Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

Master the basics of Python programming, and learn how to use programming tools and variables with the University of Michigan.

Learn Python from scratch and prepare yourself for a future in programming

On this programming course, you’ll go from a complete beginner with no prior programming experience to having a solid understanding of the Python programming language.

You’ll begin by completing basic exercises that focus on the core concepts of programming. As you progress, you’ll learn how to use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information. You’ll then install Python, write your first program, and get to grips with utilize core programming tools like functions and loops.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll have the computer programming skills to further your learning alone.

What topics will you cover?

• Understanding a program
• Using variables in programs
• Conditional execution (if statements)
• Repeated execution / looping (for statements)
• Functions and code reuse

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Describe the basics of the Python programming language
• Use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information
• Install Python and write your first program
• Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics of programming computers using Python. This course has no prerequisites and avoids all but the simplest maths.

Please note that JavaScript is required for full access to course content.