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Seth Frey

Python doesn't just represent numbers, but also text and other kinds of things. In technical terms, the parts of Python you'll learn are strings, lists, Booleans, errors, lists, and list manipulation. At a higher level you will learn how people use code to represent real-world ideas. In the process you'll use Python to automatically read Wikipedia and Spotify.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Your Chances of Becoming Famous Using Python
What do you think, is it easier to become famous than it used to be or harder? In this module, you will run code to automatically access thousands of pages on Wikipedia and calculate your probability of becoming famous over time. Let's get started!
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Representing Ideas in Python
There is more to programming than reproducing your calculator. In this module, we learn how to play with text, numbers, true/false values in Python, all towards analyzing a popular pop song. We also learn how to handle error messages and ask for help.
Representing Collections in Python
Sometimes we deal with individual things in the world, sometimes collections of things. Python represents this idea with collections such as lists. We learn how Python lets us change, grow, access, and play with lists. We'll see how this is useful by reconstructing the Western history of the months of the year.
Course Summary & Honors: Interactive Demo
In the honor's section of this module, you will run code that accesses Spotify from Python. You have to jump through a few hoops to get it set up, but once it's running you can interact with virtually every aspect of Spotify via Python.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in string manipulation and list manipulation, which are core skills for programming
Examines how people use code to represent real-world ideas, which is highly relevant to software development
Involves automatically reading Wikipedia and Spotify, providing hands-on, practical experience

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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 Python Basics: Retrieving Online Data with these activities:
Python Fundamentals Review
Brush up on the foundational concepts of Python before starting the course to ensure a solid understanding of data types, variables, operators, and control flow.
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  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous programming courses.
  • Take online quizzes or practice exercises to test your understanding.
  • Re-watch introductory Python video tutorials or lectures.
Python Resources Compilation
Create a comprehensive resource compilation of useful Python websites, tutorials, documentation, and community forums to support your learning.
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  • Conduct an online search for Python resources.
  • Identify and bookmark websites, tutorials, and forums that provide valuable information.
  • Organize your bookmarks into categories or tags for easy retrieval.
  • Share your compilation with other learners or contribute it to online communities.
Python Tutorial Series
Supplement your learning by following a structured series of Python tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance and practice opportunities.
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  • Identify a reputable online platform or YouTube channel that offers Python tutorials.
  • Choose a tutorial series that aligns with your learning goals and skill level.
  • Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts as you go.
  • Use the tutorials as a reference when working on course assignments.
Five other activities
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Python interactive exercises
Build your Python skills and knowledge by completing a series of interactive exercises in Python.
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  • Sign up for an online coding platform that offers Python exercises.
  • Choose a set of exercises that aligns with the topics you're learning in the course.
  • Work through the exercises, testing your understanding of Python concepts.
Python Study Group
Join or start a study group with fellow learners to discuss course concepts, work on projects together, and support each other's learning.
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  • Find a study group or create your own by reaching out to classmates or online forums.
  • Set regular meeting times and establish a schedule for discussing course topics.
  • Take turns presenting concepts, leading discussions, and working on coding exercises together.
  • Support each other by providing feedback, asking clarifying questions, and sharing resources.
Coding Challenges
Put your Python skills to the test by solving coding challenges and puzzles on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeChef.
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  • Sign up for a coding challenge platform.
  • Choose a set of challenges that aligns with the topics you're learning in the course.
  • Work through the challenges, trying to solve them using Python.
  • Analyze your solutions, identify areas for improvement, and learn from your mistakes.
Python Mini-Project: Automating a Task
Apply your Python skills by creating a mini-project that automates a task or process using Python libraries and modules.
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  • Identify a task or process that can be automated using Python.
  • Research and choose the appropriate Python libraries and modules.
  • Develop a Python script or program to automate the task.
  • Test and refine your script to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
  • Document your project with comments and a README file, explaining the purpose and functionality of your script.
Python Coding Blog
Deepen your understanding of Python by creating a blog where you share your learnings, code snippets, and reflections on Python concepts.
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  • Choose a blogging platform and set up your blog.
  • Brainstorm ideas for blog posts based on what you're learning in the course.
  • Write and publish blog posts that demonstrate your understanding of Python concepts.
  • Promote your blog on social media and engage with readers who have questions or comments.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basics: Retrieving Online Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts gather data from a variety of sources, and analyze it to identify trends and patterns. They then use this information to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you get started in a career as a Data Analyst by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their knowledge of statistics, computer science, and business to solve problems. This course can help you get started in a career as a Data Scientist by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design and build the systems that store and process data. This course can help you get started in a career as a Data Engineer by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course can help you get started in a career as a Software Engineer by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course can help you get started in a career as a Web Developer by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their processes and performance. This course can help you get started in a career as a Business Analyst by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect businesses from cyber attacks. This course can help you get started in a career as an Information Security Analyst by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers gather data about consumers and markets. This course can help you get started in a career as a Market Researcher by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial data to help businesses make investment decisions. This course can help you get started in a career as a Financial Analyst by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Consultant
Consultants help businesses solve problems and improve their performance. This course can help you get started in a career as a Consultant by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Journalist
Journalists gather and report news stories. This course can help you get started in a career as a Journalist by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and use information. This course can help you get started in a career as a Librarian by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Teacher
Teachers help people learn. This course can help you get started in a career as a Teacher by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. This course can help you get started in a career as a Writer by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.
Researcher
Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge. This course can help you get started in a career as a Researcher by teaching you how to retrieve online data, clean it, and analyze it.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Python Basics: Retrieving Online Data.
Great reference tool for those who want to enhance their Python skills and gain a deeper understanding of its nuances. It covers advanced Pythonic concepts and idioms, helping you write efficient, maintainable, and elegant Python code.
Serves as a valuable reference for Python programmers, providing practical solutions and recipes for common programming tasks. It's particularly useful for those who want to improve their problem-solving skills and learn from the experiences of seasoned Python developers.
Valuable reference tool for those interested in data analysis using Python. It delves into the core data analysis libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter, providing practical examples and in-depth explanations.
Great resource for those interested in the foundations of data science. It covers fundamental concepts like probability, linear algebra, and data visualization, using Python as the primary programming language.
Is well-suited for those seeking a practical approach to learning Python. With a focus on problem-solving, it provides valuable insights into applying Python to solve real-world problems efficiently.
Is ideal for beginners who want to use Python for practical tasks and automation. It provides a comprehensive overview of Python's capabilities, including web scraping, data analysis, and working with APIs. It's perfect for those interested in using Python for real-world applications.
If you're looking for a creative and visual approach to learning Python, this book is for you. With its unique and engaging style, Head First Python makes learning Python enjoyable and memorable. It's an excellent resource for visual learners and those who prefer a less technical approach.
Great companion to the course, with its focus on beginner-friendly Python coding covered in hands-on, project-based assignments. It's perfect to practice your skills and build up your Python portfolio.
Offers a lighthearted and engaging approach to learning Python. Written with wit and humor, it introduces Python's core concepts in an accessible and entertaining manner. It's an excellent choice for beginners who want to make learning Python more enjoyable.

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