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Learn Python with no prior programming experience

Absolute beginners welcome! Did you know that programming has one of the highest dropout rates of all undergraduate majors? When approached in the wrong way, learning Java can be an incredibly frustrating process. In this guided project, we’ll draw upon 40 years of research into the best ways to introduce new programming concepts in an enjoyable but rapid manner. Many courses with titles like "Python for Beginners" really mean “Python for people who know other programming languages but are beginners at Python." This guided project will include introductory programming activities that have been extensively researched to provide...

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Uses research-proven intro programming concepts

Teaches foundational programming concepts for beginners

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in Java programming

Emphasizes a enjoyable and rapid learning process

Suitable for learners with no prior programming experience

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Reviews summary

Beginner python learning

This course is designed for those with no prior programming knowledge. It introduces fundamental programming concepts through hands-on activities and visual aids. While some students found the content too basic, others appreciated the accessible approach. The course may need improvements in organization and technical execution.

Instructor is knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

"...the instructor does appear to be very knowledgeable and capable..."

May not provide enough depth for all learners.

"...a very superficial look at some elements of programming..."

May experience technical difficulties with software.

"...the window was not large enough to see all the information..."

"...the program kept glitching..."

May be too fast for some beginners.

"...a beginner would struggle at the pace at which the information is given..."

May be too basic for those with some programming knowledge.

"...Very basic..."

"...Too simple..."

"...a guide to programming basics..."

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 Learn Python with no prior programming experience with these activities:

Review Java basics before starting the course

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Ensures a solid foundation, refreshes prior knowledge, and reduces the learning curve.

Browse courses on Java Syntax

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Go through your notes or textbooks from previous Java courses.
Take online quizzes or practice exercises to test your understanding.
Complete any prerequisites or refresher materials provided by the course instructor.

Join a Java study group or online forum

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Fosters collaboration, enables peer support, and promotes active learning.

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Identify or create a study group with other Java learners.
Establish regular meeting times and discuss course topics.
Share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.

Follow Java tutorials online

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Provides structured guidance, offers expert insights, and reinforces key concepts.

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Search for Java tutorials on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning objectives.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the examples.

Five other activities

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Read Head First Java

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Gain a better understanding of Java syntax and concepts and solidifies the foundational principles of this programming language.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters to understand core concepts like variables, data types, and operators.
Work through the exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
Create a simple Java program to practice your skills.

Organize and review course materials regularly

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Improves organization, enhances retention, and facilitates efficient studying.

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Create a system for organizing notes, assignments, and other course materials.
Set aside time for regular review of the organized materials.
Annotate and summarize important concepts and ideas.

Practice Java coding challenges

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Strengthens problem-solving skills, enhance code quality, and prepares for technical interviews.

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Use online resources like HackerRank or LeetCode to find coding challenges of varying difficulty levels.
Choose a challenge and work through it, breaking it down into smaller steps.
Test your solution and debug any errors.

Build a simple Java project

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Provides practical experience, reinforces learning, and encourages creativity.

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Identify a problem or task that you can solve with Java.
Design the architecture of your project and create a plan for implementation.
Write and test the Java code for your project.
Deploy and share your project with others.

Develop a Java programming portfolio

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Demonstrates skills, showcases projects, and provides a tangible representation of learning.

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Collect and select your best Java projects.
Create a portfolio website or online repository to showcase your work.
Write descriptions and document your projects, explaining the problem each project solves and the techniques used.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Python with no prior programming experience will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help organizations make better decisions. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Data Scientist because it introduces the basics of programming and data science. Python is a popular programming language used for data science, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining machine learning models. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Machine Learning Engineer because it introduces the basics of programming and machine learning. Python is a popular programming language used for machine learning, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and data to help organizations improve their performance. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Business Analyst because it introduces the basics of programming and business analysis. Python is a popular programming language used for business analysis, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make better decisions. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Statistician because it introduces the basics of programming and statistics. Python is a popular programming language used for statistics, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Statistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Software Engineer because it is an introductory course to the Python programming language. Python is a popular programming language used in many different software systems. Thus, this course may help a student build a foundation in Python that would be useful for a career as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help organizations make better decisions. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Data Analyst because it introduces the basics of programming and data analysis. Python is a popular programming language used for data analysis, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Web Developer because it introduces the basics of programming and web development. Python is a popular programming language used for web development, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data to help organizations make better decisions. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Financial Analyst because it introduces the basics of programming and financial analysis. Python is a popular programming language used for financial analysis, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and launching new products. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Product Manager because it introduces the basics of programming and product management. Python is a popular programming language used for product management, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Data Engineer because it introduces the basics of programming and data engineering. Python is a popular programming language used for data engineering, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists are responsible for studying the theory and practice of computation. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Computer Scientist because it introduces the basics of programming and computer science. Python is a popular programming language used for computer science, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Computer Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating clear and concise documentation for software and other technical products. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Technical Writer because it introduces the basics of programming and technical writing. Python is a popular programming language used for software development, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for designing and evaluating the user experience of software and other products. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a User Experience Designer because it introduces the basics of programming and user experience design. Python is a popular programming language used for user experience design, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a User Experience Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers are responsible for selling software and other technical products. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Sales Engineer because it introduces the basics of programming and sales engineering. Python is a popular programming language used for software development, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Sales Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists are responsible for providing support to users of software and other technical products. This course may help prepare someone for a career as a Technical Support Specialist because it introduces the basics of programming and technical support. Python is a popular programming language used for software development, and this course provides a foundation in Python that would be useful for a Technical Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Learn Python with no prior programming experience.

Python for Data Analysis

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Comprehensive guide to using Python for data analysis. It is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to use Python to analyze data.

Learn Python with no prior programming experience

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Reviews summary

Beginner python learning

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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