Week 1: Python Basics¶
Welcome to Week 1! This week you'll learn the fundamental building blocks of Python programming.
Overview¶
In this first week, you'll install Python and learn the basic syntax. By the end of the week, you'll understand:
- Python syntax and basic statements
- Variables and how Python manages memory
- Different types of operators
- How to make decisions in code
- Working with sequences
- Python's built-in data types (numbers, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries)
- Type conversions
Lessons¶
Work through these lessons in order:
- Introduction - Get started with Python installation and setup
- Syntax & Basic Statements - Learn Python's fundamental syntax
- Variables & Garbage Collection - Understand how Python manages memory
- Operators - Arithmetic, comparison, logical, and more
- Decision Making - if/elif/else statements
- Sequences - Understanding sequential data types
- Numbers - Working with integers and floats
- Strings - Text manipulation and string methods
- Lists - Python's most versatile data structure
- Tuples - Immutable sequences
- Dictionaries - Key-value pairs
- Type Conversions - Converting between data types
Homework Assignment¶
Calculator Project - Build a basic calculator that can perform arithmetic operations.
Check the HW folder for detailed requirements and starter code.
Learning Objectives¶
By the end of Week 1, you should be able to:
- Write basic Python programs
- Understand and use variables
- Work with different data types
- Make decisions using conditional statements
- Manipulate strings, lists, and dictionaries
- Convert between different data types
Estimated Time¶
- Lessons: 2-3 hours
- Homework: 2-3 hours
- Total: 4-6 hours
Tips for Success¶
- Take your time - Don't rush through the material
- Run the code - Execute every example in the notebooks
- Experiment - Modify examples to see what happens
- Take notes - Write down key concepts
- Ask questions - Use the community resources
Next Steps¶
After completing Week 1 and the homework assignment, move on to Week 2 to learn about functions and modules!