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An Introduction to Programming using Python

Dr Rafael Papallas and Click Start

Maximise your employability, by learning the basics of coding in Python. Python is a versatile programming language used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis and more.

In this course, you'll embark on an exciting journey into the world of Python and gain valuable skills that will enable you to start thinking about a career in programming.

Through exercises and practical projects, you will gain confidence and deepen your understanding of coding in Python. By the end of the course, you will be able to showcase your skills by programming a small robot to navigate obstacles.

Join us on this transformative journey and unlock the boundless potential of Python programming to discover the opportunities awaiting you in the world of development.

This course is offered by Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start offers a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start bio to check if you are eligible for free access!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Programming fundamentals in Python

This first week of the course will give you an understanding of the basic principles of programming. You will learn what programming is and be introduced to some basic theories of computers. You will also learn what an algorithm is and the basics of propositional logic – the fundamental underpinnings of programming. Finally, you will look at some basic Python syntax such as variables, data types and input/output, and you will write a simple Python program.

Week 2

The second week will introduce some more advanced programming concepts. In particular, conditionals (if statements), loops and functions. With these under your belt, you will be able to write small but complex programs. By the end of the week, you will be able to put together a Python program that commands a small virtual robot to move in space!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors who are experienced in the industry

Explores Python, which is standard in website development

Examines Python, which is highly relevant in the development world

Develops programming fundamentals in Python, which are core skills for software engineers

Teaches conditionals, loops, and functions, which are important concepts in programming

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which enhance the learning experience

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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 An Introduction to Programming using Python with these activities:

Review basic Python programming concepts

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Review the basics of Python programming to refresh your memory and prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Reread the course syllabus and make a note of any unfamiliar concepts.
Review your notes from a previous programming course.
Complete a few online tutorials on Python basics.

Attend Python meetups or conferences

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Connect with other Python enthusiasts and learn about the latest trends in the Python community.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Find a local Python meetup or conference.
Attend the event and meet other Python programmers.
Share your knowledge and learn from others.

Solve Python coding exercises

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Practice solving Python coding exercises to improve your problem-solving skills and solidify your understanding of Python syntax.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Find a website or online resource that provides Python coding exercises.
Start with easy exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones.
Take your time and don't give up if you get stuck.

Three other activities

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Follow tutorials on advanced Python topics

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Expand your Python knowledge by following tutorials on advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, data analysis, or machine learning.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Find a website or online resource that provides tutorials on advanced Python topics.
Choose a topic that you are interested in and start following the tutorials.
Complete the exercises and assignments provided in the tutorials.
Build a small project using the skills you learn in the tutorials.

Write a Python program to solve a real-world problem

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Apply your Python programming skills to solve a real-world problem and showcase your abilities.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Identify a problem that you can solve with Python.
Design and implement a Python program to solve the problem.
Test your program and make sure it works correctly.
Write a report or blog post about your project.

Contribute to an open-source Python project

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Gain valuable experience by contributing to an open-source Python project and collaborating with other developers.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Find an open-source Python project that you are interested in.
Read the project's documentation and contribute code.
Work with other developers on the project.

Career center

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

Python Developer

Python Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining software applications using Python. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, covering essential concepts such as variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Python Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in software development. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in data analysis. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in web development. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in machine learning. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in data science. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in DevOps. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design and manage cloud computing systems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in cloud computing. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Cloud Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work to identify and solve business problems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in business analysis. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers work to develop and launch new products. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in product management. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in technical writing. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to customers. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in technical support. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Technical Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide consulting services to businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in IT consulting. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as an IT Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Software Tester

Software Testers test software to ensure that it meets requirements. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in software testing. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Software Tester.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course provides a strong foundation in Python programming, which is a popular language used in systems analysis. You will learn about programming fundamentals, including variables, data types, input/output, conditionals, loops, and functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to write complex Python programs and have a solid understanding of the language's syntax and semantics. This course will help you build the skills necessary to succeed as a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 An Introduction to Programming using Python.

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

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This best-selling book provides a structured approach to learning the basics of Python and programming fundamentals with hands-on exercises and projects.

An Introduction to Programming using Python

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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