Python Programming Foundations
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Python Programming Foundations
This course is part of The Complete Python and Data Science Bootcamp Specialization
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What you'll learn
Master Python’s syntax and basic functionality to write simple programs.
Build control flow structures using loops and conditionals to solve problems.
Develop reusable code by creating functions and handling variable scopes.
Work with data structures like lists and apply Python’s powerful slicing techniques.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
April 2026
10 assignments
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There are 9 modules in this course
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A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This Python Programming Foundations course offers a comprehensive journey from the basics of Python syntax to advanced data structures and problem-solving techniques. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, this course is designed to take you step by step through Python’s key features, including control flow, loops, functions, and lists. As you work through each module, you’ll gain the confidence to write Python programs and develop a strong foundation for further learning. The course structure progresses from learning simple syntax and functions to building more complex programs using loops, conditionals, and object-oriented concepts. You’ll explore practical coding exercises and a capstone project using Turtle Graphics to apply everything you've learned. As you develop your understanding of Python, you'll build problem-solving skills and learn how to structure efficient, reusable code. You’ll also become familiar with tools like PyCharm, which will enhance your development environment. It is ideal for beginners with little to no prior programming experience, those transitioning into Python for data science, and anyone looking to strengthen their foundational Python knowledge. The course is accessible to anyone willing to learn and eager to explore the world of programming, making it perfect for aspiring data scientists, developers, or hobbyists. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently write Python programs, implement loops, work with functions, manipulate lists, and execute object-oriented principles. You'll also be ready to dive deeper into more advanced topics in Python programming.
In this module, we will introduce the course structure and provide an overview of the key concepts covered in Python Programming Foundations. You will learn what to expect from this course and the exciting journey ahead as you explore Python and its applications in data science.
What's included
1 video2 readings
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Introduction to the Specialization•1 minute
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Python Programming Foundations'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into Python’s foundational concepts. You'll explore its basic syntax, program structure, data types, and operations, laying the groundwork for more advanced topics. We will also cover how to use Python interactively and set up your development environment with PyCharm.
What's included
17 videos1 assignment
17 videos•Total 105 minutes
- Introduction to Python Basics•1 minute
- First Steps in Python and the Python Programming Language Structure•5 minutes
- Python Program Structure: Input and Output•12 minutes
- Indentation and Code Blocks•11 minutes
- Using the Python Interpreter•8 minutes
- More Details on the Print Function•9 minutes
- Basic Data Types in Python•5 minutes
- Numerical Operations•3 minutes
- Assignment and Incremental Assignment•9 minutes
- Multiple Assignments•6 minutes
- Variable Names, Snake Case, Camel Case•4 minutes
- Keywords and Our First Import Statement•3 minutes
- Escape Sequences•5 minutes
- Data Type Conversions•4 minutes
- Substrings and Slicing•8 minutes
- Multiline Strings and Docstrings•5 minutes
- Installing and Introducing PyCharm•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Foundations - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the concept of control flow and how Python uses conditionals for decision-making. You will learn to write if statements, use logical operators, and create complex and nested conditions to manage program behavior.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videos•Total 32 minutes
- Introduction to Control Flow and Conditionals•0 minutes
- If Statement and Logical Operators•17 minutes
- Complex Conditions•5 minutes
- Nested If Statements•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Control Flow and Conditional Statements - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on loops, a crucial concept for automating repetitive tasks in Python. You will learn how to implement for and while loops, break out of loops, and use the range() function to handle sequences effectively.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Introducing Loops•1 minute
- For Loops Using Range•10 minutes
- General For Loops Using Range•7 minutes
- Looping over Lists and Tuples•7 minutes
- Prime Numbers and Breaking Out of Loops•4 minutes
- Looping over a List of Strings Using Split•4 minutes
- While Loops•5 minutes
- The While Loop and Validating Input•7 minutes
- Factorial Using the While Loop: Example of an Infinite While Loop•4 minutes
- Factorial Using the While Loop and Incremental Assignment•2 minutes
