Python Beginner 9 h 37 min 46 items

Python Basics

Learn to program in Python from scratch: variables, strings, decisions, loops, collections, functions, files and modules, finishing with a project you build yourself.

About this course

Learn Python the right way, one step at a time

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and one of the friendliest to learn. This course takes you from your very first print() to writing, organizing and debugging complete programs.

The course is split into nine modules. Each module focuses on one topic, teaches it thoroughly with runnable examples, and ends with a quiz. You need to pass each quiz to unlock the next module, so every new idea builds on something you have already mastered.

What you will learn

  • Install Python, run code in the interactive shell and from script files, and read error messages
  • Work with variables, numbers, booleans, None and type conversion
  • Slice, search and format text with string methods and f-strings
  • Make decisions with if and repeat work with while and for loops
  • Organize data with lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets and comprehensions
  • Write reusable functions with parameters, return values and docstrings
  • Handle errors with exceptions and read and write files
  • Use the standard library, install packages with pip and work in virtual environments
  • Plan, build and debug a complete to-do list program

How the course works

  • 37 short lessons, each with examples you can type and run
  • A quiz at the end of every module, with explanations for every answer
  • A timed final exam that draws questions from the whole course
  • A certificate of completion when you finish
  • A printable two page Python cheat sheet (PDF) to keep

Syllabus

What Python is and why it is worth learning Lesson
Installing Python and choosing an editor Lesson
The interactive shell and script files Lesson
Your first program: print, comments and errors Lesson
Module 1 quiz: Getting started Quiz

Variables and naming Lesson
Numbers and arithmetic Lesson
Booleans, None and checking types Lesson
Getting input and converting types Lesson
Module 2 quiz: Variables and data types Quiz

Creating strings Lesson
Indexing and slicing Lesson
String methods Lesson
Formatting output with f-strings Lesson
Module 3 quiz: Working with strings Quiz

Comparisons and logical operators Lesson
Making decisions with if, elif and else Lesson
Repeating with while loops Lesson
Looping with for and range() Lesson
break, continue and loop else Lesson
Module 4 quiz: Control flow Quiz

Lists Lesson
Tuples and unpacking Lesson
Dictionaries Lesson
Sets Lesson
Comprehensions Lesson
Module 5 quiz: Collections Quiz

Defining and calling functions Lesson
Parameters and arguments in depth Lesson
Return values Lesson
Scope: where variables live Lesson
Docstrings, type hints and lambda Lesson
Module 6 quiz: Functions Quiz

Understanding exceptions Lesson
Handling errors with try and except Lesson
Reading files Lesson
Writing files and working with CSV Lesson
Module 7 quiz: Errors and files Quiz

Importing modules and writing your own Lesson
A tour of the standard library Lesson
Virtual environments and pip Lesson
Module 8 quiz: Modules and packages Quiz

Planning a program before you code Lesson
Building the to-do list manager Lesson
Debugging and where to go next Lesson
Final exam Quiz