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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
Read more
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
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ybc4a/try
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
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
Save this course
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:
Compile and Review Course Materials
Show steps
Prepare yourself for the course by reviewing the available course materials.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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'
Show steps
Supplement your learning by reading a comprehensive resource on Python basics.
View
Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Follow a Python tutorial series on YouTube
Show steps
Following a Python tutorial series on YouTube will provide you with additional instruction and examples, reinforcing your understanding of Python.
Browse courses on
Python
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Sharpen your Python skills by solving coding exercises on a reputable platform like HackerRank.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Python concepts by following interactive tutorials on platforms like Codecademy.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Apply your Python skills to practical problem-solving and enhance your programming abilities.
Browse courses on
Python Scripting
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Python by mentoring and assisting other learners.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Accelerate your learning by connecting with experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
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.
Compile and Review Course Materials
Show steps
Prepare yourself for the course by reviewing the available course materials.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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'
Show steps
Supplement your learning by reading a comprehensive resource on Python basics.
View
Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Follow a Python tutorial series on YouTube
Show steps
Following a Python tutorial series on YouTube will provide you with additional instruction and examples, reinforcing your understanding of Python.
Browse courses on
Python
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Sharpen your Python skills by solving coding exercises on a reputable platform like HackerRank.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Python concepts by following interactive tutorials on platforms like Codecademy.
Browse courses on
Python Basics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Apply your Python skills to practical problem-solving and enhance your programming abilities.
Browse courses on
Python Scripting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Python by mentoring and assisting other learners.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Accelerate your learning by connecting with experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Software Consultant
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.
Data Analyst
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.
Web Developer
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.
Business Analyst
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.
Quality Assurance 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.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Database Administrator
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.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems and applications. They may also work on maintaining and upgrading existing systems.
Network Administrator
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.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and systems, such as user manuals, training materials, and marketing materials.
Systems Administrator
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.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They may work on a variety of software, including operating systems, databases, and applications.
Computer Support Specialist
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.
Data Entry Clerk
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ybc4a/try
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.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, covering basic concepts, data structures, functions, object-oriented programming, and more. It features hands-on projects and exercises to reinforce learning.
Comprehensive guide to using Python for data analysis. It covers data manipulation, cleaning, visualization, modeling, and more. Suitable for those interested in using Python for data science tasks.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning using Python. It covers supervised and unsupervised learning, model selection, and more. Suitable for those interested in applying machine learning in various domains.
Save
Teaches Python and computer science concepts through interactive examples and exercises. It provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing computer science or data science.
Save
Offers a visual and engaging introduction to Python, using a conversational tone and plenty of real-world examples. It covers core concepts, data structures, object-oriented programming, and more.
Save
Provides a thorough introduction to computer science concepts and programming using Python. It covers algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming, and more. Suitable for beginners with some programming experience.
Introduces natural language processing using Python and the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK). It covers text processing, classification, sentiment analysis, and more. Suitable for those interested in working with text data.
Save
Applies Python to financial data analysis and modeling. It covers topics like data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, visualization, and more. Suitable for those working in finance or seeking to apply Python in this domain.
Provides a practical introduction to data science concepts and techniques using Python. It covers data manipulation, modeling, visualization, and more. Suitable for beginners interested in exploring data science.
Offers a collection of practical Python recipes and solutions for common programming tasks. It covers various aspects of Python programming, including data manipulation, text processing, web development, and more.
This reference book provides a concise overview of Python syntax and features. It serves as a quick and handy guide for Python programmers, covering essentials like data types, operators, functions, and more.
Save
Delves deeper into Python's advanced features and best practices. It covers topics like decorators, generators, metaclasses, and more. Suitable for experienced Python programmers looking to enhance their skills.
Teaches practical Python skills through hands-on examples and projects. It covers tasks like web scraping, data analysis, automating tasks, and more. Suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience.
Save
Provides practical advice and best practices for writing efficient and effective Python code. It covers topics like code readability, performance optimization, and design patterns.
Save
Provides a visual and intuitive introduction to algorithms. It uses Python examples to explain concepts like sorting, searching, recursion, and more. Suitable for those interested in understanding the fundamentals of algorithms.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ybc4a/try
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Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 1 week
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Rice University
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
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
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