Course Catalog Computer Programming
Python I - Programming Fundamentals
5 units / 33 items
This beginner programming course introduces students to the essentials of coding using Python 3, focusing on foundational concepts like data types, variables, loops, and functions. Students will learn to write Python code within the Visual Studio Code IDE, developing skills to build a simple text-based adventure game. This course lays the groundwork for more advanced studies in computer science.
Course Objectives
- Gain foundational knowledge of programming concepts including variables, conditionals, loops, and data structures.
- Develop proficiency in Python by learning syntax and writing code.
- Become comfortable with code editors like Visual Studio Code.
- Apply problem-solving skills to tackle programming challenges.
- Understand and implement best practices in code readability and version control.
- Demonstrate knowledge with a text-based adventure game that utilizes all course concepts.
Getting Started
- ReadingWhat Is Python?
- Download and install Python 3.
- ReadingWhat Is an IDE?
- Download and install Visual Studio Code.
- Install the Python extension in VS Code.
- ReadingSetting Up GitHub
- Checkpoint0.0 GitHub Basics: Your First Repository
How Assignments Work
Each assignment is hosted on GitHub Classroom. When you click the assignment link, GitHub will create a private repository just for you. Clone that repository to your computer and open it in VS Code. Inside the repository, you'll find a lesson (.md file) and an exercise (.py file). Open the lesson file and read it by using Ctrl+Shift+V or the Open Preview icon in the upper right corner. Then complete the exercise by following the commented instructions. When you finish, commit your changes and push them to GitHub for review.
Data Types, Variables, and Operators
Learn some of the fundamental building blocks of programming, including data types, variables, operators, and basic syntax.
- Checkpoint1.1 Basic Python Syntax
- Checkpoint1.2 Basic Data Types
- VideoWhy TRUE + TRUE = 2: Data Types
- Checkpoint1.3 Operators
- Read Sidenote: Naming Conventions
- Checkpoint1.4 Operators
- Checkpoint1.5 User Input
- Checkpoint1.6 String Manipulation
- TestUnit 1 Test
Control Flow and Data Structures
Learn to build more expressive programs using conditional statements, loops, and basic data structures.
- ReadingWhat Is Control Flow?
- Checkpoint2.1 Functions
- Checkpoint2.2 Conditionals
- Checkpoint2.3 Loops
- Checkpoint2.4 Exception Handling
- Read Sidenote: Data Structures
- Checkpoint2.5 Lists
- Checkpoint2.6 Tuples
- Checkpoint2.7 Dictionaries
- TestUnit 2 Test
Best Practices and Advanced Tools
Learn good habits to help you write cleaner, more efficient, and more maintainable code.
- ReadingBest Practices
- Reading3.0 PEP 8: Python Style Guide
- VideoBest Practices for Comments in Python
- Checkpoint3.1 Debugging
- Checkpoint3.2 Modules and Libraries
- ReadingThird-Party Libraries
- Checkpoint3.3 Type Hinting
- Checkpoint3.4 Unit Testing
- Checkpoint3.5 File I/O
- Checkpoint3.6 Regular Expressions
- TestUnit 3 Test
- CheckpointFinal Project - Text Adventure Game