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Charles Severance, Stephen Catto, and Sue Blumenberg

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics of programming computers using Python. This course has no prerequisites and avoids all but the simplest maths.

Topics Covered

  • Understanding a program
  • Using variables in programs
  • Conditional execution (if statements)
  • Repeated execution / looping (for statements)
  • Functions and code reuse

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Reviews summary

Accessible python fundamentals

According to students, 'Programming for Everybody' is an exceptionally clear and accessible starting point for learning Python, especially for absolute beginners with no prior coding experience. Learners consistently praise Dr. Chuck's engaging and clear teaching style, noting how he makes complex topics easy to grasp and enjoyable. The course provides a strong fundamental understanding of programming logic through practical exercises and quizzes. While it offers a solid foundation for future learning, some learners with prior experience found the pace to be slow, suggesting it's perfectly tailored for its target audience.
Essential logic and Python basics for next steps.
"I feel I've gained a fundamental understanding of programming logic."
"It covers the very basics... good for a first look, though."
"It's a foundational course, so don't expect to be a pro afterwards, but it's a perfect start."
"This course truly lives up to its name. It teaches you how to think like a programmer using Python."
Hands-on coding solidifies understanding.
"The exercises are perfect for solidifying understanding. I now feel confident to write basic scripts."
"The practical examples were very helpful."
"The lectures are engaging, and the quizzes truly test your understanding without being overly difficult."
"The practical exercises helped me apply what I learned immediately."
Dr. Chuck's unique teaching makes learning enjoyable and simple.
"Dr. Chuck is an amazing instructor, making complex topics like loops and functions so easy to grasp."
"I loved the hands-on approach and the way Dr. Chuck explains concepts."
"Dr. Chuck is a legend! His teaching style makes learning programming enjoyable and not overwhelming."
"Dr. Chuck's passion for teaching shines through."
Highly accessible introduction for novices.
"This course is absolutely fantastic for anyone starting with Python."
"Perfectly named 'Programming for Everybody'! The course truly delivers on its promise of being beginner-friendly."
"As a complete novice, this course was a godsend. The explanations are incredibly clear..."
"This course removed all my fears about learning to code. It's truly for 'everybody'."
Pace suitable for beginners, slow for experienced.
"My only minor critique is that it moves a bit slow if you have any prior coding experience, but for true beginners, it's probably ideal."
"Good course for absolute beginners... Some parts felt a little repetitive."
"While it's good for absolute beginners, I found the pace a bit slow, and it didn't challenge me much."
"It's okay as a very first introduction, but I think it could be more concise. Some explanations felt dragged out."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python). These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

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

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
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Comprehensive guide to the basics of Python programming, covering data types, control flow, functions, object-oriented programming, and debugging.
Comprehensive guide to the Python Standard Library, covering its vast collection of modules and their applications.
Practical guide to testing Python code using the pytest framework, covering unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
Practical guide to using Python for bioinformatics tasks, covering sequence analysis, genome assembly, and data visualization.
Comprehensive guide to using Python for financial analysis and modeling, covering data manipulation, financial calculations, and visualization.
Concise and comprehensive reference to the Python language, covering syntax, built-in functions and objects, and advanced topics.
This seminal work introduces the concept of design patterns, which are reusable solutions to common software design problems. It provides a catalog of proven patterns and explains how to apply them effectively in object-oriented programming. While not directly related to programming fundamentals, it valuable resource for programmers looking to improve their software design skills.
This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamental concepts of algorithms, data structures, and analysis techniques. It provides a deep understanding of how algorithms work and how to design efficient and effective solutions to programming problems. While not specifically focused on programming fundamentals, it is an essential resource for programmers looking to develop a strong foundation in algorithm design and analysis.
This collection of thought-provoking problems and elegant solutions in various programming languages challenges readers to think critically and develop their problem-solving abilities. It covers a range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, and code optimization, making it a valuable resource for experienced programmers looking to hone their skills.
While not specifically focused on programming fundamentals, this book offers invaluable insights into the principles and practices of professional software development. It covers topics such as code maintainability, testing, and project management, making it a valuable resource for aspiring programmers looking to enhance their skills.
This visually appealing and engaging book presents programming fundamentals in Java in a unique and memorable way. It uses a conversational style and numerous illustrations to make learning enjoyable and accessible, particularly for beginners with no prior programming background.
Offers a structured and in-depth approach to programming fundamentals using the C programming language. It covers essential concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and memory management, making it well-suited for both beginners and experienced programmers seeking a deeper understanding of C.

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