Weekly Python Exercise, next cohort by Reuven M. Lerner

Overview

Python is one of the hottest programming languages currently in use. By some measures, it's actually the hottest language out there. Whether you're working on your own, in a startup or at a Fortune 100 company, lots of people just like you are using Python.

The question is: Are you using Python to its fullest potential? That is:

Is your code taking advantage of Python's data types and standard library?
Do you really understand how Python's classes work, and how to take advantage of the many "magic methods"?
How familiar are you with such ideas as generators and decorators?

"Weekly Python Exercise" is a a set of 15-week courses that aim to make you a more fluent Python programmer.

Here's how it works: Every Tuesday, you get a new problem sent to you via e-mail. The following Monday, you get a detailed solution, complete with explanations. In between you communicate with the rest of your cohort via a private forum, exchanging ideas and solutions, and getting clarifications. And every month or so, you can join live office hours, asking questions about WPE's exercises or Python in general.

The aim of Weekly Python Exercise is to make you a more effective and fluent developer — which will then allow you to command more respect (and a higher salary), both now and in the future.

Jonas writes: This course has moved my very basic understanding of python and programming to a very practical level. I even think that this course has given me a great base for further learning and programming style. I highly recommend it, even for people who hasn’t been programmed a lot.

WPE exists in both beginner and advanced levels. Sign up here, and I'll let you know when the next cohort will begin! New cohorts start every 2-3 months.

A-level courses are for beginners, and are progressively more difficult. B-level courses are more advanced, but the level remains about the same. Each course is 15 weeks long, and has different exercises. Doing all six courses means doing 90 exercises, over 90 weeks, for a lot of Python practice!

The schedule for the rest of 2019 is:

May 2019, A2
June 2019, B2
September 2019, A3
October 2019, B3

Bill writes: It works! The WPE has been very helpful in advancing my knowledge in Python. The WPEs have covered areas that I probably would have had a very difficult time knowing where to find the info without WPE. I would truly recommend this to anyone wanting to expand their understanding of Python or programing in general.

Larry writes: Reuven's exercises take less than a page of code and helps you explore a lot of areas. I am a much better Python programmer now not just from writing code myself, but from looking and understanding the code that others wrote to solve the same exercise. Its a very worthwhile investment in time and money.

Questions about Weekly Python Exercise? Just e-mail me (Reuven) at reuven@lerner.co.il.

Because better developers have better careers

Have a more satisfying, successful, and lucrative career, by becoming more fluent in Python, Git, and related technologies.

FAQ

How much Python do I need to know?

A-level WPE courses are aimed at people with minimal Python knowledge. You'll need to have the very basics in place — some familiarity with strings, lists, dictionaries, and functions, as well as "if" and loops. But these are likely still unfamiliar and hard. Each exercise will come with references and reading you can do to learn more about the subject.

B-level WPE courses are for more advanced Python programmers with at least 6 months of experience. In those exercises, you'll do a bit more self learning and discovery, but we'll also get into advanced features such as working with more advanced data structures, list comprehensions, and such topics as iterators, generators, and decorators.

I've had people participate in all versions of WPE at even a beginner level, and they have gotten quite a bit out of the course — but they also admit that they often wait to discuss solutions in the forum, research topics on their own, or spend far more time on the exercises than I would expect.

Does WPE cost money?

Yes, each 15-week WPE course costs $75.

Right now, you're just signing up to be informed when registration has opened for the next cohort; this sign-up process is free. When registration for a new cohort begins, you'll be notified.

There are discounts for students, pensioners, groups, and people living in countries with a non-Western standard of living. Details on obtaining such discounts will be sent out with the course announcement.

Are discounts available?

Yes — if you join with a group of 5 or more, each person gets 20% off.

I also offer my standard 20% discount to students and pensioners.

I also offer my standard "parity pricing" discount to anyone currently living outside of the 30 wealthiest countries in the world.

Interested in any of these? Just contact me via e-mail, and I'll be delighted to provide you with the appropriate coupon code.

What version of Python do you use?

I use Python 3 (as of this writing, 3.7).

What if it turns out WPE isn't for me?

If you don't think you're getting value from Weekly Python Exercise, then ask for a refund, and I'll give you one.

Do I have to participate in the forums or live office hours?

No, of course not! But I'm hoping that lots of people will do so. In my career as a Python trainer, it's clear to me that people who solve exercises together both learn and retain more than those who don't. I strongly encourage participants in my in-person classes to work in pairs, and while doing so online might be hard, I hope that the forum can provide something akin to those interactions.

If you can't make it to office hours, then submit your questions in writing, and I'll answer them — then, when you have a chance, you can view the recording.

When will the office hours be held?

Office hours will be held about once per month. I'll try to vary the days and times, so that no matter where you live in the world, you'll be able to participate at least occasionally.

Am I really committing to a 15-week course, week after week?

Yes and no: The exercises, forum, and live office hours will be tied to one another, and will reflect the current (weekly) exercise.

But no one is forcing you to do the exercises with everyone else! You can skip exercises, and do them later than everyone else. The forum, and video recordings from office hours, will be available for you to use, watch, and review forever, as far as I'm concerned. So there's no pressure on that front.

That said, I do believe that there's a value in dedicating a bit of time each week to improving your craft and learning new things. WPE is designed to take up only an hour or so each week, which I hope you'll agree is a worthwhile investment in your career.

Can I see a sample?

Yes. When the course announcement goes out, I'll send links with sample exercises of the appropriate level.