Introduction to Python Programming from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 : Course Introduction, Intro to Programming and The Python Language, Variables, Conditionals, Jupyter Notebook, and IDLE

This first module covers an intro to programming and the Python language. We’ll start by downloading and installing the necessary tools to begin programming and writing code in Python. After learning how to print to the console, we’ll get an understanding of Python’s basic data types, and how to do simple math. We’ll follow up by creating our first Python script, and learn how to define and assign variables, while controlling the flow of our program using conditionals. We’ll also learn how to get input from the user, including some very basic error checking. Let’s get started!

Module 2 : Intro to Lists, Loops, and Functions

We’ll start this module with a brief intro to lists, one of Python’s most commonly used data structures. We’ll learn just enough to get us started with loops, which are used to repeat a process or run a block of code multiple times. We’ll get into functions, which are blocks of organized code used to perform a single, related action. We’ll review some of Python’s built-in functions and learn how to design our own user-defined functions to use as building blocks in our own programs. Along the way, we’ll learn best practices for documenting our code for 2 different audiences: The users who are using our code and want to understand it at a high level, and the programmers who are reading it and want to know how it works.

Module 3 : More with Lists, Strings, Tuples, Sets, and PyCharm

In this module, we’re going to start using PyCharm, another IDE for writing and running Python code. It has enhanced features that go way beyond the limited functionality of IDLE, and it’s also an industry standard. After revisiting lists, including more advanced usage of the commonly used sequence, we’ll take a deep dive into two other very important data structures : sets and tuples. We’ll learn how they can be leveraged to both store and manipulate information. And while we already have some experience working with strings, this module will explore the intricacies and more powerful functionality of strings.

Module 4 : Dictionaries and Files

There are multiple ways of loading and storing data in Python. Information can be saved in dictionaries, a data structure that is extremely useful for storing multiple attributes (or data points) about a single thing. Data can also be stored in external files and then loaded into Python. This module will allow us to work with dictionaries in a variety of ways and to interact with the local file system by opening, reading from, and writing to, external files. With these added skills, you’ll begin to get a better sense of the dynamic power of Python and how it can be easily integrated with other systems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core programming concepts like data structures, conditionals, loops, variables, and functions

Introduces hands-on coding exercises using commonly used data structures, writing custom functions, and reading and writing to files

Provides an overview of the various tools available for writing and running Python

Gets students coding quickly

May be more robust than some other introductory python courses, as it delves deeper into certain essential programming topics

Reviews summary

Learn python programming

Learners say this course provides the basics of Python programming, with short engaging video lectures, quizzes, and homework assignments. The course covers core Python concepts such as conditionals, loops, lists, dictionaries, and files. Students remark that this course is 'largely positive' due to its structured content that is well-suited for beginners, but note that the workload can be challenging and the assignments are sometimes difficult to understand. While most reviewers remark on the 'engaging assignments' and 'helpful exercises', there are some concerns about the difficulty of the last assignment and the pace of the course. Overall, students say this course is a 'good start to learn programming' and is particularly helpful for those with some programming experience.

Short video lectures are followed by challenging assignments that reinforce the material and promote active learning.

"I really enjoyed this course, though it says for beginners it's a bit challenging , but in my opinion this is what makes a good course,"

"Some of the logic was written opposit of the acctual logic required"

The course content is well-organized and presented in a logical manner, making it easy for students to follow and learn at their own pace.

"Course is well presented and homework are well structured.... Load is not even, with week 4 having the highest work load"

"Nice and systematic approach. Very well done. 5/5, will recommend that course to people who want to get into programming."

The final assignment in particular is mentioned as being very time-consuming and challenging, with some reviewers expressing frustration.

"The fourth assignment was very not clear."

"Its very okay but the grading system(testing unit) makes the whole thing very frustrating at times."

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 Introduction to Python Programming with these activities:

Review Python syntax and concepts

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Refresh your memory on Python syntax and concepts to ensure a strong foundation before starting the course.

Browse courses on Python Syntax

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous Python courses or tutorials.
Work through online Python exercises or quizzes to test your understanding.

Join a Python study group or discussion forum

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Engage with other Python learners to share knowledge, ask questions, and get feedback on your code.

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Find a Python study group or discussion forum that aligns with your learning goals.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own insights.
Collaborate with other members on projects or learning activities.

Practice writing Python scripts

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Reinforce your understanding of Python syntax and basic programming concepts by writing your own scripts.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Choose a simple problem to solve or a task to automate.
Write a Python script to solve the problem or automate the task.
Test your script and make any necessary adjustments.

Two other activities

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Follow tutorials on Python data structures

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Enhance your understanding of Python data structures by following online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance and examples.

Browse courses on Lists

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Search for tutorials on the specific data structure you want to learn.
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Test your understanding by solving practice problems.

Build a simple Python program

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Apply your Python skills by building a simple program that solves a real-world problem or automates a task.

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Identify a problem or task that you want to solve or automate.
Design and plan the structure of your program.
Write and test the code for your program.
Refactor and improve your program based on testing and feedback.

Career center

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

Web Developer

Web Developers use their programming skills to design and develop websites. This course may be useful to those who want to develop web applications or become full-stack web developers. The course's focus on Python, which is a popular language for web development, can help aspiring web developers build a foundation for success.

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Software Developer

Software Developers use programming to design and develop software applications. This course may be useful to those who want to become Software Developers, as it provides a strong foundation in Python programming. With a strong grasp of Python, Software Developers can build and deploy software applications that meet the needs of users.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers use programming to develop and maintain computer software. This course may be useful to those who want to become Computer Programmers, as it provides a strong foundation in Python programming and software development concepts. With a strong grasp of these topics, Computer Programmers can build and maintain software systems that meet the needs of users.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use programming to develop and implement machine learning models. This course may be useful to those pursuing a career as a Machine Learning Engineer, as it provides a strong foundation in Python programming and machine learning concepts. With a solid grasp of these topics, Machine Learning Engineers can build and deploy machine learning models that can solve complex problems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers use their programming skills to develop and maintain software products. This course may be useful to those pursuing a career as a Software Engineer, as it provides a strong foundation in Python programming. With a strong grasp of Python, Software Engineers can build scalable and efficient software systems.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use programming to collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful to aspiring Business Intelligence Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic, data structures, and data analysis techniques. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Business Intelligence Analysts can more easily collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive business decisions.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers use programming to create visual content for marketing and advertising. This course may be useful to aspiring Graphic Designers because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic and data structures. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Graphic Designers can more easily create visual content that is both visually appealing and effective.

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Web Designer

Web Designers use programming to create the look and feel of websites. This course may be useful to aspiring Web Designers because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic and data structures. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Web Designers can more easily create websites that are both visually appealing and functional.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers use programming to create user-friendly interfaces for websites and apps. This course may be useful to aspiring User Experience Designers because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic and data structures. With a strong grasp of these concepts, User Experience Designers can more easily create user-friendly interfaces that enhance the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use programming to develop and implement mathematical models for financial analysis. This course may be useful to aspiring Quantitative Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic, data structures, and functions. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Quantitative Analysts can more easily develop and implement mathematical models that can be used to make informed investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use programming to develop and implement mathematical models for optimizing business processes. This course may be useful to aspiring Operations Research Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic, data structures, and functions. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Operations Research Analysts can more easily develop and implement mathematical models that can be used to improve efficiency and productivity.

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Statistician

Statisticians use programming to collect, analyze, and interpret data to uncover patterns and trends. This course may be useful to aspiring Statisticians because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic and data structures. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Statisticians can more easily collect, analyze, and interpret data to draw conclusions and make informed decisions.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use programming to develop analytical models that can be used to solve business problems. This course may be useful to aspiring Data Scientists because it provides a solid foundation in programming logic, data structures, and functions. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Data Scientists can more easily develop and implement analytical models that can drive business decisions.

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Actuary

Actuaries use programming to develop and implement mathematical models for risk assessment and financial planning. This course may be useful to those pursuing a career as an Actuary, as it provides a solid foundation in programming logic, data structures, and functions. With a strong grasp of these concepts, Actuaries can more easily develop and implement mathematical models that can be used to assess risk and make informed financial decisions.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their understanding of programming and computer science to uncover actionable insights and trends from data. This course may be useful to those pursuing this field by providing a solid foundation in programming logic and data structures. With this foundation, data analysts can more easily extract data, clean it appropriately, analyze it, and then present findings to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst