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AI|Course

Stage 1 · Understand · Beginner

Python and Data Essentials

Learn just enough Python to start building with AI. Set up a clean environment, write and read scripts, work with files and JSON, call APIs safely, analyze data with pandas, use notebooks, and get help from an AI assistant without losing control, with examples from IT work.

7 lessons · 13 hr 30 min · Free

You will learn to

  • ▸Set up Python with a virtual environment and run scripts from the terminal
  • ▸Read and write Python using variables, lists, dictionaries, loops and functions
  • ▸Read and write files, JSON and CSV, and handle errors
  • ▸Call web APIs with requests, keep keys safe, and handle failures and rate limits
  • ▸Load, clean, summarize and chart data with pandas
  • ▸Use notebooks, Git and an AI assistant to write code you have checked and understand

Before you start

  • ·Comfortable with a terminal and everyday IT concepts such as files, APIs and logs
  • ·No programming experience is required, though any scripting helps
  • ·A computer where you can install software, or a browser to use Google Colab

Syllabus

  1. 01Set up and run your first scriptInstall Python, use virtual environments and read error messages.1 hr 30 min
  2. 02Python basics for IT workValues, text, lists, dictionaries, decisions and loops.2 hr
  3. 03Functions, files and JSONReusable functions, error handling, files, JSON and CSV.2 hr
  4. 04Calling APIsHTTP requests, keys, timeouts, retries and handling failures.1 hr 30 min
  5. 05Data with pandasDataFrames, cleaning, grouping, dates and a first chart.2 hr
  6. 06Notebooks, Git and AI helpNotebook habits, coding with an assistant safely, and version control.1 hr 30 min
  7. 07Capstone: a weather briefFetch, clean, summarize and chart real API data in a tested script.3 hr