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 UNC Charlotte. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with UNC Charlotte unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp or Data Analytics Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objective

-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 the fundamentals of the Python programming language, providing a solid foundation for further learning

Provides a practical introduction to various applications of Python, making it valuable for individuals interested in a range of fields

Offers hands-on exercises to reinforce learning and develop practical skills in Python

Provides a pathway to further learning opportunities, such as Boot Camps in data analysis and machine learning

Collaboration with UNC Charlotte adds credibility and industry relevance to the course

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:

Head First Python

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Gain a solid foundation in Python concepts through this engaging and accessible book.

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

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Scan the chapters and identify topics relevant to your course.
Read the selected chapters thoroughly.
Take notes or highlight key points.
Complete any exercises or quizzes provided in the book.

Python Tutorial Series

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Python through a guided tutorial series.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a reputable tutorial series that covers Python basics.
Follow the tutorials in sequence.
Take notes or highlight key concepts.
Complete any quizzes or exercises provided in the tutorials.

Python Basics Review

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Brush up on essential Python concepts to ensure you're ready for the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Review online tutorials or documentation on Python basics.
Complete online quizzes or practice exercises.
Set up a Python development environment and practice writing simple programs.

Four other activities

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Code Kata

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Reinforce your understanding of basic Python operations by practicing writing small pieces of code to meet specific requirements.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a coding kata website
Select a beginner-friendly kata
Read the kata instructions carefully and write code to meet the requirements.
Submit your code for feedback and improvement

Python Study Group

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Engage with fellow learners to discuss Python concepts and work on projects together.

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Find or create a study group with other Python learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and assignments.
Team up on projects to practice applying Python skills.
Provide feedback and support to each other.

Python Project

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Solidify your understanding of Python by applying it to a coding project. This will allow you to work on a larger-scale task and implement different Python concepts in a practical setting.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a simple Python project idea.
Design and plan your project.
Develop your code, breaking it down into smaller modules.
Test and debug your code.
Present or share your project with others.

Python Portfolio Project

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Showcase your Python skills by building a personal portfolio project.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a project idea that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Design and plan your project, breaking it down into smaller tasks.
Develop and implement your code.
Test and debug your code, ensuring it meets the project requirements.
Document your project and prepare it for presentation.

Career center

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

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights and trends. They use statistical techniques and programming languages like Python to analyze data and present their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Data Analysts. By learning the basics of Python, you will be able to automate tasks, analyze data, and build data visualization tools, which are all valuable skills for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to extract insights from data. They build predictive models and develop data-driven solutions to business problems. Python is a widely used programming language in data science, and this course provides a strong foundation in Python for aspiring Data Scientists. By learning Python, you will be able to clean and analyze data, build machine learning models, and visualize your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and deploys machine learning models. They work closely with Data Scientists to understand business problems and translate them into technical solutions. Python is a dominant programming language in machine learning, and this course provides a solid foundation in Python for aspiring Machine Learning Engineers. By learning Python, you will be able to build and deploy machine learning models, which are used to automate tasks, make predictions, and optimize decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications and systems. They use programming languages like Python to write code that meets user needs. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Software Engineers. By learning Python, you will be able to write clean and efficient code, which is crucial for building reliable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. They use programming languages like Python to create the front-end and back-end of websites. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Web Developers. By learning Python, you will be able to build dynamic and interactive websites and web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer builds and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure that support data analytics and machine learning. They use programming languages like Python to extract, transform, and load data from various sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Data Engineers. By learning Python, you will be able to build and maintain data pipelines, which are crucial for delivering high-quality data to Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and provides insights to investors and businesses. They use programming languages like Python to automate tasks, analyze data, and build financial models. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Financial Analysts. By learning Python, you will be able to automate tasks, analyze financial data, and build financial models, which are all essential skills for a successful Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and identifies opportunities for improvement. They use programming languages like Python to automate tasks, analyze data, and create visualizations. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Business Analysts. By learning Python, you will be able to automate tasks, analyze business data, and create visualizations, which are all essential skills for a successful Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. They use programming languages like Python to build quantitative models and perform data analysis. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Quantitative Analysts. By learning Python, you will be able to build quantitative models, analyze financial data, and make investment decisions, which are all essential skills for a successful Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary analyzes financial data and assesses risk to develop insurance and investment products. They use programming languages like Python to build actuarial models and perform data analysis. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Actuaries. By learning Python, you will be able to build actuarial models, analyze financial data, and assess risk, which are all essential skills for a successful Actuary.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex business problems. They use programming languages like Python to build optimization models and perform data analysis. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Operations Research Analysts. By learning Python, you will be able to build optimization models, analyze data, and solve complex business problems, which are all essential skills for a successful Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They use programming languages like Python to analyze data and create visualizations. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Market Researchers. By learning Python, you will be able to analyze data, create visualizations, and understand consumer behavior and market trends, which are all essential skills for a successful Market Researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Product Manager

A Product Manager develops and manages products and services. They use programming languages like Python to analyze data, understand user needs, and make data-driven decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for Product Managers. By learning Python, you will be able to analyze data, understand user needs, and make data-driven decisions, which are all essential skills for a successful Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

UX Designer

A UX Designer designs user interfaces for websites and applications. They use programming languages like Python to prototype user interfaces and test user experience. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an increasingly valuable skill for UX Designers. By learning Python, you will be able to prototype user interfaces, test user experience, and understand user behavior, which are all essential skills for a successful UX Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Data Visualization Specialist

A Data Visualization Specialist creates visual representations of data to communicate insights and trends. They use programming languages like Python to create interactive dashboards and visualizations. This course provides a solid foundation in Python, which is an essential skill for Data Visualization Specialists. By learning Python, you will be able to create interactive dashboards and visualizations, communicate insights and trends, and understand data, which are all essential skills for a successful Data Visualization Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist