This beginner course introduces Python programming and develops the skills needed to create simple, reliable programs. It covers programming fundamentals, control flow, data collections, functions, and exception handling, aligned with the Python Institute’s PCEP syllabus.
Duration 5 Days – 35 hrs.
Objectives
- Explain basic programming concepts and Python syntax.
- Work with variables, operators, and console input/output.
- Apply decisions and loops to solve problems.
- Process strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries.
- Write reusable functions and handle exceptions.
- Develop and troubleshoot a small Python application.
Target Audience
- Individuals beginning their programming journey.
- Students and graduates seeking foundational Python skills.
- Aspiring software developers and software testers.
- IT professionals expanding their programming knowledge.
- Professionals preparing for PCEP certification.
Prerequisites
- Basic computer skills, including managing files and using applications.
- Familiarity with basic arithmetic and logical reasoning.
- No previous Python or programming experience required.
- Access to a computer with Python 3 and a suitable code editor.
Course Outline
Day 1: Programming Foundations
Module 1: Introduction to Python
- Interpreters, compilers, syntax, and semantics
- Environment setup and script execution
- Keywords, indentation, comments, and naming conventions
Module 2: Data and Expressions
- Variables, literals, types, and numeral systems
- Arithmetic, comparison, Boolean, and bitwise operators
- Precedence, conversion, and floating-point accuracy
- Console input and output
Day 2: Program Control
Module 3: Decision-Making
- Conditional branches and nested conditions
- Constructing logical expressions
Module 4: Repetition
- for, while, and range()
- Nested loops
- break, continue, pass, and loop else
Day 3: Data Collections
Module 5: Lists and Tuples
- Indexing, slicing, and membership
- List operations, copying, sorting, and comprehensions
- Nested collections and tuple immutability
Module 6: Dictionaries and Strings
- Dictionary operations and iteration
- String operations, escaping, and multiline text
Day 4: Functions and Error Handling
Module 7: Functions
- Parameters, arguments, defaults, and return values
- None, scope, and global
- Introduction to recursion and generators
Module 8: Exceptions
- Built-in exception hierarchy
- try/except and handler ordering
- Exception propagation across functions
Day 5: Integrated Application Development
Module 9: Capstone Project — Personal Expense Tracker
- Build a menu-driven console application.
- Record expense descriptions, categories, and amounts in memory.
- Display recorded expenses and calculate totals by category.
- Organize application features into reusable functions.
- Handle invalid menu selections and nonnumeric amounts.
- Refine program logic and improve code readability.
