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

Syllabus

Culminating Activity: Edit the Werewolf Detector code to create a vampire detector that uses nested if/else statements

Part 1: -Functions: bits of code that tell Python what to do -Two of the most important functions: print and input

Part 2: -Variables - fundamental building blocks of all programming languages, they hold and name data in your code -Two variable types: Strings and Integers

Part 3: -Operators: Equal to, less than, greater than -Conditionals: If, Elif, Else

Part 4: -Decision-making with Python: if/else with dual alternative decision statements

Part 5: -Advanced decision-making: Nested if/else -Quick Demo: Build a Werewolf Detector with Python

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

A helpful introduction for those new to the Python programming language

Develops core programming constructs: functions, variables, conditionals

Builds upon foundational concepts to teach advanced decision-making with nested if/else statements

Demonstrates practical application through interactive coding exercises

Introduces Python's versatility for various projects, including data analysis, web development, and machine learning

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:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Stay organized and maximize your learning by consolidating and reviewing key concepts, assignments, and resources from the course.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Gather all course materials, including assignments, quizzes, and notes.
Create a system for organizing and storing these materials.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Read 'Python Crash Course' by Eric Matthes

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Python's key concepts and practical applications through this beginner-friendly guide.

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

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read through the chapters, focusing on understanding the fundamental concepts.
Complete the exercises provided in the book.

Create a Simple Python Script

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Write a basic Python script to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of the language and its syntax.

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Open a Python development environment or online compiler.
Create a new script file.
Write a simple Python program that prints a message to the console.
Run the script and verify the output.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Follow Python Tutorials on YouTube

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Supplement your learning with video tutorials that provide visual demonstrations and explanations of Python programming concepts.

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Search for Python tutorials on YouTube.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your skill level and interests.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial and try the examples provided.

Join a Python Study Group

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Connect with peers to discuss Python concepts, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects, enhancing your understanding and problem-solving skills.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and work on exercises together.
Share resources and provide support to each other.

Contribute to an Open-Source Python Project

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Gain practical experience and demonstrate your skills by contributing to a real-world Python project, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

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Identify an open-source Python project that aligns with your interests.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Find a bug or feature to work on.
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.

Career center

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

Python Developer

A Python Developer builds, deploys, and maintains software solutions using the Python programming language. This course provides a strong foundation in Python, covering essential concepts such as functions, variables, operators, and conditional statements. By understanding these fundamentals, learners can develop a solid understanding of Python's capabilities and apply them effectively in their Python development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Developer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst gathers, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to aid decision-making. This course introduces Python, a versatile programming language widely used in data analysis. By learning Python's capabilities for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, learners can enhance their data analysis skills and effectively communicate insights from data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course provides an introduction to Python, a popular programming language used in software development. By gaining familiarity with Python's syntax, data structures, and control flow, learners can build a foundation for developing and implementing software solutions using Python.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist leverages data to extract insights, build models, and make predictions. This course introduces Python, a widely used programming language in data science. By learning Python's capabilities for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, learners can enhance their data science skills and effectively work with data to solve complex problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. This course provides an introduction to Python, a versatile programming language used in web development. By learning Python's capabilities for web development tasks such as server-side scripting, data handling, and templating, learners can enhance their web development skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and implements machine learning models and algorithms. This course provides an introduction to Python, a popular programming language in machine learning. By learning Python's capabilities for data manipulation, analysis, and modeling, learners can enhance their machine learning skills and effectively work with data to build and deploy machine learning solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course introduces Python, a programming language widely used in quantitative finance. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their quantitative analysis skills effectively work with financial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data infrastructure and pipelines. This course provides an introduction to Python, a popular programming language used in data engineering. By learning Python's capabilities for data management, transformation, and storage, learners can enhance their data engineering skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets business data to identify opportunities and solve problems. This course introduces Python, a versatile programming language used in business analysis. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their business analysis skills and effectively work with data to drive business decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data to make investment recommendations and advise clients. This course introduces Python, a programming language widely used in financial analysis. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their financial analysis skills and effectively work with financial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents statistical data to draw conclusions. This course introduces Python, a versatile programming language used in statistics. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their statistical skills and effectively work with data to solve complex problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to improve efficiency and decision-making in organizations. This course introduces Python, a programming language widely used in operations research. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and optimization, learners can enhance their operations research skills and effectively work with data to optimize operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. This course introduces Python, a programming language used in market research. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their market research skills effectively work with data to gain insights into consumer behavior and market trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Actuary

An Actuary uses mathematical and statistical models to assess and manage financial risks. This course introduces Python, a programming language widely used in actuarial science. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and simulation, learners can enhance their actuarial skills and effectively work with data to assess and manage financial risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to analyze biological data. This course introduces Python, a programming language used in biostatistics. By learning Python's capabilities for data analysis, modeling, and visualization, learners can enhance their biostatistical skills effectively work with biological data to solve complex problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician