Python Programming Essentials from Coursera

This course will introduce you to the wonderful world of Python programming! We'll learn about the essential elements of programming and how to construct basic Python programs. We will cover expressions, variables, functions, logic, and conditionals, which are foundational concepts in computer programming. We will also teach you how to use Python modules, which enable you to benefit from the vast array of functionality that is already a part of the Python language. These concepts and skills will help you to begin to think like a computer programmer and to understand how to go about writing Python programs.

By the end of the course, you will be able to write short Python programs that are able to accomplish real, practical tasks. This course is the foundation for building expertise in Python programming. As the first course in a specialization, it provides the necessary building blocks for you to succeed at learning to write more complex Python programs.

This course uses Python 3. While many Python programs continue to use Python 2, Python 3 is the future of the Python programming language. This first course will use a Python 3 version of the CodeSkulptor development environment, which is specifically designed to help beginning programmers learn quickly. CodeSkulptor runs within any modern web browser and does not require you to install any software, allowing you to start writing and running small programs immediately. In the later courses in this specialization, we will help you to move to more sophisticated desktop development environments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Python as a Calculator

This module will expose you to Python so that you can run your first simple programs. You will use Python to compute the results of arithmetic expressions, as you would when using a calculator.

Functions

This module will teach you how to define and call functions. Functions allow you to write code once that you can execute repeatedly with different inputs.

Logic and Conditionals

This module will teach you how to use logic and conditionals to change the behavior of the program based upon values within the program.

Python Modules

This module will introduce you to the concept of modules. Python modules allow code to be divided up into different files and reused in different programs. Python provides many modules that you can use within your programs.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops the core fundamentals of programming concepts, syntax, with Python programming

Builds a strong conceptual foundation for writing complex Python programs

Leverages CodeSkulptor as an introduction to coding, allowing for easy accessibility and user-friendliness

Prepares learners for transitioning to more sophisticated desktop Python development environments

Might not provide enough hands-on projects or exercises for practical application

Assumes no prior programming knowledge, but some familiarity with basic computer operations might be beneficial

Reviews summary

Python programming essentials

learners say this course is largely positive for Python beginners. It has engaging assignments that reinforce material and help learners apply key concepts like coding style and debugging. The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and a friendly, knowledgeable team of instructors. However, some learners note that the topics covered are largely basic, the final project can be challenging, and the grading tool is sometimes difficult to use.

Learners find the assignments to be helpful in reinforcing the material and applying key concepts.

"It has engaging assignments that reinforce material and help learners apply key concepts like coding style and debugging."

Overall, learners are largely positive about this course. They appreciate the clear explanations, engaging assignments, and knowledgeable instructors.

"learners say this course is largely positive for Python beginners"

"The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and a friendly, knowledgeable team of instructors"

Some learners have experienced difficulty with the grading tool.

"However, some learners note that ... the grading tool is sometimes difficult to use"

Learners report that the final project can be challenging.

"However, some learners note that ... the final project can be challenging"

Some learners feel that the topics covered are largely basic.

"However, some learners note that the topics covered are largely basic"

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 Python Programming Essentials with these activities:

Brush up on your programming logic

Show steps

A strong foundation in programming logic will make it easier to understand and write Python programs.

Browse courses on Programming Logic

Show steps

Review the basics of programming logic
Try to solve some simple programming logic puzzles

Create a Python coding cheat sheet

Show steps

A coding cheat sheet can be a valuable resource for quickly referencing Python syntax and common functions.

Show steps

Gather Python resources
Organize and summarize

Review basic algebra and trigonometry concepts

Show steps

These mathematical concepts will be essential for a solid foundation in computer programming.

Browse courses on Algebra

Show steps

Review the basics of algebra
Review the basics of trigonometry

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Work through the Python Tutorial

Show steps

This official tutorial will provide a comprehensive overview of the Python language from the very basics to more advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Complete the first few chapters of the Python Tutorial
Try out the examples and exercises provided in the tutorial

Join a Python study group

Show steps

Joining a study group can provide you with support and motivation, and it can help you to learn from others.

Show steps

Find a Python study group
Attend the study group regularly
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Write a blog post about a Python project you've worked on

Show steps

Writing a blog post about your Python project will help you to reflect on what you've learned and to share your knowledge with others.

Show steps

Choose a Python project that you're proud of
Write a blog post about your project, including the problem you were trying to solve, the approach you took, and the results you achieved
Share your blog post with others

Career center

Learners who complete Python Programming Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer writes and tests code that will be used in a variety of software applications. Computer Programmers work on both the front and back end of software, creating interfaces for users and writing the code that makes the software function. Those in this role are responsible for a variety of tasks, from analyzing user needs to designing and implementing algorithms. This course will help build a foundation in Python programming, which has become one of the most popular coding languages used today. As a Computer Programmer, it is essential to have a strong understanding of Python in order to keep up with the latest technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to identify trends and patterns that can be used to make better decisions. Their work plays a vital role in decision making for a wide range of organizations, including businesses, governments, and nonprofits. This course will help you develop a strong understanding of the Python programming language, which is essential for data analysis. Python is used for a variety of data analysis tasks, from data cleaning and preparation to data visualization and modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in software development today. Python is used for a variety of software development tasks, from web development to mobile app development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites. They work on both the front end and back end of websites, creating user interfaces and writing the code that makes the website function. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in web development today. Python is used for a variety of web development tasks, from web scraping to web application development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in data science today. Python is used for a variety of data science tasks, from data analysis to machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in machine learning today. Python is used for a variety of machine learning tasks, from data preprocessing to model training.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses to improve their performance. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Business Analysts to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help businesses to make sound financial decisions. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Financial Analysts to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to help businesses solve problems and make better decisions. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Operations Research Analysts to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Actuaries to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Statisticians to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and develop data pipelines. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is one of the most popular programming languages used in data engineering today. Python is used for a variety of data engineering tasks, from data cleaning and preparation to data warehousing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Database Administrators to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Systems Analysts to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Security Analyst

Security Analysts design and implement security systems. They work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving existing ones. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in Python programming, which is increasingly being used by Security Analysts to automate tasks and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst