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An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1)

John Greiner, Stephen Wong, Scott Rixner, and Joe Warren

This two-part course is designed to help students with very little or no computing background learn the basics of building simple interactive applications. Our language of choice, Python, is an easy-to learn, high-level computer language that is used in many of the computational courses offered on Coursera. To make learning Python easy, we have developed a new browser-based programming environment that makes developing interactive applications in Python simple. These applications will involve windows whose contents are graphical and respond to buttons, the keyboard and the mouse.

In part 1 of this course, we will introduce the basic elements of programming (such as expressions, conditionals, and functions) and then use these elements to create simple interactive applications such as a digital stopwatch. Part 1 of this class will culminate in building a version of the classic arcade game "Pong".

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 0 - Statements, expressions, variables

Understand the structure of this class, explore Python as a calculator

Week 1 - Functions, logic, conditionals

Learn the basic constructs of Python programming, create a program that plays a variant of Rock-Paper-Scissors

Week 2 - Event-driven programming, local/global variables

Learn the basics of event-driven programming, understand difference between local and global variables, create an interactive program that plays a simple guessing game

Week 3 - Canvas, drawing, timers

Create a canvas in Python, learn how to draw on the canvas, create a digital stopwatch

Week 4 - Lists, keyboard input, the basics of modeling motion

Learn the basics of lists in Python, model moving objects in Python, recreate the classic arcade game "Pong"

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic programming elements and their application in interactive applications development

Employs Python, a beginner-friendly language widely used in computational courses

Provides a user-friendly programming environment tailored for interactive Python applications

Leads learners through interactive projects, culminating in the creation of a classic arcade game

Covers essential topics such as event-driven programming, graphical interfaces, and motion modeling

Designed for individuals with no or limited programming background, offering a gentle introduction to the field

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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 An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1) with these activities:

Read 'Python Crash Course'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Python through a beginner-friendly book that covers essential concepts and practical applications.

View Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Review Python basics

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Review the basics of Python syntax, data types, and control flow to build a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Python

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Go through the Python tutorial
Solve some basic Python problems on a platform like LeetCode or HackerRank

Follow a Python course or tutorial

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Enhance your Python skills by following a guided course or tutorial to deepen your understanding and learn new techniques.

Browse courses on Python

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Search for a Python course or tutorial
Review the course or tutorial outline
Go through the course or tutorial materials
Complete the exercises and assignments

Six other activities

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Join a Python study group

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Collaborate with other learners to discuss Python concepts, share knowledge, and solve problems together.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python study group
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in discussions and activities

Practice drawing shapes with Python

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Practice drawing shapes using Python's graphics library to become familiar with the drawing APIs and improve hand-eye coordination.

Browse courses on Python

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Create a new Python project
Import the necessary libraries
Create a window to draw on
Draw some basic shapes using the drawing APIs

Attend a Python workshop

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Engage in hands-on learning and connect with other Python enthusiasts to expand your skills and knowledge.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate actively
Follow up after the workshop

Build a simple interactive game

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Create a simple interactive game to apply your skills in Python and gain experience in game development.

Browse courses on Python

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Come up with a simple game idea
Design the game interface and logic
Implement the game in Python
Test and debug the game

Participate in a Python coding challenge

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Test your Python skills against other learners and gain experience in solving real-world problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python coding challenge
Read and understand the challenge requirements
Develop a solution in Python
Submit your solution

Mentor a beginner Python learner

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Share your Python knowledge and support others in their learning journey to enhance your own understanding and communication skills.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Find a beginner Python learner
Offer your help and guidance
Meet regularly to discuss Python concepts
Provide feedback and support

Career center

Learners who complete An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers use programming to create and maintain websites. This course can help you build a foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language for web development. You will learn how to use Python to build interactive web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use programming to analyze data and extract insights. This course can help you build a foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language for data analysis. You will learn how to use Python to analyze data, create visualizations, and build machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use programming to build and deploy machine learning models. This course can help you build a foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language for machine learning. You will learn how to use Python to analyze data, create visualizations, and build machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use programming to analyze data and extract insights. This course can help you build a foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language for data science. You will learn how to use Python to analyze data, create visualizations, and build machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers use programming to build and manage cloud-based systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to build and manage cloud-based systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers use programming to manage and maintain computer systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to manage and maintain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers use programming to document software and systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to write clear and concise technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Software Architect

Software Architects use programming to design and implement software systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to design and architect software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers use programming to design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create and manage systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers use programming to create and test user interfaces. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create interactive applications using graphical user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers use programming to solve problems and create software applications. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create interactive applications using graphical user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts use programming to test software and ensure that it meets quality standards. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create automated tests.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers analyze user needs and business requirements to design, develop, test, and implement software systems. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create interactive applications using graphical user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators use programming to manage and maintain databases. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to manage and maintain databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Game Developer

Game Developers use programming to create video games. This course can help you build the essential programming skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn the basics of Python programming, including how to create interactive applications using graphical user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1).