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Python Basic Structures

Lists, Strings, and Files

Elise Deitrick and Patrick Ester

4.5

Based on 64 ratings

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Elise Deitrick and Patrick Ester

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.

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

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.

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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.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

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Reviews summary

Foundational python structures: hands-on & self-paced

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation (positive) in Python's fundamental structures: lists, strings, and files (neutral). Many praise the hands-on coding exercises (positive) and instant feedback (positive) as highly effective (positive) for learning. The video-free, self-paced format (neutral) is highlighted as a significant advantage (positive) by those who prefer focused, interactive learning, while a few found it less engaging (warning) without instructor videos. It's widely recommended for absolute beginners (neutral), providing a clear, progressive learning path (positive).

Covers core topics thoroughly, but may be too basic for some.

"Excellent course! The material on lists, strings, and files was covered thoroughly with clear, concise examples."

"I found this course somewhat basic and repetitive if you already have some programming background."

"I was looking for something more in-depth on file manipulation, but it only scratched the surface."

"The content was spot on for learning core Python structures."

Beneficial for focused study, but a challenge for visual learners.

"I loved that it was video-free, allowing me to learn at my own pace without distractions."

"As someone who struggles with traditional video lectures, this course's text-based, interactive approach was perfect."

"The lack of videos made it difficult for me to grasp the concepts. I learn better visually."

"I found some parts a bit dry due to the video-free format. While the exercises were helpful, I sometimes missed the visual explanation of an instructor."

Logically progresses, making concepts easy to follow.

"The progression from simple checks to more complex coding problems felt very natural."

"Very well structured, building logically from lists to strings to files."

"It built directly on the previous Python Basics course, which was great for continuity."

Provides a solid foundation for those new to programming.

"This course is fantastic for absolute beginners!"

"It's truly for absolute beginners... The concepts were explained clearly enough... A solid course for fundamental understanding."

"A solid introduction to Python's basic structures. While generally good, I felt some explanations could have been a bit more detailed, especially for someone with absolutely no prior exposure to coding concepts."

Highly effective with instant feedback for practical learning.

"The hands-on coding exercises are incredibly helpful, and the instant feedback really accelerates learning."

"The interactive assignments and immediate feedback were game-changers for my learning style."

"The assessment items, from MCQs to coding challenges, reinforced concepts effectively. It truly is a hands-on experience."

"I loved the self-paced structure and the practical exercises. The way it progresses from simple checks to coding exercises is brilliant."

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

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

Browse courses on Python Syntax

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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Build a Python program to manage a simple budget

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

Browse courses on Programming

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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

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

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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

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

Browse courses on Python Programming

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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

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

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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

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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

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational python structures: hands-on & self-paced

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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