- Nested Loops•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Loops - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore Python’s Turtle Graphics to create visual outputs and artistic drawings. You will work on a capstone project that allows you to apply your Python skills creatively while reinforcing key programming concepts.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
6 videos•Total 40 minutes
- Welcome to Turtle Graphics•1 minute
- Introducing Turtle Graphics•6 minutes
- Avoiding Magic Numbers•6 minutes
- Generalizing Example and Using Parameters•6 minutes
- Completing Turtle Graphics Background•10 minutes
- Turtle Graphics Capstone Project•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Capstone Project Using Turtle Graphics - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the power of functions in Python. You will learn to create reusable code by defining functions, pass parameters, and explore function scope and annotations for better code management and readability.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment
13 videos•Total 90 minutes
- Introduction to Functions•1 minute
- Simple Functions•6 minutes
- More Examples of Functions•10 minutes
- Functions with Default Parameters•7 minutes
- Breaking Down Problems Using Functions•12 minutes
- Function Scope: Local and Global Variables•11 minutes
- Accessing a Global Variable from Within a Function•6 minutes
- Call by Order vs. Call by Name/Keyword Arguments•9 minutes
- Variable Number of Arguments in a Function Call•5 minutes
- Sum Example with Type-Checking•6 minutes
- String Methods•10 minutes
- Type Annotations and Functions•5 minutes
- Type Annotations with Lists•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Functions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive deep into Python lists, a fundamental data structure. You will learn how to work with lists, access and manipulate data, and use powerful list methods and comprehensions to streamline your code.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 50 minutes
- Introduction to Lists•1 minute
- Creating Lists and Accessing List Elements•4 minutes
- List Methods•17 minutes
- Nested Lists•5 minutes
- List Slicing•7 minutes
- List Comprehensions•6 minutes
- List Comprehensions and Filtering•7 minutes
- For Loop Appending vs. List Comprehension•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Lists - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will engage with a series of hands-on exercises to solidify your understanding of functions, loops, and lists. These challenges will allow you to apply your knowledge and develop practical coding skills through real-world problems.
What's included
17 videos1 assignment
17 videos•Total 80 minutes
- Welcome to the Exercise Section•1 minute
- Exercise—Loops•9 minutes
- Solution—Average•10 minutes
- Solution—Sum of Even Digits•16 minutes
- Solution—Min and Max in a List•6 minutes
- Solution—Count Vowels•6 minutes
- Solution—Multiplication Table•11 minutes
- Exercise—List Comprehensions•3 minutes
- Solution—List Comprehensions Squares•3 minutes
- Exercise—List Comprehensions Squares: Filtering•1 minute
- Solution—List Comprehensions Squares: Filtering•4 minutes
- Exercise—List Comprehensions Squares: Multiplication•2 minutes
- Solution—List Comprehensions Squares: Multiplication•3 minutes
- Exercise—List Comprehensions Squares: Flatten•1 minute
- Solution—List Comprehensions Squares: Flatten•3 minutes
- Exercise—List Comprehensions Squares: Temperature•1 minute
- Solution—List Comprehensions Squares: Temperature•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Exercises—Functions, Loops, Lists - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the critical concepts of equality and identity in Python, including the impact of aliasing and copying objects. You'll also learn how to compare values and perform advanced sorting techniques.
What's included
10 videos1 reading3 assignments
10 videos•Total 51 minutes
- Introduction•1 minute
- Aliasing•6 minutes
- Beware of the "is" Operator•6 minutes
- Shallow Copy•5 minutes
- Deep Copy•7 minutes
- type vs. isinstance•4 minutes
- Comparison and Inequalities•7 minutes
- Inequalities and Sorting•6 minutes
- Reverse Sorting•4 minutes
- General Sorting by a Key Function•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Python Programming Foundations'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Equality vs. Identity - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
Python programming refers to writing code in Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages today. It is relevant because Python is widely used for various applications such as web development, data science, automation, artificial intelligence, and more. Its simplicity and readability make it an ideal choice for beginners and experts alike. Understanding Python allows you to automate tasks, analyze data, and build a wide range of software applications.
This course introduces Python programming from the very basics. You will learn Python syntax, basic operations, functions, control flow, and data structures such as lists and loops. It also includes a hands-on capstone project using Turtle Graphics to consolidate your skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to write Python programs, solve problems using loops and conditionals, and use functions to structure your code efficiently.
After completing this course, you will have a solid foundation in Python programming. You will be able to write Python scripts, understand the core programming concepts like variables, functions, and loops, and implement these to solve real-world problems. You will also be comfortable using Python's built-in libraries and performing basic data manipulations.
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