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Python Programming

Basic Skills

Patrick Ester

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

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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 and software development topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover printing, operators, iteration (i.e., loops), selection (i.e., conditionals), and lists.

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

  • Use variables, data types, and operators to store and manipulate small pieces of data
  • Automate decision making using selection statements so the program result differs based on data
  • Repeat sections of your program using the appropriate loop type
  • Store and manipulate lists of data

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Designed for learners with no coding experience, empowering individuals with a solid foundation in computer science and software development concepts that can be transferred to other languages
Provides a unique hands-on learning experience through runnable code examples, allowing learners to gain a deeper understanding by doing
Teaches core programming principles, such as variables, data types, operators, selection, iteration, and lists, providing a strong foundation for further learning in computer science
Offers instant feedback through various assessments, enabling learners to identify areas for improvement and reinforce their understanding
Provides a structured approach to learning, covering key concepts and topics in a logical sequence, suitable for beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to Python programming
Utilizes a video-free format, which may not be preferred by learners who rely on visual demonstrations and explanations

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Career center

Learners who complete Python Programming: Basic Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts strive to plan, develop, implement, and support computer systems, including programming and software applications. They leverage their foundational knowledge of computer systems and programming languages like Python to solve complex problems across IT systems. Taking this course, Python Programming: Basic Skills, may be a great starting point for those looking to pursue this role by familiarizing themselves with Python programming fundamentals and foundational computer science concepts.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts apply programming skills like Python to collect, clean, and analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends and patterns. This course, with its focus on Python programming and data manipulation techniques, can provide learners with a solid foundation in data analysis principles and methods. By understanding how to store, manipulate, and present data effectively, individuals can increase their competitiveness in this field.
Software Developer
Python Programming: Basic Skills can provide a strong foundation for individuals aspiring to become Software Developers. This course introduces core programming concepts, including data types, operators, control flow, and functions, which are essential for building and maintaining software applications. While the course focuses on Python, these programming fundamentals are transferable to other programming languages, making it a valuable asset for aspiring software developers.
Web Developer
Web Developers utilize programming languages like Python to create and maintain websites and web applications. By gaining proficiency in Python programming through this course, learners can build a solid foundation in web development basics. The course's focus on data manipulation and presentation can be particularly relevant for developing dynamic and interactive web applications.
Data Scientist
Python is widely used in data science for statistical modeling, machine learning, and big data analysis. While this course provides an introduction to Python programming, it can serve as a stepping stone for aspiring Data Scientists, enabling them to gain proficiency in Python and develop foundational skills in data handling and analysis.
Machine Learning Engineer
Python is a popular choice for developing machine learning models. This course can provide Machine Learning Engineers with a foundation in Python programming, enabling them to write and execute Python code for building and deploying machine learning solutions. The course's emphasis on data manipulation and analysis can be particularly useful for preparing data for machine learning algorithms.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts leverage data analysis and presentation skills to help businesses understand their data and make informed decisions. This course can be useful for Business Analysts, providing them with a foundation in Python programming and data handling techniques. By gaining proficiency in Python, they can automate data analysis tasks and generate insights from complex datasets, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Project Manager
Project Managers may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in project management. While not directly related to the core responsibilities of a Project Manager, Python programming can be beneficial for automating tasks, managing data, and communicating with technical teams.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers specializing in software documentation or user manuals may find this course beneficial. By understanding the basics of Python programming, Technical Writers can better comprehend software functionality and technical concepts, enabling them to create more accurate and user-friendly documentation.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in database management. While Python is not commonly used for database administration, programming skills can be beneficial for automating tasks, managing data, and troubleshooting issues.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in network management. While Python is not commonly used for network administration, programming skills can be beneficial for automating tasks, managing data, and troubleshooting issues.
System Administrator
System Administrators may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in system administration. While Python is not commonly used for system administration, programming skills can be beneficial for automating tasks, managing data, and troubleshooting issues.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in cybersecurity. While Python is not commonly used for cybersecurity, programming skills can be beneficial for automating tasks, analyzing data, and developing security tools.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in software testing. While Python is not commonly used for software testing, programming skills can be beneficial for automating tests, analyzing data, and reporting bugs.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers may find this course helpful for gaining a basic understanding of programming concepts and their applications in user experience design. While Python is not commonly used for user experience design, programming skills can be beneficial for prototyping interactive elements, analyzing user data, and improving user interfaces.

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 Programming: Basic Skills.
Comprehensive guide to software engineering. It covers a wide range of topics, including software design, development, and testing.
Comprehensive guide to using Python for machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning.
Classic textbook on algorithms. It covers a wide range of topics, including sorting, searching, and graph algorithms.
Classic work on software engineering. It provides valuable insights into the challenges of software development, and how to overcome them.
Comprehensive guide to using Python for natural language processing. It covers a wide range of topics, including text classification, text clustering, and machine translation.
Collection of anecdotes and stories from the life of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. It fun and inspiring read that will give you a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century.
Is designed for beginners who want to learn Python programming quickly and easily. It covers the basics of Python, including data types, variables, operators, and control flow.
Practical guide to using Python to automate tasks. It covers a wide range of topics, including web scraping, data analysis, and system administration.
Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of the relationship between mathematics, logic, and music. It challenging but rewarding read that will give you a deeper understanding of the nature of computation.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to computer science concepts. It covers a wide range of topics, including data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.

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