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Python Basics #13 — if Statement
6 min read

Python Basics #13 — if Statement

An if statement has if, elif, and else blocks. Each block has a test expression and a body that runs when the test passes. If the test is True the body runs; if False the next elif is tested; if all tests are False the else body runs.

Python Basics #12 — Control Flow & Operators
8 min read

Python Basics #12 — Control Flow & Operators

Just like people make decisions based on conditions, programs need to choose what to run based on conditions. Control-flow statements drive that, and operators feed the conditions. This lesson covers the concepts and walks through arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical, identity, and membership operators.

Python Basics #11 — Sets
4 min read

Python Basics #11 — Sets

Python's set data structure: defining sets, characteristics (unordered, no duplicates, hashable items only), and useful set methods like union, intersection, and difference.

Why Everyone Should Learn Programming
6 min read

Why Everyone Should Learn Programming

Today I'd like to talk about why everyone should learn programming. If you're thinking about how to help your child or yourself develop this skill, please read this post to the end.

Python Basics #10 — Dictionaries
11 min read

Python Basics #10 — Dictionaries

Learn Python's dictionary data structure: key/value mapping, defining and modifying entries, allowed key types, ordering across Python versions, and the most common dict methods.

Python Basics #8 — Lists
7 min read

Python Basics #8 — Lists

Learn Python's most fundamental data structure: lists. Define, index, slice, iterate, concatenate, and use built-in functions and methods.

Python Basics #7 — Working with Strings
8 min read

Python Basics #7 — Working with Strings

Learn how to work with Python strings: quoting and escaping, concatenation, indexing and slicing, common string methods, and string formatting.

Python Basics #9 — Tuples
8 min read

Python Basics #9 — Tuples

A tuple is very similar to a list, but with key differences. Learn how to define tuples, how they differ from lists, and when to use a tuple instead of a list.

Python Basics #6 — Jupyter Notebook
2 min read

Python Basics #6 — Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter Notebook is a must-learn tool for any Python user. It's loved in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization, and it's a powerful way to test your code easily. In this lesson we'll cover Jupyter Notebook's basic usage and configuration.

Python Basics #5 — IPython
5 min read

Python Basics #5 — IPython

Install IPython and learn how to use it as an enhanced Python shell.

Python Basics #4 — Variables
5 min read

Python Basics #4 — Variables

Learn the concept of variables and Python's variable naming rules.

Python Basics #3 — Text Editors for Python Coding
0 min read

Python Basics #3 — Text Editors for Python Coding

This lesson introduces the basic features of a text editor for Python coding, plus how to install three popular editors and run Python in each.