Python Programming Basics Course by Beau Carnes

Introduction

• Instructor: Beau Carnes, freeCodeCamp.org
• Course Content: Basics of Python programming, suitable for absolute beginners
• Required Tools: Just a web browser (using Replit)
• Course Structure: Learn core aspects of Python, build projects to practice
• Learning Outcomes: Understand shell scripting, task automation, web development, data analysis, machine learning, game development, and working with embedded devices
• First Project: Blackjack game

Getting Started with Replit

• Platform: Online IDE allowing users to code/run programs in various languages
• Steps:
  1. Sign up or log in to Replit
  2. Create a new Replit (choose Python)
  3. Write code in main.py, see results in the console

Creating a Basic Game: Rock, Paper, Scissors

Setting Up Variables

• Variables: player_choice, computer_choice
• Strings: Using quotation marks to define strings (double or single quotes)
• Convention: Use underscores in variable names for readability

Functions

• Definition: def keyword
• Indentation: Critical for defining code blocks in Python
• Return Statement: Specifies what a function returns
• Function Call: Execute a function by typing its name followed by parentheses
• Example: Creating get_choices function

Control Statements

• If Statement: Execute code based on a condition
• Else, Elif: Alternative conditions and blocks of code
• Example: Print choices and check conditions for the Rock, Paper, Scissors game
• Boolean Expressions: Compare values, logical operators (and, or, not)

Dictionaries

• Definition: Key-value pairs enclosed in curly braces
• Access: Retrieve values using keys
• Example: Store and update choices in a dictionary

Extending the Game: Adding Functions and Logic

Importing Libraries

• Random Library: For generating random choices
• Import Statement: import random

Lists

• Definition: Stores multiple items, each separated by commas in square brackets
• Access and Slicing: Retrieve items using indices, slice lists to get sublists

Checking Win Conditions

• Nested If Statements: For complex conditions
• Return Statements: Indicate the result of functions

Building a Blackjack Game

Setting Up the Environment

• Replit: Create a new Python Replit
• Installation: Setting up Python locally (optional via Python.org)

Core Features of Python

Variables and Expressions

• Variables: Assign values using =
• Expressions: Calculate values, e.g., 1 + 1
• Statements: Line of code performing an action
• Comments: Use # to write comments

Data Types

• Strings: Sequence of characters, use str constructor
• Numbers: Integers (int), Floats (float), Complex
• Booleans: True or False
• Lists: Collection of items, append, remove
• Tuples: Immutable list, enclosed in parentheses
• Dictionaries: Key-value pairs

Functions

• Declaration: Using def
• Arguments: Values passed into functions
• Return Values: Use return to output from a function
• Scope: Global vs local variables
• Nested Functions: Function within a function, scopes
• Closures: Inner function remembers its environment

Objects and Classes

• Creating Classes: class keyword
• Initialization: __init__ method
• Attributes and Methods: Variables and functions within classes
• Inheritance: Extending classes

Loops

• While Loops: Repeat as long as condition is true
• For Loops: Iterate over sequences
• Break and Continue: Control flow within loops

Modules

• Importing Modules: Reuse code from other files
• Standard Library: math, random, etc.
• Third-party Packages: Use pip to install

Advanced Topics

• Lambda Functions: Anonymous function using lambda keyword
• Map, Filter, Reduce: Apply functions to lists
• Docstrings: Adding documentation within functions and classes
• Type Annotations: Optionally specify types
• Exceptions: Handle errors using try, except

Project: Blackjack Game

Class Definitions

• Deck Class: Handling card shuffling and dealing
• Card Class: Representation of a single card
• Hand Class: Managing player and dealer hands
• Game Class: Overall game logic

Game Logic

• Initializing Deck and Hands: Create, shuffle, deal
• Adding Functionality:
  • Check win conditions
  • Handle player choices (hit or stand)
  • Dealer logic
  • Display game results

Conclusion

• Project Completion: Blackjack game with full functionality
• Skills Acquired: Understanding of Python basics, ability to build simple games
• Resources: Continue practicing with additional projects and exploring Python libraries

Final Thoughts

• Coding Practice: Keep coding to solidify your skills
• Community: FreeCodeCamp and other programming communities for support and collaboration
• Future Learning: Explore more advanced Python topics and other programming languages