This course introduces the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures. You'll program an on-screen Turtle to draw pretty pictures. You'll also learn to draw reference diagrams as a way to reason about program executions, which will help to build up your debugging skills. The course has no prerequisites. It will cover Chapters 1-9 of the textbook "Fundamentals of Python Programming," which is the accompanying text (optional and free) for this course.
Python Basics
Python Basics
This course is part of Python 3 Programming Specialization
Instructors: Paul Resnick
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4.8
(17,724 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 26 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Learn Python 3 basics, including conditional statements, loops, and data structures like strings and lists.
Develop practical programming skills by creating drawings and building your debugging abilities.
Skills you'll gain
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Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Python 3 Programming 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
In week one you will be introduced to programming in python through lectures and the Runestone textbook - an interactive online textbook built for this course. By the end of the module, you will have run your first python program, and learned how to draw images by writing a program.
What's included
30 videos2 readings1 assignment36 app items
In week two you will use the lectures and the Runestone textbook to understand the basics of a few python data types - lists, strings, tuples - as well as a control structure - for loops. By the end of this week, you will be able to write more complex programs that create drawings by incorporating for loops. Finally, we will present the basics of an accumulation pattern to you, which will be expanded on in each week for the rest of the course.
What's included
22 videos1 assignment24 app items
In week three you will learn a new python data type - the boolean - as well as another control structure - conditional execution. Through the use of video lectures and the Runestone textbook, you will learn what Binary, Unary, Nested, and Chained Conditionals are, as well as how to incorporate conditionals within an accumulation pattern.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment17 app items
In week four we will present deeper knowledge on using lists, strings, and python objects in general. We will also cover how to use the accumulation pattern with lists and with strings. The final assignment will test your knowledge and skills through application, much like previous assessments and assignments did, though with a more difficult set of tasks now that you have learned the basics.
What's included
23 videos2 readings21 app items
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.8 (4,601 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
University of Leeds
University of California, Davis
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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:
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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.
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