Python Programming Essentials

Python Programming Essentials

This course is part of Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

Instructors: Scott Rixner

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Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course will introduce you to the wonderful world of Python programming! We'll learn about the essential elements of programming and how to construct basic Python programs. We will cover expressions, variables, functions, logic, and conditionals, which are foundational concepts in computer programming. We will also teach you how to use Python modules, which enable you to benefit from the vast array of functionality that is already a part of the Python language. These concepts and skills will help you to begin to think like a computer programmer and to understand how to go about writing Python programs.

By the end of the course, you will be able to write short Python programs that are able to accomplish real, practical tasks. This course is the foundation for building expertise in Python programming. As the first course in a specialization, it provides the necessary building blocks for you to succeed at learning to write more complex Python programs. This course uses Python 3. While many Python programs continue to use Python 2, Python 3 is the future of the Python programming language. This first course will use a Python 3 version of the CodeSkulptor development environment, which is specifically designed to help beginning programmers learn quickly. CodeSkulptor runs within any modern web browser and does not require you to install any software, allowing you to start writing and running small programs immediately. In the later courses in this specialization, we will help you to move to more sophisticated desktop development environments.

This module will expose you to Python so that you can run your first simple programs. You will use Python to compute the results of arithmetic expressions, as you would when using a calculator.

What's included

9 videos4 readings1 assignment

9 videosTotal 62 minutes

Welcome!5 minutesPreview module
Course Overview3 minutes
Hello, world!3 minutes
Python Development Environments9 minutes
Numbers6 minutes
Simple Expressions7 minutes
Compound Expressions7 minutes
Variables and Assignment8 minutes
Handling Errors in Python10 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Using CodeSkulptor310 minutes
A Short Guide to Common Errors in Python10 minutes
Practice Exercise for Expressions10 minutes
Practice Exercises for Variables and Assignments10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 14 minutes

Basic Python Syntax14 minutes

This module will teach you how to define and call functions. Functions allow you to write code once that you can execute repeatedly with different inputs.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment

6 videosTotal 45 minutes

What is a Function?6 minutesPreview module
Calling Functions6 minutes
Defining Functions11 minutes
Local Variables4 minutes
Understanding Function Evaluation8 minutes
Using Print and Return in Functions6 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Functions10 minutes
Practice Exercises for Functions10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 14 minutes

Functions14 minutes

This module will teach you how to use logic and conditionals to change the behavior of the program based upon values within the program.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 54 minutes

Boolean Logic5 minutesPreview module
Logical Expressions4 minutes
Comparisons6 minutes
Conditionals8 minutes
More Conditionals9 minutes
Using Python Documentation9 minutes
Following Coding Standards9 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Conditionals in Python10 minutes
Coding Standards and Style10 minutes
Practice Exercises for Logic and Conditionals10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 14 minutes

Logic and Conditionals14 minutes

This module will introduce you to the concept of modules. Python modules allow code to be divided up into different files and reused in different programs. Python provides many modules that you can use within your programs.

What's included

6 videos6 readings2 app items

6 videosTotal 57 minutes

Python Modules6 minutesPreview module
The Datetime Module6 minutes
Coding the Practice Project - Part 19 minutes
Coding the Practice Project - Part 29 minutes
RPSLS Video11 minutes
Project Video13 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

Python Modules10 minutes
Datetime Module Quick Reference10 minutes
Practice Project: Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock10 minutes
Tips for RPSLS10 minutes
Project Description: Working with Dates10 minutes
OwlTest: Automated Feedback and Assessment10 minutes

2 app itemsTotal 120 minutes

Project: Working with Dates60 minutes
Project Submission History60 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

4.8 (769 ratings)

Scott Rixner

Rice University

11 Courses395,209 learners

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Rice University

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Reviewed on Jul 19, 2020

It was awesome learning python from coursera. I have learned alot from the chosen course. And ofcourse its scott sir who helped me in gaining knowledge about python. i am satisfied with the course.

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2022

A very simple and non-intimidating intro to python. I definitely got the gears going in some of the example problems and it was fun to feel like I was back in college again. Would recommend this one.

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2017

Introductory course that does not bog down in presenting all aspect of the language in some arbitrary order. You are actually able to create something that is (semi) usable by week 4.

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