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 University of Richmond. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with University of Richmond unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp or Data Analytics 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 foundational introduction to Python, useful for both beginners with zero prior programming experience and those looking to strengthen their existing Python skills

Introduces core Python concepts and practices, enabling learners to become familiar with the basics of the language

Covers essential topics such as functions, variables, conditional logic, and Python console interaction, providing a well-rounded understanding of Python's capabilities

Focuses on developing programming skills in Python, making it suitable for learners seeking to apply Python in practical settings and projects

Provides hands-on coding practice through examples and exercises, allowing learners to apply their understanding of Python concepts

Serves as an introductory preparation for individuals interested in pursuing careers as data analysts, financial analysts, data scientists, and more

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 Your Python Materials

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Organizing your Python materials will help you stay on top of the course material and easily find what you need.

Browse courses on Python

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Create a folder for your Python materials
Move your notes, assignments, and other materials into the folder
Create subfolders for different topics or assignments

Follow Python Tutorials

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Following tutorials will help you learn Python's syntax and apply it to practical problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Visit the W3Schools website
Select the 'Python' tutorial
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises

Review: Fluent Python

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This book will provide you with a deeper understanding of Python, its syntax, and its features.

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

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction
Read Chapter 2: Basic Types
Read Chapter 3: Control Flow

Three other activities

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Practice Python Drills

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Coding drills will help you practice the Python concepts you've learned and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Python

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Visit the HackerRank website
Select the 'Python' track
Choose a problem and work through it

Attend a Python Workshop

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Attending a Python workshop will help you learn from experts and get hands-on experience.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python workshop in your area
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Create a Python Tutorial

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Creating a Python tutorial will help you reinforce your understanding of the language and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a topic
Write your tutorial
Publish your tutorial

Career center

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

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst mines data to uncover insights and trends, and turns it into valuable information for decision making. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Data Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer builds, maintains, and manages the infrastructure that stores and processes data, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Data Engineers on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Statisticians on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Statistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and deploys machine learning models to automate complex tasks, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Machine Learning Engineers on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses advanced analytical techniques to solve complex business problems, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Operations Research Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in an Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary analyzes the financial consequences of risk and uncertainty, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Actuaries on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in an Actuary.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst identifies, assesses, and manages financial risks, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Risk Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Risk Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst applies mathematical and statistical methods to financial data to assess risk and make investment decisions, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Quantitative Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to biological and medical data, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Biostatisticians on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Biostatistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to make investment recommendations, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Financial Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Insurance Analyst

An Insurance Analyst evaluates insurance risks and develops insurance products, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Insurance Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in an Insurance Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Analyst

Fraud Analyst

A Fraud Analyst identifies and investigates fraudulent activities, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Fraud Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Fraud Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fraud Analyst

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research on target markets and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Market Researchers on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Marketing Researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Marketing Analyst

A Marketing Analyst analyzes marketing data to improve marketing campaigns, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Marketing Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Marketing Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and often works with Data Analysts. This course introduces Python programming, a skill commonly used by Business Analysts on the job. By taking this course, you may build a foundation in Python and begin preparing for what employers seek in a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst