We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Python Basic Structures

Lists, Strings, and Files

Code and run your first python program in minutes without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with limited coding experience, providing a solid foundation of not just python, but core Computer Science topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover lists, strings, and files. Completion of Python Basics: Selection and Iteration before taking this course is recommended.

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable code examples with suggested edits to explore code examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You'll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to small, approachable coding exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid for a limited time only

Future-proof your career

Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.

Take

15%

off

What's inside

Syllabus

Lists

Welcome to Week 1 of the Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course. These assignments cover using lists to store multiple pieces of data in a single variable and iterating over lists or using built-in methods and functions to manipulate lists. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Strings

Welcome to Week 2 of the Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course. These assignments cover storing multiple characters or text in a string and using built-in methods and functions to manipulate strings. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Files

Welcome to Week 3 of the Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course. These assignments cover importing and exporting large pieces of data from text and CSV files. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core computer science concepts applicable to other languages

Suited for novice learners, building a foundation in Python basics

Offers hands-on coding exercises that reinforce learning

Provides immediate feedback on assignments

Advises completing 'Python Basics: Selection and Iteration' first, indicating it's part of a series

Emphasizes the importance of lists, strings, and files in programming

Save this course

Save Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Python basics: well-received

Learners say this course is a great choice for learning Python basics. According to students, this course provides engaging assignments and a nice way of teaching. Although some learners mention confusing exercises, most agree that this is a great course.

Learners appreciate the engaging assignments provided in this course.

"Really enjoyed the course! Nice way of teaching."

Overall, learners are pleased with this course.

"Really enjoyed the course! Nice way of teaching."

"This is the right choice to learn the python basics it is good."

"Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files- very useful "

Some students mention a few confusing exercises.

"Very good course. But some of the excercises are confusing, such as the one with textfile in reverse. It should have specified that only the lines were supposed to be reversed."

"Also, sometimes the auto correction is a bit ridiculous, such as evaluating the whole programming excercise as wrong for missing a dot at the end of a sentence on print."

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 Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files with these activities:

Review basic Python syntax and data types

Show steps

Strengthen your foundation by reviewing the basics of Python syntax and data types.

Browse courses on Python Syntax

Show steps

Go through your previous Python notes or course materials
Revisit online tutorials or resources covering Python syntax and data types
Complete short practice exercises to test your understanding

Read 'Fluent Python' by Luciano Ramalho

Show steps

Expand your Python knowledge and deepen your understanding of coding concepts by reading this recommended book.

View Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective... on Amazon

Show steps

Locate a copy of the book 'Fluent Python' by Luciano Ramalho
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
Complete the exercises and challenges provided in the book to test your understanding

Organize and review course materials

Show steps

Improve your understanding and retention by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.

Show steps

Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
Sort and arrange notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Review materials periodically, highlighting key concepts and summarizing important points

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Build a Python program to manage a simple budget

Show steps

Apply your Python skills by building a real-world project that helps you manage your finances better.

Browse courses on Programming

Show steps

Plan and design the structure and functionality of your budget management program
Write the Python code for your program
Test and debug your program
Document your program's usage and functionality

Follow tutorials on Python list comprehensions

Show steps

Reinforce your knowledge of Python list comprehensions by following online tutorials and completing practice exercises.

Show steps

Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on Python list comprehensions
Follow the tutorials and complete the associated practice exercises

Solve Python coding challenges on LeetCode

Show steps

Enhance your Python problem-solving skills by attempting coding challenges on LeetCode.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Create a LeetCode account
Select Python as your preferred language
Choose a problem from the 'Easy' or 'Medium' difficulty level
Attempt to solve the problem on your own
Review the discussion forum for alternative solutions and insights

Practice Python string manipulation methods

Show steps

Practice using Python string manipulation methods to solidify your understanding of this topic.

Show steps

Find online Python string manipulation exercises or challenges
Solve at least 25 exercises or challenges

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Data Analysts by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for data manipulation and analysis. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Software Engineers by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a widely-used language for software development. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for building efficient and reliable software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to build models and make predictions. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Data Scientists by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for data manipulation and analysis. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Machine Learning Engineers by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a widely-used language for machine learning. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for building efficient and reliable machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Web Developers by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for web development. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for building efficient and reliable web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Database Administrators by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for data manipulation and management. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Systems Administrators by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for system administration. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Network Administrators by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for network administration. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Security Analysts by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for security analysis. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Computer Programmers by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a widely-used language for computer programming. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for building efficient and reliable computer programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Technician

Computer Technicians provide technical support to computer users. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Computer Technicians by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for troubleshooting computer problems. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Technician

Help Desk Technician

Help Desk Technicians provide technical support to computer users. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course can help Help Desk Technicians by providing them with a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a valuable skill for troubleshooting computer problems. The course also covers topics such as data structures and algorithms, which are essential for working with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Help Desk Technician

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course may be useful for Technical Writers by providing them with a basic understanding of Python programming, which can be helpful for writing documentation for software and other technical products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and manage projects. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course may be useful for Project Managers by providing them with a basic understanding of Python programming, which can be helpful for managing software development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems. The Python Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files course may be useful for Business Analysts by providing them with a basic understanding of Python programming, which can be helpful for analyzing data and developing business solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Basic Structures: Lists, Strings, and Files.

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

Save

Offers a practical and project-based approach to learning Python. It covers essential concepts like lists, strings, and file handling, and provides hands-on exercises that align well with the course's assignments.

Python Basic Structures

Lists, Strings, and Files

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Python basics: well-received

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses