fellow Python enthusiasts.
Provide guidance, support, and feedback to those seeking help.
Engage in discussions, share resources, and motivate other learners.
Reflect on your own knowledge and identify areas for further improvement.

Seek Guidance from Experienced Python Developers

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Accelerate your learning by connecting with experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend industry events and conferences to network with Python professionals.
Reach out to Python developers on LinkedIn or other professional platforms.
Join online communities and forums dedicated to Python.
Identify potential mentors who align with your career goals and areas of interest.

Career center

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

Programmer Analyst

Programmer Analysts study how data moves through a company and design and implement systems to automate it. They also determine the most efficient way to use a computer to solve specific data-processing needs. Many companies, including banks, airlines, and other large organizations, hire people in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Programmer Analyst

Software Consultant

Software Consultants help companies implement and use software effectively, using their knowledge of both IT and business. They typically work with a variety of software, including operating systems, databases, and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Consultant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data in order to help businesses make better decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and retail.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers build and maintain websites, ensuring they are functional and visually appealing. They may also work on the back end of websites, such as developing and maintaining databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to help them improve their processes and systems. They may use data analysis, process mapping, and other techniques to identify areas for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software and systems to ensure they are free of defects. They may also work on developing and implementing quality assurance processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring they are running smoothly and efficiently. They may also work on developing and implementing database security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems and applications. They may also work on maintaining and upgrading existing systems.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring they are running smoothly and efficiently. They may also work on developing and implementing network security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and systems, such as user manuals, training materials, and marketing materials.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks, ensuring they are running smoothly and efficiently. They may also work on developing and implementing security measures.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They may work on a variety of software, including operating systems, databases, and applications.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They may work in a variety of settings, such as help desks, call centers, and retail stores.

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Data Entry Clerk

Data Entry Clerks enter data into computer systems. They may work in a variety of settings, such as offices, data processing centers, and call centers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Entry Clerk