Python Foundations for Software Development

This unit establishes foundational Python programming skills and computing concepts used in software development, data processing, AI introduction, and basic physical computing. Students will learn interactive development workflows, core language constructs (data types, control flow, functions, OOP), file and data formats, and an introductory survey of libraries and hardware that prepare them for deeper application, analytics, and robotics projects in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate proficiency with Python development workflows by using interactive mode, choosing an appropriate interpreter, organizing project folders, and running Python scripts
• Apply core programming constructs—operators, control flow, lists, dictionaries, functions, classes, and exception handling—to design, implement, and debug modular Python programs
• Create and manipulate persistent data by reading/writing text and binary files, organizing JSON, and using elements of the Python standard library and introductory data libraries (NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib) to perform basic data processing and visualization
• Evaluate introductory AI concepts and physical computing trade-offs by analyzing simple neural network ideas, Raspberry Pi capabilities, sensor/I2C interactions, and motor/robot control patterns to plan appropriate Python-based solutions