Python language is gaining popularity because its use enhances program correctness and increases programmer efficiency. Because of its clear and elegant syntax, dynamic typing, automatic memory management, and straight-forward module architecture, Python is simple to learn and fun to use. Its code is easy to read, write, extend and modify. This lab-based course offers proficiency in the core concepts of Python, and the skills and knowledge for building applications using any of the hundreds of thousands of task-specific Python libraries.

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Learn and practice writing Pythonic code: efficient, accurate, easy to read/write
• Describe the Python environment and code introspection
• Express Python Syntax: flow control, function protocols, exception handling and functional programming
• Use Built-in data types: strings, tuples, lists, dictionaries and sets
• Apply Object-oriented features: classes, inheritance and overriding
• Build applications, packages, and libraries
• Create iterators, generators, decorators, and context managers

Topics include

• The Python environment: interpretation, integrated development environment, code introspection
• Syntax: flow control, f-string formatting, function protocols, exception handling, functional programming
• Built-in data types: strings, tuples, lists, sets, dictionaries
• Sequence manipulations: slicing, accessing, packing, unpacking, sorting by an arbitrary sort key
• Object-oriented features: classes and inheritance
• Building applications, modules, packages, and libraries
• Popular libraries: os, sys, copy, unittest, cProfile, optparse, unittest, shutil, tempfile, subprocess, and more
• Pythonic thinking: namespaces, internationalization, iterators, generators, decorators, dynamic coding, context managers

Note(s): The Python interpreter is free software and runs on all popular platforms.

Skills Needed: Significant experience in any programming language.