This course is part of the Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

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3,203 ratings

Scott Rixner +1 more instructor

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Offered By

Introduction to Scripting in Python SpecializationRice University

About this Course

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This course will introduce you to the wonderful world of Python programming!  We'll learn about the essential elements of programming and how to construct basic Python programs. We will cover expressions, variables, functions, logic, and conditionals, which are foundational concepts in computer programming. We will also teach you how to use Python modules, which enable you to benefit from the vast array of functionality that is already a part of the Python language. These concepts and skills will help you to begin to think like a computer programmer and to understand how to go about writing Python programs.
By the end of the course, you will be able to write short Python programs that are able to accomplish real, practical tasks. This course is the foundation for building expertise in Python programming. As the first course in a specialization, it provides the necessary building blocks for you to succeed at learning to write more complex Python programs.

This course uses Python 3.  While many Python programs continue to use Python 2, Python 3 is the future of the Python programming language. This first course will use a Python 3 version of the CodeSkulptor development environment, which is specifically designed to help beginning programmers learn quickly.  CodeSkulptor runs within any modern web browser and does not require you to install any software, allowing you to start writing and running small programs immediately.  In the later courses in this specialization,  we will help you to move to more sophisticated desktop development environments.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 1 of 4 in the

Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, English, Spanish

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Skills you will gain

Codeskulptor
Python Syntax And Semantics
Python Programming
Debugging

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 4 in the

Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.84/5 (682 Ratings)

Scott Rixner

Joe Warren

Offered by

Rice University

Rice University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and the top 100 in the world. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating96%(7,910 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Python as a Calculator

This module will expose you to Python so that you can run your first simple programs. You will use Python to compute the results of arithmetic expressions, as you would when using a calculator.

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 62 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Functions

This module will teach you how to define and call functions. Functions allow you to write code once that you can execute repeatedly with different inputs.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 46 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Logic and Conditionals

This module will teach you how to use logic and conditionals to change the behavior of the program based upon values within the program.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 54 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

Week 4

4 hours to complete

Python Modules

This module will introduce you to the concept of modules. Python modules allow code to be divided up into different files and reused in different programs. Python provides many modules that you can use within your programs.

4 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 57 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes

Reviews

4.8

795 reviews

5 stars
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4 stars
15.79%
3 stars
1.73%
2 stars
0.43%
1 star
0.55%

TOP REVIEWS FROM PYTHON PROGRAMMING ESSENTIALS

by PGJun 23, 2022

A very simple and non-intimidating intro to python. I definitely got the gears going in some of the example problems and it was fun to feel like I was back in college again. Would recommend this one.

by RSApr 27, 2021

A really good course good material and lectures. However, I find that sometimes that too much guidance given, and it has sort of made the course less challanging. nevertheless a good foundation course

by ASDec 21, 2017

Introductory course that does not bog down in presenting all aspect of the language in some arbitrary order. You are actually able to create something that is (semi) usable by week 4.

by ACJul 19, 2020

It was awesome learning python from coursera. I have learned alot from the chosen course. And ofcourse its scott sir who helped me in gaining knowledge about python. i am satisfied with the course.

View all reviews

About the Introduction to Scripting in Python Specialization

Developed by Rice University's world-class Computer Science & Data Science faculty, this specialization is intended for beginners who would like to master essential programming skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
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? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Python Programming Essentials

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