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Programming Foundations with Python

In this introductory programming class, you’ll learn Object-Oriented Programming, a must-have technique for software engineers that will allow you to reuse and share code easily. You’ll learn by doing, and will build byte-sized (ha!) mini projects in each lesson to learn and practice programming concepts.

We’ve heard that programming can be intimidating for newcomers, and we’ve created this course to make sure that you have a great learning experience! You’ll learn actively with our mini projects (see the awesome list below), which you’ll be able to share proudly with your friends. You’ll also learn important programming concepts one by one, with no surprises or leaps of logic along the way.

You’ll pick up some great tools for your programming toolkit in this course! You will:

This introductory course is for you if you want to be a software engineer, or if you want to collaborate with programmers. Mastering Object-Oriented Programming will propel your career in tech forward, and it’s also a great way to learn how software engineers think about solving problems.

This course is also a part of our Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree.

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Develops essential software engineering skills through object-oriented programming techniques

Industry-relevant course that uses practical mini projects to illustrate concepts

Flexible course that allows learners to actively participate in the learning process, making it engaging and enjoyable

Suitable as a standalone course or as part of the Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program

May require additional resources for learners lacking familiarity with basic programming concepts

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Reviews summary

Introduction to python and oop

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to programming fundamentals using Python, with a strong focus on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Many appreciate the bite-sized mini-projects and hands-on coding activities which make learning practical and engaging. Students say the explanations are generally clear and easy to follow, making it particularly well-suited for absolute beginners. Some reviewers note that while the course provides a good foundation, those with prior experience may find the content too basic or potentially slightly outdated in certain areas. Overall, it's seen as a great starting point for anyone new to programming or Python.

Explains Object-Oriented Programming well.

"The section on Object-Oriented Programming was very clear and provided a solid understanding of the concepts."

"Learning OOP was a key goal for me, and the course did a great job explaining it simply."

"I found the explanations on classes, objects, and inheritance particularly easy to understand thanks to the way they were presented."

Hands-on mini-projects reinforce concepts.

"The mini-projects were the highlight for me. They were small enough to complete quickly but really helped solidify understanding."

"Doing the coding exercises and building the small programs made a huge difference in grasping the material."

"I enjoyed the practical application of the concepts through the hands-on coding challenges presented."

Ideal for those new to programming.

"As someone who was completely new to programming, this course was incredibly accessible and easy to follow."

"This is a perfect starting point for absolute beginners in Python. The concepts are broken down well."

"I had no prior programming experience, and this course made learning Python and OOP feel less intimidating."

Some aspects might feel slightly outdated.

"Some parts of the course felt slightly outdated, referencing older versions or practices that have evolved."

"While the core concepts are timeless, I noticed some tools or examples used didn't feel completely current with modern Python development."

"It would be beneficial if the course content was reviewed and updated periodically to reflect the latest best practices."

May be too basic for experienced learners.

"If you have any prior programming experience, even just a little, this course might feel a bit too slow and basic."

"While good for beginners, I was hoping for a bit more depth on certain Python features and advanced OOP concepts."

"This course is a good introduction, but it doesn't go deep enough for someone looking to transition into a software engineering role without further study."

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 Foundations with Python with these activities:

Review Basic Java Syntax

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Refreshes foundational Java syntax knowledge to prepare for the course content.

Browse courses on Java Syntax

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Review Java syntax through online resources or tutorials
Write a simple Java program to practice syntax

Read Head First Java

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Builds a strong understanding of core OOP Java concepts before the course's content begins.

View Head First Software Development: A Learner's... on Amazon

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Read the first 5 chapters of Head First Java
Create a Java project with a GUI
Write a Java program that implements inheritance

Attend a Java Meetup

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Facilitates networking opportunities with Java professionals to gain insights and expand knowledge.

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Find a local Java Meetup group
Attend a Meetup and participate in discussions

Four other activities

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Codecademy: Java OOP Basics

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Offers additional practice with Java OOP fundamentals.

Browse courses on OOP

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Complete the Java OOP Basics course on Codecademy

Java 8 Tutorial for Beginners

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Java 8 concepts to enhance understanding.

Browse courses on Java 8

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Follow the Java 8 Tutorial for Beginners on TutorialsPoint
Create a Java 8 project that utilizes lambda expressions

Create a Java OOP Concept Summary

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Reinforces understanding by summarizing key OOP concepts in Java.

Browse courses on OOP

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Create a document or presentation summarizing Java OOP concepts
Share the summary with peers or online communities

Design and Implement a Java Application

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Encourages application of OOP skills through a practical project.

Browse courses on OOP

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Design a Java application that solves a specific problem
Implement the application using Java OOP principles
Test and refine the application

Career center

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

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Object-Oriented Programming is an essential skill for Software Engineers, as it allows them to create software that is modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. Object-Oriented Programming is an essential skill for Computer Programmers, as it allows them to create software that is modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and overseeing the development of software systems. Object-Oriented Programming is an essential skill for Software Architects, as it allows them to create software that is modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Software Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Technical Lead

Technical Leads are responsible for leading and managing teams of software developers. Object-Oriented Programming is an essential skill for Technical Leads, as it allows them to create software that is modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Technical Lead.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Web Developers, as it allows them to create websites that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for designing and implementing computer systems. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Systems Analysts, as it allows them to create systems that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Information Security Analysts, as it allows them to create security systems that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting financial data. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Financial Analysts, as it allows them to create financial models that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of software products. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Quality Assurance Engineers, as it allows them to create test cases that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Quality Assurance Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for IT Managers, as it allows them to create IT systems that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of an IT Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Project Managers, as it allows them to create project plans that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and understanding business processes. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Business Analysts, as it allows them to create models that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Data Scientists, as it allows them to create data-driven applications that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Data Analysts, as it allows them to create data analysis tools that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Object-Oriented Programming is a valuable skill for Database Administrators, as it allows them to create database systems that are modular, reusable, and maintainable. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, and will help you build strong programming skills. These skills will be essential for success in the role of a Database Administrator.

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Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Programming Foundations with Python:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

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Reading list

We've selected 18 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 Programming Foundations with Python.

Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition

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Offers a comprehensive introduction to Python programming, covering core concepts and practical applications. It provides a solid foundation for beginners.

Programming Foundations with Python

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Reviews summary

Introduction to python and oop

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

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