Python Programming: Object-Oriented Design from edX

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

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

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Refresh your understanding of OOP before the course begins to ensure a solid foundation.

Browse courses on OOP

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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

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Review a classic book on Java to reinforce your understanding of OOP concepts and syntax.

View OCA/OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Certification... on Amazon

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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

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Stay organized and enhance your understanding by compiling and reviewing course notes, lectures, and assignments.

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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

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Follow Python Tutorials on Codecademy

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Supplement your learning with interactive tutorials from Codecademy to reinforce your understanding and practice your skills.

Browse courses on Python

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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

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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

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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

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Sharpen your problem-solving and coding skills by working through coding exercises on LeetCode.

Browse courses on Python

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager