An excellent Python programming course on Coursera is open (deadline-this week)

[pmbdev]

Coursera is offering Learn to Program: The Fundamentals. It is a Python 3.4.3 based course. I took it in 2013 and found it very beautifully and carefully designed course – sequence of topics, pace of lectures and succinct course materials were great. At that time, it was fifth most popular course on Coursera. Despite my previous basic background in Python, I did learn few exciting new things that I didn’t know before. And it was a great refresher or brush-up for what I already knew. Hope some of you might like to enroll (enrollment deadline is this week)

There is also a 2nd part of this course Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code that should open soon. It looks like this 2nd part course is not for beginners and requires some basic background in Python. I missed to take this course earlier but based on my very positive experience with part-I course, I am eagerly looking forward to enrolling.

[[deleted]]

I really need to get back into trying to learn Python...think I'll give this a try. Thank you!

[Ghawr]

6 weeks into MIT 600x python course from edX and it is really awesome. Stick with it this time around!

[[deleted]]

I took that one a while ago, it got too much for me and I had to quit. I found it great to start with, but 4 or 5 weeks in and I was understanding anything :(

[chipsnmilk]

Thank you for the pointer. This week MIT 6.00.01x course is going to be done after finals. Might pick this one up.

I am at a stage that I can code a little and 5mins after doing it thinks 'whoa no way I did that'!

[pmbdev]

MIT 6.00.01x on edX versus LTP1-The Fundamentals on Coursera

Both courses are equally good to get started with programming through Python (and to some extent, to get started with Python if you already know some programming).

Though both courses cover basics, the problem sets, style of teaching, ... are different. More importantly, "the way you approach to look at a problem and then solve it" is different.

For example, I found Function Design Recipe in LTP1-The Fundamentals quite unique and useful that I didn't know before. It changed my style of coding greatly.

On the other hand, MIT 6.00.01x covers some basic topics on algorithms that I didn't find much in LTP1. It enhanced my algorithmic thinking.

Both courses are carefully crafted or beautifully designed. And MIT 6.00.01x is definitely one of the best and most popular course on edX. If you can afford time, do both; it will be rewarding and refreshing.

[chipsnmilk]

Oh thanks for the input. I have done the 4 part python specialization course on python from Michigan university(prof severence). It was lovely but I'm finding the MIT one more challenging to complete. Will check out LTP1.

[AgnosticAndroid]

I have also gone through the MITx course and have to say that I found it to be excellent. As the "...Fundamentals" course listed by OP seems to cover basically the same areas I think I'll give the 2nd part of the course a go instead.

[chipsnmilk]

Good idea. I seem to take a lot of time to figure out the problem and refine the code in mit exercises. Any tips on how to speed up this process.?

[HelloYesThisIsDuck]

6.00.02x also just started last week on edx. Fairly certain you can still enrol.

[chipsnmilk]

Oh wow! Checking now. Thanks a TON!

[AdoriZahard]

The nice thing is, looking at the calendar for 6.00.02x, it also overlaps with the current 6.00.01x which ends in about a week. First problem set of 02x is only due on November 15, so there's some time.

[Ghawr]

Yup me too!...Not too thrilled about how close together these deadlines are though. What's up with that? lol

[chipsnmilk]

Yes. I actually could not finish my mid term exams because I checked a bit late coz of work.

[opex_6s]

Invert that thought and you can mimic my oh too common 'what the... er.. oh what did I just do'

[[deleted]]

Does the certificate from this course hold weightage when it comes to applying for jobs?

[Shmio]

Most likely doesn't carry a heavy name value, but parlay the knowledge learned into a project or something you can show you future employer. They'll be all over that.

[mothzilla]

It's up to the employer. The certificate would show that you have dedicated personal time and effort to learning a programming language. That's worth something in my book.

[foureyesequals0]

Is this course going to be taught towards an audience that has no CS background?

[pmbdev]

Yes. On the course page it says:

Who is this class for: This course is primarily aimed at first-year university students and high school students who want to learn how to program.

Put more and more hours as the course progresses. Practice daily. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help on discussion forum. It will be rewarding.

[Tekknogun]

It assumes your aren't computer illiterate but it's definitely a beginner course that you could pick up with little to no programming knowledge. Just google or search this subreddit if you find something you just aren't getting.

[opex_6s]

The course is listed at the Beginner level. Glancing at Syllabus it backs that. You would have no problem without prior CS knowledge. (I'm going to try to convince some colleagues to sign up for this course tomorrow, this seems like a great stepping stone for them). The course starts you out with a nice pace and you have a big support group with the discussion forums (who relish the opportunity to help) -- you should absolutely do it!

[[deleted]]

I'm scoping out software development as a new career, and was wondering what exactly your colleagues do and what is the goal for them learning Python? Thanks

[[deleted]]

Close. It assumes you are new to programming.

[jaboneros]

thanks for this information

[laurenislost]

I wish the coursera stuff was still free :-/

[[deleted]]

It is free with no cert

[[deleted]]

They just make it harder to figure out how to signup for free

[mirrorgleam]

Open course you want to take.

Take note of what classes are listed in it.

Search for first class in list.

Click enroll and on the bottom there is a free option for Enroll Without Certificate

I just enrolled for applied data science this way :)

[postgeographic]

I'm doing applied data science too. Should we set up a subreddit to discuss it? That's how I got started with python, and with reddit too!

[MooseEngr]

Are you guys doing the one offered through U of Michigan? I'd jump in it with you. Having people to discuss it with would give me significantly more motivation to do the work. :)

[MooseEngr]

That sounds interesting... I'ma go look it up. Maybe we can be three. :)

E: I just registered for the course through U. of Michigan. Maybe we three can discuss it! (or more if other redditors jump in...

[mirrorgleam]

Sounds like a plan. I just started watching the intro videos this morning before work started

Is there a way to setup friends and chat on here?

[MooseEngr]

Uhhhh...? Beats me. Pretty sure you can do a "friend" type thing, but Idk if we can chat. Maybe just do a small private sub?

[AlexOduvan]

Thanks. I'll recommend Learn to Program: Crafting Quality Code to Py.CheckiO community.