Learn Python fundamentals and real-world coding skills — from writing your first script to building a program that pulls live data from the internet.
Python | Git/GitHub | VS Code | APIs
What’s covered in our Intro to Python course:
- Python fundamentals (variables, data types, loops, and functions)
- Data structures
- Git and GitHub
- Reading and writing data (work with real files (text and spreadsheets) and pulling live data from the internet using APIs)
- Error handling and debugging
- Sorting and searching (understand the logic behind how computers find and organize information)
What you should know before starting this course:
- How to use your computer (opening programs, using a browser, switching between apps, etc.)
- Good typing skills (you don’t need to be fast, just careful. Coding is all about the details.)
- Willingness to follow along with a tutorial (our pre-work assignment during the application process gets you that experience if you don’t have it yet)
- Basic Python concepts such as variables, data types, conditional statements, comments, and print statements; all of which are taught in the pre-work assignment.
- Basic spreadsheet skills, which is also taught in the pre-work.
Supplies you need before starting this course:
- Laptop or desktop computer (Windows or Mac both work great. Chromebooks users will need to enable Linux on their system. Chromebooks are not recommended for our advanced-level classes.)
- Webcam (preferred but not required for attending live mentor sessions)
- Reliable Internet Connection
- Storage space to install VS Code (Visual Studio Code)
- A free GitHub account (sign up at github.com if you don’t have one already)
What Intro Students Have to Say
“
I joined CTD this year for the Intro Into Program class. I have no prior coding knowledge and education, so I joined this program completely from scratch. At CTD I found the learning experience both exciting and challenging. I met lots of new people, professionals who were friendly and ready to help understand what I was learning, and everything went easily because of the solid system and solid team. Thank You Code The Dream!
– Dewi, Intro to Programming Student
“
I had taken JavaScript classes before, but the way it was taught it felt like there was a lot of assumed prior knowledge. This course helped me not only understand how to write my JavaScript code, but also why I could or should write my code in a certain way. I feel like I’ve got a good foundation for further learning in anything JavaScript based as I build on my skills.
– Mary, Intro to Programming Student
“
I could not be happier with my experience with Code The Dream. I searched high and low for effective, inclusive programs to help make my transition into the Tech world, and Code The Dream threads the needle between providing a rigorous curriculum that challenges you to grow as a developer, and a supportive community of staff, volunteers, and students that encourage you and lift you up when there are challenges. And it’s offered FREE OF CHARGE to students, making it accessible to anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort to learn? What is not to like?!
– David, Intro to Programming Student
