Python Foundations: From Setup to Data Structures

Packt via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

20 weeks, 2 hours a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Learn to Code with Python

Overview

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Start your Python journey by mastering the essentials of programming, from installing your tools to working confidently with core data types and control flow. Build a strong foundation in Python syntax, variables, functions, strings, and data structures to prepare for more advanced programming challenges. This course guides you through the fundamentals of Python programming, beginning with environment setup on both macOS and Windows. You will learn the basics of Python syntax, variables, functions, and control flow, as well as how to work with strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets. By the end of this course, you will be able to write, debug, and understand Python code that manipulates data and makes logical decisions, setting the stage for deeper exploration of programming concepts. Through a combination of clear explanations, practical coding examples, and interactive quizzes, this course ensures you build confidence with each new concept. Learners receive immediate feedback and can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, making the learning process engaging and effective. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to build a complete and cohesive understanding of the subject. While it offers valuable skills on its own, you'll gain the most benefit by progressing through all three courses as a structured learning journey. This course is based on Learn to Code with Python, by Boris Paskhaver. This course is licensed and distributed by Packt. All rights reserved. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you.

Syllabus

Course Introduction
- This module provides an overview of the course structure, key objectives, and essential tools needed to learn Python. Learners will gain clarity on the skills they will develop and the overall learning journey. It sets the foundation for effective course engagement.
Setup & Introduction
- This module guides learners through the foundational setup of Python programming on both macOS and Windows, covering installation of Python, Visual Studio Code, and essential development tools. It also introduces key concepts like the Python REPL and basic command-line usage. By the end, learners will be equipped to start coding confidently in a properly configured environment.
Welcome to Python
- This module introduces foundational Python concepts including string manipulation, function definitions, and the use of the print function with various arguments and parameters. Learners will also explore coding practices such as adding comments and using documentation strings for clarity.
Numbers, Booleans and Equality
- This module covers fundamental Python data types, including numbers, booleans, and strings, along with essential operations such as arithmetic, comparison, and type conversion. Learners will gain practical skills in writing and evaluating logical expressions and using Python's built-in functions effectively.
Variables
- This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of variables in Python, including declaration, assignment, input handling, and common error types. It provides practical coding exercises to reinforce understanding and build confidence in writing robust Python code.
Functions
- This module covers the fundamentals of functions in Python, including how to define, use, and structure functions for better code organization and reusability. Learners will explore parameters, return values, default arguments, and the None type, as well as bonus topics like function annotations. By the end, students will have the skills to write and manage functions effectively in their programs.
Strings: The Basics
- This module introduces fundamental string operations in Python, including length, concatenation, immutability, indexing, slicing, escape characters, and substring checks. Learners will gain practical skills in manipulating and working with strings effectively.
Strings: Methods
- This module covers essential string manipulation techniques in Python, including searching, modifying, formatting, and checking string properties. Learners will gain hands-on experience with methods like find, count, replace, and format, as well as understand string immutability and casing transformations.
Control Flow
- This module covers essential concepts in control flow, including conditional logic, boolean expressions, and looping structures. Learners will gain proficiency in using if, else, elif, and while statements, as well as understanding how to combine conditions with logical operators. The module also introduces the basics of recursion and how to apply these concepts in practical coding scenarios.
Lists: The Basics
- This module introduces learners to Python lists, covering their creation, indexing, slicing, and common operations. Through coding exercises and explanations, students will gain hands-on experience with list manipulation and problem-solving.
Lists: Iteration
- This module covers the fundamentals of iterating over lists in Python using for loops, conditional logic, and built-in functions like enumerate, reversed, and range. Learners will gain practical skills in controlling loop behavior with break and continue, and handling command-line arguments effectively.
Debugging
- This module introduces essential debugging techniques in Visual Studio Code, focusing on navigating code execution, understanding variable scopes, and applying problem-solving strategies to resolve errors in Python programs.
Lists: Mutation
- This module covers the fundamentals of list mutation in Python, including modifying elements, adding and removing items, and reordering lists. Learners will gain hands-on experience with list methods and slicing techniques to manipulate data effectively. The content also includes practical exercises to reinforce key concepts.
Lists: Methods
- This module focuses on mastering essential list methods in Python, including counting, indexing, copying, and manipulating strings with split and join. It also covers advanced topics like multidimensional lists, list comprehensions, and the zip function. Learners will gain hands-on experience through coding exercises and solutions, reinforcing their ability to work efficiently with data structures.
Built-In Functions
- This module covers essential Python built-in functions used for data manipulation, documentation lookup, and code efficiency. Learners will explore functions like map(), filter(), lambda, and others to process and transform data effectively. By the end, learners will be able to use these tools in practical coding scenarios.
Tuples
- This module explores the fundamentals of tuples in Python, including their creation, comparison with lists, and techniques for unpacking and using them in functions. Learners will gain practical skills in working with immutable data structures and handling variable argument lists.
Objects and References
- This module explores fundamental concepts in Python such as variables, object references, and memory management. Learners will gain an understanding of how Python handles mutable and immutable types, equality checks, and object copying to prevent unintended side effects. The content equips learners with the knowledge to write more efficient and bug-free Python code.
Dictionaries: The Basics
- This module introduces the fundamentals of Python dictionaries, including how to create, access, update, and manipulate them. Learners will explore key operations such as using the get() method, checking for key existence, and working with nested structures. By the end, they will be able to effectively use dictionaries in real-world programming tasks.
Dictionaries: Iteration
- This module covers advanced techniques for working with dictionaries in Python, including iteration methods, sorting, nested structures, and comprehensions. Learners will gain the ability to manipulate and process dictionary data efficiently, as well as handle dynamic argument passing using **kwargs. The module includes coding exercises and solutions to reinforce practical skills.
Sets
- This module provides an in-depth exploration of Python sets, covering their creation, manipulation, and use in data operations. Learners will gain hands-on experience with set methods and understand how sets differ from other data structures. The content emphasizes practical applications and problem-solving with sets.