Introducing Python: no-frills Python course

This course is for people who have some basic knowledge of programming but who have not used Python before. It teaches the basics of Python, concentrating on gaining an understanding of the language, especially its dynamic nature and introspection.

The course is highly interactive, giving students the opportunity to try out the features as they are introduced, allowing them to gain familiarity with the interpreter and learn how to use Python's self-documenting features to find out what they need to know.

Topics covered include Data Types, Functions and Methods, Functional Programming, Dynamic Typing, Sequences (tuples, lists, strings), Mappings (dictionaries), Control Constructs, using Modules, writing Modules, Persistent Storage and File Handling, Object Oriented programming with Python and GUI design with PyQt.

After the basics, we proceed to more advanced Python techniques, including introspection, a deeper look at object orientation, and ensuring that there is a full understanding of the dynamic nature of Python.

The course is operating system agnostic, and given time and interest it may be possible to consider the implications of cross-platform deployment of Python software.

We provide Linux-based facilities for this Python training course, but students are welcome to bring their own laptops if they prefer: Windows or Linux, it doesn't matter. If you want to do this, please let us know in advance.

Introducing Python no-frills Course