Try It: Intro to Python from edX

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

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.

-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

Suitable for individuals with no programming experience

Covers a wide range of applications for Python, making it relevant to various industries

Taught by experienced instructors who combine data analysis and machine learning

Part of a series of courses that provide comprehensive training in data analysis and machine learning

Emphasizes practical skills and application through hands-on examples and assignments

No explicit prerequisites, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds

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 Basic Data Types in Python

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Refreshing your understanding of data types will strengthen your foundation in Python programming.

Browse courses on Data Types

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Review the different data types in Python, such as integers, floats, strings, and lists.
Practice assigning values to variables of different data types.

Revisit Conditional Statements in Python

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Revisiting conditional statements will ensure you have a solid grasp of controlling program flow in Python.

Browse courses on Conditional Statements

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Review the syntax and usage of if, elif, and else statements.
Practice writing Python code that uses conditional statements to make decisions.

Explore Python 3 Tutorial

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Following its step-by-step guide can familiarize you with basic Python coding.

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Go to the Python Tutorial website at docs.python.org/3/tutorial.
Read through the Introduction and Getting Started sections.
Try out the code examples in the interactive shell.

Six other activities

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Complete the Python Course on Codecademy

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Interactive lessons and exercises will provide hands-on practice and reinforce your understanding.

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Create a Codecademy account at codecademy.com.
Enroll in the Learn Python 3 course.
Complete the lessons and exercises.

Solve Python Coding Challenges

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Solving coding challenges will test your Python skills and help you identify areas for improvement.

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Visit a coding challenge website like HackerRank or LeetCode.
Select a challenge that matches your skill level.
Write Python code to solve the challenge.
Submit your solution and review the feedback.

Write a Simple Python Script

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Creating your own script will allow you to apply Python concepts and experiment with its features.

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Choose a simple task to automate, such as printing a message or calculating a sum.
Write a Python script using an IDE or text editor.
Run the script and verify its output.

Practice Debugging Python Code

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Debugging exercises will improve your problem-solving skills and ability to identify and fix errors in Python code.

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Find a Python debugging tutorial online.
Introduce deliberate errors into your own Python code.
Use debugging tools to identify and fix the errors.

Build a Calculator App with Python

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Developing a calculator app will involve applying multiple Python concepts, such as variables, operators, and conditional statements.

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Design the app's interface and functionality.
Write Python code to implement the calculations.
Create a simple GUI for the app.
Test and debug the app.

Create a Data Analysis Project with Python

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Working on a data analysis project will provide practical experience in data manipulation, visualization, and analysis using Python.

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Choose a dataset that aligns with your interests.
Load and clean the data using Python.
Perform data analysis and visualization using Python libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib.
Present your findings in a report or presentation.

Career center

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

Data Analyst

Python is a valuable skill for data analysts, who use it to collect and analyze large amounts of data. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a data analyst role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for web development and data scraping, which are important skills for data analysts working with online data sources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a financial analyst role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze financial data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for web development and data scraping, which are important skills for financial analysts working with online data sources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Software Engineer

Python is a popular programming language used by software engineers for a variety of tasks, including web development, data analysis, and machine learning. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a software engineer role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, develop web applications, and analyze data. You'll also learn how to use Python for machine learning, which is a growing field with many opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web developers use Python for a variety of tasks, including web development, data analysis, and machine learning. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a web developer role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, develop web applications, and analyze data. You'll also learn how to use Python for machine learning, which is a growing field with many opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a machine learning engineer role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for machine learning, which is a critical skill for machine learning engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data scientists use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a data scientist role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for machine learning, which is a critical skill for data scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Engineer

Data engineers use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, data integration, and data warehousing. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a data engineer role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for data integration and data warehousing, which are important skills for data engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Auditor

Auditors use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, risk assessment, and fraud detection. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in an auditor role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for risk assessment and fraud detection, which are important skills for auditors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Business Analyst

Business analysts use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a business analyst role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for financial modeling and risk assessment, which are important skills for business analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, optimization, and simulation. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in an operations research analyst role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for optimization and simulation, which are important skills for operations research analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, statistical modeling, and forecasting. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a statistician role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for statistical modeling and forecasting, which are important skills for statisticians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a quantitative analyst role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for financial modeling and risk assessment, which are important skills for quantitative analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in an actuary role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for financial modeling and risk assessment, which are important skills for actuaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Risk Manager

Risk managers use Python for a variety of tasks, including data analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio optimization. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a risk manager role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for risk assessment and portfolio optimization, which are important skills for risk managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Project Manager

Project managers use Python for a variety of tasks, including project planning, resource allocation, and risk management. This course provides an introduction to Python, covering topics such as variables, functions, and conditional logic. This foundation will help you succeed in a project manager role by enabling you to write scripts for automating tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. You'll also learn how to use Python for project planning, resource allocation, and risk management, which are important skills for project managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager