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Python Basics

Interacting with the Internet

Seth Frey

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.

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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!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

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Reviews summary

Gentle python introduction for beginners

According to students, this course is an excellent starting point for absolute beginners who are new to coding and may feel intimidated. Learners found the content clear, concise, and approachable, often highlighting the engaging and fun examples like cat memes and Google Translate for explaining concepts like APIs. The interactive code notebooks are frequently praised for providing hands-on experience without complex setup. A unique and highly valued aspect is the focus on the "psychological part" of learning to code, which helps build confidence. While it provides a solid conceptual foundation, some learners note it primarily involves using prepared code rather than coding from scratch, making it less suitable for those seeking in-depth programming practice or complex applications.

Addresses the human side of coding, reducing intimidation.

"The 'psychological part' lectures were a great touch... made me feel less intimidated by coding."

"Helped me overcome my fear of coding... The explanations are very simple and the examples are relatable."

"The 'psychological' aspects were a unique and very welcome addition. Made me feel confident."

Code notebooks provide hands-on practice without setup hassle.

"Enjoyed this intro... the notebooks were helpful for getting comfortable with Python basics."

"Loved the interactive notebooks; they helped me understand how Python works without needing any complex setup."

"The interactive elements like code notebooks were brilliant for learning by doing."

"The notebooks are excellent for getting your hands dirty without needing to set up an environment."

Concepts are explained simply with engaging, memorable examples.

"The explanations were easy to follow, and the hands-on examples like the cat meme API were fun."

"Instructor explained concepts very well... the practical applications were good to see."

"Brilliant course for non-coders... explains concepts thoroughly without overwhelming."

"The cat meme example was genius for an API intro."

Perfectly suited for those with no prior coding experience.

"Excellent introductory course... made Python very approachable... for beginners who want to dip their toes without being overwhelmed."

"Perfect for absolute beginners... The pace was just right and helped me build confidence."

"As someone completely new to coding, this course was fantastic and really eased me in."

"Highly recommended for non-technical people. The course makes complex ideas accessible."

Focuses on conceptual basics and using prepared code.

"Wish there was more depth in some areas, but I understand it's a 'basics' course."

"Too basic for me, even as a beginner. It felt like watching someone else code more than actually learning."

"Disappointed. The course doesn't teach you to code from scratch. It's mostly running existing code snippets."

"The course lives up to its 'basics' title... Don't expect to build complex apps."

"Waste of time. I expected to learn to program. This is just an intro to Python syntax and using pre-written scripts. Not a programming course."

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.

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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 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

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

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Python Basics: Interacting with the Internet.

Fluent Python

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Great resource for intermediate Python programmers who want to learn how to write more efficient and effective code. It covers a wide range of topics, from data structures and algorithms to object-oriented programming.

Python Basics

Interacting with the Internet

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Gentle python introduction for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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