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Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

This course aims to teach everyone the basics of programming computers using Python. We cover the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. This course will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. Once a student completes this course, they will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Chapter One - Why we Program?

These are the course-wide materials as well as the first part of Chapter One where we explore what it means to write programs. We finished Chapter One and had the quiz and first assignment in the third week of the class. Throughout the course, you may want to come back and look at these materials. This section should not take you an entire week.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the fundamental aspects of programming

Teaches programming using a hands-on approach, which allows learners to gain practical experience

Taught by instructors with practical experience in computer science

Suitable for beginners new to computer programming

Covers essential programming concepts step-by-step

Offers a practical foundation for further programming courses

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Reviews summary

Gentle introduction to python for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a fantastic and accessible introduction to programming using Python, particularly for those with zero prior coding experience. Many students highlight the excellent instructor, Dr. Chuck, praising his ability to explain complex concepts simply and make learning engaging and fun. The course structure is clear and logical, building concepts step-by-step. While widely considered perfect for beginners, some students with previous experience found the pace quite slow and the assignments not challenging enough, suggesting it serves best as a foundational first step rather than a way to deepen existing skills.

Exercises help solidify understanding of core concepts.

"Quizzes and assignments are well-designed to reinforce concepts."

"The exercises are great for practice."

"The assignments solidify the concepts."

"Assignments reinforce learning."

Material builds logically step-by-step for easy learning.

"The material builds logically."

"The structure from variables to loops is logical."

"Excellent course for learning Python from scratch. The way the topics are introduced step-by-step is perfect."

"Solid introduction. I appreciated the pace, which allowed me to absorb everything."

Perfect for those starting with no prior coding knowledge.

"Absolutely fantastic intro to Python! Dr. Chuck makes learning programming approachable for anyone, even those with zero prior experience."

"This course is perfect for beginners!"

"Excellent course for learning Python from scratch."

"Truly programming for everybody! I was scared of coding, but this course made it accessible."

"The course is beginner-friendly..."

Dr. Chuck is widely praised for his teaching style.

"Dr. Chuck makes learning programming approachable for anyone, even those with zero prior experience. The lectures are clear, engaging, and easy to follow."

"This course is perfect for beginners! Dr. Chuck's teaching style is the highlight - very encouraging and funny. He breaks down complex ideas into simple terms."

"Hands down the best introductory programming course I've taken. Dr. Chuck is a legend."

"The instructor is excellent and explains things simply."

"Dr. Chuck's personality makes the lectures enjoyable."

May be too slow if you have prior coding experience.

"Okay course, covers the absolute basics. If you have any prior coding experience, this will be too slow."

"The assignments don't challenge you much. Good for someone who has never seen code before..."

"Found the assignments a bit basic and some concepts weren't explained deeply enough for me. The pace was quite slow."

"...it's definitely aimed at complete beginners, so be aware of that. Doesn't go deep, but provides the necessary first steps."

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 for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) with these activities:

Review Python basics

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Review the fundamentals of Python, including data types, control flow, and functions, to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Read through the first chapter of the textbook, 'Python for Everybody', to recall basic Python syntax.
Complete the online tutorial 'Intro to Python' on Codecademy to practice writing simple Python programs.

Read 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python'

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Expand your Python knowledge by reading this popular book that covers practical Python applications and real-world examples.

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

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Read through the book, focusing on topics that align with the course material.
Work through the exercises and projects in the book to apply your understanding.

Join a study group

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Collaborate with classmates to discuss course concepts, work on assignments together, and provide mutual support.

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Find a study group or create one with classmates who share similar learning goals.
Regularly meet with the group to review course material, compare notes, and solve problems.

Four other activities

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Follow online tutorials

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Explore additional Python resources to supplement the course material and gain a deeper understanding of specific topics.

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Watch YouTube videos on Python concepts, such as 'Python Tutorial for Beginners' by Corey Schafer.
Read articles and blog posts on Python libraries and frameworks, such as 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python' by Ken Jee.

Solve coding exercises

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Practice writing Python code to reinforce concepts covered in the course and improve problem-solving skills.

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Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter in the textbook.
Solve coding problems on websites like LeetCode or HackerRank to challenge yourself and apply your Python skills.

Become a mentor

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Reinforce your understanding by helping others learn Python, either through peer tutoring or online forums.

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Identify opportunities to assist classmates or learners in online communities.
Provide support and guidance on Python concepts, coding practices, and course assignments.

Build a Python project

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Apply your Python knowledge to create a practical project, such as a data visualization tool or a simple game, to enhance your understanding and showcase your skills.

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Identify a problem or need that can be solved using Python.
Design and implement your Python solution.
Test and refine your project to ensure it meets the desired outcomes.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

In the role of a Software Developer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of software applications. This course, Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python), provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for success in this field. Through hands-on exercises and interactive lectures, you will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making. This course provides a strong foundation in programming, which is essential for data analysis. You will learn how to use Python to manipulate and analyze data, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts that are commonly used in data analysis, such as conditional code, loops, and functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

In the role of a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts are essential for building interactive and dynamic web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Programmer

As a Computer Programmer, you will be responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining code for various software applications. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for success in this field. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts are essential for developing efficient and reliable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Scientist

In the role of a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for extracting insights from data to solve complex problems and inform decision-making. This course provides a strong foundation in programming, which is essential for data science. You will learn how to use Python to manipulate and analyze data, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts that are commonly used in data science, such as conditional code, loops, and functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, you will be responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for understanding and implementing security measures. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts are essential for developing and maintaining secure software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business processes and developing solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course provides a strong foundation in programming, which can be helpful in understanding and analyzing complex business systems. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can be applied to developing software solutions or automating tasks to improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

In the role of a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will be responsible for testing and evaluating software applications to ensure they meet the required standards and specifications. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for understanding and testing software applications. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts are essential for developing and executing effective test cases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for creating user manuals, technical documentation, and other written materials to explain complex technical concepts. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding the technical concepts you will be writing about. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

In the role of a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects to achieve specific goals. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding and managing software development projects. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and manage software development processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems to meet the needs of an organization. This course, Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python), provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which is essential for understanding and analyzing computer systems. Through hands-on exercises and interactive lectures, you will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a deep understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

In the role of a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases to ensure data integrity and availability. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding and managing databases. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and manage database systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks to ensure network connectivity and security. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding and managing networks. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and manage network systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Support Specialist

In the role of a Computer Support Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical support to users of computer systems. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding and troubleshooting computer problems. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and resolve computer problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

IT Auditor

As an IT Auditor, you will be responsible for evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems and controls. This course provides a solid foundation in the basics of programming, which can be helpful in understanding and auditing IT systems. You will learn the fundamentals of Python, a widely used programming language, and gain a solid understanding of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional code, functions, and loops. These concepts can help you to better understand and audit IT systems and controls.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python):

5 New Specializations that Teach You Future-Proof Skills

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Your 2025 New Year's Resolution Guide: Master Any Skill with Online Courses

19 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 32 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 for Everybody (Getting Started with Python).

Python for Everybody

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Is the textbook for this course and covers the same material. It provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of Python programming.

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Gentle introduction to python for beginners

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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