Python Crash Course

From mobile apps to video games to data visualization, Python is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world!

What is a Python crash course? Basically, it’s a quick & intensive course of study. This offers the benefit of learning the fundamentals in a short period of time. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all things crash course-related for Python coding.

Along with discussing the concept of the Python crash course, we’ll also take a look at the different types of online guided learning we offer for Python.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go on an adventure!

What is Python?

Before we jump into the idea of a crash course, let’s take a look at Python itself.

Python is a high-level, general-purpose language. Using simple syntax—the set of rules that defines how a program is written—Python is easier to learn compared to other languages like Java. It is used to make websites and games, as well as analyze data. Python also supports both functional and object-oriented programming (OOP).

As a powerful and user-friendly programming language, Python makes coding fun & easy for learners of all ages. Python coding helps to build good computer programming habits. It also boosts computational thinking and creative expression!

New to Python coding? Here are some helpful guides:

What Python Is Used For (real-world uses and industries)

Python Coding 101 for Kids (age 11+)

Python Virtual Zoom Background (beginner level)

Looking for a copy of Python? Download Python 3 from the official website (for Windows, Linux/UNIX, MacOS, and other platforms). During the setup process, you'll be presented with links to an online Python tutorial and Python documentation.

By learning Python now, a young student can confidently prepare for STEAM learning, hobbies, and careers of the future. And as a free & open-source programming language, Python can help level up the problem-solving skills and imagination of a kid coder!

What is Python Crash Course?

Now that we have a basic understanding of what Python is, let’s take a look at what a crash course in Python entails. As mentioned before, a crash course in general is a fast & intensive approach to learning any given subject.

Crash courses come in different options, including online courses and books (more on that below). For instance, Coursera offers Crash Course on Python. This course helps you learn simple programming with no previous experience in a short period of time. As a crash course, it’s highly focused without any unnecessary elements.

Ranging anywhere from a week to a month or so, crash courses make it easier for those with tight schedules or a thirst for knowledge to quickly learn and apply newly acquired skill sets. Do keep in mind that this pertains to the basics of Python. It will take continued learning and guidance to level up to more advanced programming.

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Why Python Crash Course?

If you need or want to learn Python quickly, a crash course can definitely help! Traditional classes can be too long or boring. With a crash course (or any type of accelerated learning), you can get all the essentials in a short period of time. This helps to build practical Python skills more efficiently, so you can start to code in no time!

You’ll want to determine whether a written resource, video content or live instruction works best for your particular learning style. Keep in mind that hands-on activities and project-based approaches tend to yield the best results.

Along with tutoring, there are Python books available to help you learn Python quickly. This includes the book Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming by Eric Matthes (second edition in English published by No Starch Press and also available on Amazon).

Simply put, you can definitely learn Python in a short period of time (such as 30 days). However, you want to keep in mind that it’s an ongoing learning journey, one that takes a lot longer to master the language. After a few weeks, though, a crash course in Python can provide you with a strong foundation, ready to learn more advanced skills!

Python Dictionary

Need help with understanding Python? Here are Python programming concepts:

Break statement: This stops a loop from continuing to run.

Continue statement: Causes a loop to continue to the next iteration.

Data structures: Fundamental way of organizing data to build programs.

Data types: categorization of knowledge items.

Dictionaries: Containers that store unordered collections of data values.

Django: a Python-based free and open-source web framework.

For loop: Used to iterate over a sequence.

If else statement: This evaluates whether an expression is true or false.

Iteration: The process of executing a set of statements over and over again.

Loop statement: Permits the execution of a single statement or multiple statements.

Loop variable: Used to execute iterations of a for loop.

Matplotlib: Library for creating various visualizations.

Nested loop: This is what’s known as a loop within a loop.

Pass statement: This is useful when planning to use a function in the future.

Plotly: An interactive & open-source plotting library.

Pygame: Collection of Python modules used for creating video games.

