Python Basics

At it’s most simple, a programming language is a set of instructions that a computer can read, and there are many to choose from. But regardless of the language (C, C++, Python, Java, C, JavaScript, Ruby, Haskell etc.), there are (mostly) always the same fundamental components present, and these are:

  1. Data Types and Variables
  2. Operators
  3. Input/Output
  4. Conditionals and Loops

All that learning a programming language comes down to is learning the unique syntax for each of these components. There is a plethora of online material devoted to teaching Python. I have listed some free resources for you to check out below.

Online Literature

  • Automate The Boring Stuff With Python
    An extensive, but somewhat lengthier option. Chapters 1-8 cover the fundamentals with an average of 6000 words per chapter. Chapter 9-20 go on to cover more intermedite topics. Each chapter includes a set of practice questions.
  • Python Crash Course Cheat Sheets
    A very stripped back and concise option. There are 7 sheets that aim to fit the primary syntax rules for the fundamental Python concepts. Best used as a quick aid while working on practice problem and/or actively programming.
  • Python Like You Mean It
    A moderate length option in a module format. There are 5 modules, although the basics of Python syntax are taught in module 2. The other modules go on to provide practice problems and teach intermediate concepts. Also, it has a focus on STEM applications.
  • Codecademy
    An outdated but still useful option. The only free content offered is a 12 lesson, interactive course on Python 2, which is a legacy version of Python. This is a good resource if one doesn’t mind the constant teasing of PRO material, and the fact that learning Python 2 will eventually require the student to update their knowledge to Python 3 (There isn’t a huge difference, but still noticeable).

Online Videos

  • Microsoft Programming with Python
    An in-depth option with lots of videos. Ep 1-4 cover setting up Python on Windows. Ep 5-33 cover Python fundamentals, which an average episode length of 6 minutes. Later episodes go on to cover intermediate topics. There are two sequel series to this one, so if one enjoys the first series, they have much more similar content to look forward to.
  • Python Tutorial for Beginners
    This is a slightly more streamlined version of the Microsoft videos. Eps 2-9 cover Python fundamentals with videos at an average length of 20 minutes. There are 90+ other videos which explore intermediate topics.
  • Python 3 Basic Tutorial Series
    Another great option. Consists of 60 episodes covered fundamental Python concepts and have an average video length of 10 minutes.
  • Udemy: Free Python Courses and Tutorials
    This website offers a large number of Python courses for beginners, ranging from 4 hours of lectures to 30 minutes. There are also shorter videos offered which go through and answer frequently asked questions regarding Python

Quizzes

After becoming familiar with the Python content, feel free to test your knowledge with Python quizzes on the course Avenue page for the Python bootcamp.

Next Step

After testing your knowledge with the quizzes, feel free to explore why Python is a great tool for science in the last section, Python For Science.