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Python Classes and Inheritance

This course introduces classes, instances, and inheritance. You will learn how to use classes to represent data in concise and natural ways. You'll also learn how to override built-in methods and how to create "inherited" classes that reuse functionality. You'll also learn about how to design classes. Finally, you will be introduced to the good programming habit of writing automated tests for their own code.

The course is best-suited for you if you are already familiar with Python fundamentals, which are covered in the "Python Basics" and "Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries" courses (courses 1 and 2 of the Python 3 Programming Specialization). It is optional to have taken the "Data Collection and Processing with Python" course (course 3 of the specialization), but knowledge of retrieving and processing complex nested data is helpful.

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

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Syllabus

Classes

In this module, lectures and activities from the Runestone textbook will cover more complex data structures. By the end of this week, you will have learned how to process json formatted data, traverse nested data using nested iteration, and extract values from nested data.

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Introduces key programming concepts like class organization, inheritance, and unit testing

Enhances Python skills and knowledge, making it suitable for learners with prior Python experience

Suitable for those seeking to develop their programming skills and prepare for advanced Python courses

Part of a comprehensive Python specialization, offering a structured learning path

Instructors Paul Resnick and Steve Oney bring expertise and credibility to the course

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Reviews summary

Python classes and inheritance deep dive

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to Python classes, inheritance, and unit testing, building effectively on prior knowledge. Students particularly praise the hands-on labs and coding exercises, finding them crucial for practical understanding and applying concepts. While the explanation of core class concepts is often described as clear and foundational, some learners note that topics like inheritance and Method Resolution Order (MRO) can be challenging and occasionally require additional external resources. The unit testing module is highlighted as a practical and valuable addition. Be aware that the course assumes familiarity with Python fundamentals from the specialization's earlier courses.

Requires solid Python fundamentals beforehand.

"This course definitely builds on the first few courses; not for absolute beginners."

"Make sure you are comfortable with dictionaries, functions, and file handling before starting."

"Assumes a level of prior Python comfort that might be challenging for some learners."

Explanations are mostly clear but some topics are challenging.

"I found the explanations for creating basic classes very clear and easy to follow."

"Inheritance and MRO concepts were a bit difficult for me, I had to rewatch lectures."

"Needed external resources to fully grasp some of the more complex examples presented."

Unit testing module is useful and practical.

"The section on unit testing was a great addition and very relevant for writing robust code."

"Learning how to write automated tests for my code was incredibly useful."

"Unit testing module provided practical skills I could immediately use."

Concepts are crucial for better code structure.

"Understanding classes and inheritance is fundamental for writing cleaner, more organized Python."

"The concepts taught here are building blocks for larger programming projects."

"This course helped me see how to structure my code more effectively using OOP principles."

Hands-on coding exercises are effective for learning.

"The labs and assignments were the best part; they really forced me to apply what was taught."

"I loved the practical coding exercises; they were challenging but helped solidify the concepts."

"Hands-on activities are super helpful for practicing classes and inheritance."

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 Classes and Inheritance with these activities:

Review basic Python syntax

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It's helpful to refresh your knowledge of basic Python syntax before starting this course.

Browse courses on Python

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Read through the Python tutorial.
Try some of the exercises in the tutorial.

Follow the PyCharm tutorial

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The PyCharm tutorial provides an interactive way to learn the basics of PyCharm, which is the recommended IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for this course.

Browse courses on PyCharm

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Go to the PyCharm website.
Click on the "Tutorials" link.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.

Review Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

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Supplement your knowledge of Python by reading Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition. It contains information on the Python basics and fundamentals covered in the first two courses of this Specialization.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the first three chapters.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

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Join a Python study group

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Joining a Python study group is a great way to meet other Python learners and get help with your studies.

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Find a Python study group in your area.
Attend the meetings of the study group.
Participate in the discussions of the study group.

Practice writing Python code

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Writing Python code is the best way to practice and improve your skills. Try to write Python code for at least 30 minutes each day.

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Choose a problem to solve.
Write Python code to solve the problem.
Test your code to make sure it works.

Participate in a Python coding competition

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Participating in a Python coding competition is a great way to test your skills and knowledge. It can also be a lot of fun!

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python coding competition that you are interested in.
Register for the competition.
Practice for the competition.
Compete in the competition.

