Python Basics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/python-basics

Introduction

### Course Review: Python Basics on Coursera **Course Name:** Python Basics **Provider:** Coursera **Overview:** The "Python Basics" course is an excellent beginner-friendly introduction to Python 3, designed to equip learners with fundamental programming concepts including conditional execution, iteration, and the use of data structures like strings and lists. This course promotes an interactive learning approach, allowing students to program a virtual Turtle to create visually appealing drawings, while also honing their debugging skills through reference diagrams. With no prerequisites, it’s perfectly suited for anyone interested in embarking on their programming journey. --- #### Detailed Course Syllabus 1. **General Introduction (Week 1)** In the first week, learners are welcomed into the world of Python programming through engaging lectures and the Runestone textbook—an innovative, interactive resource tailored specifically for this course. By the end of this week, students will have executed their first Python program and will be able to create simple images using Python code. This foundational week sets a positive tone for the rest of the course by demystifying programming. 2. **Sequences and Iteration (Week 2)** The second week dives into Python's fundamental data types, such as lists, strings, and tuples. Learners will also explore the concept of loops—specifically for loops—through engaging lessons. This week culminates in the ability to write more sophisticated programs that incorporate iteration to generate drawings, while introducing the accumulation pattern that will become a recurring theme throughout the course. 3. **Booleans and Conditionals (Week 3)** Week three expands on the basic data types by introducing booleans and conditionals. In this lesson, students will grasp various conditional forms, including binary and chained conditionals. The use of conditionals within accumulation patterns will also be demonstrated, enhancing learners' ability to make decisions in their code. 4. **Sequence Mutation and Accumulation Patterns (Week 4)** The final week of this module furthers the exploration of lists and strings, alongside a deeper understanding of Python objects. This week emphasizes the practical application of knowledge through the accumulation pattern in lists and strings. It concludes with a more challenging final assignment, reinforcing all the concepts learned and pushing learners to apply their newfound skills creatively. --- #### Why You Should Enroll - **Engaging and Interactive**: The use of the Runestone textbook means that learning is not just about watching videos or reading text—it’s about interacting with content and coding in real-time. - **Foundational Knowledge**: The course covers essential programming concepts that form the backbone of more advanced topics in Python and programming in general. By mastering these basics, learners set themselves up for success in future studies. - **No Prerequisites**: This course is designed specifically for beginners, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Regardless of your background, you can begin your coding journey confidently. - **Practical Assignments**: The course structure includes practical assignments that allow learners to apply what they've learned. The Turtle graphics project adds a fun element that demonstrates the practical utility of coding in an engaging manner. - **Strong Community Support**: Enrolling in a Coursera course opens the door to a community of learners. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share experiences, and interact with instructors and peers, fostering a collaborative educational environment. --- ### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, the "Python Basics" course on Coursera is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to start their programming journey. Its structured approach, thorough coverage of essential concepts, and interactive tools combine to create an effective learning experience. Whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects or simply want to explore the world of programming, this course is a perfect entry point. If you’re considering adding some valuable skills to your toolbox, I highly recommend enrolling in this course! The combination of essential Python skills, engaging assignments, and supportive community makes it an excellent investment in your future.

Syllabus

General Introduction

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.

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.

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.

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.