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 Texas at Austin. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with The University of Texas at Austin unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp or Data Analytcs Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objectives

-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.

-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

Provides a strong foundation for beginners learning Python

Introduces Python's versatility and applicability across various industries

Covers essential Python concepts and programming fundamentals

Emphasizes practical skills through examples and hands-on exercises

Part of a series of bootcamps, offering a structured pathway for career advancement

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:

Review Python Basics: Refresher Course

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Complete a refresher course that covers Python basics, including variables, data types, and syntax, to solidify your understanding before diving into the course.

Browse courses on Variables

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Identify a refresher course.
Go through the course material.
Complete the exercises and quizzes.

Read: Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes

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Review a beginner-friendly book like Python Crash Course to reinforce your understanding of Python fundamentals and get a practical perspective.

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

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Acquire the book.
Read through the chapters related to Python basics.
Attempt the exercises and activities presented in the book.

Python Project: Coding a Dice Roller

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Build a simple Python program to simulate rolling a die, solidifying your understanding of conditional logic and nested if/else statements.

Browse courses on Conditional Logic

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Define the dice sides and possible outcomes.
Create a function to generate a random number between 1 and 6.
Implement conditional logic to determine the outcome based on the random number.
Display the result of the dice roll.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Coding Exercises: Python Practice Problems

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Engage in coding exercises to reinforce your grasp of Python basics, including functions, variables, and data types.

Browse courses on Functions

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Solve coding problems related to creating and calling functions.
Practice declaring, initializing, and using variables.
Handle different data types in Python.

Follow Python Tutorials: DataCamp or Coursera

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Supplement your course material with guided tutorials from platforms like DataCamp or Coursera to deepen your understanding of Python.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a reputable tutorial platform.
Select a Python tutorial that aligns with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorial instructions and complete the exercises.

Python Study Group: Collaborative Learning

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Engage with peers in a study group to discuss Python concepts, ask questions, and work through problems together, promoting active learning and collaborative understanding.

Browse courses on Python

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Find or organize a study group.
Schedule regular meetings.
Choose topics for discussion.
Participate actively in discussions and group activities.

Python Blog Post: Share Your Insights

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Create a blog post or article that shares your learnings and insights about Python, deepening your understanding through explanation and reflection.

Browse courses on Python

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Brainstorm a topic related to Python that you're familiar with.
Research and gather information to support your topic.
Write a well-structured blog post.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Contribute to Open Source Python Projects

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Get involved in open source Python projects to apply your skills, contribute to the community, and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify open source Python projects that align with your interests.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit your contributions to the project.

Career center

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

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use Python to analyze data and extract insights. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data analysis and visualization, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Developer

Python is a versatile programming language that's used by Software Developers to build a wide range of applications, from web development to data analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use Python to analyze data and make recommendations to improve business processes. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data analysis and visualization, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use Python to analyze data and extract insights. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data analysis and visualization, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers use Python to build and maintain websites. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including web development, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Product Manager

Product Managers use Python to analyze data and make decisions about product development. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data analysis and visualization, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use Python to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data analysis and visualization, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use Python to build and deploy machine learning models. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including machine learning, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts use Python to test software and ensure that it meets requirements. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including testing and debugging, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

IT Consultant

IT Consultants use Python to help businesses with their technology needs. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including IT consulting, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Data Engineer

Data Engineers use Python to build and maintain data pipelines. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including data engineering, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers use Python to create documentation for software and other technical products. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including writing and editing, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts use Python to analyze and design computer systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including systems analysis and design, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers use Python to automate tasks and manage projects. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including scripting and automation, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers use Python to create prototypes and test user interfaces. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of Python, including user experience design, which can be helpful for anyone looking to enter or advance in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer