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Python Intro

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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

Write your first Python programs, get comfortable with git and GitHub for version control, and build a command-line tool that gets and works with live data from the internet.

What you’ll learn

This is course 1 of 4 in the Data Engineering track: Intro to Programming → Python for Data Analysis → Python for AI & Cloud → Python & Data Practicum.

  • Weeks 1-3: Python basics and professional environment. Variables, data types, and if/else logic. Set up VS Code, use the command line, start using git and GitHub.
  • Weeks 4-6: Organizing data and logic. Lists, dictionaries, and other data structures. Write loops, sort and search data, and organize code into functions.
  • Weeks 7-9: Working with real data. Read and write text and CSV files, handle errors, and use outside libraries to get data from APIs.
  • Weeks 10-11: Final project. Build, extend, and present your command-line tool.
View Lesson-by-Lesson Objectives

What you’ll build

  • A command-line tool that uses live data. Your final project connects to a public API and turns its response into data your Python program can use. You will build a command-line interface, so a user can type a request and get results right away. Your program handles errors, such as a lost connection, without crashing, and its code is organized into reusable functions.
  • You’ll also choose one way to extend your project:
    • Option A: Visual analysis. Create charts with Matplotlib that answer a specific question about the data.
    • Option B: Data pipeline. Clean and process the data, then export it to a CSV file that others can use.

Tools you’ll use

Python, VS Code, Command line, Git & GitHub, requests, Matplotlib.

Prerequisites

  • You are comfortable using a computer: opening programs, using a web browser, switching between apps.
  • You can follow a programming tutorial. The pre-work in your application gives you this practice.
  • You know basic Python: variables, data types, conditions, comments, and print statements. The application pre-work covers these.

Supplies

  • A laptop or desktop computer. Chromebooks can work with extra setup, but they do not work for the later courses in the track. Tablets or mobile devices will not work for this program.
  • A webcam for live mentor sessions (preferred, not required).
  • Reliable internet.
  • VS Code (a popular, free code editor).
  • A free GitHub account.

What Intro Students Have to Say

“
Photo of - Dewi, Intro to Programming Student
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
“
Photo of - Mary, 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
“
Photo of - David, 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