Python for Beginners

On Breni, Python for Beginners is a learning path for people who have chosen Python and want to write working programs in it. Its 8 courses move from first scripts and control flow through lists, dictionaries, functions, files, error handling and classes. Learners finish able to automate everyday tasks such as renaming files, processing a spreadsheet or calling a web API, and to package a small command-line tool. You reach classes and automation only after the basics, because the courses open one at a time.

• 8 courses
• 10 learning objectives
• Level: beginner
• Language: English
• Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

• Write a Python script that reads input, makes decisions and prints results
• Use lists, dictionaries and comprehensions to sort and summarise data
• Read and write CSV and JSON files and handle errors with try and except
• Write a class with methods to model something from the real world
• Automate a repetitive task such as renaming files or calling a web API
• Build a small command-line tool with arguments and basic tests

Full curriculum

Part 1 · Python basics

1. Your First Python Programs: Write and Run Scripts

Write and run short Python scripts that take input and print output. Units, in order: Installing Python and running a script; print() and comments; Variables, numbers and strings; input() and converting types; f-strings for readable output.

• — Installing Python and Running Scripts
  Set up Python on your computer and run your first script.
  • Download and Install Python
  • Run Your First Script
• — Using Print and Comments
  Display text on the screen and leave notes in code.
  • The Print Function
  • Adding Comments
• — Variables, Numbers, and Strings
  Store data using variables, numbers, and text strings.
  • Creating Variables
  • Numbers and Strings
• — Input and Converting Types
  Get user input and change data types safely.
  • Getting User Input
  • Converting Data Types
• — Using F-Strings for Output
  Format text and variables nicely using modern f-strings.
  • Introduction to F-Strings
  • Clean Output Formatting

2. Python Control Flow

Make Python programs choose and repeat with if statements and loops. Units, in order: if, elif and else; for loops and range(); while loops; break and continue; Building a number guessing game.

3. Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries and Sets

Store and process groups of values with Python's built-in collections. Units, in order: List methods and slicing; Tuples and unpacking; Dictionaries for named values; Sets for unique items; List and dictionary comprehensions.

Part 2 · Writing real programs

4. Python Functions and Modules

Organise code into functions and modules and use the standard library. Units, in order: def, arguments and default values; Returning values; Importing modules; math, random and datetime from the standard library; Writing your own module.

5. Files and Errors in Python

Read and write files safely and handle errors without crashing. Units, in order: Opening files with the with statement; Reading and writing CSV files; Working with JSON; try, except and finally; Paths and folders with pathlib.

6. Object-Oriented Python

Model real things with classes, objects and methods. Units, in order: Classes and objects; __init__ and instance attributes; Methods; Inheritance; When a class helps and when it does not.

Part 3 · Python at work

7. Automating Tasks with Python

Use Python to take over repetitive jobs on your computer and the web. Units, in order: Renaming and sorting files in bulk; Processing spreadsheet data; Calling a web API with requests; Reading a web page's HTML; Running a script on a schedule.

8. Building a Python Command-Line Tool

Plan, build, test and share a small Python program others can run. Units, in order: Planning the tool and its commands; Reading arguments with argparse; Virtual environments and installing packages; First tests with pytest; Sharing code on GitHub.

Sample: Your First Python Programs: Write and Run Scripts

The opening tier, (Installing Python and Running Scripts). Set up Python on your computer and run your first script.

Download and Install Python

Download Python and install it safely on your system.

Run Your First Script

Use the command line to run a basic Python file.

Questions about Python for Beginners

How long does it take to learn Python?

It depends on how often you practise, since the path is self-paced. Breni lessons take about three minutes each, which makes it easy to keep a daily habit across the 8 courses.

Is Python good for complete beginners?

Yes. Python's syntax is close to plain English, and Python for Beginners on Breni starts with installing Python and printing your first line.

Should I take Learn to Code or Python for Beginners?

Take Python for Beginners if you already know you want Python. Learn to Code suits people who want the general ideas of programming before choosing a language.

What can I build with Python after this path?

Scripts that automate file and spreadsheet tasks, programs that call web APIs, and small command-line tools. It also prepares you for the data science and machine learning paths on Breni.

Do I get a certificate when I finish?

Yes. Completing all 8 courses earns a certificate of completion from Breni. It is not a degree or a professional qualification.

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• Learn to Code

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