Try It: Intro to Python from edX

Python is one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages in the world — largely because of how readable and versatile it is. If you’re interested in learning Python, this free, introductory course will demonstrate how learning to code in Python could benefit your career. No previous programming experience is required.

From analyzing large datasets to building web applications, Python can be used for a variety of projects including:- Writing scripts for automating tasks-Web development-Collecting data from websites (also known as “web scraping”)-Scientific and numeric computing-Data analysis-Data visualization-Machine learning

Python is also a useful skill applicable to roles across a wide range of industries, including:-Energy-Finance-Healthcare-Marketing-IT-Retail

This course is an introduction to our Boot Camps, which combine data analysis and machine learning to prepare learners for careers such as data analysts, financial analysts, data scientists, and more.

This Try It is offered in support of the Coding Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp with Washington University in St. Louis. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Washington University in St. Louis unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp or Data Analytics Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objective

-what python is and where it’s used.-functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.-how to create and name variables.-how to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.-how to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.-how python interacts with a console.-how to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for absolute beginners with no prior programming experience

Covers essential programming concepts like functions, variables, and conditional logic

Provides a solid foundation for learners who wish to pursue a career in data analysis or machine learning

Part of a series of boot camps offered by Washington University in St. Louis

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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:

Review Basic Syntax

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Solidify your grasp of syntax to better succeed with the material presented in this course.

Browse courses on Python Syntax

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Read official documentation.
Practice writing simple Python code snippets.
Solve simple coding problems.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python.

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Expand your Python knowledge and explore practical applications by reading this beginner-friendly book.

View Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd... on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Work through the exercises and examples provided in the book.
Apply what you've learned to automate tasks and solve problems.

Python Study Group.

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers, discussing concepts, and working together on problems.

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Find a study partner or group with similar learning goals.
Schedule regular study sessions.
Discuss course material, work on practice problems, and share resources.

Three other activities

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Python Coding Problems

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Improve your coding skills and understanding of Python concepts by working through coding problems.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Choose a reputable online coding platform.
Start with beginner-level problems and gradually increase the difficulty.
Analyze solutions to understand different approaches.

Intermediate Python Tutorials.

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Expand your Python knowledge and skills by following structured tutorials covering intermediate concepts.

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Identify areas you want to improve or learn.
Find reputable tutorials or courses on those topics.
Work through the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Advanced Python Concepts.

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Expand your Python knowledge and skills by following structured tutorials covering advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Advanced Python

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Identify areas you want to improve or learn.
Find reputable tutorials or courses on those topics.
Work through the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for using data to solve business problems. Python is a widely used language in data science, and this course will teach you the basics of Python programming, data analysis, and visualization. By taking this course, you'll gain the skills needed to succeed as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to provide insights that can help businesses make better decisions. Python is a popular choice for data analysis, and this course will teach you the basics of Python programming, data manipulation, and visualization. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that are highly sought-after in the field of data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Python is a versatile language that can be used for a variety of software development projects. This course provides an introduction to Python programming and software development concepts. By taking this course, you'll gain the skills needed to succeed in a career as a Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Python is an in-demand programming language for software development, and this course offers a great introduction to its fundamentals. By learning Python, you'll gain a valuable skill that can help you succeed in a career as a Software Engineer. This course covers topics such as basic syntax, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming, all essential for a successful Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Visualization Engineer

Data Visualization Engineers are responsible for designing and developing data visualizations to help businesses understand and communicate data. Python is a popular language for data visualization, and this course offers an introduction to Python programming and data visualization techniques. By completing this course, you'll gain skills that can help you succeed in a career as a Data Visualization Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models. Python is one of the most popular languages used in machine learning, and this course offers an introduction to Python programming and machine learning concepts. By completing this course, you'll gain a solid foundation in Python and machine learning, which can help you advance your career as a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. Python is widely used for data engineering, and this course offers an introduction to Python programming and data engineering concepts. By completing this course, you'll gain a solid foundation in Python and data engineering, which can help you advance in your career as a Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. Python is a versatile language that can be used for both front-end and back-end development. This course will introduce you to the basics of Python programming and web development. By taking this course, you'll gain valuable skills for a career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. Python is a popular language for quantitative analysis, and this course will teach you the basics of Python programming and quantitative analysis techniques. By completing this course, you'll gain skills that can help you succeed in a career as a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and launching new products. Python is increasingly used for product management tasks, such as data analysis, user research, and prototyping. This course offers an introduction to Python programming and product management concepts. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that can help you succeed in a career as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. Python is a valuable tool for business analysis, and this course will teach you the basics of Python programming and business analysis techniques. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that can help you succeed in a career as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data to make investment recommendations. Python is a useful tool for financial analysis, and this course will teach you the basics of Python programming and financial analysis. By completing this course, you'll gain skills that can help you succeed in a career as a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for designing and evaluating user interfaces. Python is used in some aspects of UX design, such as prototyping and user testing. This course provides an introduction to Python programming and UX design concepts. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that may be helpful in a career as a User Experience Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating documentation for software and other technical products. Python is increasingly used for technical writing tasks, such as generating documentation and creating tutorials. This course provides an introduction to Python programming and technical writing concepts. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that may be useful in a career as a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Support Engineer

Technical Support Engineers are responsible for providing technical support to customers. Python is used in some aspects of technical support, such as troubleshooting and resolving issues. This course provides an introduction to Python programming and technical support concepts. By taking this course, you'll gain skills that may be useful in a career as a Technical Support Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Engineer