Foundations of Python Development

This unit introduces beginning programmers to the tools, environments, and core language concepts needed to create simple, documented Python applications. Students learn to use notebooks and IDEs, work with fundamental data types and control flow, and apply basic debugging, persistence, QA, and security practices to prepare for building more complete applications in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Apply Python development environments and tooling (Google Colab, notebooks, IDEs, and magic commands) to create, run, and document reproducible code
• Demonstrate mastery of core Python syntax and data types by implementing variables, strings, operators, collections, and basic classes/functions in working programs
• Apply control flow constructs and error-handling awareness to process data and make decisions using if, if…else, for, and while statements while identifying common sources of errors
• Analyze and apply basic QA, debugging, persistence, communication, and security practices by using Python documentation and help, tracking bugs, reading/writing persistent storage, sending simple email, and employing foundational cryptographic library usage