Discover new skills with $120 off courses from industry experts. Save now.

Packt

Python Basics and Core Concepts

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Set up and run Python in various environments, including PyCharm and online editors.

  • Work with Python’s core data types, including strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries.

  • Write and use functions, including built-in Python functions and custom functions.

  • Apply Python’s PEP 8 guidelines for code formatting and structure.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

September 2025

Assessments

23 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Python - Complete Python, Django, Data Science and ML Guide Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 21 modules in this course

In this module, we will introduce you to Python, covering everything from setting up your coding environment to exploring Python's core features. You'll learn how to install Python, use different development tools, and begin experimenting with Python through the interactive interpreter.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 assignment

In this module, we will guide you through installing and setting up PyCharm, a powerful Python IDE. You'll become familiar with the interface, learn how to manage projects, and understand key features that enhance your coding workflow.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will cover the foundational concepts of Python, focusing on the object-oriented paradigm and key data types. You'll practice working with strings, integers, booleans, lists, and dictionaries, gaining a strong understanding of Python's structure and functionality.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will introduce you to functions in Python, covering both custom and built-in functions. You’ll learn how to define functions, pass arguments, use the return statement, and explore important built-in functions to enhance your coding efficiency.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will focus on code formatting and the PEP 8 style guide, which helps ensure clean, readable, and consistent code. You’ll learn about proper indentation, how to follow Python’s best practices, and how to enable auto-formatting in PyCharm for seamless coding.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will explore the role of comments in Python programming, focusing on their significance for clarity and collaboration. You’ll practice adding comments to your code to ensure it remains understandable and easy to maintain.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive into the concepts of expressions and statements in Python. You'll learn how expressions represent values and perform operations, while statements control the logic and flow of your program. Through practical exercises, you'll gain hands-on experience in using both expressions and statements.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will introduce you to the concept of variables in Python. You’ll learn how variables store data and explore various types used in Python. Through hands-on exercises, you'll gain experience defining and working with variables to manage and manipulate data in your programs.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive deep into Python’s dynamic typing system, explore core data types and structures, and demonstrate how to manage and manipulate data effectively. Through practical exercises, you'll gain valuable experience working with Python’s built-in functions and data classes.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive into Python strings, emphasizing their immutability and how they are handled as objects. You’ll learn essential string methods and gain hands-on experience working with strings, including creating, modifying, and using various string operations in Python.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive into string concatenation techniques in Python. You’ll learn how to use the + operator and discover F-strings for more efficient and readable formatting. We will also explore other methods for formatting strings, helping you choose the best option for your coding needs.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will explore Python’s numeric types, including integers, floating-point numbers, and complex numbers. You’ll practice working with these types, from basic arithmetic operations to more advanced concepts like rounding floats and handling complex numbers.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will focus on Boolean values in Python, exploring their role in logical operations and comparisons. You’ll also practice type conversion, learning how to handle different data types effectively and prevent errors in your programs.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive into magic methods in Python, which allow implicit operations between different types. You'll also learn how to use the dir() function to access attributes and methods, including magic methods, enhancing your ability to work with Python’s object-oriented features.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will focus on Python lists, exploring their structure, key methods, and how to modify and access elements. You’ll practice copying lists, manipulating their contents, and applying your knowledge to real tasks that involve working with lists in Python.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive deep into Python dictionaries, focusing on their creation, manipulation, and methods. You'll explore nested dictionaries, use the get() method for error handling, and practice converting other types into dictionaries. Finally, you’ll apply your skills in a practical task that involves user input and dictionary manipulation.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will focus on Python tuples, exploring their structure, immutability, and when to use them. You’ll practice creating and accessing tuples, as well as using built-in methods to work with tuple data effectively.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will explore Python sets, a powerful data structure that ensures uniqueness and enables efficient data manipulation. You'll practice set operations, explore essential set methods, and work through practical examples to deepen your understanding of sets in Python.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will dive into Python's Range class, focusing on its use in iteration and loop operations. You’ll practice creating and working with ranges, and explore various methods and attributes to manipulate and analyze sequences of numbers.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will focus on working with sequences in Python, exploring essential functions and operations. You'll learn how to manipulate sequences, use the zip() function to merge and convert data, and compare different sequence types to choose the best one for your needs.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, we will explore how Python handles the modification of objects, focusing on mutable and immutable types. You’ll learn techniques for preventing unintended changes by creating deep copies of objects, ensuring independence in your data structures and maintaining clean memory management.

What's included

4 videos1 reading3 assignments1 plugin

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors
Packt
920 Courses198,803 learners

Offered by

Packt

Explore more from Software Development

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions