Introduction to Programming using Python

1: Overview
In this series, we are going to take a look at programming using the Python programming language. If you have tried to start before and just spun your wheels, then you should give it a try again. The progression of this course follows the Practice Labs environment for the same certification so there are supplements to each of those labs. Some of the topics that we are going to cover are: using basic data types and assigning those to variables, learning operations that can be applied to each of the data types, collecting information into a list structure, iterating over lists using both for and while loops, adding logic to our programs to add capabilities to our programs, and much more. We hope to see you there!


3: Working with Multiple Assignment Statements
In this episode, Justin and Vonne explore utilizing multiple assignment statements to ensure that variables have the same value. Additionally, Justin provides a way to combine variable definition and assignment statements on a single line for variables that are related.






9: Working with Operators
In this episode, Justin and Vonne take a look at different sets of operators, mathematical and comparison operators. First, Justin demonstrates the use of mathematical operators including power and modulo operators. Additionally, Justin explores the use of the comparison operators for numbers and strings.


11: Working with If Statements
In this episode, Justin and Vonne introduce if statements as a way to provide conditional execution of programs. Justin demonstrates the addition of else statements as well as elif statements and discusses the implication of adding those statements to an if statement.



14: Working with While Loops
In this episode, Justin and Vonne continue their look into loops by exploring the while loop. They discuss the similarities and difference between the while loop and for loop as well as demonstrate the use of a while loop. Justin highlights gotchas that can occur when using while loops.


16: Reading Files
In this episode, Justin and Vonne learn how to read files in Python. Justin demonstrates reading from a file using the manual process of opening and closing the file. After discusses the issues that can occur using that manual process, Justin demonstrates the use of the context manager to automate the closing of a file.



19: Reading Console Inputs and Formatting Outputs
In this episode, Justin and Vonne take a deeper look into taking user input, particularly with respect the data type of user input. While building a simple project, demonstrates a more readable way of formatting outputs that are printed to the user.

20: Reading Command Line Arguments
In this episode, Justin and Vonne take a different look at user input by taking command line arguments. Justin demostrates using the command line interface to run a Python program and then how to utilize additional information from the command line to build a simple tool.



23: Using Keyword and Positional Arguments
In this episode, Justin and Vonne add to the discussion of default arguments by discussing the difference of keyword and positional argument. Justin explores the different forms that each one of the argument types can take as well as some rules of thumb of when to use which.



26: Displaying Datetime Working Directory and File Metadata
In this episode, Justin and Vonne continue their look into the Python Standard library by exploring the `datetime` and `os` modules. Justin provides common situations where these modules can be used instead of 'reinventing the wheel'.