Python for the Absolute Beginner from Coursera

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Syllabus

Python - Introduction

The "Python - Introduction" module serves as an orientation to the Python for Beginners course. Participants are introduced to the course content, structure, and objectives. They gain an understanding of what to expect from the course and the skills they will acquire upon completion. This module sets the stage for the rest of the course by providing participants with a clear overview of the learning journey ahead.

Python Basics

The "Python Basics" module provides participants with essential knowledge and skills to get started with Python programming. Participants learn about the Python programming language, including its syntax and basic concepts. Through hands-on labs, participants gain practical experience in using the print function to display output, working with different types of literals, and understanding various operators for performing operations in Python. Additionally, participants learn about variables, comments, input functions, and string methods, enabling them to write basic Python programs efficiently.

Decision Making in Python

The "Decision Making in Python" module focuses on teaching participants how to make decisions in Python programs using comparison operators and conditional statements. Participants learn about various comparison operators and how they can be used to compare values in Python. Through hands-on labs, participants practice using comparison operators to make decisions based on different conditions. The module also covers conditional statements such as if, elif, and else, allowing participants to control the flow of execution in their Python programs based on specific conditions.

Iteration in Python

The " Iteration in Python" module introduces participants to the concept of loops in Python, including both while and for loops. Participants learn how while loops are used to iterate over code blocks based on specific conditions, allowing for repetitive execution. Through hands-on lab exercises, participants practice implementing while loops to gain practical experience.

Exploring Logic and Bit Operations in Python

The "Exploring Logic and Bit Operations in Python" module introduces participants to logic and bitwise operators in Python. Participants learn how logic operators such as AND, OR, and NOT are used to perform logical operations and make decisions in Python programs. Through hands-on lab exercises, participants practice implementing logic operators to evaluate conditions effectively. Additionally, the module covers bitwise operators, which are used to perform bitwise operations on binary numbers. Participants develop proficiency in using bitwise operators through further hands-on lab exercises.

Exploring Python Lists

This module covers the fundamental concept of lists in Python and various operations associated with them. Participants learn about the versatility of lists and how they can be used to store and manipulate data effectively. Through hands-on lab exercises, participants gain practical experience in using list methods to perform common operations. The module also covers iteration techniques for accessing and processing list elements, as well as slicing methods for extracting subsets of elements based on specific criteria. Additionally, participants explore nested lists and learn how to work with 2D and 3D nested list structures through hands-on labs.

Python Functions

The "Python Functions" module introduces participants to the concept of functions in Python and their significance in code organization and reusability. Participants learn how to define and call functions to encapsulate reusable code blocks, promoting modularity and maintainability. Through hands-on lab exercises, participants gain practical experience in working with function arguments, including positional and keyword arguments. Additionally, participants learn about the return statement and its role in returning values from functions, enabling them to write more efficient and structured Python code.

Tuples & Dictionaries

The "Python - Tuples & Dictionaries" module covers two fundamental data structures in Python: tuples and dictionaries. Participants learn about tuples, immutable ordered collections of data, and how to effectively manipulate them. The module also explores dictionaries, key-value pair data structures, and their role in efficient data storage and retrieval. Through hands-on lab exercises, participants acquire practical skills in working with both tuples and dictionaries, enabling them to utilize these data structures effectively in Python programming.

Exceptions

The "Exceptions" module delves into errors and exceptions in Python, essential concepts for handling unexpected situations in code execution. Participants learn about the different types of errors and exceptions that can occur in Python programs, along with their hierarchical structure. Through interactive content, participants are challenged to test their knowledge of errors and exceptions through a quiz. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of how to identify, categorize, and handle errors and exceptions effectively in Python programming.

Python Internals and conclusion

The "Python Internals and Conclusion" module offers participants a deeper understanding of Python's internal mechanisms, shedding light on its interpreter, execution model, and underlying architecture. Participants explore the inner workings of Python, gaining insights into its design principles and core concepts. Additionally, the module provides a conclusion to the course, summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing learning outcomes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces fundamental Python concepts, making it ideal for individuals new to programming

Emphasizes practical application with hands-on labs, fostering a deeper understanding of the concepts

Provides a comprehensive introduction to core programming concepts, from data types to functions

Focuses on logic, data structures, and functions, which are essential building blocks in programming

Offers practice questions after each module, reinforcing understanding and promoting retention

Features engaging visuals and interactive elements, making learning more enjoyable and accessible

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 for the Absolute Beginner with these activities:

Read and analyze the book 'Effective Python: 59 Specific Ways to Write Better Python'

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Understand the fundamentals of Python programming by reading this book.

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.
Implement the techniques described in the book in your own Python code.
Discuss the book with other Python developers in online forums or meetups.

Follow online tutorials on Python programming concepts

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Expand your Python knowledge by following online tutorials.

Browse courses on Python

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Search for online tutorials on Python programming concepts.
Select a tutorial that covers a topic you want to learn.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Complete the exercises and quizzes included in the tutorial.

Join a study group or online forum for Python programmers

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Connect with other Python programmers and learn from them.

Browse courses on Python

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Search for online forums or study groups dedicated to Python programming.
Join a group that matches your interests and skill level.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Share your knowledge and help others.

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Solve Python coding challenges on websites like HackerRank and LeetCode

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Develop your Python programming skills by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a coding challenge website and create an account.
Select a challenge that matches your skill level.
Solve the challenge and submit your solution.
Review the solutions of other users to learn alternative approaches.

Contribute to an open-source Python project

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Gain experience with Python by contributing to open-source projects.

Browse courses on Python

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Find an open-source Python project that interests you.
Read the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify an area where you can make a contribution.
Submit a pull request with your contribution.

Write a blog post or article on a Python programming topic

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Deepen your understanding of Python by writing about it.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a Python programming topic that you are familiar with.
Research the topic and gather information from reliable sources.
Write a blog post or article that explains the topic clearly and concisely.
Publish your blog post or article on a platform like Medium or your own website.

Build a Python project that solves a real-world problem

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Apply your Python skills to solve a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a real-world problem that you can solve with Python.
Design and develop a Python solution.
Test and refine your solution.
Deploy your solution and make it available to others.

Career center

Learners who complete Python for the Absolute Beginner will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Python for the Absolute Beginner

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