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Patrick Ester

Code and run your first Python program in minutes without installing anything! ****

This course is designed for learners with limited coding experience, providing a solid foundation of not just Python, but core Computer Science and software development topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover object-oriented programming, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and other object-related topics. Completion of the prior 2 courses in this program is recommended.

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Code and run your first Python program in minutes without installing anything! ****

This course is designed for learners with limited coding experience, providing a solid foundation of not just Python, but core Computer Science and software development topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover object-oriented programming, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and other object-related topics. Completion of the prior 2 courses in this program is recommended.

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable code examples with suggested edits to explore code examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You’ll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to small, approachable coding exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create classes using constructors, attributes, and methods
  • Architect larger programs using object-oriented principles
  • Re-use parts of classes using inheritance
  • Encapsulate relevant information and methods in a class

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Patrick Ester, who are recognized for their work in industry
Explores Python, which is standard in industry and research
Taught by Patrick Ester, who are recognized for their work in academia
Develops object-oriented programming, which is a core skill for software development
Provides self-paced learning experience
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials

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Reviews summary

Hands-on python oop for foundational understanding

Learners say this course provides a solid foundation in Python Object-Oriented Design, particularly excelling with its hands-on coding exercises and instant feedback. Many appreciate the clear and concise explanations of complex topics like inheritance and encapsulation, making it highly effective for those with limited prior coding experience or transitioning from other languages. The self-paced, text-based format is a strength for some, allowing for flexible learning. However, a minority of students find the completely video-free structure challenging, preferring visual instruction. More experienced learners also note that while it provides strong core OOP concepts, it could benefit from more advanced projects or deeper dives into design patterns.
Ideal for learners seeking a strong foundational understanding of OOD in Python.
"This course truly delivers on its promise of a solid foundation without needing prior heavy Python experience, just a general coding background."
"Good course for beginners in OOD. I came in with limited Python knowledge and this course guided me perfectly through object-oriented concepts."
"This course is brilliant for learning Object-Oriented Programming from scratch in Python."
Complex Object-Oriented Programming concepts are clearly and concisely explained.
"The explanations were clear and concise, making complex topics digestible."
"The explanations of encapsulation and inheritance were particularly well-done."
"I found the concepts of polymorphism and method overriding well-explained and easy to grasp."
Course provides highly effective hands-on exercises and instant feedback.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to Object-Oriented Design in Python! The hands-on coding exercises with instant feedback were incredibly helpful..."
"Absolutely loved the hands-on approach. The interactive code editor was a huge plus, and the exercises gradually increase in complexity."
"I really appreciate the runnable code examples and instant feedback on coding exercises. It's a game-changer for practical understanding."
Course serves as an introduction and lacks depth for more advanced learners.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit rushed, and I sometimes wished for more complex challenges or a deeper dive into design patterns beyond the basics."
"My main suggestion would be to add more challenging final projects or case studies to apply all the learned principles in a larger context."
"For more experienced developers, the depth might not be sufficient. It's truly an introductory course to OOP concepts using Python, not an advanced design patterns course."
The video-free format is a significant challenge for some visual learners.
"The completely video-free format was a struggle for me. I learn better visually, and missed the direct instruction and walkthroughs."
"It felt like reading a textbook at times. I occasionally got stuck without a clear path forward, and the feedback wasn't always enough."
"As a complete beginner to programming, even with 'limited coding experience' assumed, I felt a bit overwhelmed at times due to the lack of video lectures."

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: Object-Oriented Design with these activities:
Review OOP Concepts
Refresh your understanding of OOP before the course begins to ensure a solid foundation.
Browse courses on OOP
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on OOP concepts.
  • Go through online tutorials or videos on OOP.
  • Practice writing simple OOP programs.
Review 'Head First, Java, 2nd' by Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates
Review a classic book on Java to reinforce your understanding of OOP concepts and syntax.
Show steps
  • Read the first chapter to get an overview of the book and its approach.
  • Focus on the chapters that cover object-oriented programming concepts, such as classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
Organize and Review Course Materials
Stay organized and enhance your understanding by compiling and reviewing course notes, lectures, and assignments.
Show steps
  • Gather all the materials from the course.
  • Organize them into folders or notebooks.
  • Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
  • Annotate and highlight important concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow Python Tutorials on Codecademy
Supplement your learning with interactive tutorials from Codecademy to reinforce your understanding and practice your skills.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Choose a tutorial that covers the topics you want to learn.
  • Follow the instructions and complete the exercises.
  • Experiment with the code and modify it to enhance your understanding.
  • Review the concepts and practice them regularly.
Join a Python Study Group
Enhance your understanding and motivation by joining a study group where you can discuss concepts, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Find a study group that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.
  • Contribute your knowledge and expertise to the group.
  • Help other members by providing feedback and support.
Practice Coding Exercises on LeetCode
Sharpen your problem-solving and coding skills by working through coding exercises on LeetCode.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Start with easier problems and gradually move on to more challenging ones.
  • Read the problem descriptions carefully and analyze the input/output requirements.
  • Experiment with different approaches and optimize your solutions.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Attend a Python Workshop
Expand your knowledge and connect with other Python enthusiasts by attending a workshop that focuses on OOP concepts and practical applications.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Research and find a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Register for the workshop and make arrangements for travel and accommodation.
  • Attend the workshop, engage actively, and take notes.
  • Apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to your own projects.
Develop a Python Project
Apply your OOP skills by designing and building a Python project, such as a game, data visualization tool, or web application.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas and choose a project that interests you.
  • Plan the project's structure and design.
  • Write the code and test regularly.
  • Document your code and add comments.
  • Share your project on GitHub or other platforms.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Programming: Object-Oriented Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
Software Developers write and maintain the applications, frameworks, and operating systems that power the technological world. Python is an in-demand programming language in this field, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other important software development topics.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use programming languages like Python to analyze data, identify trends, and build models to help businesses make better decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in Python and object-oriented programming, which are essential skills for Data Scientists.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models to solve real-world problems. Python is a popular language for machine learning, and this course helps build a foundation in Python and object-oriented programming, which are essential skills for Machine Learning Engineers.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. Python is a popular language for web development, and this course helps build a strong foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other web development topics.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems, such as computer networks, operating systems, and databases. Python is a popular language for systems engineering, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other systems engineering topics.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. Python is a popular language for programming, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other programming topics.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. Python is a popular language for software engineering, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other software engineering topics.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. Python is a popular language for database administration, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other database administration topics.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists conduct research in computer science, design new algorithms, and develop new software systems. Python is a popular language for computer science research, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other computer science topics.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access. Python is a popular language for information security, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other information security topics.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Python is a popular language for network administration, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other network administration topics.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. Python is a popular language for technical writing, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other technical writing topics.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software and hardware products to ensure that they meet quality standards. Python is a popular language for quality assurance, and this course helps build a solid foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other quality assurance topics.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. Python is becoming increasingly popular for business analysis, and this course helps build a foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other business analysis topics.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. Python is becoming increasingly popular for project management, and this course helps build a foundation in Python, object-oriented programming, and other project management topics.

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 Programming: Object-Oriented Design.
Comprehensive and step-by-step guide to object-oriented programming, from the basics to more advanced concepts. It is well-written and provides many code examples to illustrate important concepts.
Uses a unique and visual approach to teach common design patterns. It great way to learn about the principles of object-oriented programming and how to use them in practice.
Classic in the field of Java programming. It covers best practices and common pitfalls in Java development, and it is especially useful for intermediate and advanced programmers.
Provides practical advice on how to write clean and maintainable code. It great resource for programmers of all levels.
Is the definitive work on design patterns. It covers a wide range of patterns and provides detailed explanations and examples. It must-read for any serious programmer.
Classic introduction to test-driven development. It shows how to write tests that drive the design of your code and how to use them to improve the quality of your software.
Seminal work on domain-driven design. It provides a framework for understanding the complex relationships between business domains and software systems.
Comprehensive introduction to Java programming. It covers the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and design patterns.
Fun and engaging introduction to Java programming. It uses a unique visual approach to teach the basics of the language.
Comprehensive reference for Java programming. It covers all aspects of the language, from the basics to advanced topics such as concurrency and security.

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