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Core Python 3

Introspection

Robert Smallshire and Austin Bingham

In this course, you'll look at Python's support for introspection, the ability to examine objects, types, and program state at runtime. While not needed in every program, introspection can be the key to elegant designs and debugging complex problems.

Python is a highly dynamic language, and this dynamism is enabled by a great deal of metadata associated with objects at runtime. In this course, Core Python 3: Introspection, you'll explore Python's support for introspection, the ability of a program to examine - and even modify - its own structure and state through this metadata.

First, you'll look at introspection as the key to elegant designs or debugging complex problems. Then, you'll be introduced to Python’s facilities for introspecting live programs. Finally, you'll learn how to examine objects, types, and program state at runtime. By the end of this course you’ll know how to query objects for their attributes and inspect program state, and you’ll have a deeper knowledge of how Python programs are arranged internally.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introspecting Types

Introspecting Objects

Introspecting Scopes

The Inspect Module

An Object Introspection Tool

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Python's support for introspection, a highly useful feature for debugging and elegant design

Taught by Robert Smallshire and Austin Bingham, who are recognized experts in Python and programming

Part of a series of courses on core Python, providing a comprehensive and structured learning experience

Covers introspecting types, objects, scopes, and program state, providing a thorough understanding of Python's capabilities

Suitable for experienced Python users who seek to enhance their programming skills and understanding of Python's inner workings

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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 Core Python 3: Introspection with these activities:

Introspection Study Group

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Join a study group with other students taking the course. Discuss the course material, share ideas, and help each other with introspection-related concepts and exercises.

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss course topics
Work together on exercises and projects

Introspection in Python

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Review Python fundamentals, focusing on concepts related to introspection, such as object attributes, data types, and program flow. This will strengthen your understanding of Python's dynamic nature and prepare you for the course content.

Browse courses on Introspection

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Review Python data types (e.g., int, float, list, dict)
Practice getting object attributes using dir(), getattr(), and hasattr()
Experiment with modifying object attributes

Python Introspection Best Practices

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Explore best practices for using introspection in Python. Learn when to use introspection and how to avoid common pitfalls. This will help you apply introspection effectively in your own Python programs.

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Read articles and tutorials on Python introspection best practices
Watch videos and webinars on the topic
Join online forums and communities to discuss best practices

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Introspection Exercises

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Complete a series of exercises that challenge your understanding of Python introspection. These exercises will help you master the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

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Write a function to determine the type of a given object
Create a program to display all attributes of a given class
Modify a program's behavior at runtime using introspection

Introspection Coding Challenge

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Participate in a coding challenge that focuses on Python introspection. This will test your skills, push you to think creatively, and help you develop a deeper understanding of introspection.

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Find an appropriate coding challenge
Study the challenge requirements
Develop and submit your solution

Introspection Project

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Develop a project that demonstrates your understanding of Python introspection. This could be a tool, library, or application that leverages introspection to solve a specific problem or enhance a program's functionality.

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Define the project scope and objectives
Design and implement the project using Python introspection
Test and refine the project
Write documentation for the project

Introspection Mentoring

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Offer to mentor other students who are struggling with introspection concepts. By explaining and demonstrating introspection techniques, you will reinforce your own understanding and help others succeed.

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Identify students who need support
Provide guidance and support on introspection topics
Encourage students to ask questions and seek clarification

Contribute to Python Introspection Projects

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Contribute to open-source projects related to Python introspection. This will give you hands-on experience, expose you to different perspectives, and help you build a network in the Python community.

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Find open-source projects that use introspection
Identify areas where you can contribute
Submit pull requests with your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Core Python 3: Introspection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs and builds machine learning models. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Machine Learning Engineers build more efficient and effective models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Information Architect

An Information Architect designs the structure of websites and applications. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Information Architects design more efficient and effective information structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Statisticians analyze data more efficiently and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer designs the user interface and experience of websites and applications. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help User Experience Designers build more efficient and effective interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer analyzes user needs and designs, codes, tests, and debugs computer programs. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it helps students write more efficient and effective code by providing insights into how Python programs work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Data Analysts analyze data more efficiently and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Web Developers build more robust and efficient websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Interaction Designer

An Interaction Designer designs the interactions between users and websites and applications. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Interaction Designers design more efficient and effective interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Project Managers plan and execute projects more efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and recommends improvements. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Business Analysts make more informed recommendations about process improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer applies principles of computer science to build and maintain software systems. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which helps Software Engineers build more robust and efficient systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and launch of new products. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Product Managers make more informed decisions about product development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it provides knowledge about how Python programs are arranged internally, which can help Systems Analysts build more efficient and effective systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses mathematical and computational skills to gain insights from data. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it teaches students how to examine objects, types, and program state at runtime, which enables them to inspect and clean data more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. Core Python 3: Introspection may be useful for this career because it helps students understand how to examine objects, types, and program state at runtime, which can be helpful for debugging and maintaining databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Core Python 3: Introspection.

Fluent Python

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Provides in-depth coverage of advanced Python concepts, including introspection, metaprogramming, and functional programming. It valuable resource for understanding the inner workings of Python and writing more effective code.

Core Python 3

Introspection

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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