Python Data Representations
Ends soon! Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Python Data Representations
This course is part of Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization
Instructors: Scott Rixner
29,240 already enrolled
Included with
1,131 reviews
1,131 reviews
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
3 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
This course will continue the introduction to Python programming that started with Python Programming Essentials. We'll learn about different data representations, including strings, lists, and tuples, that form the core of all Python programs. We will also teach you how to access files, which will allow you to store and retrieve data within your programs. These concepts and skills will help you to manipulate data and write more complex Python programs.
By the end of the course, you will be able to write Python programs that can manipulate data stored in files. This will extend your Python programming expertise, enabling you to write a wide range of scripts using Python This course uses Python 3. While most Python programs continue to use Python 2, Python 3 is the future of the Python programming language. This course introduces basic desktop Python development environments, allowing you to run Python programs directly on your computer. This choice enables a smooth transition from online development environments.
This module will teach you about Python's string data type and its capabilities. Strings are used to represent text within programs.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 assignment
7 videos•Total 45 minutes
- Welcome!•3 minutes
- Class Structure•4 minutes
- Python Strings•8 minutes
- Indexing Strings•7 minutes
- Searching Strings•8 minutes
- Slicing Strings•6 minutes
- Answering Common Python Questions•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Formatting Strings•10 minutes
- Practice Exercises for Strings•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
- Strings•30 minutes
This module will teach you the basics of Python's list data type. Lists are used to hold a sequence of data within programs.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 assignment
7 videos•Total 56 minutes
- Lists•7 minutes
- List Indexing and Slicing•9 minutes
- Splitting and Joining Strings•8 minutes
- List Searching•5 minutes
- Iteration over Lists•10 minutes
- Using Thonny's Debugger•8 minutes
- Debugging an Example Program•9 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Defining and Accessing Lists•10 minutes
- Iteration•10 minutes
- Using Thonny•10 minutes
- Practice Exercises for Lists•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
- Lists•30 minutes
This module will dive further into the use of lists. You will learn how about mutating the contents of a list and the implications of doing so.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment
5 videos•Total 37 minutes
- List Mutation•6 minutes
- Tuples•9 minutes
- Objects and References•7 minutes
- Understanding List References•8 minutes
- Diagnosing List Reference Issues•8 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
- List Processing Example•10 minutes
- Visualizing Objects and References•10 minutes
- Practice Exercises for List Manipulation•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
- List Manipulation•30 minutes
This module will teach you how to access files in Python.
What's included
5 videos5 readings2 app items
5 videos•Total 41 minutes
- Opening and Reading Files•7 minutes
- Reading Files using Iteration•5 minutes
- Writing Files•5 minutes
- Working with File Paths•9 minutes
- Project Video•14 minutes
5 readings•Total 50 minutes
- Introduction to Files•10 minutes
- Understanding File Systems and Paths•10 minutes
- Practice Project: Updating the CodeSkulptor Docs•10 minutes
- Project Description: File Differences•10 minutes
- OwlTest: Automated Feedback and Assessment•10 minutes
2 app items•Total 120 minutes
- Project: File Differences•60 minutes
- Project Submission History•60 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructors
Offered by
Explore more from Software Development
- R
Rice University
Course
- R
Rice University
Course
- R
Rice University
Course
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Learner reviews
- 5 stars
78.69%
- 4 stars
17.24%
- 3 stars
2.47%
- 2 stars
0.61%
- 1 star
0.97%
Showing 3 of 1131
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2021
These are excellent classes to take if you're interested in learning Python - I would highly recommend the Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization.
Reviewed on Nov 4, 2025
Excellent course for Python Scripting starters. Very well explained with humor. Also very good tips for Python programming and debugging.
Reviewed on Aug 1, 2019
This course is really fantastic for beginners and those who want to start learning python. Instructors teach the essentials and principles of the python language patiently and fun.
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,