Introduction to Programming with Python

About This Course

This is a first programming course for middle school students, and it really does start from zero. If you have never written a line of code, you are exactly who this course was built for.

You will learn Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. It runs everything from school science projects to the software behind Netflix and Instagram. It was designed to read almost like English, which makes it a good first language and a genuinely useful one to keep.

Every lesson is short. You read a little, then run real code right on the page — there is nothing to install and nothing to buy. Practice problems are unlimited and do not affect your grade, so you can experiment and get things wrong without any cost.

The course is completely self-paced. There are no due dates and no cohort to keep up with. Start when you like, take breaks, come back.

What You Will Build

An Emoji Fortune Teller that asks your name and predicts your day.

A Dice Battle Simulator where two players roll to see who wins.

A Secret Message Decoder that cracks a cipher Julius Caesar actually used.

Along the way you will learn variables, decisions, loops, functions, lists, dictionaries, files, and what to do when your program breaks — which it will, for everyone, always.

Requirements

Basic computer literacy: you can use a web browser, find a file, and type reasonably comfortably. No programming experience is needed and no prior maths beyond ordinary arithmetic.

You need a computer or tablet with a web browser. You do not need to install Python — every lesson has an editor built into the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

A current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. The course works on tablets and phones too, though the code editor is much easier to use on a larger screen.

Do I need to install anything?

No. Every lesson includes a Python editor that runs in your browser. If you would rather install Python on your own computer you can, and it is free from python.org, but nothing in this course requires it.

Do I need to know any programming already?

No. This course assumes you have never written code. Every term is explained the first time it appears.

Is there a certificate?

Yes. Score 60% or higher overall and you earn a certificate. It appears as soon as you cross the mark — you do not have to wait for a course end date.

How long does the course take?

Most learners finish in six to ten weeks working a few hours a week, but the course is self-paced. There are no due dates, so take as long as you need.