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An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2)

Joe Warren, Scott Rixner, John Greiner, and Stephen Wong

This two-part course is designed to help students with very little or no computing background learn the basics of building simple interactive applications. Our language of choice, Python, is an easy-to learn, high-level computer language that is used in many of the computational courses offered on Coursera. To make learning Python easy, we have developed a new browser-based programming environment that makes developing interactive applications in Python simple. These applications will involve windows whose contents are graphical and respond to buttons, the keyboard and the mouse.

In part 2 of this course, we will introduce more elements of programming (such as list, dictionaries, and loops) and then use these elements to create games such as Blackjack. Part 1 of this class will culminate in building a version of the classic arcade game "Asteroids". Upon completing this course, you will be able to write small, but interesting Python programs. The next course in the specialization will begin to introduce a more principled approach to writing programs and solving computational problems that will allow you to write larger and more complex programs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 5 - Mouse input, list methods, dictionaries

Read mouse input, learn about list methods and dictionaries, draw images

Week 6 - Classes and object-oriented programming

Learn the basics of object-oriented programming in Python using classes, work with tiled images

Week 7 - Basic game physics, sprites

Understand the math of acceleration and friction, work with sprites, add sound to your game

Week 8 - Sets and animation

Learn about sets in Python, compute collisions between sprites, animate sprites

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for beginners with little to no coding experience, easing them into programming concepts

Employs a user-friendly, browser-based programming environment, simplifying interactive application development

Provides hands-on practice building interactive Python applications, including a version of the classic arcade game "Asteroids"

Introduces fundamental programming concepts, such as lists, dictionaries, and loops, gradually building understanding

Covers basic game physics, sprites, and sound integration, empowering learners to create interactive games

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Reviews summary

Interactive python for beginners

According to students, An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2) is a fun and challenging course designed to introduce learners to the basics of Python. Learners say this course is well structured and offers engaging assignments and mini-projects like building simple games that cement the concepts learned in each lesson. The instructors are praised for their passion, teaching style, and dedication to students' success. With a fitting follow-up to part one, this course is highly recommended for both beginners and experienced programmers looking to strengthen their programming logic and Python skills.

The course combines interactive exercises, projects, and games to make learning Python fun and enjoyable.

"It's not easy but it is rewarding !!! By following this course one goes a long way into Python and in programming in general."

"Fun learning at its best."

"I spent 2 months learning some basic python on my own before taking this course. This course is fantastic! The course materials are easy to understand."

The quizzes and assignments effectively test understanding of the material.

"The quizzes are challenging and really ensure that you understand the material in order to move on."

"The programming assignments are challenging but rewarding."

"I really enjoyed this course. I had taken the U. of Michigan Programming for Everybody (Python) class before this two-part course and I think together they provide a strong foundation."

The course provides a solid foundation for programming in Python, even for beginners with no prior programming experience.

"This is the perfect course for someone to get their start in programming."

"I took the first part of the course with no previous programming experience, and after finishing both courses I feel I have gained a foundation from where to develop myself."

"You can go from knowing nothing about Python to building some simple, fun games (in guided steps)."

The mini-projects allow learners to apply new concepts in a practical and rewarding way.

"The mini-projects are throroughly enjoyable to complete."

"The exercises gradually build up in difficulty while allowing students to apply new concepts in a natural and gentle pace."

"Courses are graded in these Rice courses by you grading five of your peers' mini-projects and then you grade your own - might seem odd at first, but it works OK."

The instructors are highly regarded for their passion, clear teaching style, and dedication to student success.

"Scott and Joe were great."

"The absolute goal of the instructors was to help students to learn! every question on the quiz was aiming at helping with mini-projects!"

"The teachers make an awesome job (thanks Scott and Joe!) at delivering sometimes convoluted concepts in a fun and easy-to-understand fashion."

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 An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2) with these activities:

Compile your course materials

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Compile your course materials to stay organized and have everything you need in one place.

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Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Organize your materials
Create a study plan

Review Python basics

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Review Python basics to refresh your memory and prepare for the course.

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Review your notes from previous courses
Take practice quizzes
Complete online tutorials

Read 'Learn Python in 10 Minutes'

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Review the book 'Learn Python in 10 Minutes' to solidify your understanding of Python basics and prepare for the course.

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Read the book
Take notes on key concepts
Complete the exercises

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Follow Python tutorials

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Follow Python tutorials to supplement your learning and explore specific topics in more detail.

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Identify relevant tutorials
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Complete the exercises

Practice writing Python code

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Practice writing Python code to reinforce the concepts learned in class and improve your coding skills.

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Debug your code
Set up a Python development environment
Write simple Python programs

Create a Python presentation

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Create a Python presentation to demonstrate your understanding of a specific topic and improve your communication skills.

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Choose a topic
Research and gather information
Create the presentation
Practice and rehearse
Deliver the presentation

Create a Python project

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Create a Python project to apply your skills and demonstrate your understanding of the course material.

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Identify a project idea
Design and plan your project
Implement your project
Test and debug your project
Document your project

Participate in Python coding competitions

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Participate in Python coding competitions to test your skills against others and further your knowledge.

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Identify coding competitions
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Participate in the competition

Career center

Learners who complete An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. Python is a popular language for data science due to its extensive libraries and ease of use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights for decision-making. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful to build a foundation in Python. The course introduces students to list methods, dictionaries, and set data structures, commonly used to organize and manipulate data for analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design the hardware, software, and networks used by an organization. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in Python, a programming language commonly used for scripting and automating tasks in systems analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in the basics of developing interactive web applications in Python.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Game Designer

Game Designers conceptualize, develop, and test a game's concept, rules, and content. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in Python, a programming language often used in game development. Students will familiarize themselves with object-oriented programming and work with graphic images, which are core aspects of game design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems. To become a Software Developer, a course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. The skills you will learn, such as object-oriented programming, are especially relevant to this field.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study an organization's current business processes to define and implement new and improved systems. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in Python, a language becoming more popular in systems analysis due to its simplicity and versatility.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming fundamentals. The course covers topics like classes, objects, methods, and data structures, essential for Computer Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software products to identify and report bugs and defects. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming fundamentals. The course covers topics like object-oriented programming and data structures, commonly used in software testing.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the performance, reliability, and security of an organization's databases. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. Python is a popular language for working with databases due to its simplicity and versatility.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documentation to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. The course provides hands-on experience with Python, which is valuable for understanding the subject matter being documented.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. The course covers object-oriented programming, dictionaries, and sets, which are commonly used to work with and secure data.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers research, design, and evaluate the user experience of products and services. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. Python is commonly used to create prototypes and simulations for user experience design.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze and evaluate an organization's business processes to identify areas for improvement. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. Python is commonly used for data analysis, a valuable skill for Business Analysts to understand business data and trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and launch of products. A course called *An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python Part 2* may be useful for building a foundation in programming. Python is commonly used for data analysis, a skill becoming increasingly valuable for Product Managers.

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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 An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2).

Python Programming

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python and computer science principles, serving as a valuable foundation for the course's focus on interactive programming and game development.

An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2)

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Interactive python for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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