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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.

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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, Fintech Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp with George Washington University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with George Washington University unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp or Data Analytics Boot Camp.

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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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by industry experts
Aligns with in-demand skills
Suitable for beginners with no programming experience
Versatile language applicable to various industries
Develops foundational Python skills
May require additional background knowledge for full comprehension

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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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:
Review Python basics
Reviewing the basics of Python will help you better understand the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on Python Basics
Show steps
  • Read through a Python tutorial
  • Complete some practice exercises
Write Python scripts
Writing Python scripts will help you practice the concepts you learn in this course and improve your programming skills.
Browse courses on Python Programming
Show steps
  • Choose a simple task to automate
  • Write a Python script to automate the task
Build a simple Python project
Building a simple Python project will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course and gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Come up with an idea for a simple Python project
  • Plan out the project and write the code
  • Test and debug the project
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will introduce you to Python, a popular programming language used in data analysis. You will learn how to use Python to clean and prepare data, perform statistical analysis, and create visualizations. This course will help you build a strong foundation in Python and data analysis, which are essential skills for a successful career as a Data Analyst.
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will use Python to build machine learning models, which can be used to make predictions and identify patterns in data. This course will introduce you to the basics of machine learning and how to use Python to implement machine learning algorithms. A successful Data Scientist needs expertise in these very technologies, and this course fits your goals perfectly.
Web Developer
As a Web Developer, you will use Python to develop and maintain websites. This course will introduce you to the basics of web development and how to use Python to create and test websites. It is common for Web Developers to use Python, and this course can help you attain the skills and foundational knowledge to enter the industry.
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will use Python to develop and maintain software applications. This course will introduce you to the basics of software development and how to use Python to create and test software applications. It will be helpful to learn Python before stepping into this role, and this course will help you get started.
Data Engineer
As a Data Engineer, you will use Python to build and maintain data pipelines. This course will introduce you to the basics of data engineering and how to use Python to build and test data pipelines. The budding field of Data Engineering uses a variety of modern tools such as Python, and this course can help you get started in the field.
Machine Learning Engineer
As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will use Python to build and maintain machine learning models. This course will introduce you to the basics of machine learning and how to use Python to implement machine learning algorithms.
Quantitative Analyst
As a Quantitative Analyst, you will use Python to develop and maintain quantitative models. This course will introduce you to the basics of quantitative analysis and how to use Python to implement quantitative models. One's toolset as a Quantitative Analyst often includes Python, and this course will help you get started.
Financial Analyst
As a Financial Analyst, you will use Python to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. This course will introduce you to the basics of financial analysis and how to use Python to perform financial analysis. You should be familiar with this software before stepping into a Financial Analyst role, and this course will provide a great foundation.
Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, you will use Python to analyze business data and make recommendations for improving business processes. This course will introduce you to the basics of business analysis and how to use Python to perform business analysis. Having a foundation in Python is vital to a Business Analyst, and this course will provide you with a foundational knowledge.
Statistician
As a Statistician, you will use Python to analyze data and make recommendations for improving decision-making. This course will introduce you to the basics of statistics and how to use Python to perform statistical analysis.
Operations Research Analyst
As an Operations Research Analyst, you will use Python to analyze data and make recommendations for improving operations. This course will introduce you to the basics of operations research and how to use Python to perform operations research analysis.
User Experience (UX) Researcher
As a User Experience (UX) Researcher, you will use Python to analyze data and make recommendations for improving the user experience. This course will introduce you to the basics of UX research and how to use Python to perform UX research analysis.
Risk Analyst
As a Risk Analyst, you will use Python to analyze risk and make recommendations for mitigating risk. This course will introduce you to the basics of risk analysis and how to use Python to perform risk analysis. This course may help you step into the role of Risk Analyst by providing you with a base knowledge of Python.
Data Visualization Specialist
As a Data Visualization Specialist, you will use Python to create visualizations that communicate data effectively. This course will introduce you to the basics of data visualization and how to use Python to create visualizations. Having a foundational knowledge of Python will help you succeed in this role. This course may help set you on that path.
Actuary
As an Actuary, you will use Python to analyze risk and make recommendations for mitigating risk. This course will introduce you to the basics of actuarial science and how to use Python to perform actuarial analysis.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Try It: Intro to Python.
Comprehensive introduction to Python. It good choice for beginners who want to learn Python for both academic and practical purposes.
Comprehensive guide to the Python standard library. It good choice for beginners and experienced Python programmers alike.
Collection of recipes for Python programmers. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for a variety of tasks.
Guide to using Python for finance. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for finance.
Guide to using Python for the humanities. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for humanities research.
Guide to using Python for data analysis. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for data science.
Quick reference to Python. It good choice for beginners and experienced Python programmers alike.
Guide to using Python for natural language processing. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for natural language processing.
Guide to using Python for web development. It good choice for experienced Python programmers who want to learn how to use Python for web development.

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