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Python Classes and Inheritance

Steve Oney and Paul Resnick

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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What's inside

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.

Inheritance

Unit Testing and Exceptions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Well-received python object-oriented concepts

learners say Python Classes and Inheritance is an approachable overview of object-oriented programming in Python, especially for those with little to no experience with OOP. The course is largely positive and well-received, with interactive assignments and engaging instructors being key highlights. However, learners note the final course project as difficult and frustrating due to vague instructions and a perceived lack of necessary scaffolding.

Learners found the assignments to be helpful in reinforcing the concepts taught in the video lectures.

"Great course! It really complemented what I learnt in the Python for Everybody Specialization and it goes deeper on classes and inheritance."

"The final challenge was really good."

"Amazing! The first four courses of this certificate were fabulous!"

The course is described as interactive, clear, and well-paced.

"This course, being a part of the specialization course, has made my several concepts clear."

"It was much more challenging than the previous courses, which is what I wanted it to be."

"Concepts were well explained and final project was well thought out to reinforce the concepts taught."

Instructors are described as knowledgeable, patient, clear, and engaging.

"The instructors way of teaching is excellent. It helps you understand object oriented programming in a very easy manner."

"The professors way of teaching is excellent."

"Thank you. This course helped me to learn a lot about programming in Python."

Learners encountered some issues with the instructional materials, such as outdated information, typos, and a lack of details.

"Giving 3 due to lack of independent (hands-on) code writing. Course is excellent other than that (IMO) but that's a big no to me."

"Some material in the lessons is a bit outdated and could use some updating."

"The Django was not that useful. Also the course project may have some bugs."

Learners found the final project to be too difficult due to vague instructions and a lack of scaffolding.

"Good course but the videos in week1 should be better sequenced. Its difficult to understand classes in this sequence"

"This was a great course in Classes and Inheritance. I learned lots of things in this course. thanks."

"The concept of Classes and Inheritance are really heavy & difficult to understand ,but the course was good totally."

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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