Summer Python Exposure

In the summer of 2023, I took a six-week self-paced course on the basics of Python programming. This course was offered by Edube Interactive, an online learning platform for programming and IT-related skills that combined interactive tools with globally-recognized curriculum to provide a complete learning experience. The course had four modules. At the end of each module, there would be a project of some sort, to strengthen the knowledge that had been gained throughout that module. 

The first module was an introductory chapter, talking about the different programming languages, how programs are built and executed, the differences between compilation and interpretation, and how to distinguish between different types of Python. The second module focused more on establishing a basic foundation for Python programming. It explained the different data types, how to format and output Python code, variables and how to name variables correctly, how to input and convert data, and the assignment operator. 

The third module consisted of boolean values, using conditional statements such as if-else statements, utilizing loops, such as while and for loops, the difference between logical and bitwise operations, lists and how to process them, how to iterate lists using for loops, slicing, and multi-dimensional arrays. In the fourth module, the course dove deeper into defining and using functions, their purpose, rationale, and conventions; how to pass arguments in different ways and setting values for them, along with how to return function results; naming scope issues, and all about tuples and dictionaries, and how to use them when processing data. 

At the end of the fourth module, there was an end-of-course project. I had to create a functioning tic-tac-toe game, in which the user plays against the computer. This project incorporated all of the different parts of Python I had learned in the course. Eventually, after working long hours on this project, I completed it with minimal assistance from my parents. Once this project was completed, I had successfully completed the course. 

This course taught me most of what I know about Python programming today. It built a strong foundation for my programming knowledge, and I truly enjoyed learning all I did about Python with this course.