PYT050 - Introduction to Python Programming for Non-Programmers

Course Description

18 hours | 1.8 CEUs

Python is a dynamic, strongly typed, object-oriented, multipurpose scripting language for the web. This hands-on course is an introductory Python programming course designed to provide strong programming basics and Python foundations for the non-programmer.

There are many benefits of learning Python especially as your first language. Python is a language that is easy to learn, and it can be used as a stepping stone into other programming languages and frameworks. Plus, Python is widely used, including at big companies like Google, Pinterest, Instagram, Disney, Yahoo!, Nokia, IBM and many others. The Raspberry Pi - which is a minicomputer - relies on Python as its main programming language. So why do either of these things matter? Because they are all evidence that once you learn Python, you'll never have a shortage of ways to utilize the skill. Not to mention the fact that being a Python developer is a valuable job skill.

Other uses and benefits of Python include:

1. Python can be used to develop prototypes, and quickly because it is so easy to work with and read.
2. Most automation, data mining, and big data platforms rely on Python. This is because it is the ideal language to work with for general purpose tasks.
3. Python allows for a more productive coding environment than massive languages like C# and Java. Experienced coders tend to stay more organized and productive when working with Python.
4. Python is easy to read, even if you're not a skilled programmer. Anyone can begin working with the language, all it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of practice. Plus, this makes it an ideal candidate for use among multi-programmer and large development teams.
5. Python powers Django, a complete and open source web application framework. Frameworks - like Ruby on Rails - can be used to simplify the development process.
6. It has a massive support base thanks to the fact that it is open source and community developed. Millions of like-minded developers work with the language daily and continue to improve core functionality.

Course Outline

• An introduction to Python
  • Introduction to Python
  • Using IDLE to develop programs
• Writing your first program
  • Basic coding skills
  • Data types and variables
  • Numeric data
  • String data
  • Using five of the Python functions
• Coding control statements
  • Boolean expressions
  • Selection structure
  • Using the iteration structure
• Defining and using functions and modules
  • Defining and using functions
  • Additional skills for defining and using functions
  • Creating and using modules
  • Using standard modules
  • Planning the functions of a program
• Testing and debugging a program
  • An introduction to testing and debugging
  • Four techniques for testing and debugging
  • Using the IDLE debugger
• Working with lists and tuples
  • Basic skills for working with lists
  • Working with a list of lists
  • Additional skills for working with lists
  • Working with tuples
• Working with file I/O
  • An introduction to file I/O
  • Text files
  • CSV files
  • Binary files
• Handling exceptions
  • Handling a single exception
  • Handling multiple exceptions
• Working with numbers
  • Basic skills for working with numbers
  • Formatting numbers
  • Decimal numbers
• Working with strings
  • Basic skills for working with strings
  • How to split and join strings
• Working with dates and times
  • Getting started with dates and times
  • Additional skills for working with dates and times

Learner Outcomes

Additional Information

This course is intended for new developers or those new to programming. Python makes an excellent first programming language. This course is specially designed for individuals with little or no programming background. If you have programming experience, you should consider our regular Introduction to Python course. For details on this alternative, go to PYT100-Python-Introduction.

Duration