Introduction to Python Programming and Essentials

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

8 hours 19 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Master Python with Real-World Data & Web Projects

Overview

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This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you’ll master the foundational concepts of Python, from data types to loops, functions, and file processing. You’ll start with a comprehensive introduction to Python and get hands-on experience with installing Python and setting up an IDE. As you dive deeper into Python's essentials, you’ll learn about variables, data types (like integers, strings, lists, and dictionaries), and operations that you can perform on them. With this foundation, you will be able to start writing simple programs and gradually move to more complex functions and loops. Throughout the course, you'll be introduced to concepts in a structured, easy-to-understand format, with each section building on the last. You’ll explore how to interact with users through input processing, create your own functions, and apply conditionals to control the flow of your code. The course emphasizes real-world application, teaching you how to use Python’s built-in features to solve practical problems, such as processing files and managing user inputs. This course is perfect for beginners who are keen to learn Python and understand its core concepts in depth. Whether you’re new to programming or looking to solidify your Python skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to build your own Python programs. No prior programming experience is required, and by the end of the course, you'll be capable of writing, running, and debugging Python code to solve real-world problems. By the end of the course, you will be able to create Python programs with functions, handle user inputs, manipulate data with various data types, implement loops, process files, and understand Python modules.

Syllabus

Welcome

In this module, we will introduce you to the instructor and provide an overview of what to expect in the course. You'll learn about the key topics, the structure of the lessons, and how the course is designed to help you build foundational Python skills. This sets the stage for your journey into Python programming.

Getting Started with Python

In this module, we will guide you through the initial setup of Python and your coding environment. You'll learn how to install Python and Visual Studio Code, write your first Python program, and understand the fundamentals of how Python operates. This foundational knowledge ensures you're prepared to start coding.

The Basics: Data Types

In this module, we will explore the fundamental building blocks of Python—data types and variables. You'll gain a deep understanding of integers, strings, floats, and more complex data structures like lists, dictionaries, and tuples. By the end, you'll be able to confidently use and manipulate data in your Python programs.

The Basics: Operations with Data Types

In this module, we will dive into operations with Python’s core data types, focusing on lists and dictionaries. You'll learn how to access and manipulate elements within these data structures, work with negative indexing, and leverage Python 3.10's improved error messages for smoother coding experiences.

The Basics: Functions and Conditionals

In this module, we will introduce you to the power of functions and conditionals. You'll learn to write custom functions to modularize your code and use conditionals to handle different scenarios in your programs. Mastering these concepts will help you create dynamic and responsive Python applications.

The Basics: Processing User Input

In this module, we will focus on taking user input and using it within your Python programs. You'll learn how to format strings and handle multiple inputs, which is crucial for developing interactive programs that communicate with the user.

The Basics: Loops

In this module, we will dive into loops, which are essential for repetitive tasks in programming. You'll explore the power of for and while loops, iterating over collections like lists and dictionaries, and using loop control statements like break and continue to enhance your program's flexibility.

Putting the Pieces Together: Building a Program

In this module, we will bring everything together to build a small program. Using the concepts learned so far, you will learn how to approach problem-solving, integrate different Python structures, and produce a user-friendly output, resulting in a fully functional application.

List Comprehensions

In this module, we will explore list comprehensions, a powerful and concise way to write code in Python. You’ll learn how to simplify loops and conditionals into one-liner expressions to create and manipulate lists, making your code cleaner and more efficient.

More about Functions

In this module, we will take a deeper dive into functions. You'll learn how to work with multiple arguments, default and non-default parameters, and keyword arguments. This will help you write more versatile functions and improve the flexibility of your code.

File Processing

In this module, we will explore how to process files in Python. You'll learn how to open, read, write, and close files, and gain a strong understanding of file paths and file types. By the end of this section, you’ll be able to handle file input and output seamlessly within your programs.

Modules

In this module, we will introduce you to Python's modular programming approach. You'll learn how to use built-in and third-party modules, such as Pandas, and even create your own custom modules to better organize your code and extend its functionality.