Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python 2 from Pluralsight

Python is an excellent tool for data analysis. In this course, you'll learn how to collect, analyze, and persist data, then build data visualizations using python, csv files, sqlite, and pygal.

Data analysis is one of the fastest growing fields, and Python is one of the best tools to solve these problems. In this course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, you'll learn how to use Python to collect, clean, analyze, and persist data. First, you'll discover techniques including persisting data with csv files, pickle files, and databases, along with the ins and outs of basic SQL and Sqlite command line. Next, you'll delve into data analysis and how to use common data structures, such as lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets. Additionally, you'll learn how to use these structures and apply these skills to widely available stock market data. Finally, you'll explore pygal, a Python library for data visualization. When you're finished with this course, you'll have the necessary knowledge to efficiently build stunning charts and graphs utilizing data analysis in Python.

This course is for Excel power users or individuals who are new to data analysis and interested in learning about how Python applies to it.

Data visualizations make big and small data easier for the human brain to understand, and visualization also makes it easier to detect patterns, trends, and outliers in groups of data. Good data visualizations should place meaning into complicated datasets so that their message is clear and concise.

Pygal is a Python module that creates SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) graphs/charts in a variety of styles. Pygal is highly customize-able, yet also extremely simplistic, which is a very rare combination. You can make line graphs, bar graphs, histograms, pie charts, maps, and a whole lot more.

SQLite is a relational database management system contained in a C library. In contrast to many other database management systems, SQLite is not a client–server database engine. Rather, it is embedded into the end program.

A tuple is an immutable list of Python objects which means it can not be changed in any way once it has been created. Unlike sets, tuples are an ordered collection.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction to Python Data Analysis

Collecting Stock Market Data

Understanding Python Data Structures

Persisting Data in Databases and Files

Analyzing Stock Market Data

Building Simple Data Visualizations

Course Summary and Next Steps

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Gives learners an edge in understanding industry best practices related to data analysis and visualization

Provides a solid foundation for learners who are new to Python and data analysis

Teaches the basics of SQL and the ins and outs of the SQLite command line, which are essential skills for data analysts

Develops skills in using Python libraries like CSV and Pygal for data analysis and visualization

Suitable for both complete beginners and those looking to enhance their Excel skills in data analysis

Leverages widely available stock market data for practical application of data analysis techniques

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 Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python 2 with these activities:

Review SQL commands

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Strengthens SQL skills, ensuring a solid foundation for working with databases in this course.

Browse courses on SQL

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Go through tutorials or online resources
Practice writing basic SQL queries

Read 'Learning Python' by Mark Lutz

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Introduces Python and its core concepts, laying a strong foundation for this course.

View Coding for Beginners Using Python on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the first 5 chapters thoroughly.

Follow tutorials on Pygal documentation

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Provides guided instructions on using Pygal, enhancing understanding of data visualization.

Browse courses on Pygal

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Visit the Pygal documentation website
Follow the tutorials on creating charts and graphs

Four other activities

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Join a Python study group

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Provides opportunities to discuss concepts, ask questions, and reinforce learning through peer collaboration.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on projects

Complete Python exercises on LeetCode

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Provides hands-on practice with Python coding problems, reinforcing fundamental concepts.

Browse courses on Python

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Create a LeetCode account
Solve at least 10 easy-level problems

Build a simple data visualization dashboard

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Applies the concepts of data analysis and visualization to create a tangible project, solidifying knowledge.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset of interest
Use Python to analyze and visualize the data
Create an interactive dashboard using a tool like Dash or Plotly

Contribute to Pygal's GitHub repository

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Provides practical experience with Pygal and open source development, deepening understanding.

Browse courses on Pygal

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Find an issue or feature request on the Pygal GitHub repository
Fork the repository and create a branch
Make your changes and submit a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Governance Analyst

A Data Governance Analyst may use Python as part of their work in managing and controlling data. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, could be useful for a Data Governance Analyst to learn the basics of data analysis with Python. Additionally, this course covers data visualization with Pygal, which could be valuable for presenting data governance-related findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst may use Python as part of their work in analyzing data to help businesses make better decisions. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, could be a good starting point for a Business Intelligence Analyst to learn the basics of data analysis with Python. Additionally, this course covers data visualization with Pygal, which is a valuable skill for Business Intelligence Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Architect

A Data Architect may use Python as part of their work in designing and building data architectures. This course may be useful for a Data Architect to learn the basics of data analysis using Python. This course provides a foundation in data structures, data analysis, and data visualization, which are all important concepts for a Data Architect to understand.

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Data Analyst II

A Data Analyst II may use Python as part of their work in analyzing data to help businesses make better decisions. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, can be useful to learn the basics of data analysis using Python. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Data Analyst II is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst II

Data Visualization Analyst

A Data Visualization Analyst may use Python as part of their work in creating and designing data visualizations. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, can be useful to learn the basics of data analysis using Python, and how to create data visualizations with pygal. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Data Visualization Analyst is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Analyst

Statistician

A Statistician may use Python in their work as part of the data analysis and modeling process. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, may be useful for a Statistician to learn the basics of data analysis using Python. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Statistician is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst may use Python as part of their work in building and maintaining quantitative models. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, can be useful to learn the basics of data analysis using Python, which is a foundational part of the work of a Quantitative Analyst. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Quantitative Analyst is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

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Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer may use Python in their work as part of the data analysis and modeling process. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, may be useful for a Machine Learning Engineer to learn the basics of data analysis using Python. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Machine Learning Engineer is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator may use Python as part of their work in managing and maintaining databases. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, may be useful for a Database Administrator to learn the basics of data analysis using Python. While this course is a good starting point, it is important to note that the role of a Database Administrator is complex and specialized, and this course alone is not enough to fully prepare for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst may use Python in their work, particularly for data analysis and modeling. This course, Getting Started with Data Analysis Using Python, may be useful for a Financial Analyst to learn the foundations of data analysis using Python. Working with stock market data is a common part of the role, and this course provides the tools to do so in Python.

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Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs and builds the infrastructure to process, analyze and store data. This role may use Python as part of the data pipeline and infrastructure. This course may be useful for a Data Engineer as it provides a foundation in data analysis using Python. Learners who are interested in becoming Data Engineers may benefit from learning more about data analysis, which this course provides.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst may use Python in their professional role to collect and analyze data to solve business problems. This course may be useful in the role of a Data Analyst because it teaches the foundations of data analysis with Python. By learning how to work with data in Python, learners may be able to contribute to the role of a Data Analyst.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer may use Python as part of their work, depending on their employer and the specific role. The skills learned in this course may be helpful for a Software Engineer to learn how to collect, analyze, and persist data in Python. This course could be particularly helpful for those interested in data-related work, such as building data pipelines or data-driven applications.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insight from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This may include working with Python in their role. While this course may not be a perfect fit for a role as a Data Scientist, it may be useful to learn the basics of data analysis in Python through a course like this. Data Science is a complex and specialized field, and this course may help learners build a foundation.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst may use Python as part of their work, depending on their employer and the specific role. The skills learned in this course may be helpful for a Business Analyst to learn how to collect, analyze, and persist data in Python. As a Business Analyst, it is important to have a foundational understanding of data analysis, and this course can help build that foundation.

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