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Python Programming

Basic Skills

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.

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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

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

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Know what's good

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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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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: Basic Skills with these activities:

Review basics of arithmetic

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Reviewing the basics of arithmetic will give you a foundation and improve your understanding of data types, operators, and loops.

Browse courses on Arithmetic

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Revisit the operations for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Practice with simple arithmetic problems.

Read Head First Python

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Head First Python provides a fun and easy-to-understand introduction to Python programming.

View Head First Python: A Learner's Guide to the... on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Complete the exercises and activities in the book.

Learn code by building a simple game

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Create a simple game to reinforce your understanding of printing, operators, iteration, selection, and lists.

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Choose a game to build, such as tic-tac-toe or hangman.
Find a guided tutorial on how to build the game in Python.
Follow the tutorial and build the game.
Test the game and fix any bugs.

Five other activities

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Solve coding exercises daily

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Practice coding regularly helps reinforce your understanding of Python syntax, data structures, and algorithms.

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Find a website or app that provides daily coding exercises.
Set aside 15 minutes each day to solve at least one coding exercise.
Review the solutions to understand how the problems are solved.

Attend a Python coding workshop

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Attending a Python coding workshop will give you hands-on experience with coding and help you learn from experienced Python developers.

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Find a Python coding workshop in your area.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.

Build a Python project

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Building a Python project will help you apply your Python skills to a real-world problem and enhance your portfolio.

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Choose a project idea that interests you.
Plan your project, including the features, design, and technology stack.
Implement your project, writing clean and efficient code.
Test your project thoroughly and fix any bugs.
Deploy your project and make it available to users.

Mentor other Python learners

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Mentoring others will help you reinforce your understanding of Python and develop your communication and teaching skills.

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Join an online or in-person community of Python learners.
Offer to help other learners with their Python questions and challenges.
Create tutorials or resources to share your Python knowledge.

Participate in a Python coding competition

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Participating in a Python coding competition will test your skills, help you learn from others, and add to your resume.

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Find a Python coding competition that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Register for the competition.
Practice your Python skills and prepare for the competition.
Compete in the competition and do your best.
Review your performance and learn from the experience.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

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.

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 Programming: Basic Skills.

Think Python

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Free online textbook that teaches Python programming. It covers a wide range of topics, including data types, variables, operators, control flow, and object-oriented programming.

Python Programming

Basic Skills

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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