Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
525,645 already enrolled
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
3 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
3 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Most learners liked this course
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There are 7 modules in this course
Behind every mouse click and touch-screen tap, there is a computer program that makes things happen. This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming and teaches you how to write fun and useful programs using the Python language.
This module gives an overview of the course, the editor we will use to write programs, and an introduction to fundamental concepts in Python including variables, mathematical expressions, and functions.
What's included
8 videos10 readings1 assignment
This module introduces strings (a Python data type used to represent text), and a process to follow when creating a function.
What's included
6 videos6 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment
This module introduces Booleans (logical values True and False), how to convert between types, how to use Boolean expressions in if statements to selectively run code, and the concept of a Python module.
What's included
7 videos7 readings1 assignment
This module introduces one way to repeat code (using a for loop), how to manipulate strings, and how to use a debugger to watch a program execute step by step.
What's included
5 videos5 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment
This module introduces another way to repeat code (using a while loop), how to properly document your code to help other programmers understand it, Python's list data type, and the concept of mutation.
What's included
6 videos6 readings1 assignment
This module introduces how to use a for loop over the indexes of a list, how to nest lists, and how to read a write files.
What's included
7 videos6 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment
This module introduces tuples (an immutable version of lists), and Python's dictionary type.
What's included
4 videos3 readings2 assignments
Instructors
Instructor ratings
(1,604 ratings)
University of Toronto
2 Courses564,862 learners
University of Toronto
2 Courses564,862 learners
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Reviewed on Aug 17, 2019
Great for a fundamental course. I have to admit that I had learnt python a few years back and was using this as a practice and revision course. But I learnt a lot more which I can add to my knowledge.
Reviewed on Jun 1, 2020
I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning Python for the first time or to anyone looking at honing their logical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Reviewed on May 28, 2020
This course shows, with examples, how the basics works in programming. As a suggestion, there should be a part of excercises (30 per week, beside the weekly exam) to practice and master this course.
Frequently asked questions
You'll learn how to turn simple problems into Python code and understand what the computer is doing as it runs that code. It starts with expressions, variables, and functions, then builds into decisions, loops, and working with text, files, and collections. You'll apply that in quizzes and programming assignments, including string-processing work such as DNA processing.
No, the course starts from the beginning and teaches Python as it teaches programming. You'll begin with installing Python and using IDLE, then move into expressions, variables, and functions. The main thing you'll need is a willingness to practice, because you'll start writing code early in the course.
Yes, it's beginner-friendly for someone who wants a thorough introduction to programming, not just a quick tour of syntax. The course explains core ideas carefully and reinforces them with lessons, readings, quizzes, and programming assignments, so you keep practicing as the material builds. It may feel more demanding if you're looking for a very short overview, because regular practice is part of the learning experience.
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Financial aid available,