Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

DataCamp

Case Study: Building Software in Python

via DataCamp

Overview

DataCamp Flash Sale:
50% Off - Build Data and AI Skills!
Grab it
Build real-world applications with Python—practice using OOP and software engineering principles to write clean and maintainable code.

This course offers a hands-on introduction to software engineering by guiding you through the development of a practical application: a mortgage calculator. You’ll learn how to calculate monthly payments based on key inputs like loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Along the way, you’ll apply essential software engineering principles to create code that is efficient, modular, and maintainable.


What You’ll Build


Using Python, you’ll design and implement a mortgage calculator that evolves from a basic tool into a robust solution. Starting with simple modules, you’ll expand the functionality using inheritance to create advanced calculators, including one that handles financial computations. This hands-on project will help you understand real-world software development techniques and how to structure scalable code.


Techniques You’ll Use


Throughout the course, you’ll follow best practices like the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle and modularity to organize your code effectively. You’ll adhere to PEP 8 standards, use tools like Pylint to maintain code quality and write automated tests with pytest to ensure your application’s reliability. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to design, implement, and test real-world software solutions with confidence.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Case Study
    • Get to know the brief and start building your calculators from scratch while recapping important object-oriented and software engineering principles such as the Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY) principle.
  • Write a Python Module
    • The basics are done, and now it's time to spruce them up! Continue with adding documentation and automated testing, and extend the functionality even further.
  • Maintainability
    • The main code is written so now it's time to make sure everything works as it should and follows the best practices. Learn how to review, refactor, and improve your code, as well as run more comprehensive tests.

Taught by

Mark Pedigo

Reviews

Start your review of Case Study: Building Software in Python

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.