Unlock the power of Python with this beginner-friendly course designed for absolute newcomers and self-taught coders! In Mastering Python Basics, you’ll learn Python step by step starting with simple concepts like variables and loops, and building up to real-world applications like file handling and functions. Through hands-on exercises, real examples, and clear explanations, you’ll gain the confidence to write your own Python scripts and understand what’s happening behind the code. Whether you’re aiming for a tech career, automation skills, or just a solid programming foundation—this course is your perfect starting point.
What Will You Learn?
- By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand the basics of Python syntax and how to write and execute Python code.
- Learn about variables and data types and how to store and manipulate data.
- Get comfortable with conditional statements (if-else) and loops (for and while) to control the flow of your program.
- Master the concept of functions and learn how to create reusable code blocks for better structure and readability.
- Dive deep into data structures like lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries and how to use them for efficient data storage and manipulation.
- Gain hands-on experience by solving real-world problems and working through practical coding exercises.
- Learn how to debug Python code and avoid common errors, making you more confident in troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Course Content
2 – Variables Data Types
Variables are like containers that store information in a program. You can give each variable a name and use it to hold different kinds of data like numbers, text, or true/false values.Basic Points:
Variables store data.Each variable has a name and a type (like number or text).You can change the value of a variable anytime.Examples:int age = 25; (whole number)float price = 9.99; (decimal number)char grade = 'A'; (single letter)Tips:
Use clear names like score or userName.Start names with letters (not numbers).Don’t forget to pick the right type for your data.
Lecture 1 : Introduction to Variables
04:31Lecture 2 : Variables Continued
07:27Lecture 3 : Data Types
00:00Lecture 4 : Input
00:00Lecture 5 : Swap Variables Assignment
00:00Lecture 6 : Swap Variables Solution
00:00
3 – Operators
Operators are symbols that perform operations on variables and values in a program. They help you manipulate data by performing tasks like arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations.Types of Operators:
Arithmetic Operators: Used for basic math operations.+ (Addition), - (Subtraction), * (Multiplication), / (Division), % (Modulus)Example:c
Copy
Edit
int sum = 5 + 3; // sum = 8
Comparison Operators: Used to compare values.== (Equal to), != (Not equal to), > (Greater than), = (Greater than or equal to), 5 && y < 10) { ... }
Assignment Operators: Used to assign values to variables.= (Assign), += (Add and assign), -= (Subtract and assign)Example:c
Copy
Edit
x = 5; // assigns 5 to x
x += 3; // adds 3 to x, now x = 8
Summary:
Operators are essential for performing calculations, making decisions, and controlling the flow of your program. They're the basic tools for working with data in any program.
Lecture 1 : Math Operators
09:26Lecture 2 : Rectangle Assignment
00:00Lecture 3 : Rectangle Solution
00:00Lecture 4 : Comparison Operators
00:00Lecture 5 : Logical Operators
00:00
4 – Strings
Strings are a type of data used to store text. A string is made up of a sequence of characters, like letters, numbers, or symbols, all grouped together.Key Points:
A string is written inside double quotes.Example: "Hello, world!"In C, strings are actually arrays of characters that end with a special character called the null character ().Declaring Strings:
c
Copy
Edit
char greeting[] = "Hello";
Common String Functions (in C):
strlen(str) – Finds the length of the string.strcpy(dest, src) – Copies one string to another.strcat(str1, str2) – Joins two strings.strcmp(str1, str2) – Compares two strings.Example:
c
Copy
Edit
char name[20];
strcpy(name, "Alice");
printf("Name: %s", name);
Tips:
Always make sure the string array has enough space for the text plus the null character.Use string functions from the library.
Lecture 1 : String Intro
00:00Lecture 2 : String Quotes
00:00Lecture 3 : String Escape Sequences
00:00Lecture 4 : String Concatenation
00:00Lecture 5 : String Methods
00:00Lecture 6 : FStrings
00:00
5 – Conditional Statements if elif else
Conditional statements allow a program to make decisions based on certain conditions. They help control the flow of the program by running different pieces of code depending on whether a condition is true or false.Basic Structure:
if: Tests a condition and runs code if the condition is true.elif: (else if) Checks another condition if the first one is false.else: Runs code if none of the above conditions are true.Example in Python:
python
Copy
Edit
age = 20if age >= 18:
print("You are an adult.")
elif age >= 13:
print("You are a teenager.")
else:
print("You are a child.")
Explanation:
The if checks if age is 18 or older.If not, the elif checks if the person is a teenager.If neither condition is true, the else runs, indicating the person is a child.Tips:
You can use as many elif statements as needed.Always end with an else to cover all possibilities, although it’s optional.Conditions can compare values using operators like ==, >, <, etc.
Lecture 1 : If Statements Intro
00:00Lecture 2 : Understanding Truthiness
00:00
6 – Loops
Loops are used to repeat a block of code multiple times without having to write it again. They help automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.Types of Loops:
For Loop: Repeats a block of code a specific number of times.Structure: for (initialization; condition; update)Example in C:c
Copy
Edit
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
printf("%dn", i);
}
This loop prints numbers 0 to 4.While Loop: Repeats a block of code as long as a condition is true.Structure: while (condition)Example in C:c
Copy
Edit
int i = 0;
while (i < 5) {
printf("%dn", i);
i++;
}
This loop also prints numbers 0 to 4, but the condition is checked before each iteration.Do-While Loop: Similar to the while loop, but the condition is checked after the loop runs, ensuring that the code inside the loop is run at least once.Structure: do { code } while (condition);Example in C:c
Copy
Edit
int i = 0;
do {
printf("%dn", i);
i++;
} while (i < 5);
Key Points:
For loops are ideal when you know how many times to repeat.While loops are useful when you want to repeat as long as a condition is true.Do-while loops ensure that the code runs at least once.Tips:
Be careful with loop conditions to avoid infinite loops.Use break to exit a loop early if needed.Use continue to skip the current iteration and move to the next one.
Lecture 1 : While Loops Intro
00:00Lecture 2 : For Loops Range Based
00:00Lecture 3 : For Loops Range Based Exercise Solution
00:00Lecture 4 : For Loops Range Based Exercise Solution
00:00Lecture 5 : Iterating Over Collections
00:00Lecture 6 : While vs For Loops
00:00
7 – Functions
Functions are blocks of code designed to perform a specific task. They allow you to group reusable code, making your programs more organized and easier to manage.Key Concepts:
A function is defined once and can be called multiple times in the program.Functions can take inputs (parameters) and return outputs (return values).Structure of a Function:
Function Declaration/Definition:Includes the return type, function name, and parameters (if any).Example in C:c
Copy
Edit
int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
This function takes two integers as input and returns their sum.Function Call:You call the function by its name and pass the necessary arguments.Example:c
Copy
Edit
int result = add(5, 3); // Calls the 'add' function with 5 and 3
printf("%d", result); // Prints 8
Types of Functions:
Void Functions: Do not return any value.Example:c
Copy
Edit
void printMessage() {
printf("Hello, World!");
}
Value-Returning Functions: Return a value to the caller.Example:c
Copy
Edit
int multiply(int a, int b) {
return a * b;
}
Benefits of Using Functions:
Reusability: Write code once and use it multiple times.Organization: Break down complex programs into manageable pieces.Debugging: Easier to find and fix errors in smaller, isolated sections of code.Tips:
Name your functions clearly to indicate what they do.Keep functions focused on one task for simplicity and clarity.Avoid making functions too long; break them into smaller helper functions if necessary.
Lecture 1 : Function Introduction
00:00Lecture 2 : Function Parameters
00:00Lecture 3 : Function Rectangle Calculations Assignment
00:00Lecture 4 : Function Rectangle Calculations Solution
00:00Lecture 5 : Variable Scope
00:00
8 – Data Structures
Data structures are ways to organize and store data in a computer so it can be used efficiently. They help in managing and processing data in a structured way.Common Data Structures:
ArraysStore a fixed number of elements of the same type.Example in C:c
Copy
Edit
int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
Access by index: numbers[0] is 1.Structures (struct)Group different types of data under one name.Example:c
Copy
Edit
struct Person {
char name[20];
int age;
};
Use:c
Copy
Edit
struct Person p1 = {"Alice", 25};
Linked ListA sequence of nodes where each node points to the next.Used when you need flexible memory allocation.StackLast In, First Out (LIFO).Think of a stack of plates: you add/remove from the top only.QueueFirst In, First Out (FIFO).Like a line at the ticket counter—first person in line gets served first.Hash Table (or Hash Map)Stores key-value pairs.Used for quick lookups, like a dictionary.TreeA hierarchy of nodes; used in things like file systems and databases.A common example is a binary tree.Why Use Data Structures?
They help you store, organize, and retrieve data efficiently.The right data structure makes your program faster and easier to understand.Tips:
Use arrays when the size is fixed and known.Use linked lists when you need to frequently add or remove items.Use structures to group related data types.Choose based on what your program needs to do with the data.
Lescture 1 : Lists Indexing Slicing
00:00Lecture 2 : Lists Modifying Elements
00:00Lecture 3 : Sets
00:00Lecture 4 : Tuples
00:00Lecture 5 : Dictionaries
00:00Python Basics Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge of Variables, Data Types, Loops, and Functions
A course by
H
Student Ratings & Reviews
No Review Yet
Lessons:
