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Introduction to Python Functions

Di Wu

How many times have you decided to learn a programming language but got stuck somewhere along the way, grew frustrated, and gave up? This specialization is designed for learners who have little or no programming experience but want to use Python as a tool to play with data.

In the second course, Introduction to Python Functions, you are going to learn and use functions predefined in Python and Python packages, you also are able to define functions as well. You will create and use functions to make your programs reusable and adaptive.

Are you ready? Let's go!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Hello, functions!

Welcome on board! This first module shows the reasons why we need functions and introduces basic function definitions. You are going to recall some functions we have learned before, and you are going to define some simple functions of your own! Are you ready? Let's go!

Functions with Parameters

Now you should be comfortable with simple functions. This module introduces you more about functions with parameters, which are the majority ones you are going to call when you do your data science projects. Are you ready? Let's go!

Functions with Return Values

For data science projects, not only we need to execute some functions, but also we expect some results from the execution so we can use the results for next step. This module introduces you the functions with return values. Are you ready? Let's go!

Functions in Functions

With the knowledge you have learned about simple functions, functions with parameters, and functions with return values, you should be able to learn nested functions. This module introduces you the general idea of nested functions, as well as two specific categories of them: hierarchical functions and recursive functions. Are you ready? Let's go!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on data science using Python, appealing to individuals pursuing this career path

Designed for non-programmers, making it accessible to individuals with no prior programming experience

Introduces core Python concepts such as functions, ensuring a strong foundation for further learning

Taught by Di Wu, whose expertise in data science adds credibility to the course

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Activities

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Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Python Functions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts gather and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will provide you with the foundational skills in Python functions, which are essential for data analysis. You will learn how to define and use functions to make your programs reusable and adaptive, which is crucial for handling large and complex datasets. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will equip you to extract meaningful insights from data and communicate your findings effectively.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for writing efficient and maintainable code. You will learn how to define and use functions to modularize your code and improve its reusability. Furthermore, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to design flexible and adaptable software components.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods and algorithms to extract knowledge and insights from data. This course will provide you with the necessary skills in Python functions to effectively manipulate and analyze data. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for handling large and complex datasets.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of Python functions, which are essential for building dynamic and interactive web applications. You will learn how to define and use functions to handle user input, process data, and generate dynamic content. Furthermore, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will empower you to create modular and reusable code, making your web development process more efficient.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models to solve real-world problems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building and deploying machine learning models. You will learn how to define and use functions to preprocess data, train models, and evaluate their performance. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create flexible and reusable code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining machine learning systems.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and data to identify areas for improvement. This course will provide you with the skills in Python functions to effectively analyze data and communicate your findings. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for handling large and complex datasets.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for statistical data analysis. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for handling large and complex datasets.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building actuarial models. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining actuarial models.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. This course will provide you with the skills in Python functions to effectively analyze financial data. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for handling large and complex datasets.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to improve the efficiency of organizations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building optimization models. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining optimization models.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts assess and manage risks for organizations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building risk assessment models. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining risk assessment models.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and implement data pipelines to manage and process large datasets. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building and maintaining data pipelines. You will learn how to define and use functions to automate data processing tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining data pipelines.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for automating database administration tasks. You will learn how to define and use functions to perform data manipulation and management tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining database administration scripts.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for building and maintaining software systems. You will learn how to define and use functions to modularize your code and improve its reusability. Furthermore, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to design flexible and adaptable software components.

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Software Tester

Software Testers evaluate the quality of software systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Python functions, which are essential for automating software testing tasks. You will learn how to define and use functions to perform test case generation, test execution, and test result analysis, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, the concepts of functions with parameters and return values will enable you to create reusable and modular code, which is crucial for developing and maintaining software testing scripts.

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Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Introduction to Python Functions.

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition