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Python Basics

Selection and Iteration

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

This course is designed for learners with no coding experience, providing a solid foundation of not just python, but core Computer Science topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover printing, operators, iteration (i.e., loops), and selection (i.e., conditionals).

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

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Fundamentals - Writing your first program!

Welcome to Week 1 of the Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course. These assignments cover the concepts of printing, variables, and comments. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Operators

Welcome to Week 2 of the Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course. These assignments cover the concepts of arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /, and %) and boolean operators (and, or, not) to manipulate data stored in variables. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Conditionals

Welcome to Week 3 of the Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course. These assignments cover the concepts of making decisions using conditionals so your script can produce different output based on data. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Loops

Welcome to Week 4 of the Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course. These assignments covers the different types of loops to repeat sections of your program without copying-and-pasting the same lines over-and-over again. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the fundamentals of both Python and Computer Science

Specifically designed for beginners with no coding experience

Provides a strong foundation for transferring knowledge to other languages

Allows for a self-paced learning experience with no videos

Offers instant feedback through various assessment items

Employs runnable code examples with suggested edits for deeper understanding

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Reviews summary

Python basics: selection and iteration

Learners say this Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course is well received and provides a good platform for practicing Python code. The interactive course features engaging assignments and helpful content that is well structured and appropriate for beginners. Reviewers note that the helpful content is well-organized and that the course provides a solid foundation in Python.

The course has a logical flow and the materials are organized in a way that makes it easy to follow.

"Very easy to learn if put hardwork on it."

"Its well structured and Questions Difficulty is also nice"

"Really enjoyed the course! Nice way of teaching."

The course uses a variety of interactive exercises and assignments to keep learners engaged.

"Hands-on, very interactive that will help you get started... and more!"

"A good interactive course that would have been improved with video content or a reading to introduce topics."

"The interactive exercises and assignments are helpful for perfecting the Python basics."

The course provides comprehensive content that covers the basics of Python.

"I learnt a lot from this course."

"Course is easy to learn and good and provides a good platform for practicing of python codes."

"Very educative and helpful to learn at a slow pace, without listening to long 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 Basics: Selection and Iteration with these activities:

Read "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python"

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Build a stronger foundation in Python by reading a book that covers the basics of the language.

View Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book from cover to cover.
Complete the exercises in the book.

Complete tutorials on Python basics

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Reinforce your understanding of Python basics by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Python

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Find tutorials on Python basics.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
Refer to the tutorials when needed.

Solve Python coding challenges

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Test and improve your Python skills by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a website or platform that offers Python coding challenges.
Solve the challenges and review the solutions.
Seek help from online forums or mentors if needed.

Four other activities

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Compile and review your Python learning materials

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Organize and review your Python learning materials to enhance your understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Python

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Gather all your Python notes, assignments, and quizzes.
Review the materials and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Create a summary or cheat sheet of key concepts.

Create a Python project

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Apply your Python skills and deepen your understanding by creating a project.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a project idea.
Plan and design the project.
Implement the project in Python.
Test and debug the project.
Share the project on GitHub or another platform.

Mentor other Python learners

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Share your Python knowledge and improve your understanding by mentoring others.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a platform or community where you can mentor others.
Answer questions and provide guidance to other learners.
Reflect on your mentoring experience.

Contribute to an open-source Python project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the Python community by contributing to an open-source project.