Syntax: the set of rules that defines how Python is written and interpreted

Tkinter: Python's standard Graphical User Interface (GUI) package.

Tuples: Used to store multiple items in a single variable.

While loop: Used to repeat a block of code repeatedly until a condition is met.

Want to explore more new concepts? Visit the Python glossary.

Our Online Courses

In order to build a solid foundation, you need to know the basics of Python. Here is more about the type of courses that Juni offers to help aspiring coders along their journey!

Private 1:1

You might be asking yourself, which type of course is the best? That entirely depends on your personal needs! When it comes to private 1:1 guided learning, there are several benefits. The main one is that you get personalized lessons tailored to your specific needs and learning style!

Juni instructors are fully vetted from the best universities in the United States. Once we’ve connected you with an instructor that fits your interests and needs, you get to stay with that same instructor throughout a course. This encourages in-depth learning, which is further facilitated with written notes after every session!

Even though these are live 1:1 sessions, Juni still offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to rescheduling. That’s the beauty of online learning! Whether you’ve got a tight schedule or there’s an emergency that arises, you don’t have to worry about missing a lesson. At Juni, we make it easy, fun, and enriching to learn Python and other STEAM curriculum!

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Juni Tutoring (Private 1:1)

Online learning tailored to you. Get matched with a vetted instructor who fits your learning style & interests and dive deep into our most popular courses in private 1:1 classes.

Intro to Robotics with Python

Curious about robotics? Always wanted to learn more about how robots work? Intro to Robotics with Python is the place to start today! With the use of the mBot Neo Coding Robot by Makeblock (additional cost), as well as collaboration with NASA and the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration, you can learn how to code a robot with Python!

Data Science in Python

Data science is in high demand across many fields. From sports to healthcare to technology, the preparation & visualization of data lets you see patterns and insights. Designed for kids ages 11-18, Data Science in Python not only offers data science fundamentals but also how to tell a captivating & factual story with data!

PyGame: Python Game Development

Want to become a game developer? Think you’re too young? No way! With PyGame: Python Game Development, a student age 11-18 can dive into the fun & creative world of Python games. We do suggest that you take Python Level 1: Graphics Superstar first, so that you’re prepared to jump on board with game development!

Python Level 1: Graphics Superstar

Into gaming? Enjoy math? Want to express your creativity? Juni’s Python Level 1: Graphics Superstar is the perfect intro to the programming language! Taken by approximately 5,600 students so far, this popular course helps kids learn the fundamentals while generating their own graphics and games! As a private 1:1 class, it’s tailored to a student’s learning style.

Python Level 2: Problem Solver

Ready to level up your Python skills? Python Level 2: Problem Solver is here to help! In Python Level 1: Graphics Superstar, you get to learn the fundamentals. With this course, an aspiring coder gets to explore more complex programming challenges! By building games like Blackjack, you’ll get to boost your Python fluency in no time!

Python Level 3: Algorithms Master

Want to really level up? There’s Python Level 3: Algorithms Master! In this private 1:1 course, you get to work with data structures and algorithms. You know companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google? These companies all use algorithms to run their operations. Whether you’re planning for your future career or just curious, this is a great class!

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Final Thoughts: Python Crash Course

Understanding computer science & programming is super helpful in our modern world, and Python is one of the best places to start for kids!

From apps to game development (even automate your email!), there are so many handy ways to use Python. Learning the fundamentals and pushing through programming problems teaches kids how to persevere with creative solutions.

Along with books like the 2nd edition of Python Crash Course and online resources like GitHub, one of the best ways to learn Python quickly & effectively is through online guided learning!

Now Keep Learning

We hope you've enjoyed this guide on Python crash courses! With new Python coding skills, a young programmer can prepare for exciting future hobbies and careers. From web applications to game development, the sky's the limit!

Learn more about our online coding classes for kids (ages 8-18), or contact our Advisor Team by emailing advisors@learnwithjuni.com to learn which courses are best for your student’s coding journey.