Programming in Python from Coursera

In this course, you will be introduced to foundational programming skills with basic Python Syntax. You’ll learn how to use code to solve problems. You’ll dive deep into the Python ecosystem and learn popular modules, libraries and tools for Python.

You’ll also get hands-on with objects, classes and methods in Python, and utilize variables, data types, control flow and loops, functions and data structures. You’ll learn how to recognize and handle errors and you’ll write unit tests for your Python code and practice test-driven development.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Prepare your computer system for Python programming

• Show understanding of Python syntax and how to control the flow of code

• Demonstrate knowledge of how to handle errors and exceptions

• Explain object-oriented programming and the major concepts associated with it

• Explain the importance of testing in Python, and when to apply particular methods

This is a beginner course for learners who would like to prepare themselves for a career in back-end development or database engineering. To succeed in this course, you do not need prior web development experience, only basic internet navigation skills and an eagerness to get started with coding.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting started with Python

Get started with the Python programming language and associated foundational concepts.

Basic Programming with Python

Learn basic Python syntax, to use control flow and loops and work with functions and data structures. You will also learn how to recognise possible errors, their causes and how to handle them.

Programming paradigms

Learn about the paradigms of procedural programming and the associated logical concepts. You'll explore functional and object-oriented programming, and get an introduction to algorithms.

Modules, packages, libraries and tools

Supercharge your coding environment with popular modules libraries and tools for Python. You'll also learn about the different types of testing and how to write a test.

End-of-Course Graded Assessment

Practice and reflect on the skills you learned in this course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines basic Python syntax, which is standard in industry

Prerequisite knowledge is not required to succeed in this course

Delves into error handling, which is crucial for any developer

Course objectives clearly define course scope and learning outcomes

Covers popular Python modules and libraries

Taught by Meta staff, who are recognized experts in the field

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 Programming in Python with these activities:

Python Syntax

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Review the basics of Python syntax to prepare for this introductory programming course.

Browse courses on Python Syntax

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Review the Python documentation on syntax.
Complete online tutorials on Python syntax.
Practice writing simple Python programs.

Python Mentorship

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Seek guidance and support from experienced Python developers.

Browse courses on Python

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Attend meetups, workshops, or online communities to connect with potential mentors.
Reach out to individuals in your network or industry who have expertise in Python.
Prepare questions and be proactive in seeking their guidance.

Learn Python for Data Science

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Expand your Python skills by following tutorials on data science applications.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a reputable online course or tutorial on Python for data science.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises provided.
Apply your new skills to a small data science project.

Five other activities

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Python Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of Python concepts.

Browse courses on Python

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Find or create a study group with other Python learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on projects, and share knowledge.
Provide support and encouragement to fellow group members.

Python Coding Challenges

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Sharpen your Python programming skills through practice and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Python

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Find online platforms or resources that offer Python coding challenges.
Choose challenges that align with your skill level and interests.
Work through the challenges and debug your code until you find a solution.

Contribute to a Python Open-Source Project

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Gain practical experience and enhance your Python skills by contributing to an open-source project.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a Python open-source project that aligns with your interests.
Review the project's documentation and issue tracker.
Choose an issue or feature to work on and submit a pull request.

Python Tutorial Blog

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Solidify your Python knowledge by creating a blog post on a specific topic.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a specific Python topic that you are familiar with.
Write a detailed blog post explaining the topic, including code examples and illustrations.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.

Python Data Analysis Project

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Apply your Python skills to a practical project involving data analysis.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a dataset that you are interested in analyzing.
Use Python libraries and tools to import, clean, and analyze the data.
Create visualizations and dashboards to present your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming in Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Python is one of the most popular languages for data science. This course will help build a foundation in Python syntax, problem solving, and error handling that is essential for data scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Python is one of the most popular languages for machine learning. This course builds a foundation in Python syntax, problem solving, and error handling that machine learning engineers need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Database Engineer

Python is just as much used for database engineering as it is for backend development. This course covers the basic syntax and problem-solving skills that are key to this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Engineer

Data Analyst

Python is one of the most popular languages for data analysis. This course introduces error handling, which is essential for data analysts who may have to deal with messy datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistical Analyst

Python is one of the most popular languages for statistical analysis. This course introduces error handling, which is essential for statistical analysts who may have to deal with messy datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistical Analyst

Backend Developer

Python is essential to backend development. This course offers a thorough grounding in its syntax and how to use it for solving problems. If you want to become a backend developer, this course may prove useful.

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Data Engineer

For data engineers, Python can be used for everything from gathering data to transforming and cleaning it. This course will build a foundation in Python syntax and problem solving.

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System Administrator

Python is one of the most popular languages for system administration tasks. This course will help you build a foundation in Python syntax and problem solving to excel in system administration.

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Quantitative Analyst

Python is a key tool for quantitative analysts. This course introduces Python syntax, problem solving, error handling, and unit testing.

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Software Developer

Python is one of the most popular programming languages, and this course will teach you its syntax and how to use it to solve problems.

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Software Engineer

Python is one of the most popular programming languages, and this course will teach you its syntax, problem solving, and testing skills that are essential for software engineers.

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Web Developer

Python is one of the most popular languages for web development. This course will teach you its syntax, problem solving, and testing skills that are essential for web developers.

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Product Manager

Many product managers use Python for tasks like data analysis and automation. This course will help you build a foundation in Python syntax, problem solving, and testing that can make you a more effective product manager.

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Project Manager

Python is used by some project managers for tasks such as data analysis and project tracking. This course will teach you the basics of Python syntax and problem solving as well as more advanced topics such as error handling and unit testing.

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Business Analyst

Python is used by business analysts for tasks such as data analysis and modeling. This course may be useful for business analysts who wish to work with or analyze data in Python.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst