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 Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp with the University of Minnesota. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with the University of Minnesota unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objective

-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

Introduces Python, which is highly relevant to many industries, such as energy, healthcare, and marketing

Lays a foundation for careers such as data analysts, financial analysts, and data scientists

Develops the core skill of variable creation and naming, which is essential for programming

Builds upon conditional logic, enabling learners to automate complex decision-making

Teaches Python's interaction with a console, enhancing understanding of program execution

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:

Read 'Python Crash Course'

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Expand your knowledge of Python through a beginner-friendly book

View Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Python Crash Course'
Read through the book, taking notes and completing exercises
Discuss the concepts with a study partner or online forum

Join a Python Study Group

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Enhance your learning through collaboration and discussion with peers

Browse courses on Python

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Find or create a study group specifically focused on Python
Meet regularly to discuss concepts, work on projects, and support each other's learning
Share resources, tips, and best practices

Take a Python Tutorial on Conditional Statements

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Supplement your understanding of conditional statements with an interactive tutorial

Browse courses on Python

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Search for a reputable Python tutorial on conditional statements
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Complete the exercises and quizzes provided

Four other activities

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Practice Writing Python Code

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Increase your fluency by practicing writing basic Python code

Browse courses on Python

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Review the syntax of Python functions
Attempt practice problems
Check your answers and debug errors

Create a Python Function for Automating a Task

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Reinforce your understanding of Python functions by creating one for a real-world task

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a task that can be automated
Design the function's input and output
Write the Python code for the function
Test and debug the function

Build a Simple Python Calculator

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Apply your knowledge of Python by creating a practical application

Browse courses on Python

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Design the calculator's interface
Write the Python code for the calculator's functionality
Test and debug the calculator
Share your calculator with others

Contribute to a Python Open-Source Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the Python community

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a Python open-source project that aligns with your interests
Review the project's documentation and codebase
Identify an area where you can make a meaningful contribution
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes
Collaborate with the project maintainers to refine your contribution

Career center

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

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to build models that can predict future outcomes. Python is a valuable tool for Data Scientists because it can be used to automate data analysis and modeling tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Data Scientists build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Python is a popular programming language for Software Engineers because it is easy to learn and use, and it is well-suited for a variety of applications. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Software Engineers build a foundation in this essential language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. Python is a valuable tool for Data Analysts because it can be used to automate data processing and analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Data Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Python is a popular programming language for Web Developers because it is versatile and can be used for a variety of web development tasks, including server-side scripting, data analysis, and machine learning. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Web Developers build a foundation in this essential language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to make recommendations about investments and financial decisions. Python is a valuable tool for Financial Analysts because it can be used to automate data analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to clients. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Financial Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data pipelines, and maintain data infrastructure. Python is a popular programming language for Data Engineers because it is versatile and can be used for a variety of data engineering tasks, including data cleaning, data transformation, and data analysis. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Data Engineers build a foundation in this essential language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. Python is a popular programming language for Machine Learning Engineers because it has a large ecosystem of machine learning libraries and tools. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Machine Learning Engineers build a foundation in this essential language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. Python is a valuable tool for Quantitative Analysts because it can be used to automate data analysis and modeling tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Quantitative Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to help businesses make informed decisions. Python is a valuable tool for Business Analysts because it can be used to automate data analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Business Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. Python is a valuable tool for Statisticians because it can be used to automate data analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Statisticians build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to assess risk. Python is a valuable tool for Actuaries because it can be used to automate data analysis and modeling tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Actuaries build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to solve business problems. Python is a valuable tool for Operations Research Analysts because it can be used to automate data analysis and modeling tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Operations Research Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories and explain complex issues. Python is a valuable tool for Data Journalists because it can be used to automate data analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to readers. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Data Journalists build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists create visualizations that communicate data insights to stakeholders. Python is a valuable tool for Data Visualization Specialists because it can be used to create a variety of visualizations, including charts, graphs, and maps. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Data Visualization Specialists build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Health Data Analyst

Health Data Analysts use data to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. Python is a valuable tool for Health Data Analysts because it can be used to automate data analysis tasks, as well as to create visualizations that can help communicate insights to stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to Python, which can help aspiring Health Data Analysts build a foundation in this essential tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Data Analyst