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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!

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

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 Basics: Problem Solving with Code with these activities:

Recall Intermediate Python Concepts

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Refresh your foundational understanding of Python before beginning this course to make the course content easier to grasp.

Browse courses on Python

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Review Python syntax and data structures.
Practice writing simple Python programs.
Complete Python exercises and challenges online.

Organize Your Course Resources

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Stay organized throughout the course by compiling and reviewing all relevant materials in one place.

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Create a dedicated folder or digital notebook to store all course materials, including notes, assignments, and quizzes.
Regularly review and update your materials to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the course content.

Follow a Python Tutorial

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Supplement your course learning with a hands-on tutorial that reinforces the concepts you're exploring in class.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Choose a reputable Python tutorial that covers the topics relevant to this course.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and completing the exercises.
Apply the concepts you learn in the tutorial to your own projects.

Three other activities

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Join a Python Study Group

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Connect with other students and collaborate on learning Python by joining a study group.

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Find a study group that aligns with your learning style and schedule.
Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge with others.

Build a Python Project

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Apply your Python skills to a practical project to reinforce your learning and build a portfolio piece.

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Identify a Python project that interests you and aligns with your learning goals.
Plan and design your project, including features, functionality, and user interface.
Implement your project using Python, adhering to best practices and design principles.
Test and debug your project thoroughly to ensure it meets your requirements.
Showcase your project to others and seek feedback to improve your skills.

Contribute to Open-Source Python Projects

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Enhance your Python knowledge and contribute to the community by working on open-source Python projects.

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Identify open-source Python projects that align with your interests and skills.
Review the project documentation and codebase to understand the project's goals and architecture.
Identify areas where you can make contributions, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Submit your contributions to the project and engage with the community through discussions and code reviews.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Think Python

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python, covering the basics of programming and problem-solving. It is particularly useful for beginners who are new to programming or those who want to brush up on their Python skills.

Python Basics

Problem Solving with Code

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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