Create a Python resource list

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Creating a Python resource list is a great way to organize and share your favorite Python resources.

Browse courses on Python

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Gather your favorite Python resources.
Create a document or website to store your resources.
Organize your resources into categories.
Share your resource list with others.

Create a Python project

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Creating a Python project is a great way to apply your skills and knowledge. Choose a project that you are interested in and that will challenge you.

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Define the scope of your project.
Design the architecture of your project.
Write the code for your project.
Test your project to make sure it works.
Deploy your project to a hosting service.

Career center

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

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer designs, develops, and tests software and applications. With further development of modern technology, there is a large demand for skilled programmers to fulfill the needs of complex and sophisticated software. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides the fundamental programming concepts and practices that are foundational to Computer Programmers. Object-oriented programming is central to modern software development, and this course will introduce you to the core concepts and syntax of classes, objects, and inheritance, which will aid you as a Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course introduces core concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, and unit testing, which are fundamental to modern software development. By learning how to use classes and objects, you will be able to create and manage complex software systems. Inheritance will help you reuse code and create maintainable software. Unit testing will help you build reliable and robust software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Architect

A Software Architect designs and develops software systems. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a comprehensive overview of object-oriented programming concepts, which are essential for Software Architects. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to design and implement complex software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, develops, and maintains big data systems. They are responsible for collecting, storing, and processing large amounts of data. The Python Classes and Inheritance introduces classes, instances, and inheritance, which are foundational concepts for Data Engineers working with big data sets. This course will help you understand how to organize and structure data, as well as how to inherit and reuse code, which are essential skills for Data Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer designs, develops, and maintains artificial intelligence systems. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a solid foundation in object-oriented programming, which is essential for Artificial Intelligence Engineers to understand the design and implementation of AI systems. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better develop and maintain AI systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a solid foundation in data structures and algorithms, which are essential for Data Scientists to organize and process large amounts of data. By learning how to use classes and objects, you will be able to create efficient and maintainable data analysis programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to extract meaningful insights. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a solid foundation in data structures and algorithms, which are essential for Data Analysts to organize and process large amounts of data. By learning how to use classes and objects, you will be able to create efficient and maintainable data analysis programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. This course introduces core concepts such as classes, objects, and inheritance, which are essential for understanding the structure and organization of web applications. By learning how to use classes and objects, you will be able to create and manage complex web applications. Inheritance will help you reuse code and create maintainable web applications.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases. They are responsible for ensuring that data is stored, organized, and accessed efficiently. The Python Classes and Inheritance course introduces concepts such as classes, instances, and inheritance, which are essential for understanding the structure and organization of databases. Understanding object-oriented programming will help you create, maintain, and optimize databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and maintains machine learning systems. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a good overview of object-oriented programming concepts, which are becoming increasingly important in machine learning. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better develop and maintain machine learning systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst studies an organization's computer systems and procedures, and develops plans to improve efficiency. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance can provide a solid foundation in object-oriented programming, which is essential for Computer Systems Analysts to understand the design and implementation of complex computer systems. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better analyze and improve computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a solid foundation in data structures and algorithms, which are essential for Computer Network Architects to understand the design and implementation of complex computer networks. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better design and maintain computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Software Quality Assurance Analyst

A Software Quality Assurance Analyst tests and evaluates software products to ensure they meet quality standards. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a good overview of object-oriented programming concepts, which are becoming increasingly important in software quality assurance. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better test and evaluate software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates user manuals, technical documentation, and other written materials to explain complex technical concepts. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance can provide a strong foundation in object-oriented programming, which is becoming increasingly important in technical writing. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better understand and explain complex technical concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Information Technology Project Manager

An Information Technology Project Manager plans, executes, and closes IT projects. This course on Python Classes and Inheritance provides a good overview of object-oriented programming concepts, which are becoming increasingly important in IT project management. By understanding the principles of classes, objects, and inheritance, you will be able to better manage IT projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Classes and Inheritance.

The Art of Unit Testing, Third Edition

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Introduces unit testing concepts and techniques. It is particularly useful for learners interested in writing high-quality unit tests.

Python Classes and Inheritance

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Python classes and inheritance deep dive

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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