University of Michigan
Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries
University of Michigan

Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries

Paul Resnick
Steve Oney

Instructors: Paul Resnick

Sponsored by University of Michigan

132,794 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(5,311 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 41 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(5,311 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 41 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Explore the dictionary data structure and user-defined functions in Python.

  • Understand concepts like local and global variables, parameter-passing techniques, named functions, and lambda expressions.

  • Apply Python's sorted function and control sorting order with custom functions.

  • Create a final project involving social media data analysis and CSV file manipulation.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Python 3 Programming Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 5 modules in this course

In week one the video lectures and the Runestone textbook will introduce you to the idea of incorporating files into your programs as an additional source of data. You will learn how to read from a file, write to a file, and how to work with the .csv data format.

What's included

20 videos3 readings1 programming assignment13 app items3 ungraded labs

In week two the video lectures and the Runestone textbook will focus on a new data type, dictionaries. You will be introduced to the mechanics of dictionaries and then get practice using them in accumulation patterns, both to build a dictionary using the pattern as well as find the best, or worst, result using the pattern.

What's included

15 videos2 programming assignments10 app items1 ungraded lab

In week three you will be introduced to the construction of functions. Up to this point, you have used functions in the programs before, but have not had a chance to write your own functions, including how to define a function, how to incorporate parameters, how to return data from a function, the local or global scope of variables, and potential side effects that could occur from function execution. Finally, we look at tuples more in depth, and how automatic packing and unpacking of tuples can be used in functions and in for loops.

What's included

19 videos2 programming assignments21 app items2 ungraded labs

In week four the video lectures and the Runestone textbook will outline a more advanced iteration mechanism, the while loop. You will be introduced to using it when getting feedback from users, as well as applying it to the turtle module to draw images. Additionally, you will also be exposed to more advanced function concepts such as the idea of parameters being optional, not required, and anonymous functions using lambda.

What's included

14 videos2 programming assignments13 app items3 ungraded labs

In week five the videos and Runestone textbook will detail how to sort python objects - both the basics and more advanced forms of sorting for dictionaries and how to break a tie (if that occurs). The final course assessment will be a project that asks you to read fake, auto-generated data from a social media site to analyze social media post sentiments. You will submit a csv file as well as images of graphs that demonstrate your findings.

What's included

16 videos3 readings2 programming assignments1 peer review7 app items1 ungraded lab

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (781 ratings)
Paul Resnick
University of Michigan
9 Courses514,946 learners
Steve Oney
University of Michigan
8 Courses506,209 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 5311

4.8

5,311 reviews

  • 5 stars

    87.16%

  • 4 stars

    11.17%

  • 3 stars

    1.20%

  • 2 stars

    0.16%

  • 1 star

    0.28%

ED
5

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2020

AS
5

Reviewed on May 12, 2020

AI
5

Reviewed on May 16, 2020

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy