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Python

The Big Picture

Jason Olson

This course will teach you what Python is, where it's being used, how to get started using Python, and understanding when it's a good choice for problems you are tasked with solving.

At the heart of creating software is being able to use the right tool for the right job. In this course, Python: The Big Picture, you'll learn about the Python programming language. First, you'll learn what Python is, what makes it different, and why you should care. Next, you'll explore the different ways Python is being used to develop different types of applications today. Finally, you'll discover how to get started working with Python code and what next steps you can take in your Python journey. When you're finished with this course, you'll have a foundational knowledge of Python that will help you as you move forward to recognizing when Python is the right tool for any future jobs you are faced with as a software developer.

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Python

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

What Is Python?

When and Where Is Python Being Used?

First Steps with Python

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Python, which is standard in industry and academia

Develops a foundational knowledge of Python, which will help you recognize when Python is the right tool for your projects as a software developer

Taught by Jason Olson, who is recognized for their work with Python

Begins by covering the basics of Python, such as what it is, what makes it different, and why you should care about it

Examines the many ways Python is being used to develop different types of applications today

Guides you through getting started working with Python code

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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: The Big Picture with these activities:

Review programming fundamentals

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Strengthen your programming skills by reviewing basic concepts and terminologies before starting the course.

Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals

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Go through notes or online resources on programming fundamentals.
Practice writing simple code snippets to reinforce your understanding.

Read 'Head First Python' by Paul Barry

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Gain a comprehensive overview of Python programming concepts and best practices through this recommended text.

View Head First Python on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Head First Python'.
Read through the chapters, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book.

Follow tutorial series on Python programming

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Enhance your understanding of Python concepts by following structured tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance.

Browse courses on Python

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Find reputable tutorial series on Python programming.
Follow the tutorials in sequence, completing the exercises and examples.
Refer to the course materials to supplement your learning from the tutorials.

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Organize and review course materials

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Enhance your understanding by organizing and reviewing the materials provided in the course, including lectures, notes, and assignments.

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Gather and organize all the course materials in one place.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce concepts and identify areas for further study.

Complete Python coding exercises

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Build your skills and confidence by working through practice coding exercises on topics covered in the course.

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Identify coding exercises from online resources or the course materials.
Attempt to solve the exercises on your own.
Review solutions or seek help from peers or instructors if needed.

Seek guidance from Python experts

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Accelerate your learning by connecting with experienced Python programmers who can provide guidance and support.

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Identify potential mentors through online forums, LinkedIn, or professional networks.
Reach out to mentors and request guidance on specific areas of Python programming.
Schedule regular meetings or communication to discuss progress and challenges.

Develop a simple Python project

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Apply your Python skills by undertaking a project that challenges you to implement concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a small-scale project idea that aligns with your learning goals.
Plan the project, including its scope, features, and timeline.
Write and test the Python code for your project.
Deploy or showcase your completed project.

Contribute to Python open-source projects

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Deepen your understanding of Python by contributing to real-world projects and collaborating with other developers.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify open-source Python projects that align with your interests and skill level.
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
Suggest improvements or create new features, following the project's contribution guidelines.
Submit pull requests for your contributions and collaborate with other developers to improve the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Python: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Python, making it an excellent starting point for aspiring Software Developers. Python is widely used in software development, and by understanding its capabilities and applications, you can lay the groundwork for a successful career as a Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers create and maintain websites and web applications. This course can provide a strong foundation in Python for Web Developers, as Python is a versatile language that can be used for both front-end and back-end development. Learning Python will enable you to build interactive and dynamic websites, enhancing your skills as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. This course can provide a solid foundation in Python for Machine Learning Engineers, as Python is a popular language for machine learning and deep learning. By learning Python, you can enhance your ability to build and train machine learning models, making you a more effective Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can provide a solid foundation in Python for Data Analysts, as Python is a popular language for data analysis and visualization. By learning Python, you can enhance your ability to clean, manipulate, and analyze data, making you a more effective Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods and algorithms to extract insights from data. This course can help Data Scientists gain a better understanding of Python, as Python is a powerful language for data science and machine learning. By learning Python, you can enhance your ability to build predictive models, analyze large datasets, and communicate data-driven insights, making you a more effective Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course can provide a good foundation in Python for Quantitative Analysts, as Python is a popular language for quantitative finance. By learning Python, you can enhance your ability to build financial models, analyze market data, and make data-driven investment decisions, making you a more effective Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses understand their operations and make data-driven decisions. This course can provide a useful foundation in Python for Business Analysts, as Python is increasingly used for data analysis and visualization in business settings. By learning Python, you can enhance your ability to analyze business data, identify trends, and make recommendations that drive business growth.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and launching products. This course can be somewhat helpful for Product Managers, as Python is used in some aspects of product development, such as data analysis and user research. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of product development, making you a more effective Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be somewhat helpful for Project Managers, as Python is sometimes used for project management tasks, such as data analysis and reporting. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of project management, making you a more effective Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. This course may be somewhat helpful for Technical Writers, as Python is sometimes used in technical writing for code examples and tutorials. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical content you are writing about, making you a more effective Technical Writer.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on their IT systems. This course may be somewhat helpful for IT Consultants, as Python is sometimes used in IT consulting for data analysis and automation. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of IT systems, making you a more effective IT Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Operations Analyst

Operations Analysts analyze and improve business operations. This course may be somewhat helpful for Operations Analysts, as Python is sometimes used in operations analysis for data analysis and optimization. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of business operations, making you a more effective Operations Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice and guidance to businesses on their financial performance. This course may be somewhat helpful for Financial Analysts, as Python is sometimes used in financial analysis for data analysis and modeling. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of financial analysis, making you a more effective Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts analyze and improve marketing campaigns. This course may be somewhat helpful for Marketing Analysts, as Python is sometimes used in marketing analysis for data analysis and optimization. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of marketing campaigns, making you a more effective Marketing Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. This course may be somewhat helpful for Data Engineers, as Python is sometimes used in data engineering for data extraction, transformation, and loading. By learning Python, you can gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of data engineering, making you a more effective Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

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 Python: The Big Picture.

Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition

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Offers a practical and hands-on approach to learning Python. It focuses on building projects and solving real-world problems, making it an excellent choice for those interested in applying Python to practical applications.

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Python

The Big Picture

What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

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