Module 1: Python Fundamentals

Getting Started with Python Programming

This module introduces you to the core concepts of Python programming. You will learn the fundamental building blocks that every Python programmer needs to master.

From Variables to Functions

The Python programming language is built on simple, intuitive concepts that combine to create powerful programs. In this module, you’ll progress from basic variable assignments to writing your own functions and understanding scope.

That is why this session starts with variables and operations but quickly moves through control flow, loops, and function definitions. The main skill is not memorizing syntax, but understanding how these elements work together to solve problems.

Core Topics

Start with the basics: variables, data types, and operations.

Variables & Data Types

Learn how to make decisions in your code with conditional statements.

Control Flow

Understand how to repeat actions efficiently with loops.

Loops

Create reusable code with functions.

Functions

Explore recursion as a powerful programming technique.

Recursion

Master variable scope and understand where variables live.

Scope

Learning Goals

Understand Python’s basic data types: strings, integers, floats, and booleans
Use variables to store and manipulate data
Write conditional statements to make decisions in code
Create loops to repeat operations efficiently
Define functions to organize and reuse code
Apply recursion to solve problems
Understand variable scope and namespaces
Debug common syntax and logic errors

Flow of This Module

Start with the simplest concepts: printing output and storing values in variables
Progress to making decisions with if, elif, and else
Learn to repeat actions with for and while loops
Package code into reusable functions with def
Explore advanced function concepts including recursion
Understand where variables are accessible with scope rules

What You Will Build

Throughout this module, you will write Python code to:

Perform calculations and manipulate strings
Make decisions based on conditions
Process collections of data with loops
Create functions that accept parameters and return values
Solve problems recursively (like calculating factorials and Fibonacci numbers)
Organize code effectively using proper scope

Practice and Review

The module includes several practice opportunities:

Review: Review Fundamentals consolidates key concepts
Additional Practice: Random Homework for extra exercises

How to Use This Material

Work through the topics in order, as each builds on the previous
Run every code example yourself - don’t just read them
Complete all exercises before moving to the next topic
Experiment by modifying the examples to see what happens
Use the review session to reinforce your learning

What’s Next?

After mastering Python fundamentals, you’ll move to Module 2 to learn about Python’s powerful data structures.

Back to Course Home

--- title: "Module 1: Python Fundamentals" subtitle: "Getting Started with Python Programming" format: html --- This module introduces you to the core concepts of Python programming. You will learn the fundamental building blocks that every Python programmer needs to master. ## From Variables to Functions The Python programming language is built on simple, intuitive concepts that combine to create powerful programs. In this module, you'll progress from basic variable assignments to writing your own functions and understanding scope. That is why this session starts with variables and operations but quickly moves through control flow, loops, and function definitions. The main skill is not memorizing syntax, but understanding how these elements work together to solve problems. ## Core Topics Start with the basics: variables, data types, and operations. [Variables & Data Types](1_1_fundamentals_variables.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} Learn how to make decisions in your code with conditional statements. [Control Flow](1_2_fundamentals_flow.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} Understand how to repeat actions efficiently with loops. [Loops](1_3_fundamentals_loop.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} Create reusable code with functions. [Functions](1_4_fundamentals_functions.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} Explore recursion as a powerful programming technique. [Recursion](1_5_fundamentals_recursion.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} Master variable scope and understand where variables live. [Scope](1_6_fundamentals_scope.qmd){.btn .btn-primary} ## Learning Goals - Understand Python's basic data types: strings, integers, floats, and booleans - Use variables to store and manipulate data - Write conditional statements to make decisions in code - Create loops to repeat operations efficiently - Define functions to organize and reuse code - Apply recursion to solve problems - Understand variable scope and namespaces - Debug common syntax and logic errors ## Flow of This Module - Start with the simplest concepts: printing output and storing values in variables - Progress to making decisions with `if`, `elif`, and `else` - Learn to repeat actions with `for` and `while` loops - Package code into reusable functions with `def` - Explore advanced function concepts including recursion - Understand where variables are accessible with scope rules ## What You Will Build Throughout this module, you will write Python code to: - Perform calculations and manipulate strings - Make decisions based on conditions - Process collections of data with loops - Create functions that accept parameters and return values - Solve problems recursively (like calculating factorials and Fibonacci numbers) - Organize code effectively using proper scope ## Practice and Review The module includes several practice opportunities: - **Review**: [Review Fundamentals](review_fundamentals.qmd) consolidates key concepts - **Additional Practice**: [Random Homework](random_homework.qmd) for extra exercises ## How to Use This Material - Work through the topics in order, as each builds on the previous - Run every code example yourself - don't just read them - Complete all exercises before moving to the next topic - Experiment by modifying the examples to see what happens - Use the review session to reinforce your learning ## What's Next? After mastering Python fundamentals, you'll move to Module 2 to learn about Python's powerful data structures. [Back to Course Home](../../index.qmd){.btn .btn-secondary}