Introduction to Python Programming: Learning Path

About this learning path

This learning path is designed to help you learn the foundations of Python so that you can start using Python in the real world as soon as possible! You’ll learn how to read and write code, choose and use data structures, and recognize and resolve errors. More importantly, this learning path will help you understand what to learn “now,” “next,” and “later” so you can focus on the fundamentals first.

Knowledge checks are an integral component of this learning path. These checks involve answering multiple-choice questions that will test your knowledge and proficiency, reinforce learning, and identify topics requiring further review or clarification.

By the end of this learning path, you’ll understand:

• How to read and write Python code
• How to solve problems with loops and functions
• How to continuously learn and grow with the language

And you’ll be able to:

• Choose the right data structure for the right problem
• Effectively create and use objects and functions
• Resolve problematic pieces of code

This learning path is for you because:

• You want to learn how to code (with one of the most popular languages!)
• You wish to become a Backend Developer or Data Scientist
• You are a developer with experience in another language

Prerequisites: None

To follow along using your desktop IDE:

1. Install the latest version of Anaconda
2. Launch your command line tool and configure your conda environment.

   For macOS and Linux users: Search and launch Terminal in your system

   For Windows users: Locate and launch Anaconda Prompt in your system

3. (Optional but recommended) From the command line, run the following prompts to create and activate a new environment

   conda create --name NEW_ENV_NAME

   conda activate NEW_ENV_NAME

4. Add conda-forge as a channel to your environment
   

   conda config --add channels conda-forge

5. Install required packages in the command line
   

   conda install jupyterlab rich faker chime schedule pandas

6. Launch JupyterLab from the command line

   jupyter lab

To follow along using Anaconda Notebooks:

1. Launch Anaconda Notebooks in a new window.
   

   You may access the instructor's completed notebooks from the Anaconda Notebooks file directory saved under sample_notebooks -> AnacondaLearning -> intro_to_python_programming.

2. Create a new notebook and install packages. If you are using Anaconda Notebooks to complete this course, you will need to install ipykernel, rich, chime, and schedule from the conda-forge channel.

(Continued) To install and use new packages from conda-forge in Anaconda Notebooks:

1. Launch the terminal

   Open the terminal from the Anaconda Notebooks launcher.

2. Create and activate a new environment

   conda create -n NEW_ENV_NAME python=3.9

   conda activate NEW_ENV_NAME

3. Add channel to your environment
   

   conda config –add channels conda-forge

4. Install packages to your environment
   

   conda install ipykernel chime rich schedule

5. Activate a new kernel from your notebook

   Open a notebook file and locate the Kernel menu option. Select Change Kernel from the drop-down menu. Select the kernel with the name of the environment you just created. It should look like ‘.conda-NEW_ENV_NAME.’ Once you’ve selected the kernel, you may use the packages you’ve just installed.

Additional resources:

• Python's math function documentation
• Python's module index
• Python's random function documentation

Facilitator bio:

Max Humber helps individuals, startups, Fortune 500 companies, and (sometimes) government agencies solve problems with technology. He also independently publishes apps at bracket and teaches at General Assembly. Find him at GitHub and LinkedIn.

Questions? Issues? Join our Community page to get help.