Basic Python Course

Programmeertalen

In the Python Basics course, students learn the various aspects of the Python language and how to use the Python standard library. For this course, it is important that you already have some programming experience and a basic understanding of programming concepts such as variables, functions, and loops.

Course duration: 3 days
4.3
36

Introduction to Python

Python is a powerful, versatile programming language that is valued worldwide for its readability and flexibility. Whether you’re interested in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, or web development, Python offers a solid foundation to help you achieve your goals. With a simple, easy-to-understand syntax, it’s an accessible language for anyone wanting to learn to code, but our Python Basics course is specifically designed for participants who already have some programming experience and want to expand their knowledge to Python. Are you completely new to programming? Then our Python Course for Beginners is a better starting point.

Python’s open-source nature means you have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Whether you want to expand your programming experience or take your skills to the next level, there are always documentation, tutorials, and community forums available to support you. With Python, you can let your creativity run wild and develop innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our course is designed not only to provide you with the technical knowledge you need, but also to inspire you to discover what’s possible with Python. We start with installing Python. You’ll learn how to set up a project using custom, third-party, and built-in modules. In these projects, you’ll work with local data and see examples of retrieving data from the internet (APIs). Data is first stored in Python collections (lists and dictionaries), after which we’ll also cover Object-Oriented Programming and the widely used Pandas module. To prevent crashes while running Python programs, you’ll also learn how to handle errors using exceptions.

After completing this Python Basics course, you’ll be ready to program in Python. Want to learn more? Then the Python Advanced or Python and Data Science courses are great next steps.

What makes Python unique?

Python stands out from other programming languages due to its simplicity and readability. It was designed with the idea that less is more; you can express complex ideas in fewer lines of code compared to other languages. This approach makes Python extremely accessible to beginners, while remaining powerful enough for the most demanding software development projects.

What truly makes Python unique is its extensive standard library that comes “out of the box.” This library supports a wide range of programming tasks without requiring you to install additional modules or packages. Furthermore, Python is backed by an active community that is constantly working on developing new libraries and frameworks, making the possibilities nearly endless.

Another feature that sets Python apart is its interoperability. Python works seamlessly with other languages and systems. This makes it an ideal choice for integration projects and system automation. Whether you’re retrieving data from an SQL database, developing a web application with Django or Flask, or performing complex data analysis with Pandas and NumPy. Python makes it all possible with a simplicity and efficiency that is hard to match.

Python’s popularity and broad applicability have made it a favorite in academia, among startups, and in large corporations. From web development and automation to machine learning and artificial intelligence, Python offers a solid foundation for building future-proof applications. Thanks to its flexibility, power, and community support, Python remains a top choice for programmers worldwide, regardless of their experience level.

Why Learning Python Is a Good Investment

Learning Python is more than just adding a new skill to your repertoire. It is an investment in your future. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, Python gives you the tools to stay at the forefront of innovation. Here are a few reasons why learning Python is a smart choice:

  • Versatility and applicability: Python is used in nearly every field of technology today, from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and scientific research. This broad applicability makes knowledge of Python extremely valuable in the job market.
  • Community and support: Python has one of the largest and most active communities of any programming language. This means you have access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and support, which significantly facilitates the learning process.
  • Future-proof: Python is constantly being updated and improved, with a strong focus on backward compatibility. Learning Python is an investment that only grows more valuable over time.

By learning Python, you’re not only developing a skill that’s in high demand right now, but you’re also building a foundation for lifelong learning in a technology-driven world.

Some specific benefits of learning Python include:

  • Rapid development: Python’s simple syntax and readability accelerate the development process. This gives you more time to bring your ideas to life.
  • High demand for Python skills: With the growth of data science, machine learning, and web development, Python developers are highly sought after in the job market.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies: Python is the language of choice for many advanced technological fields. This gives you the opportunity to work at the forefront of technological progress.

What You’ll Learn in the Python Basics Course

Working with data structures: lists and dictionaries

One of the fundamental aspects of programming in Python is the ability to work effectively with data structures. Python makes this particularly accessible through two powerful, built-in types: lists and dictionaries. These structures are essential for organizing, storing, and manipulating data within your programs.

Lists in Python are ordered collections that can be used to store items of any type. They are incredibly flexible and offer a range of methods for adding, removing, or modifying elements. Using lists is similar to working with a queue in real life—you can add items to the beginning, the end, or even insert an item at a specific position.

Dictionaries, on the other hand, are unordered collections of key-value pairs. They offer a fast and intuitive way to store and access data, where each unique key points to a value. Dictionaries are particularly useful when you want to efficiently look up, add, or remove data without having to consider the order of the elements. They are the backbone of many Python programs, especially those that work with large amounts of data.

Learning to work with these data structures is not only a good investment in your programming skills but also opens the door to more advanced concepts such as data analysis and machine learning. In our Python Basics Course, you will learn:

  • How to effectively use lists and dictionaries for data storage and manipulation.
  • Methods for iterating through lists and dictionaries, allowing you to search and manipulate complex data structures.
  • Practical applications of lists and dictionaries in real-world scenarios, such as managing user data or automating tasks.

By mastering these essential building blocks, you’ll take a major step forward in your Python programming journey.

Introduction to Modules and the Python Standard Library

One of the most powerful aspects of Python is the extensive standard library it offers, along with the ability to use modules to organize and extend your code. The standard library is a collection of hundreds of modules that provide pre-installed functionality for a wide range of programming tasks, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Modules in Python are essentially files containing Python code that include functions, variables, and classes you can reuse in your own programs. By importing modules, you can add powerful features to your programs without having to write the code yourself. This modular system makes Python particularly flexible and efficient, as you can choose exactly which functionalities you want to use and integrate them seamlessly into your projects.

The Python standard library itself is a treasure trove of tools for every Python programmer. It includes modules for file I/O, system calls, internet protocols, web services, and much more. By familiarizing yourself with the standard library, you gain access to a powerful set of tools you can use to tackle virtually any programming problem.

Some highlights of the Python standard library include:

  • math module: For mathematical operations beyond basic arithmetic.
  • datetime module: For working with dates and times.
  • os sys modules: For interacting with the operating system.
  • requests module: For making HTTP requests to web services.

In our Python Basics Course, you’ll learn how to use these and many other modules from the standard library to make your programs more functional and efficient. We’ll also teach you how to write and organize your own modules. This will help you develop the skills to build complex, well-structured Python applications.

Basics of Scripting and Automation

One of the most exciting aspects of learning Python is discovering the basics of scripting and automation. Python excels at automating repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort while boosting your productivity. Whether it’s processing files, scraping web data, or automating system administration tasks, Python offers a simple and accessible way to automate these activities.

Scripting with Python involves writing small programs (scripts) designed to automatically perform a series of tasks. These scripts can range from simple automations, such as renaming multiple files in a folder, to more complex processes, such as extracting specific data from large datasets or automating interactions with web pages.

Python’s strength lies in its wealth of libraries and modules specifically designed for automation tasks. For example:

  • os shutil modules: For file and directory management.
  • requests BeautifulSoup: For web scraping and interacting with web APIs.
  • pandas: For data manipulation and analysis.

In our Python Basics Course, you’ll learn how to use these tools to write your own automation scripts. This includes understanding how to schedule tasks, minimize repetitive processes, and automate complex data processing. You’ll discover how rewarding it is to write a script that can complete hours of work in just a few seconds.

Learning the basics of scripting and automation with Python is not only an excellent way to increase your efficiency but also to boost your value in the job market. Knowledge of automation techniques makes you a valuable asset to any team, as you’ll be able to provide solutions that save time and minimize errors.

Why choose our Python Basics Course?

At Geo-ICT, we understand that choosing a Python course is an important decision. You don’t just want to learn the language; you also want to be sure that your investment prepares you for the future. Here are a few reasons why our Python Basics Course is the right choice for anyone serious about learning Python:

  • Expert Instructors: Our instructors are experienced professionals who are not only experts in Python but also passionate about teaching. They bring their real-world knowledge and experience into the classroom, ensuring you learn from the best in the field.
  • Hands-on approach: We strongly believe in learning by doing. Our course is designed to give you hands-on experience with real projects from day one. This means you’ll not only learn to code but also how to apply your skills in practical scenarios.
  • Small class sizes: We keep our classes small to ensure that every student receives personal attention. This fosters a learning environment where you feel free to ask questions and receive feedback on your work.

By choosing our Python Basics Course, you’re not just choosing an excellent educational experience—you’re also investing in your future. Our goal is to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take your career to the next level. Discover the benefits of learning at Geo-ICT and start your Python journey today.

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€1495,- (VAT included)
  • Course duration: 3 days
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Daily Schedule for the Python Basics Course

Day 1

On this first day of the Python Basics course, you’ll be introduced to collections (lists and dictionaries) and how to define functions. These functions consist of a set of lines of code that you can reuse in various places throughout your code with a single call. Writing functions is common practice, so it’s not always necessary to create functionality from scratch. That’s why you’ll learn which functionalities are available in the built-in modules and how to install additional components (third-party modules). Using practical examples (such as fetching data from the internet), you’ll learn how to use these modules.

After this day, you’ll be able to:

  • write and use useful functions.
  • identify the properties of Python’s collection data types and use these data types.
  • use various built-in modules.
  • install and use third-party packages.
  • describe how data can be retrieved from the internet (via an API) using Python modules.

Day 2

This second day focuses on files. Topics include breaking down your Python code into custom modules/packages and reading/writing text files. As you work through these tasks, you’ll notice that your scripts start to grow larger and more complex, and that they process more data. This can lead to (unforeseen) errors that cause your programs to crash. To prevent crashes, you will learn how to catch exceptions and create your own error messages.

After this day, you will be able to:

  • create a project structure by dividing Python scripts into different modules.
  • navigate within an operating system (OS) and read/write files using Python.
  • handle errors that occur while executing code using exceptions.

Day 3

On the final day of the Python Basics course, we’ll tie up loose ends. This includes combining topics from previous course days, as well as introducing two widely used Python components: the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) and the third-party package Pandas. OOP is a programming paradigm that allows you to define data structures. These data structures are used to model the real world as digital objects. Both data and functionalities are stored within these objects. Pandas, on the other hand, is a Python package widely used for reading, editing, analyzing, and writing data.

After this day, you will be able to:

  • describe the basic principles of Object-Oriented Programming.
  • perform basic operations using the third-party package Pandas.
Course duration: 3 dagen
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Leerdoelen

  • The student is familiar with the many capabilities of Python.
  • The student is familiar with a large number of libraries within Python.
  • The student is familiar with a large number of specific Python concepts.
  • The student can solve simple problems using Python code.

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Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? We’d be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Python Basics

In the Python Basics Course, you will learn the fundamentals of Python, including syntax, scripting, and how to use the Python standard library.

This course is ideal for aspiring geoscientists, experienced professionals, career changers, and educational institutions looking to develop their Python skills.

The Python Basics course lays the groundwork, while the Python Advanced course delves deeper into advanced topics such as data science and object-oriented programming.

The course focuses on learning Python and its libraries, specific Python concepts, and solving simple problems using Python code.

The course lasts three days, with each day focusing on different aspects of Python, such as collections, functions, and modules.

Yes, after the course, you can ask the instructor questions via email for up to two weeks.

You can register directly using the registration widget (on the right side of the desktop version and at the top of the mobile version). Group discounts are also available.

Both options are available. You can decide on a day-by-day basis whether to attend in person or participate online.

Yes, the instructor can come to your location with the necessary equipment.