What you need to start with Python: Syntax, loops, and data structures.
If you don't yet know Python, you should
Python is one of the most popular languages in the world. It's widely used in Web development, data science and machine learning, devops, and automated testing. Stack Overflow reports that it's not only the most popular language on their site, but also the fastest growing language.
So Python is popular. And it's only getting more popular over time.
Bottom line: If you know Python, then you can get a great job. Or you can keep your current job, and improve your standing (and thus your salary).
I know this, because some of the world's best-known companies invite me to teach Python to their engineers. Just about every day, I go to companies like Apple, Cisco, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, and VMWare, teaching Python to their staff. These companies are always looking for people who know Python — but because such people are hard to find, they bring me in to train their existing developers.
My students are typically experienced with C, C++, C#, and Java. So they know how to program, but they don't know Python. I sometimes say that they can program in Python, but with a Java accent — meaning, they might know how to get things done, but not in the most efficient or "Pythonic" way.
My intro course covers data structures, working with files, writing and calling functions, basic functional programming, modules, and basic object-oriented programming. Throughout the course, I give my students exercises that force them to use what they've learned, and to integrate these ideas into their Python coding. By the end of the course, they're ready to use Python to solve problems, and to do their jobs — not just because they know Python, but because they have a sense of how it works, and how to teach themselves more.
My course begins with a tour through Python's syntax and data structures — strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries. These are the data structures that you must master if you'll become fluent in Python. Lists, tuples, and dicts aren't just for beginner Python developers; the language itself is implemented using oodles of lists, tuples, and dicts. And the sooner you know how to work with them, the sooner you'll become fluent in Python.
If you're an experienced developer who has always wanted to learn Python, this is the best starting point I can think of. I've given this course hundreds of times, to thousands of developers around the world. I've honed my explanations and exercises to ensure that you'll have the optimum learning experience.
So Python is popular. And it's only getting more popular over time.
Bottom line: If you know Python, then you can get a great job. Or you can keep your current job, and improve your standing (and thus your salary).
I know this, because some of the world's best-known companies invite me to teach Python to their engineers. Just about every day, I go to companies like Apple, Cisco, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, and VMWare, teaching Python to their staff. These companies are always looking for people who know Python — but because such people are hard to find, they bring me in to train their existing developers.
My students are typically experienced with C, C++, C#, and Java. So they know how to program, but they don't know Python. I sometimes say that they can program in Python, but with a Java accent — meaning, they might know how to get things done, but not in the most efficient or "Pythonic" way.
My intro course covers data structures, working with files, writing and calling functions, basic functional programming, modules, and basic object-oriented programming. Throughout the course, I give my students exercises that force them to use what they've learned, and to integrate these ideas into their Python coding. By the end of the course, they're ready to use Python to solve problems, and to do their jobs — not just because they know Python, but because they have a sense of how it works, and how to teach themselves more.
My course begins with a tour through Python's syntax and data structures — strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries. These are the data structures that you must master if you'll become fluent in Python. Lists, tuples, and dicts aren't just for beginner Python developers; the language itself is implemented using oodles of lists, tuples, and dicts. And the sooner you know how to work with them, the sooner you'll become fluent in Python.
If you're an experienced developer who has always wanted to learn Python, this is the best starting point I can think of. I've given this course hundreds of times, to thousands of developers around the world. I've honed my explanations and exercises to ensure that you'll have the optimum learning experience.
What's included?
80 videos
15 files
Contents
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Basic data types
Section 3: Strings
Section 4: Loops
Section 5: Lists
Section 6: Tuples
Section 7: Dictionaries
Section 8: Sets
Conclusion
PDFs of slides
Become a better developer.
I'm Reuven — and for 20 years, I've spent just about every day teaching Python, data science, and Git at some of the world's best-known companies.
I've recorded my most popular courses here, for you to learn these skills — even if you don't work for a big company.
After taking my courses, you'll be able to to solve bigger problems in less time — allowing you to do your current job better, or to find a new, better job.
I've recorded my most popular courses here, for you to learn these skills — even if you don't work for a big company.
After taking my courses, you'll be able to to solve bigger problems in less time — allowing you to do your current job better, or to find a new, better job.
FAQ
How long is the course? Is it complete?
About 7 hours of video lessons, covering all of the topics (syntax, numbers, strings, loops, lists, tuples, and dicts) in detail, and with many exercises.
Are the exercises the same as in Practice Makes Python?
My book (and course), "Practice Makes Python," contains 50 of my favorite exercises from the Python courses I have taught over the years. So yes, there is some overlap between the exercises. However, a number of the exercises are new and different. I'd estimate that about half of the exercises in this course are also in "Practice Makes Python."
What background do I need for this course?
The typical person taking this course has experience with another language — typically C, C#, C++, or Java. Others take this course with a background in JavaScript, Matlab, or R.
People have taken this course without much of a background in programming, but they have often complained that it moves too fast for them. I'm planning to put my "Python for non-programmers" course online in the near future, which covers many of the same topics, but at a slower pace and with more explanations.
People have taken this course without much of a background in programming, but they have often complained that it moves too fast for them. I'm planning to put my "Python for non-programmers" course online in the near future, which covers many of the same topics, but at a slower pace and with more explanations.
This price is far too high for someone living in my country. Do you offer "parity pricing," or something like it, for people outside of the world's wealthiest countries?
Yes. If you live outside of the 30 wealthiest countries in the world, I offer a 40% "parity pricing" discount. E-mail me at reuven@lerner.co.il to receive the coupon.
What version of Python do you use?
The course uses Python 3.7, the most recent version as of the time I recorded. I recommend that everyone use Python 3.6 or above in their day-to-day work.
Many of my clients still use Python 2, so I do try to mention where versions 2 and 3 differ. That'll help those of you who need to use Python 2 in your jobs to bridge the gap between the two.
Many of my clients still use Python 2, so I do try to mention where versions 2 and 3 differ. That'll help those of you who need to use Python 2 in your jobs to bridge the gap between the two.
What does this course cover?
The basic syntax and data structures of the Python programming language. In particular, I'll teach you:
- The basic structure (including indentation + blocks)
- Numbers (ints and floats)
- Strings
- Loops (for and while)
- Lists and tuples
- Dictionaries
These are the ideas and techniques that every Python programmer uses, every single day. Whether you're using Python for Web apps, automated testing, data science, devops, or just exploring, this course will teach you the techniques you need to master in order to really understand and work with Python.
- The basic structure (including indentation + blocks)
- Numbers (ints and floats)
- Strings
- Loops (for and while)
- Lists and tuples
- Dictionaries
These are the ideas and techniques that every Python programmer uses, every single day. Whether you're using Python for Web apps, automated testing, data science, devops, or just exploring, this course will teach you the techniques you need to master in order to really understand and work with Python.
What if I don't like the course?
Then e-mail me, at reuven@lerner.co.il, and I'll refund your money.
Just data structures and loops? Really?!?
Yes, because these are the most important topics you can learn in Python.
This covers the material from (roughly) the first day of my four-day course. I'm intending to put that entire course online, which means that there will be additional modules covering functions, functional programming, modules, and object-oriented programming.
It's important to remember, though, that these basic data structures (strings, lists, tuples, and dicts) are used each and every day by Python developers, regardless of their skill level or years of experience. If you have a good grasp of these data structures, then you can do some amazing things with Python.
This covers the material from (roughly) the first day of my four-day course. I'm intending to put that entire course online, which means that there will be additional modules covering functions, functional programming, modules, and object-oriented programming.
It's important to remember, though, that these basic data structures (strings, lists, tuples, and dicts) are used each and every day by Python developers, regardless of their skill level or years of experience. If you have a good grasp of these data structures, then you can do some amazing things with Python.
I'm a student or retiree (pensioner). Can I get a discount?
Yes! I offer a 20% discount to students and pensioners. Just e-mail me (reuven@lerner.co.il) to get the coupon code.
I've been using Python for a few months. Why should I take this course?
Because in my experience, many people who use Python every day don't have a full understanding of how the language works. As a result, they aren't able to take advantage of its capabilities.
If you have been using Python every day for a year or more, then this course is probably too basic for you. (Although I've had many students with that background who say that I filled in many gaps in their understanding.) But if you've been using Python for less than a year, then you will more than likely benefit from this course, learning tricks and tips to make your programs more efficient and "Pythonic."
If you have been using Python every day for a year or more, then this course is probably too basic for you. (Although I've had many students with that background who say that I filled in many gaps in their understanding.) But if you've been using Python for less than a year, then you will more than likely benefit from this course, learning tricks and tips to make your programs more efficient and "Pythonic."