An Introduction to Programming Using Python

Course Description

This course is primarily an Introduction to Programming, using a great, relatively new Programming language called Python.

Python is very simple to use, yet very powerful, Computer Programming language that runs on just about any platform (Windows, Unix, Linux, MAC, Android.)

In addition to learning Python, you will learn Programming techniques that can be applied to any language. My rule of thumb is that it takes about 100 hours to learn your first Programming language. Thereafter, a new one should take about 20% of that (i.e. 20 hours.) Learning Python will set you up to learn other languages, such as C#, C++, Java, and all sorts of Web Development applications.

I don't want to mislead you---this is an Introductory course with a pretty vast coverage, but there are still many things to learn that aren't covered in this course.

Primarily, Object orientation (Class Development) and GUI development (Windows like applications.) Those will be covered in 2 other classes currently in development.

Prerequisites

None

Software Required

Python is a free download and runs on just about anything (Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac, Android). You can find it here

http://www.python.org/downloads

Course Textbook

Learn to Program with Python by John Smiley
ISBN: 0-9752402-8-5
The book (a $29.99 Print version) is included with the class. A Kindle and Nook version is also available for purchase for $9.99

Outline:

Week 1

• Introductions/Gain familiarity with the Classroom
• Download the software/ensure that it works
• The Art of Programming
• The Systems Development Life Cycle

Week 2

• Getting Comfortable with Python
• Download and Installing Python on your computer
• Writing our First Python Program
• Elements of a Python Program

Week 3

• Computer Data
• Variables, Constants, Python Data Types
• Strings
• Operations on Data
• Comparison Operators
• Boolean Operators

Week 4

• Selection Structures
• If Statements
• Else Statements
• Elif Statements

Week 5

• Loops
• For Loops
• While Loops
• Break and Continue

Week 6

• Creating Your Own Functions
• Program Modularity
• Parameters
• Mandatory and Optional Parameters
• Named Arguments
• Return Values in a Function
• Placing Functions in external modules

Week 7

• Lists and Strings
• Creating Lists
• Modifying Lists
• Slicing Lists
• Slicing Strings

Week 8

• Errors and Exceptions Handling
• Interpreter or Parser Errors
• Runtime/Logic Errors
• Exception Handling
• Try-Catch-Finally