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Python Basics: Variables, Lists, and Loops
Created by Shaunak Ghosh
Learn how Python code runs, how to store values in variables, and how to work with core data types. You’ll use lists with correct 0-based indexing and slicing, then build programs that make decisions and repeat actions with if-statements and loops. You’ll finish by diagnosing common Python errors like TypeError and IndexError with a practical debugging mindset.
Requirements
- Ability to run Python (or use an online Python editor)
- Comfort using a keyboard to type code and read short messages on screen
What you'll learn
- Trace a short Python script line-by-line and predict what prints.
- Create and update variables using correct Python assignment syntax and readable names.
- Use numbers and core operators to compute results and explain int vs float behavior.
- Create lists and correctly access items and sublists using 0-based indexing and slicing.
- Write basic decision logic with comparisons and if statements (including combined conditions).
- Use for-loops and while-loops appropriately, including safe termination conditions.
- Identify and fix common Python errors by matching error messages to likely causes (types, indexing, invalid values).
Learning path
6 modules • Each builds on the previous one
1
Python basics: how programs think
Learn the core idea of computational logic: programs follow explicit, ordered steps using stored values. You’ll practice reading tiny snippets and predicting what happens line-by-line.
1 video5 min
2
Python variables: assignment and naming rules
Understand variable assignment in Python using =, and learn practical naming rules. You’ll practice creating variables correctly (e.g., points = 50) and updating them.
1 video13 min
3
Working with Python numbers and strings
Practice the most common operations on numbers and strings: arithmetic, rounding, concatenation, formatting, and basic string methods. Focus on predicting outputs and avoiding type-mismatch mistakes.
1 video5 min
4
Indexing and slicing Python sequences
Master 0-based indexing and slicing on strings and lists. You’ll practice retrieving single items (colors[1]) and ranges (colors[0:2]) while avoiding off-by-one errors.
1 video8 min
5
Basic control flow: if, for, while
Learn how Python makes decisions (if/elif/else) and repeats actions (for and while). You’ll write small examples like looping through a list and using range().
3 videos17 min
6
Debugging fundamentals: reading errors and prints
Learn a beginner workflow for finding and fixing bugs: read tracebacks, isolate the line, inspect values, and make one change at a time. You’ll practice common errors like NameError, TypeError, and IndexError.
1 video9 min
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Begin your learning journey
Modules6
Duration54 min
Science-backed learning
In-video quizzes and scaffolded content to maximize retention.
Key concepts
How Python Executes Code Step-By-StepVariable Assignment With = (And Updating Values)Common Python Data Types (Numbers, Text, Booleans)Arithmetic Operators And Inspecting TypesLists As Ordered Collections0-Based Indexing, Negative Indexing, And SlicingComparisons That Produce True/False And == Vs =Building Conditions With And/Or/Not And If-StatementsFor-Loops With Range And Loop Control (Break/Continue)While-Loops And Avoiding Infinite LoopsDiagnosing Common Runtime Errors (TypeError, IndexError, ValueError, Etc.)