In this course, we'll increase the level of complexity from the Programming Prep course and work on more meaningful exercises. We'll use a static code analyzer and learn to systematically approach a problem using pseudo-code. As we go through these programs, we'll point out important learning concepts like variable scope in methods, blocks, and the main program. After this course, you should have a good grasp of how to write simple programs and think in an imperative, step-by-step, logical fashion. You will also learn to do some basic debugging and trap tricky bugs, and learn to develop a temperament for debugging.

Major Topics

• Using Markdown
• How to Ask Questions
• What Resources are Available
• Python Style Guidelines
• Truthiness in Python
• Python Virtual Environments
• Using Pseudo-code and Flowcharts for Problem Decomposition and Analysis
• Project: A Simple Calculator
• Project: A Loan Calculator
• Project: Rock Paper Scissors (Lizard Spock)
• Python Language and Syntax
• When to Use Certain Data Structures
• Using a Static Code Analyzer (Pylint)
• Refactoring Code
• Learn to Debug Small Programs
• Understanding and Preventing Errors
• Operator Precedence
• Type Conversions and Coercion
• Coding Tips
• Variables and Functions
• Variable Scope
• Pass by Reference vs Pass by Value
• Practice Problems and Small Problem Exercises