Browse courses on Python

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Find an open-source Python project that interests you.
Review the project's documentation and code.
Identify a feature or improvement you can contribute.
Submit a pull request with your contribution.
Collaborate with the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basics: Selection and Iteration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration provides a strong foundation for aspiring Software Engineers. In Week 2, learners practice manipulating variables using operators and functions, which is essential for writing efficient and maintainable code. Additionally, Week 3's coverage of conditionals will help them understand how to control the flow of software programs, enabling them to write more robust and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration provides a strong foundation for transitioning into this role. In Week 1, learners will gain familiarity with basic programming concepts like printing, variables, and comments. These concepts are essential for writing any software program. Additionally, Week 4's coverage of loops will help them write code that automates repetitive tasks, a skill that is highly valued in the software development industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation, training materials, and other content to explain complex technical concepts. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers who want to specialize in documenting software products. In Week 3, learners practice writing conditionals, which are essential for explaining how software behaves in different scenarios. Additionally, Week 2's coverage of operators will help them understand how data is manipulated in software, enabling them to write more accurate and informative documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers develop, construct, maintain, and optimize data management tools and systems. The Python Basics: Selection and Iteration course may be useful for beginners who have limited programming experience. Week 1 provides a solid foundation of basic programming concepts like printing, variables, and comments. These concepts are essential for writing efficient code that manages large amounts of data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful for aspiring Web Developers as it provides a foundation in basic programming concepts. In Week 2, learners practice manipulating variables using operators and functions, which is essential for writing efficient and maintainable code. Additionally, Week 3's coverage of conditionals will help them understand how to control the flow of web applications, enabling them to create more interactive and engaging experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts provide actionable insights to management by collecting, interpreting, and visualizing data. Especially for those seeking to advance in this career, Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful. In Week 2, learners practice manipulating variables using operators and functions. With Week 3's conditionals, they also learn how to control program flow. This will enable them to write complex scripts for data analysis and reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software products to identify and resolve defects. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful for aspiring QA professionals as it provides a foundation in basic programming concepts. In Week 3, learners practice writing conditionals, which are essential for testing and debugging code. Additionally, Week 2's coverage of operators will help them understand how data is manipulated in software, enabling them to write more effective test cases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Program Manager

Program Managers plan, execute, and monitor the progress of software development projects. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful, particularly for those aspiring to manage projects in data analysis. In Week 4, learners delve into loops, which are essential for automating repetitive tasks. This knowledge will enable them to write efficient code for data processing and visualization, skills that are in high demand for Program Managers in the data-driven tech industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Solutions Architect

Solutions Architects design and implement technology solutions that meet the specific needs of organizations. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful, particularly for architects specializing in data-driven solutions. In Week 4, learners will delve into loops, which are essential for automating repetitive tasks. This knowledge will enable them to design solutions that can process and analyze large amounts of data efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

Database Administrator

Database Administrators plan, implement, and maintain databases, ensuring security, availability, and performance of data storage and retrieval. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful for transitioning into this role as it provides a solid foundation in data manipulation and program control. Through hands-on exercises in Week 2 and 3, learners will gain proficiency in using operators and conditionals to write scripts that maintain and interact with databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems, including software, hardware, and processes. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful as it provides a foundation in basic programming concepts. In Week 1, learners will gain familiarity with printing, variables, and comments, which are essential for understanding how software works. Additionally, Week 2's coverage of operators will help them understand how data is manipulated in systems, enabling them to design more efficient and effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and implement machine learning models to automate complex tasks. While Python Basics: Selection and Iteration is not directly focused on machine learning, it lays the foundation for understanding more advanced concepts. In Week 2, learners practice manipulating variables using operators and functions, which is essential for understanding how machine learning algorithms process data. Additionally, Week 3's conditionals will help them write code that controls the flow of machine learning programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods to extract insights from data. While Python Basics: Selection and Iteration is not directly focused on data science, it lays the foundation for understanding more advanced concepts. In Week 2, learners practice manipulating variables using operators and functions, which is essential for understanding how data is processed and analyzed. Additionally, Week 4's coverage of loops will help them write code that automates repetitive tasks, a skill that is essential for efficient data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Product Manager

Product Managers conceive, develop, and execute plans for software products. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful as it provides a foundation in basic programming concepts. In Week 1, learners will gain familiarity with printing, variables, and comments, which are essential for understanding how software works. Additionally, Week 4's coverage of loops will help them understand how products can be designed to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers create user interfaces and experiences for software products. Python Basics: Selection and Iteration may be useful for UX Designers who want to understand the technical side of product development. In Week 1, learners will gain familiarity with printing, variables, and comments, which are essential for understanding how software works. Additionally, Week 4's coverage of loops will help them understand how products can be designed to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Reading list

We've selected 14 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: Selection and Iteration.

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

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Great companion to this course as it provides a comprehensive introduction to Python programming. It covers all the basics like variables, data types, operators, and control flow, and it does so in a fun and engaging way through hands-on projects.

Python Basics

Selection and Iteration

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Python basics: selection and iteration

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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