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Python Basics

Problem Solving with Code

Seth Frey

A lot of code is building up from the most basic primitive elements of the language to increasingly faithful and meaningful things. In this course you will see how to author more complex ideas and capabilities in Python. In technical terms, you will learn dictionaries and how to work with them and nest them, functions, refactoring, and debugging, all of which are also thinking tools for the art of problem solving. We'll use this knowledge to explore our browsing history, interrogate a tweet, and draw pictures.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Examining Your Own Web Browsing Habits in Python
Can you use code to learn about...yourself? We're starting this course with a module in which you explore web browsing habits. If you installed the plugins for tracking your web history, you'll be able to explore your own. As this code gets more involved, you'll also get more advice on managing code complexity and reading manuals. Let's get started!
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Representing Complex Ideas in Python
Understanding how Python understands the world brings us to "dictionaries", which are kind of like lists, but they allow more variety and structure. This module will build up to representing increasingly complex real world things. We will build up to looking under the hood of a single tweet, and understanding the "social" in "social media".
Making Pictures with Robots
Everything you've learned in this course about Python is just basic building blocks that programmers use to build bigger building blocks of their own. In this module, we'll do precisely that, turning Python into a little language for drawing pictures, a DIY MS Paint.
A Strategy for Hunting Bugs
A major part of programming that no one ever tells you about is "debugging": spending seconds, minutes, hours, or even days going through code that should work to understand why it doesn't. This demoralizing subject stops a lot of beginners, but there is a way to be good at it, and that is a major part of learning to think the way code thinks.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches practical uses of Python in automating tasks
Explores intermediate Python concepts, including dictionaries, functions, and debugging
Develops problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities
Facilitates learning through hands-on activities and real-world examples
Requires students to have basic programming knowledge
Presumes familiarity with Python syntax and data structures

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Python Basics: Problem Solving with Code. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basics: Problem Solving with Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Python Developer
As a Python Developer, you will use your knowledge of Python to build and maintain software applications. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to solve problems, create data structures, and write functions. You will also learn how to debug code and work with libraries.
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will use your knowledge of Python to collect, clean, and analyze data. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to import data from different sources, clean and prepare data for analysis, and create visualizations.
Machine Learning Engineer
As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will use your knowledge of Python to build and deploy machine learning models. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to load and preprocess data, train machine learning models, and evaluate their performance.
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will use your knowledge of Python to design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create object-oriented programs, work with databases, and deploy software applications.
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will use your knowledge of Python to solve business problems using data. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to collect, clean, and analyze data, and create visualizations.
Web Developer
As a Web Developer, you will use your knowledge of Python to develop and maintain websites. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create dynamic web pages, work with databases, and deploy websites.
Financial Analyst
As a Financial Analyst, you will use your knowledge of Python to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to load and clean financial data, perform financial analysis, and create visualizations.
Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, you will use your knowledge of Python to analyze business data and make recommendations for improving business processes. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to collect, clean, and analyze data, and create visualizations.
Project Manager
As a Project Manager, you will use your knowledge of Python to manage software development projects. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create project plans, track project progress, and manage resources.
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will use your knowledge of Python to write technical documentation. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create clear and concise technical documentation.
Teacher
As a Teacher, you will use your knowledge of Python to teach students about computer science. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create lesson plans, teach students about computer science concepts, and assess student learning.
Librarian
As a Librarian, you will use your knowledge of Python to manage library resources and provide reference services. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to catalog books, create bibliographies, and provide research assistance.
Customer Service Representative
As a Customer Service Representative, you will use your knowledge of Python to provide customer support. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to answer customer questions, resolve customer issues, and create customer support documentation.
Salesperson
As a Salesperson, you will use your knowledge of Python to sell software products and services. This course can help you build a foundation in Python that will prepare you for this role. You will learn how to use Python to create sales presentations, track sales leads, and close deals.
Marketing Manager
As a Marketing Manager, you will use your knowledge of Python to create and execute marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning how to use Python to analyze marketing data, create marketing content, and manage marketing campaigns.

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Basics: Problem Solving with Code.
Focuses on practical applications of Python, showing readers how to use Python to automate tasks and solve real-world problems. It great resource for those who want to use Python for practical applications.
Fast-paced introduction to Python, covering the basics of the language and providing hands-on exercises to reinforce learning. It is suitable for beginners who want to get up to speed with Python quickly.
Delves into the more advanced features of Python, providing a deep understanding of the language's nuances. It valuable resource for those who want to master Python and write efficient, maintainable code.
Practical guide to using Python for data analysis and visualization. It covers essential topics such as data cleaning, data manipulation, and statistical analysis. It valuable resource for those interested in using Python for data science and analytics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning using Python. It covers a wide range of machine learning algorithms and techniques, making it a valuable resource for those interested in machine learning and AI.
Gentle introduction to Python, suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience. It covers the basics of Python and provides exercises to help readers learn the language interactively.
Covers the fundamental data structures and algorithms used in computer science, implemented in Python. It valuable resource for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of programming.
Collection of practical recipes and solutions to common programming problems in Python. It valuable resource for those who want to learn how to solve specific problems in Python.
This online resource provides a collection of tutorials and articles on Python, covering a wide range of topics from basic concepts to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for those who want to learn Python or stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the language.
Is written by the creator of Python and provides a comprehensive overview of the language. It valuable resource for those who want to understand the design and philosophy behind Python.
This online resource provides a comprehensive reference to the Python Standard Library, which includes a wide range of modules and functions for various tasks. It valuable resource for those who want to explore the built-in functionality of Python.

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