Try It: Intro to Python from edX

Python is one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages in the world — largely because of how readable and versatile it is. If you’re interested in learning Python, this free, introductory course will demonstrate how learning to code in Python could benefit your career. No previous programming experience is required.

From analyzing large datasets to building web applications, Python can be used for a variety of projects including:

- Writing scripts for automating tasks

-Web development

-Collecting data from websites (also known as “web scraping”)

-Scientific and numeric computing

-Data analysis

-Data visualization

-Machine learning

Python is also a useful skill applicable to roles across a wide range of industries, including:

-Energy

-Finance

-Healthcare

-Marketing

-IT

-Retail

This course is an introduction to our Boot Camps, which combine data analysis and machine learning to prepare learners for careers such as data analysts, financial analysts, data scientists, and more.

This Try It is offered in support of the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp with the University of Denver. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with the University of Denver unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp or Data Analytics Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objectives

-what python is and where it’s used.
-functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
-how to create and name variables.
-how to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.

-how to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
-how python interacts with a console.
-how to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

-what python is and where it’s used.
-functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
-how to create and name variables.
-how to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.
-how to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
-how python interacts with a console.
-how to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces Python, a popular programming language used in various industries, including energy, finance, healthcare, marketing, IT, and retail

Builds a strong foundation for beginners with no prior programming experience

Covers a wide range of Python applications, from data analysis to machine learning

Provides hands-on experience through simple programs and conditional statements

Serves as an introduction to the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp, and Data Analytics Boot Camp with the University of Denver

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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:

Review Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

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Review the fundamentals of Python programming, including data types, variables, and control flow, by reading a comprehensive introductory book.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first three chapters.
Complete the practice exercises in each chapter.
Summarize the key concepts covered in your own words.

Review basic programming concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in programming concepts to better understand the material in this course.

Browse courses on Programming Concepts

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Read articles or tutorials on basic programming concepts.
Complete coding exercises or practice problems.
Review your notes from previous programming courses.

Follow Python tutorials on Codecademy

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Gain a practical understanding of Python concepts through interactive tutorials and guided practice exercises.

Browse courses on Python

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Create an account on Codecademy.
Enroll in the 'Learn Python 3' course.
Complete the first three modules.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Join a Python study group

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Connect with other Python learners, share knowledge, and work together to solve problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python study group or create your own.
Attend regular study sessions.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Compile a glossary of Python terms

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Enhance your vocabulary and comprehension of Python by creating a comprehensive glossary of key terms.

Browse courses on Python

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Start a document or spreadsheet to record Python terms.
Read Python documentation and tutorials.
Add new terms to your glossary as you encounter them.

Complete Python coding exercises on HackerRank

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Reinforce your understanding of Python syntax and problem-solving skills by completing a series of coding exercises on a reputable platform.

Browse courses on Python

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Create an account on HackerRank.
Select the 'Python' section.
Solve at least 10 easy-level problems.

Write a blog post explaining a Python concept

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Deepen your understanding of a Python concept by explaining it in your own words and sharing it with others.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a Python concept you want to explain.
Research the concept and gather information.
Write a clear and concise blog post explaining the concept.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or Dev.to.

Participate in a Python coding competition

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Test your Python skills and knowledge by participating in a competitive coding event.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a Python coding competition that interests you.
Register for the competition.
Practice solving coding problems.
Participate in the competition and try to solve as many problems as possible.

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their skills in statistics, programming, and machine learning to extract insights from data. They use their findings to help businesses make informed decisions about product development, marketing, and customer service. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Scientist. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to clean and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. They use their skills in mathematics, statistics, and programming to create models that can learn from data and make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Machine Learning Engineer. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to create and train machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their skills in statistics, programming, and data visualization to identify trends and patterns in data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Analyst. You will learn how to use Python to clean and analyze data, and how to create visualizations that communicate your findings effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their skills in mathematics, statistics, and finance to analyze financial data and make recommendations about investments. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Financial Analyst. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to analyze financial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use their skills in programming, mathematics, and engineering to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Software Engineer. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to create simple programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their skills in business, mathematics, and statistics to analyze business data and make recommendations about how to improve business processes. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Business Analyst. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to analyze business data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers use their skills in business, marketing, and technology to develop and manage products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Product Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to analyze product data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use their skills in research, statistics, and marketing to understand the needs of customers and develop marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Market Researcher. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to analyze market research data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They use their skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Web Developer. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to create dynamic and interactive websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Project Manager

Project Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing projects to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Project Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing operations to ensure that operations are efficient and effective. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Operations Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing supply chains to ensure that products are delivered to customers on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Supply Chain Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage supply chains.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing human resources to ensure that employees are productive and motivated. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Human Resources Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage human resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing sales teams to ensure that sales targets are met. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Sales Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage sales teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers use their skills in planning, organizing, and managing marketing campaigns to ensure that marketing goals are met. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn the basics of Python programming, and how to use it to manage marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager