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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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Hands-on python programming through games

According to learners, this course receives largely positive feedback, particularly for its hands-on approach to learning Python programming through building engaging game projects like Blackjack and Asteroids. Students appreciate how the practical assignments help solidify concepts taught in the clear video lectures. The course utilizes the unique browser-based CodeSkulptor environment, which is noted as easy for beginners but also a departure from standard Python setups, prompting some to seek additional practice elsewhere. While it effectively builds on the foundation of Part 1 and provides a solid understanding of core programming and OOP, some learners found the pace, especially in sections like game physics, to be quite challenging, requiring significant dedication.

Requires Part 1 knowledge; pace can be challenging.

"You definitely need to have taken Part 1 and understood it well to keep up with this section."

"Some sections, like game physics and collisions, were quite challenging and required extra effort or background."

"The material progresses quickly, so consistent practice and review are needed."

Simple browser IDE, but non-standard Python.

"The CodeSkulptor environment was easy to get started with for a beginner like me."

"While CodeSkulptor is simple and tailored for the course, I sometimes wished we used a standard Python environment."

"It's a good tool for learning course concepts, but less useful for general Python development outside this class."

Provides strong basic programming skills.

"After completing this course, I feel I have a solid understanding of basic programming concepts and OOP."

"It gave me the confidence to try writing my own simple programs and understand how they work."

"A great next step after Part 1 to build foundational Python skills needed for more complex tasks."

Concepts are taught effectively for beginners.

"Lectures explain complex topics like classes and physics in an understandable way."

"The instructors do a great job breaking down challenging programming ideas clearly."

"I found the video lectures easy to follow and well-paced for my level."

Building games makes learning fun and practical.

"Building the games like Blackjack and Asteroids was incredibly fun and motivating."

"The practical projects helped solidify the concepts learned in lectures; I felt like I was really coding."

"I enjoyed applying Python to create functional games; it made learning interactive and rewarding."

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.

Browse courses on Python

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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.

Browse courses on Python

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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.

View Learn Enough Python to Be Dangerous: Software... on Amazon

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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.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify relevant tutorials
Follow the tutorials
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
Practice and prepare
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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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

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

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

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

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

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Hands-on python programming through games

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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