Interactive Python Course: Step-by-Step Lessons

Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive, hands-on interactive Python course! In this course, you’ll progress from foundational concepts to more advanced topics, while practicing in real time using Quarto Live and Pyodide. Each lesson builds on the previous one and includes practical examples, exercises, and challenges to solidify your learning.

Lesson 1: Variables, Data Types, and Printing

Overview:
Learn how to assign variables, understand basic data types (int, float, str, bool), and use the print() function to display output.

Example Code

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Modify the values or add new variables to see the effect.

Lesson 2: Control Flow and Loops

Overview:
Explore conditional statements (if, elif, else) and loops (for and while) to control the flow of your programs.

Example Code

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Change the condition or list to see dynamic output.

Lesson 3: Functions

Overview:
Learn how to define and use functions to encapsulate reusable blocks of code. Understand parameters and return values.

Example Code

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Modify the function to compute a cube or add more parameters.

Lesson 4: Basic Data Structures

Overview:
Understand lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets to store and manage data collections.

Example Code

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Experiment with creating and modifying different data structures.

Lesson 5: Putting It All Together

Overview:
Combine variables, control flow, functions, and data structures into a cohesive program. Solve a challenge by filtering even numbers and doubling them.

Example Code

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Modify the function to filter odd numbers or include additional logic.

Lesson 6: Error Handling and Debugging

Overview:
Learn how to write robust code using try and except to handle errors, and get tips on debugging.

Example Code

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Extend the function to handle other errors, such as type mismatches.

Lesson 7: Advanced Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming

Overview:
Expand your Python skills by exploring advanced data structures (like tuples and sets) and learn the basics of object-oriented programming (OOP).

Example Code (Advanced Data Structures)

Example Code (OOP Basics)

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Create your own class with additional attributes and methods.

Lesson 8: Real-World Project: Interactive To-Do List

Overview:
Apply what you’ve learned by building a mini project—a simple interactive to-do list application that lets users add tasks.

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Extend the project to include task removal or marking tasks as complete.

Interactive Exercise: Tip Calculator

Overview:
In this exercise, you’ll create a function to calculate the total amount to be paid on a bill by adding a tip. The function should convert the tip percentage into a decimal and add it to the original bill. Your task is to fill in the blank with the correct value. After running your code, an automatic grading block will provide immediate feedback on your answer.

def calculate_tip(bill, tip_percentage):
    tip = bill * tip_percentage / 100
    return bill + tip

result = calculate_tip(100, 15)
print("The total amount for a $100 bill with a 15% tip is", result)

Conclusion

Through these step-by-step lessons, you’ve built a solid foundation in Python—from the basics of variables and control flow to more advanced topics like error handling, OOP, and real-world projects. Practice the examples, complete the exercises, and explore the further reading resources to deepen your knowledge and build more sophisticated interactive Python applications.

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