Beyond Basic Programming - Intermediate Python from Udemy

So you have taken an initial programming course or have learned the basics on your own. However, when you look at other people's code, or listen to their discussions, you see many concepts that seem alien stuff that you don't understand. So, the question is: how do you go from a beginning level programmer to the expert level? How do you become a guru?

This course answers this question. In it, we will be building on top of your existing basic understanding of the Python language (and programming in general). We will cover concepts that will take you to the next level of programming expertise. These will include language constructs that are typically not covered in a beginner level course. Concepts like generators, decorators, callbacks, higher order functions, context managers and others.

We will also discuss some tools that are not difficult but are essential to the life of a professional programmer. An example of this is logging for tracking down bugs a simple technique that is used in all production level software but is never touched upon in typical programming courses.

We will discuss parallel programming multi-threading and synchronization issues another important concept you must understand to code in a production environment. We discuss these through a case study to explain WHY you need them as well as HOW to use them.

Closely related to this, a highly important concept in today's programming practice is the idea of asynchronous programming more commonly known as asyncio. Python and Javascript two of the most influential languages in today's development are heavily focused on this new paradigm and we will cover this in a very intuitive, easy to understand manner. For all concepts, we take a case study-based approach and motivate why we need the concepts we're seeing and how everything fits together.

Remember: the most important reason you're paying for a course is support. So, please ask questions in the Q&A forum if you ever get stuck. I have a maximum response time of around 15 hours not average, maximum. Please use this to your advantage ask questions and you should be able to breeze through this course and go beyond a basic level of programming to the next level where your code will take less time to write ... will be clean and much easier to maintain.

What will I learn?

Cross-cutting Tools (logging and testing)
Caveats in usage of lists
Intermediate Python concepts such as decorators, generators, context managers
Parallel programming, multithreading, synchronization, locks
Asynchronous programming (asyncio)
Plotting data
Regular Expressions (and how to not have headaches when using them)

About the instructor:

Teacher and researcher by profession
PhD in Security and a PostDoc from Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, Germany
17+ years of working with computers and 15+ years of teaching experience
10+ years of working professionally as a Linux System Administrator/VoIP DevOp including 5+ years of provable track record on UpWork (with 5.0 star rating there)

Target Audience:

Anyone who:

Has a basic understanding of Python but wants to take their skills to the next level
Wants to learn the tools and techniques used by expert professional programmers

What you need to know:

You should have knowledge of basic usage of Python (variables, conditionals, loops, basic list and dictionary usage, basic file handling)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Take your python skill to the next level
Stunning support. i answer questions on the same day.
Learn cross-cutting tools (logging and testing)
Understand caveats in usage of lists
Learn intermediate python concepts such as decorators, generators, context managers

Learn parallel programming, multithreading, synchronization, locks
Use asynchronous programming (asyncio)
Plot data
Modular regular expressions (and how to not have headaches when using them)

Take your python skill to the next level
Stunning support. i answer questions on the same day.
Learn cross-cutting tools (logging and testing)
Understand caveats in usage of lists
Learn intermediate python concepts such as decorators, generators, context managers
Learn parallel programming, multithreading, synchronization, locks
Use asynchronous programming (asyncio)
Plot data
Modular regular expressions (and how to not have headaches when using them)

Syllabus

Introduction

Environment Setup and Jupyter Notebook

Cross-cutting Tools

Logging (and how to debug code in realtime)

Practice Activity: Logging

Testing and Test Driven Development (TDD)

Testing Examples

Practice Activity: Testing

Intermediate Programming Concepts

List Mutability and Deep Copying

Practice Activity: List Mutability

Generators and Memory Efficiency

Generators Case Study

Higher-Order Functions

Callbacks

Practice Activity: Generators

Time Saving Features

Decorators

Decorator Case Study - Memoize

Practice Activity: Decorators

Context Managers

More on Context Managers

Practice Activity: Context Managers

Parallel and Asynchronous Programming

Multithreading - Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Synchronization Issues and Locks

Practice Activity: Multithreading

Practice Activity: Locks

Asynchronous Programming (Asyncio, Async/Await)

Practice Activity: Asynchronous Programming

Functional Programming

Basics of Functional Programming, Map

Filter and Reduce, Rationale for Functional Programming

Practice Activity: Functional Programming

Applications

Plotting Intro

Plotting Case Study

Practice Activity: Plotting

Pattern Matching with Regular Expressions

Modular RegExp (and How Not to Have Headaches with RegExp)

Extracting Matched Strings with RegExp

Practice Activity: Regular Expressions

Extra Resources

Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced Python concepts such as decorators, generators, context managers, and asynchronous programming, which are core skills for professional programmers

Covers intermediate Python features and tools, helping learners enhance their coding skills and efficiency

Emphasizes practical knowledge by incorporating case studies and hands-on activities, allowing learners to apply concepts directly

Provides a comprehensive understanding of cross-cutting tools (logging and testing) and their importance in professional development

Instructed by Dr. Mohammad Nauman, an experienced researcher and teacher, ensuring quality instruction

Suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of Python who seek to advance their programming skills to the expert level

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 Beyond Basic Programming - Intermediate Python with these activities:

Review Python Basics

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Refreshes basic Python concepts to provide a stronger foundation for learning intermediate concepts

Browse courses on Python

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Review variables, data types, and operators
Practice writing simple Python scripts

Organize Course Notes and Materials

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Improves organization and facilitates easy access to course materials

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Review lecture notes, assignments, and other course materials
Create a structured system for organizing these materials
Use digital tools or physical notebooks to maintain the organization

Engage in Python Discussion Groups

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Fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Python
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Work through Python Coding Exercises

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Provides hands-on practice to reinforce understanding of intermediate Python concepts

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Attempt coding exercises from online platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank
Implement the solutions in Python
Debug and refine the code

Study Advanced Python Techniques

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Enhances understanding of complex Python concepts through guided learning

Browse courses on Advanced Python

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Identify specific Python techniques to focus on
Find reputable online tutorials or courses covering these techniques
Follow the tutorials, complete exercises, and implement examples

Read 'Effective Python'

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Provides insights into best practices and code quality in Python

View Effective Python: 90 Specific Ways to Write... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read through the book, making notes and highlighting key concepts

Career center

Learners who complete Beyond Basic Programming - Intermediate Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply their understanding of computer science and software engineering principles in their daily work. It is crucial for Software Engineers to have a grasp of intermediate programming concepts such as decorators, generators, context managers, the caveats of list usage, higher-order functions, and callbacks. By enrolling in this course, you will develop these abilities, alongside tools that are not difficult but essential to the life of a professional programmer such as logging for tracking down bugs and even some exposure to parallel programming, multithreading, and synchronization issues. These concepts will provide you with a foundation to advance your career as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data. They are required to have expertise in handling, preparing, and managing complex datasets. This course covers essential concepts like data plotting and functional programming basics such as map, filter, and reduce. These concepts are highly relevant to the field of Data Science, as they provide a structured approach to working with data. By understanding these techniques, you'll be able to improve your data analysis and visualization skills, which are essential for success as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites and web applications. In today's fast-paced development landscape, web developers need to stay updated with the latest tools and techniques. This course covers concepts like asynchronous programming (asyncio) which is becoming increasingly common in the development of modern web applications. Additionally, you will gain exposure to cross-cutting tools like logging and testing, which are essential to maintain high-quality code and improve productivity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers create and maintain mobile applications for various platforms like iOS and Android. It is essential for Mobile Developers to have a strong foundation in programming and an understanding of mobile-specific technologies. This course offers a deep dive into intermediate Python concepts like decorators, generators, and context managers. These concepts are crucial in mobile development as they offer ways to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code. By mastering these techniques, you can enhance the performance and user experience of your mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams, ensuring smooth delivery, deployment, and maintenance of software applications. They require a comprehensive understanding of software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. This course provides exposure to parallel programming, multithreading, and synchronization issues – concepts that are essential for DevOps Engineers. By understanding how to manage concurrent tasks and handle synchronization, you can contribute to the efficient and reliable operation of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of software applications. They need to be proficient in testing techniques, tools, and methodologies. This course offers training in cross-cutting tools such as logging and testing, which are essential for Quality Assurance Engineers. By learning how to effectively log and test code, you can contribute to the development of high-quality software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and manage computer systems and networks. They require a deep understanding of operating systems, networking, and system administration tools. This course covers topics like logging and context managers, which are crucial for Systems Administrators. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can efficiently manage system logs, track system behavior, and troubleshoot issues, contributing to the smooth operation of IT systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. They need to be proficient in data analysis techniques and tools. This course offers training in data visualization and regular expressions. These concepts are essential for Data Analysts as they help in presenting data in an easily understandable format and extracting valuable information from text data. By mastering these techniques, you can become more effective in communicating data-driven insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They need to have a strong understanding of database systems, data structures, and query optimization. This course covers topics like context managers, which are useful for managing database connections and transactions. By understanding how to use context managers effectively, you can improve the efficiency and reliability of your database operations.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They need to have a clear understanding of technical concepts and the ability to communicate them effectively. This course offers training in writing clear and concise documentation. Additionally, you will gain exposure to tools like logging and testing, which are essential for documenting software systems. By mastering these techniques, you can become more proficient in producing high-quality technical documentation.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for defining, developing, and launching new products or features. They need to have a clear understanding of market trends, customer needs, and product development processes. This course may be helpful for Product Managers as it offers training in understanding intermediate Python concepts and tools. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can contribute to the development of innovative and user-friendly products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze business requirements to help organizations improve their processes and systems. They need to have a strong understanding of business principles, data analysis techniques, and project management. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts as it offers training in data visualization and regular expressions. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can contribute to the effective analysis and communication of business data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They need to have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder management. This course may be helpful for Project Managers as it offers training in understanding cross-cutting tools like logging and testing. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can improve the planning, execution, and delivery of your projects.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance to customers and users. They need to have a strong understanding of technical products and services, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills. This course may be helpful for Technical Support Specialists as it offers training in understanding intermediate Python concepts and tools. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can become more effective in providing technical support and resolving customer issues.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts study the needs of businesses and design and implement computer systems to meet those needs. They need to have a strong understanding of computer hardware, software, and networks, as well as systems analysis and design techniques. This course may be helpful for Computer Systems Analysts as it offers training in understanding intermediate Python concepts and tools. By gaining proficiency in these concepts, you can contribute to the design and implementation of effective computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst