Python Programming from Scratch

Course Overview

This training provides a practical introduction to programming in Python 3.x. Participants progress from running code and working with tools (IDE/CLI) to consciously using data structures, functions, and classes, project organization (modules/packages), exception handling, and testing. Subsequent modules cover file work (including CSV/Excel), text processing using regular expressions, basics of database access (SQLite/PostgreSQL/MySQL), and elements of retrieving and parsing web data (HTML/XML). The sessions focus on exercises and practical tasks – approximately 70% of the time is spent coding.

Training Objectives

To prepare participants to independently create scripts and simple applications in Python, including task automation, working with files and databases, and basic integration with web resources.

Validation Criteria and Method

Validation is conducted continuously through practical tasks, code analysis, and observation of participant work. At the end, a mini-project or a set of summarizing exercises is completed. Criteria:

• functional correctness,
• readability and code maintainability,
• error handling,
• basic testing and fulfilling task requirements.

Target Audience

Individuals without prior Python experience (or with limited experience) who wish to begin programming in this language in a structured manner. The training is also suitable for analysts and business specialists who want to automate reporting and data work.

Prerequisites

None. Basic computer usage skills are required.

Training Methods and Materials

Methods: short introductions and demonstrations, workshop-style coding practice, individual and pair exercises, case studies, and Q&A during sessions.

Materials: exercise set, sample scripts, electronic materials (presentation/handout), guidelines on best practices, and post-training summary materials.

Platform / Communicator and Technical Conditions

The training is conducted remotely using the NobleProg platform (DaDesktop) or MS Teams – organizational details are provided prior to the start.

Technical requirements: computer with Internet access (min. 10 Mbps recommended), web browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox), headphones and microphone; camera recommended. Working environment (Python 3.x and tools) may be provided to participants via the platform or set up locally.

Access Codes

Links, login details, and organizational instructions are sent to participants via email before the training.

Subsidy Information

The service may qualify for subsidies under the Development Services Database (BUR) – in accordance with the rules of the operator applicable to the specific region and type of support.

Trainer Information

Przemysław Jarnot conducts trainings and projects in the field of programming and web technologies. He specializes in Python (NumPy, Matplotlib, databases, Flask, Qt), as well as C/C++, Java, C#, R, backend (PHP, SQL), and infrastructure/system basics. Languages of instruction: Polish, English, Greek.

Knowledge

• Understands basic Python language constructs and data models (types, collections).
• Understands code organization principles (modules, packages) and distribution basics.
• Understands exception and testing mechanisms (doctest, unittest) and the importance of test coverage.
• Knows the basics of working with files, databases, and web resources.

Skills

• Writes readable scripts and simple components (functions, classes), utilizing standard libraries.
• Handles errors and creates basic automated tests for code.
• Reads and writes data to files (including CSV/Excel), processes text (regex), and organizes files/directories.
• Performs basic database operations and uses ORM (SQLAlchemy).
• Retrieves and parses web data (HTML/XML) and automates simple interactions.

Social Competencies

• Verifies own solutions, ensures code quality and team communication (questions/feedback).
• Able to work independently with documentation and examples while adhering to best practices.

Introduction to Python Programming

• Running Python code
• Using Python programming tools (IDE and command-line tools)
• Working with Python shells and iPython, including iPython Notebook

Data Types and Operations

• Integers and floating-point numbers
• Strings and bytes
• Tuples and lists
• Dictionaries and ordered dictionaries
• Sets and frozensets

Organizational and Distribution Code

• Creating modules and packages
• Distributing code to repositories

Object-Oriented and Functional Programming

• Creating and using functions and classes
• Modifying functions and classes using decorators
• Introduction to metaclasses

Error Handling and Testing

• Handling and reporting exceptions
• Writing and executing tests (doc tests and unit tests)
• Checking test coverage of code

Working with Files and Directories

• Accessing various file types and file handling principles
• Creating, reading, updating, and deleting files (including plain text files, CSV, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel files)
• Extracting data from text files using regular expressions
• Creating and deleting directories, listing and searching for files

Accessing Databases

• Selecting, inserting, updating, and deleting data
• General database API based on SQLite 3, PostgreSQL, and MySQL
• Using Object Relational Mapper (SQLAlchemy)
• Working with NoSQL databases

Taming the Web

• Downloading web pages
• Parsing HTML and XML
• Automatically filling out web forms
• Creating web applications in Python