Python Basics from Coursera

This course introduces the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures. You'll program an on-screen Turtle to draw pretty pictures. You'll also learn to draw reference diagrams as a way to reason about program executions, which will help to build up your debugging skills. The course has no prerequisites. It will cover Chapters 1-9 of the textbook "Fundamentals of Python Programming," which is the accompanying text (optional and free) for this course.

The course is for you if you're a newcomer to Python programming, if you need a refresher on Python basics, or if you may have had some exposure to Python programming but want a more in-depth exposition and vocabulary for describing and reasoning about programs.

This is the first of five courses in the Python 3 Programming Specialization.

What's inside

Syllabus

General Introduction

In week one you will be introduced to programming in python through lectures and the Runestone textbook - an interactive online textbook built for this course. By the end of the module, you will have run your first python program, and learned how to draw images by writing a program.

Sequences and Iteration

In week two you will use the lectures and the Runestone textbook to understand the basics of a few python data types - lists, strings, tuples - as well as a control structure - for loops. By the end of this week, you will be able to write more complex programs that create drawings by incorporating for loops. Finally, we will present the basics of an accumulation pattern to you, which will be expanded on in each week for the rest of the course.

Booleans and Conditionals

In week three you will learn a new python data type - the boolean - as well as another control structure - conditional execution. Through the use of video lectures and the Runestone textbook, you will learn what Binary, Unary, Nested, and Chained Conditionals are, as well as how to incorporate conditionals within an accumulation pattern.

Sequence Mutation and Accumulation Patterns

In week four we will present deeper knowledge on using lists, strings, and python objects in general. We will also cover how to use the accumulation pattern with lists and with strings. The final assignment will test your knowledge and skills through application, much like previous assessments and assignments did, though with a more difficult set of tasks now that you have learned the basics.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces essential concepts like conditional execution and iteration

Suitable for beginners seeking an introduction to Python programming

Develops foundational skills in Python for those with some prior exposure

Provides a solid foundation for subsequent courses in the Python 3 Programming Specialization

Leverages an interactive textbook and lecture videos for enhanced learning

Emphasizes debugging skills through the use of reference diagrams

Reviews summary

Learnpythonbasics

Learners say this course provides engaging assignments and clear explanations with a solid structure that is beginner-friendly, but may be too basic and slow-paced for those with prior programming experience. The interactive textbook and Codelens feature are highly regarded for enhancing comprehension. However, there are occasional issues with errors in course materials and a lack of real-world project-based work for deeper understanding. Overall, students describe the course as an excellent option for beginners seeking a comprehensive foundation in Python fundamentals. With its well-organized content, helpful resources, and supportive instructors, it effectively prepares learners for further exploration of Python programming.

Engaging assignments and clear explanations with a solid structure that is beginner-friendly

"The explanations of the content, practice questions, assignments,etc are very much interesting and helpful to learn basics of Python 3.6. I thank the course instructors, tutors and coordinators for giving such a clear content."

"makes exercises and questions that can be answered by us. Thank you so much for this oppurrtunity."

"The course is truly Python for everyone. It is a very good starting point for a person who has no experience with Python. All of the materials, exercises and demonstration examples are prepared in a clear and comprehensive manner."

There are occasional issues with errors in course materials and a lack of real-world project-based work for deeper understanding.

"The teachings are excellent, it is a great basis for starting a career in programming. Furthermore, the professors are nice and make you feel part of their University. Go blue!"

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 with these activities:

Review Python Syntax and Basics

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Refreshing your knowledge of Python syntax and basics will help you get up to speed quickly and easily.

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Review the official Python documentation.
Take an online quiz or practice test on Python syntax.
Write a simple Python program to test your understanding.

Read 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python'

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This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Python and will help you build a strong foundation in the language.

View Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd... on Amazon

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Read through the book and make notes on important concepts.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Apply what you've learned in the book to solve real-world problems.

Review Syntax and Data Structures

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Python Syntax and basic data structures are essential to the core of the course.

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Review the "Syntax and Basic Data Structures" section of the Runestone textbook
Complete the associated exercises in the Runestone textbook

Ten other activities

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Create a Python Resource Collection

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Creating a resource collection will help you organize and keep track of useful Python materials.

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Gather Python resources from online sources and books.
Organize the resources into categories, such as tutorials, references, and code examples.
Create a document or website to share your resource collection with others.
Update your resource collection regularly with new and relevant materials.

Explore Online Python Tutorials

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External Python tutorials can provide additional practice and insights.

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Search for Python tutorials that cover specific topics or concepts covered in the course
Follow the tutorials and complete any associated exercises

Solve Practice Problems for Python Data Structures

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Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of Python data structures and help you develop your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Lists

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Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
Set aside a specific amount of time each week to work on the problems.
Break down each problem into smaller steps.
Implement a solution to the problem using Python.
Test your solution and debug any errors.

Practice Conditional Execution and Iteration

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Applying Conditional Execution and Iteration is a critical skill in Python.

Browse courses on Conditional Execution

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Solve at least 10 practice problems on Conditional Execution and Iteration

Participate in a Study Group

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Peer-assisted study groups can greatly improve learning outcomes.

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Join or start a peer study group
Regularly meet with the group to discuss course material and practice skills

Join a Python Study Group

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Joining a study group will give you the opportunity to discuss course material with other students and get help with your assignments.

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Find a Python study group online or in your local area.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Work on practice problems together.
Help other students with their work.

Create a Turtle Graphics Project

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Turtle Graphics provides a visual representation of concepts covered in the course.

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Design a simple Turtle Graphics project
Implement the project using Python

Create a Python Project Using Turtle Graphics

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Creating a project in Python will help you apply the concepts you've learned in the course and develop your programming skills.

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Choose a simple project idea, such as drawing a shape or creating an animation.
Plan out your project and create a design document.
Implement your project in Python using Turtle Graphics.
Test your project and make sure it works as expected.
Share your project with others and get feedback.

Participate in a Python Coding Competition

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Participating in a coding competition will challenge you to solve complex problems and test your skills against other Python programmers.

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Find a Python coding competition online or in your local area.
Register for the competition.
Prepare for the competition by practicing your Python skills.
Compete in the competition and do your best to solve as many problems as possible.
Review your performance and learn from your mistakes.

Write a Python Program to Solve a Real-World Problem

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Applying Python to real-world problems will help you develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and demonstrate your proficiency with the language.

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Identify a real-world problem that you can solve using Python.
Design and implement a Python program to solve the problem.
Test your program and make sure it works as expected.
Write a report or documentation that explains your solution and how it can be used to solve the problem.
Share your program with others and get feedback.

Career center

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

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods and processes to extract knowledge from data and find actionable insights. This course helps prepare one to become a Data Scientist by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures. This course also introduces debugging skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models to solve business problems. This course helps prepare one to become a Machine Learning Engineer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures. This course also introduces debugging skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses solve problems and make informed decisions. This course helps prepare one to become a Business Analyst by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course helps prepare one to become a Software Engineer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts find and investigate patterns in data. They use various analytic techniques to help businesses make more informed decisions. This course helps prepare one to become a Data Analyst by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course helps prepare one to become a Web Developer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers design and develop both the front-end and back-end of websites and applications. This course helps prepare one to become a Full-Stack Developer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and launch of new products. This course helps prepare one to become a Product Manager by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build systems to collect, store, and process data. This course helps prepare one to become a Data Engineer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make investment decisions. This course helps prepare one to become a Quantitative Analyst by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. This course helps prepare one to become a DevOps Engineer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

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UX Designer

UX Designers design the user experience for websites and applications. This course helps prepare one to become a UX Designer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers design and develop the front-end of websites and applications. This course helps prepare one to become a Front-End Developer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers design and develop the back-end of websites and applications. This course helps prepare one to become a Back-End Developer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Developer

UI Designer

UI Designers design the user interface for websites and applications. This course helps prepare one to become a UI Designer by teaching the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer