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PY101 · Module 1Free preview

Welcome to Python

What Python is, why it's the world's most loved beginner language, and how to set up your first development environment.

Textbook · diploma-level · 3,000+ words

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1.0 — Why Python?

Python is a free, open-source programming language designed to be readable, friendly, and powerful. It runs everything from small scripts that rename files to massive systems at Google, Netflix, NASA, and OpenAI.

For a beginner, three things matter: (1) the syntax looks almost like English, (2) you can see results in seconds, (3) the community is enormous, so for any question you ever have, somebody has already written a clear answer.

1.1 — What you'll be able to do after this diploma

By the end of this program you'll be able to write small useful tools end to end — not toys.

  • Read and write text files, CSVs, and JSON.
  • Pull data from public web APIs and turn it into a report.
  • Build simple command-line utilities your friends and coworkers can actually run.
  • Understand other people's Python code well enough to fix bugs in it.
  • Be ready to learn data analysis, web back-ends, or AI/LLM tooling next.

1.2 — Installing Python

Download the latest stable Python from python.org (Windows / macOS) or use your distribution's package manager (Linux). On Windows, check the box 'Add Python to PATH' during install — this is the single most common mistake beginners make.

Verify the install by opening a terminal and running `python --version`. You should see something like `Python 3.12.x`.

1.3 — Your first editor

You can write Python in any text editor, but a real editor saves you hours.

  • VS Code (free, recommended) with the official Python extension.
  • PyCharm Community (free) — heavier but very polished.
  • Replit or Google Colab — zero install, run in the browser.

1.4 — Hello, World

Create a file called `hello.py` containing one line:

print("Hello, world!")

Run it from the terminal with `python hello.py`. If you see `Hello, world!` printed, your environment works.

Glossary

Programming language
A way of writing step-by-step instructions a computer can follow — like a recipe, but for a machine.
Python
One of those languages. It looks almost like simple English, so it's easy to read and write.
Interpreted
Means the computer reads your code one line at a time and does it right away — no waiting to 'build' anything first.
Open source
The code that runs Python is free and anyone can look at it, copy it, or improve it. Nobody owns it.
Syntax
The rules for how words and symbols have to be arranged. Like grammar in English — get the rules right and Python understands you.
Terminal (or command line)
A text-only window where you type commands and the computer answers back. Old-school but very powerful.
PATH
A list the computer uses to find programs. Adding Python to PATH just means 'when I type python, you know where it lives.'
Editor / IDE
A smart program for writing code. It highlights mistakes and helps you type faster — like spell-check for code.
Script
A file full of code (ending in .py) that does one job when you run it.

Instructor video script

Python in 8 Minutes — Why It Matters · 8 min

  1. Open with: 'Python is the closest a real programming language gets to plain English.'
  2. Show a one-line Hello World next to the equivalent Java program — Python wins on screen.
  3. Explain: interpreted, dynamic, batteries-included.
  4. Close with: 'In this diploma you'll write working Python in the first 20 minutes.'

Instructor notes

  • Most install pain on Windows = forgetting 'Add to PATH'. Show it twice.
  • Encourage students to use the terminal early — fear of the terminal kills more careers than bad code.

Student workbook

  • Install Python and confirm `python --version` works in your terminal.
  • Create and run `hello.py` printing your own name.
  • Open VS Code, install the Python extension, and open the file from inside the editor.

Module 1 Quiz

10 questions · 80% required to unlock the next module.

  1. 1. Which command checks your installed Python version?
  2. 2. Python is best described as:
  3. 3. What's the most common Windows install mistake?
  4. 4. Which of these can you run Python in with zero install?
  5. 5. Which prints text in Python 3?
  6. 6. Python files end with which extension?
  7. 7. Is Python free to use commercially?
  8. 8. Which is NOT a real Python editor?
  9. 9. Why is Python considered beginner-friendly?
  10. 10. After this module, you should be able to: