Python Basics: Interacting with the Internet from Coursera

If you do not yet code and want to learn, this course is a great place to start. It will teach you how to use existing Python code to interact with data on the Internet in fun new ways. Instruction focuses on the conceptual basics of the programming language as it relates to working with online data. You'll be introduced to Python arithmetic operators, variables, values, and modules. At a higher level, you'll experience what an API is and how it works by playing with cat memes.

Separate from the technical part of coding, there's the psychological part. Topic lectures will address the human side of code, and make you feel more prepared to see yourself as someone who uses code. You won’t code from scratch yourself, but will use prepared code to accomplish tasks and see how it works. Additional code demonstrations are available in the honors module of the course to provide broad exposure to Python interactions with internet data.

What's inside

Syllabus

Pictures of Kittens in Python

In this module, you'll learn why it's worth learning to code. One reason is that you can do interesting stuff, like detect kittens in photographs. We'll learn what an API is by dealing in the basic currency of the social Internet: cat memes. Let's get started!

Code Notebooks

In this module, we will go over an elementary coding concepts and our basic platform. This lesson will be run in "code notebooks," a sort of interactive textbook that lets you read, run, and change working code examples. We will also look at the psychological part of learning code. Topic lectures will address the human side of code, and make you feel more prepared to see yourself as someone who codes.

Python as a Calculator

In this module, we will get our first proper lesson in the programming language Python, the beginning of bridging between the basics of a programming language and interacting with the Internet in fun new ways. You'll experience the quirks and details of working with numbers in Python, by using it like a calculator; also using variables, like in a graphing calculator. All toward a simple demo in which we convert bike wheels between standard and metric measures.

Course Summary & Honors: Interactive Demo

The main reason to take this course are the demos. In the honor's section demo you will use Python to treat Google Translate like a toy, learning how to say one phrase in over 100 languages, and also taking simple phrases and watching them change by translating them back and forth.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides accessible entry point for non-programmers interested in Python's use in web data interaction

Adopts a codling-through-demonstration approach, making it beginner-friendly and less intimidating to non-coders

Course materials are delivered primarily through interactive code notebooks, making it practical and engaging

Focuses on the human aspect of coding, addressing psychological barriers and fostering a sense of empowerment

May not provide sufficient depth and hands-on practice for those seeking to develop strong coding skills

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 Basics: Interacting with the Internet with these activities:

Practice using a code editor

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Become comfortable with using a code editor or IDE to write and run Python code.

Browse courses on Code Editor

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Install a code editor or IDE on your computer.
Create a new Python file and write a simple program.
Run the program and observe the output.

Review basic math concepts

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Python uses mathematical operations extensively. Brush up on your basic math skills to enhance your understanding of Python code.

Browse courses on Algebra

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Take an online math refresher course.
Review your high school math notes.
Practice solving math problems.

Learn the basics of Python

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Practice the fundamentals of Python coding by following along with tutorials to build a stronger foundation.

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Enroll in an online tutorial course or find resources on YouTube.
Set aside 30 minutes each day to work on Python exercises.
Start with simple exercises and gradually increase the difficulty.

One other activity

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Join a Python study group

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Connect with other Python learners to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and work on projects together.

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Find a Python study group online or in your local area.
Attend regular meetings and participate in discussions.
Collaborate on projects with other group members.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basics: Interacting with the Internet will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts typically work with a team of other professionals, including computer programmers, database administrators, and statisticians, to analyze data and disseminate their findings. This course may be particularly useful for Data Analysts as it builds a foundation for interacting with data in new and creative ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain websites. This course may be particularly useful for Web Developers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain software. This course may be particularly useful for Software Developers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of databases. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain databases. This course may be particularly useful for Database Administrators as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be particularly useful for Information Security Analysts as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer systems. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain systems. This course may be particularly useful for Computer Systems Analysts as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer networks. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain networks. This course may be particularly useful for Network Administrators as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer programs. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain programs. This course may be particularly useful for Computer Programmers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of data science models. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain models. This course may be particularly useful for Data Scientists as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of machine learning models. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain models. This course may be particularly useful for Machine Learning Engineers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of data pipelines. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain pipelines. This course may be particularly useful for Data Engineers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of artificial intelligence models. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain models. This course may be particularly useful for Artificial Intelligence Engineers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients on the use of IT. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain solutions. This course may be particularly useful for IT Consultants as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of IT projects. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain projects. This course may be particularly useful for IT Project Managers as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for the examination and evaluation of IT systems and controls. They work with clients to gather requirements, create prototypes, and develop and maintain audits. This course may be particularly useful for IT Auditors as it helps build a foundation for interacting with data on the Internet.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor