Understanding the flow of running code is a major part of learning to think in code and of coding itself. In this course we will study the flow of code through several demonstrations and walkthroughs. We'll experience turning logic into useful work by running Python that automatically reads all of Shakespeare, and by setting Python up to give you a call on the phone. In technical terms, this course will demonstrate Python loops, list comprehensions, and conditional statements, while at a higher level we'll discuss code style and good practices for code.
Python Basics: Automation and Bots
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Python Basics: Automation and Bots
This course is part of Python Basics for Online Research Specialization
Instructor: Seth Frey
1,772 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Learn how to play faster and looser and more casual with code, skimming and copying code from the Internet.
Discuss code flow and the order that your computer reads the code you write. This introduces us to a whole other level of thinking in code.
Logic can be harnessed to do useful stuff. We'll make it concrete by performing tasks like building an anagram finder.
Apply Python by robocall and spam text yourself through the Twilio API.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Python Basics for Online Research 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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
To demonstrate the power of Python, you'll download and automatically read the complete works of William Shakespeare, toward finding his longest and strangest words. In this module, you'll also learn how to play faster and looser and more casual with code, skimming and copying code from the Internet. Let's get started!
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment2 discussion prompts
Code flow is the order that your computer reads the code you write. It's usually straightforward, from left to right, top to bottom, but the more we play with logic, the funnier the flow of code through the page. This introduces us to a whole other level of thinking in code.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment1 programming assignment1 discussion prompt
It can be hard to imagine at first how logic can be harnessed to do useful stuff. In this module we make it concrete by performing wordy little tasks like building an anagram finder.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment1 programming assignment1 discussion prompt
In the honor's section of this module, you will robocall and spam text yourself through the Twilio API in Python. Twilio is what companies use to automate phone calls and texting.
What's included
3 videos5 readings1 programming assignment2 discussion prompts
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Algorithms
Google
University of California, Davis
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."
New to Algorithms? Start here.
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
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.