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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by University of Michigan

4.8
stars
226,322 ratings

About the Course

This course aims to teach everyone the basics of programming computers using Python. We cover the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. This course will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. Once a student completes this course, they will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3....
Highlights
High quality instructor

(1484 Reviews)

Introductory course

(4203 Reviews)

Top reviews

GL

Feb 28, 2016

Excellent for a beginner!! Professor Severance follows a very smooth and efficient method of teaching that reduces anxiety and increases passion for learning!! Recommended to anyone starting Python!!!

DJ

Oct 19, 2017

Dr. Chuck has a special ability to teach programming to people who doesn't necessarily have programming background. This is rare among programming teachers, and shows that he is an excellent educator.

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226 - 250 of 10,000 Reviews for Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

By aravind b n E

Aug 26, 2020

Overall, this is a great introduction to Python. Prior to this class, I had zero Python experience; however, my review will be biased because not only am I a graduate of University of Michigan, but I also have 30+ years of software experience including Structured Text (CoDeSys), C, C++, C#, and a half-dozen others.Professor Severance is a great teacher – I wish I could have had him as a professor during my years at U of M.Four-point-nine-star review: because I find a few things lacking in these introductory software courses, and this one in particular.Development and debugging: line by line stepping through our code using a “better” software tool. Atom and the IDLE tools are VERY lacking in development capabilities.It is fundamental to software development to be able to step through your code, line by line, set breakpoints, and easily examine variables and values as they change. And I believe this would make it MUCH more clear to new software students exactly what a CPU is doing when processing code.I know the video course tried very hard to “sketch” out what is really going on in While loops, For loops, If-then-else statements, and function calls. However, I think that students, especially students new to software overall, would benefit greatly if they could use a more professional tool than the Atom and IDLE tools. And if that’s not possible, I think the videos should show the actual animation of stepping through line-by-line and setting breakpoints in example software, using such a tool.Visual Studio Community version is FREE online, and has all these capabilities. I’m not promoting Microsoft or this tool, other than it’s an excellent example of the types of tools students should use for really learning software. And they will benefit greatly from this experience when they evolve to the professional level.And two footnotes about Python:(a) Implicit conversion from int to float, and(b) indentation.These are my main “beefs” against Python; in the 21st century, implicit conversions should never be allowed. And the fact that Python 3 (not Python 2) implicitly converts integers to floats during mathematical operations will bar it from being an enterprise professional language. Indentation instead of braces or other blocking methods: over and over again students will be stumped as to why their code does not work because tabs and spaces are being mingled in the code. A professional language should not do that. Indeed, one must carefully make sure the settings convert tabs to spaces.

By Mutairu A A

May 26, 2020

DON'T GIVE UP SO SOON. KEEP ON MOVING TO COURSE 2 OF THIS SPECIALIZATION.

Sections 1-7: I had no previous knowledge about programming, even my educational background doesn't related to computer science at all. I have passion for working on the computer as a graphic designer as well as website designer, I thought I must have knowledge of programming language in order to ease my work as a website designer, but everything in this full 7 section course offers me the basic knowledge of programming with python, so nothing came as a complete surprise, that's why I mustn't quit so soon, I need to proceed to the next course to have viable workable experience in this specialization.

This is also my first course on coursera so I did not realize until around section 3 that we were supposed to read the chapter from Charles' book (which is free) Python for Everybody: Exploring Data Using Python 3 and then view the lectures. If you have never programmed before I recommend that you read these chapters first and then watch the lectures. If you're a programmer, you can skip the reading and watch the lectures until you hit material that is more challenging and then I recommend reading the chapter and following all of the exercises for the beginners.

In my own opinion Charles Russell Severance is a great lecturer although he somehow seems to be funny sometimes but I really interested in this course because of him. If everyone of the lecturer happen to be like him even an academic challenged individual can easily master the subject matter. All the topics of discussion were explicitly stated. All the videos were well organized in a logical manner. As the material became more difficult it became more interesting and I grew to enjoy and appreciate the down-to-earth style that Dr. Chuck has when teaching a concept in the course. I believe that he may be the person who can help me realize my dream in programming and understand how to properly execute classes with functions in my coding.

The course was easy (I expected this), and I was only truly challenged on the last section of the course where the homework took me more than 5-10 mins to complete. Anyway, I was astonished when I got it later.

I'm looking forward to the next section of this 5 part specialization of Python for Everybody course on Coursera, where I expect to be more challenged than in the first part (Getting Started with Python).

Thanks for reading this and I hope it will be of help to you.

By Suyash D

Jan 12, 2016

This course is a perfect one for people who are beginning to take their first steps in the world of Python (and programming, in general).. All the lectures, assignments, and the course materials offer quite good insight to basic and fundamental programming concepts..

And, considering the syntactical ease of Python, it makes programming easy to learn and understand, removing the extra clutter found in the more traditional languages like C/C++ or Java,,

And, finally, the instructor, Prof. Charles Severance, who is more affectionately called Dr. Chuck just mixes fun and learning to create quite an exciting and memorable teaching environment,

But, while all of this good, I felt that this course lacked the bite for a more advanced learner or someone who has spent sometime in the world of programming.. The complexity of the quizzes or the assignments are at beginner level... Best for complete beginners..

But, like i mentioned earlier, it is very easy to rush the whole course in a couple of days time or at most, one week for an advanced learner.

This course lays the foundation for the more advanced courses in Python.. Technically, it is the first part of the Programming for Everybody specialization, which consists of 5 courses, revolving around the world of Python..

So, my final advice to all beginners is to take their sweet time understanding and grasping these fundamental concepts,, These form the foundation stone for any programming language as well as Computer Science world. Don't worry about the assignments, you will get more than ample time to complete them and succeed in them..

Plus, I feel that you will also enjoy some of the bonus interviews.. They could be quite motivating or thought-provoking..

And, for advanced beginners, you can rush through this course and brush up on some basic concepts to move into more advanced courses, which will not only be a lot more challenging and catering more advanced and diverse concepts and topics..

And, in my opinion, this specialization package could be, at this current moment, the best possible experience when compared to learning the basics of Python online.. And, could be the closest thing to a face-to-face learning experience..

By Rushabh P

Apr 14, 2021

This is a great course. The teacher not only knows his material, but has a lot of experience working with first time programmers and so knows what errors they are likely to make and what questions they are likely to ask and addresses them all. He is fun to listen to, unlike some moocs I have taken where the teachers were reading and got the intonation all wrong--very distracting. This one wasn't like that by far. He was interesting and even funny at times. The only issue I have is that if you are auditing the class, it isn't as nice an experience. You can't submit quizzes to see if you got them right and all your coding problems are marked wrong. You can still do the coding and the website will error check and all, but you won't get the pass/fail grade to be sure you got it right. I worked through all the materials, including reading the chapters in the book in just four days. I'd say there is about 2 to 4 hours of work per "week" expected. So, great course, but Coursera has become more interested in making money than in those of us who must only audit. It is not worth my time to chase up financial aid for something I'm working through so quickly. I'd rather spend the time working on a portfolio for future work than to bother about all that. I'm disabled, so I have no money to through at the problem. So, if you can only audit the class, is it worth it? YES! Just prepared to be highly annoyed with Coursera. The problem isn't the instructor's fault and I'm glad to have the materials. The videos covers what's in the book, but in an easy to understand way, so when you read the chapter associated with it, you can follow along without it being too dry or laborious. Then you are ready for the quiz and coding problem(s), and then a little wrap up material before moving on to the next lesson. I'm glad we are allowed to work ahead. I'm moving on to the second course in the specialization, which picks up where this one left off. If you want to learn Python or just "a" programing language to get a start or just dabble in programming, this is a great place to start!

By Yash Y

Jul 18, 2020

This is a great course. The teacher not only knows his material, but has a lot of experience working with first time programmers and so knows what errors they are likely to make and what questions they are likely to ask and addresses them all. He is fun to listen to, unlike some moocs I have taken where the teachers were reading and got the intonation all wrong--very distracting. This one wasn't like that by far. He was interesting and even funny at times. The only issue I have is that if you are auditing the class, it isn't as nice an experience. You can't submit quizzes to see if you got them right and all your coding problems are marked wrong. You can still do the coding and the website will error check and all, but you won't get the pass/fail grade to be sure you got it right. I worked through all the materials, including reading the chapters in the book in just four days. I'd say there is about 2 to 4 hours of work per "week" expected. So, great course, but Coursera has become more interested in making money than in those of us who must only audit. It is not worth my time to chase up financial aid for something I'm working through so quickly. I'd rather spend the time working on a portfolio for future work than to bother about all that. I'm disabled, so I have no money to through at the problem. So, if you can only audit the class, is it worth it? YES! Just prepared to be highly annoyed with Coursera. The problem isn't the instructor's fault and I'm glad to have the materials. The videos covers what's in the book, but in an easy to understand way, so when you read the chapter associated with it, you can follow along without it being too dry or laborious. Then you are ready for the quiz and coding problem(s), and then a little wrap up material before moving on to the next lesson. I'm glad we are allowed to work ahead. I'm moving on to the second course in the specialization, which picks up where this one left off. If you want to learn Python or just "a" programing language to get a start or just dabble in programming, this is a great place to start!

By Abdullah A K

Jun 17, 2019

This is a great course. The teacher not only knows his material, but has a lot of experience working with first time programmers and so knows what errors they are likely to make and what questions they are likely to ask and addresses them all. He is fun to listen to, unlike some moocs I have taken where the teachers were reading and got the intonation all wrong--very distracting. This one wasn't like that by far. He was interesting and even funny at times. The only issue I have is that if you are auditing the class, it isn't as nice an experience. You can't submit quizzes to see if you got them right and all your coding problems are marked wrong. You can still do the coding and the website will error check and all, but you won't get the pass/fail grade to be sure you got it right. I worked through all the materials, including reading the chapters in the book in just four days. I'd say there is about 2 to 4 hours of work per "week" expected. So, great course, but Coursera has become more interested in making money than in those of us who must only audit. It is not worth my time to chase up financial aid for something I'm working through so quickly. I'd rather spend the time working on a portfolio for future work than to bother about all that. I'm disabled, so I have no money to through at the problem. So, if you can only audit the class, is it worth it? YES! Just prepared to be highly annoyed with Coursera. The problem isn't the instructor's fault and I'm glad to have the materials. The videos covers what's in the book, but in an easy to understand way, so when you read the chapter associated with it, you can follow along without it being too dry or laborious. Then you are ready for the quiz and coding problem(s), and then a little wrap up material before moving on to the next lesson. I'm glad we are allowed to work ahead. I'm moving on to the second course in the specialization, which picks up where this one left off. If you want to learn Python or just "a" programing language to get a start or just dabble in programming, this is a great place to start!

By Ashray G

Jun 1, 2019

This is a great course. The teacher not only knows his material, but has a lot of experience working with first time programmers and so knows what errors they are likely to make and what questions they are likely to ask and addresses them all. He is fun to listen to, unlike some moocs I have taken where the teachers were reading and got the intonation all wrong--very distracting. This one wasn't like that by far. He was interesting and even funny at times. The only issue I have is that if you are auditing the class, it isn't as nice an experience. You can't submit quizzes to see if you got them right and all your coding problems are marked wrong. You can still do the coding and the website will error check and all, but you won't get the pass/fail grade to be sure you got it right. I worked through all the materials, including reading the chapters in the book in just four days. I'd say there is about 2 to 4 hours of work per "week" expected. So, great course, but Coursera has become more interested in making money than in those of us who must only audit. It is not worth my time to chase up financial aid for something I'm working through so quickly. I'd rather spend the time working on a portfolio for future work than to bother about all that. I'm disabled, so I have no money to through at the problem. So, if you can only audit the class, is it worth it? YES! Just prepared to be highly annoyed with Coursera. The problem isn't the instructor's fault and I'm glad to have the materials. The videos covers what's in the book, but in an easy to understand way, so when you read the chapter associated with it, you can follow along without it being too dry or laborious. Then you are ready for the quiz and coding problem(s), and then a little wrap up material before moving on to the next lesson. I'm glad we are allowed to work ahead. I'm moving on to the second course in the specialization, which picks up where this one left off. If you want to learn Python or just "a" programing language to get a start or just dabble in programming, this is a great place to start!

By Wenjing L

Feb 17, 2020

I'd like to say this is the MOST AMAZING programming course I've taken.

I have been trying to learn programming since I was in primary school (OK and now I am a high school graduate). Through the years I've learned Scratch, C++ and a couple of other things at school that I don't remember. But the problem was, all those teachers were going way too fast for a beginner like me to understand the whole thing. They also presumed that I understood their logic, but in reality I couldn't. So I only had to remember the "codes" and copy them from my brain onto exams. Then a few months later, I'd forget them.

But Dr. Chuck's course is amazing, literally amazing. His pace of teaching was just the perfect tempo for me, not too fast so as to get the whole picture and get things organized, and not too slow to waste time. I think he did an excellent job in illustrating the whole logic of the codes we've learned. Also as a programmer for many years, he had many small tips for us beginners (like how to find the same file in both Atom and Python) that are really useful but are not included in typical textbooks. He is also very humorous and listening to his course is nothing but boring. The funny little videos in Bonus part were also relaxing.

And I think the quiz and homework system in Coursera worked pretty well with the lectures. It gave me chances to check my progress, and pointed out the small things I missed in the lectures. I also like the forum where we can ask questions and see how hundreds of other students throughout the world are learning with me. The whole system made my learning very efficient.

Since I am just a new comer to programming, I can't pick out some technical problems of the course design. I've seen many comments saying how the course lacked some basic points, and I think they might be true. However, from my point of view, I am really satisfied with how much I successfully learned in such a short course, and I am really grateful for Dr. Chuck and Coursera for providing such a wonderful educational experience.

By Ahmed M

Sep 17, 2023

I recently completed the "Python for Everyone" course, and I must say it exceeded my expectations in every way. As someone relatively new to programming, I found this course to be incredibly informative and accessible, but I believe it would also be valuable for more experienced programmers looking to refresh their skills or dive deeper into Python.

One of the standout features of this course is the instructor's engagement. They were not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally responsive to questions and consistently encouraged meaningful discussions. This made the learning experience far more engaging and interactive than many other online courses I've taken.

The course structure was clear and well-organized, with each module building upon the previous one logically. This made it easy to follow along, even for someone like me who had limited coding experience. Additionally, the assignments and projects were practical and relevant, helping me apply what I learned in real-world scenarios.

I also appreciated the smaller class size, which allowed for more personalized interactions with both the instructor and fellow students. This created a collaborative atmosphere where I felt comfortable asking questions and sharing my thoughts.

The technology requirements for the course were straightforward, and I didn't encounter any significant technical issues throughout the duration of the course, which is a relief compared to some other online courses I've taken.

In summary, "Python for Everyone" is a top-notch course that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to learn or improve their Python skills. Whether you're a beginner or have some coding experience, you'll find the content engaging, the instructor highly supportive, and the overall experience immensely rewarding. I'm looking forward to exploring more courses from this platform in the future!

By Adenine K S H

Jan 15, 2017

Majoring in Genetics and Molecular Biology, I were fortunate enough to meet one of my lecturer who works primarily on Next Generation Sequencing and its downstream analysis. Knowing the importance of how computer science will be in the near future and its power, he urges us to learn about programming and suggests us to extend our semester to take some programming courses from my university. It was the first time I heard about those words: Linux, big data, programming languages such as Java, Python et cetera.

I started searching about some summer courses in my university and also other part time courses from other universities in my countries, but none of them is satisfactory. And then I found coursera, and decided to register for this course - Programming for Everybody. It is really a great solution, I don't have to extend my semester, I can learn something so useful to my major yet it is not included in my own course program, and most importantly, I can learn whenever I am free and proceed in my own pace. In this way I find it easier to figure out things which I am confused of and clear them out before I think I am ready for the next.

Dr. Chuck is indeed one of the most inspiring and encouraging lecturer I have ever met. Clear explanation, and step by step guidance, he clears all doubts in an interesting way. It is his humour that helps me to remember things. Programming can be boring and dull, it is so technical, imagine that you have to follow a certain number of rules to talk to someone, but Dr. Chuck makes sense out of it (I still remember the first lecture: while you think you are joking with python, it says syntax error).

As my first programming course, I really learn a lot from Dr. Chuck, a lot more than I expected to. I truly appreciate all the efforts made by Dr. Chuck and his teams, and also, the teams behind Coursera. Thank you.

By Khurshid P

Nov 13, 2023

**Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)** is a great course for beginners in the world of programming. It covers the basics of Python programming, such as variables, data types, functions, and loops, in a clear and concise way. The instructor, Dr. Charles Severance, is very engaging and makes the material easy to understand. One of the things I liked best about the course was that it was very hands-on. There are many exercises and programming assignments throughout the course, which help students solidify their understanding of the material. The course also includes a number of projects, which give students the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world problems. Another great thing about the course is that it is very flexible. Students can work at their own pace and can access the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes the course ideal for students who are working full-time or who have other commitments. Overall, I highly recommend Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) to anyone who is interested in learning to code in Python. It is a great course for beginners and provides a solid foundation in the basics of Python programming. Here are some specific things that I found helpful about the course: * The instructor is very clear and concise in his explanations. * The course is well-organized and easy to follow. * The exercises and programming assignments are challenging and helpful. * The projects are interesting and relevant. * The course is flexible and can be completed at your own pace. If you are a beginner to programming, I highly recommend checking out Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python). It is a great way to learn the basics of Python programming and to start your journey into the world of coding.

By Meesun K

Apr 23, 2018

If anyone is unsure where and how to start and feel like they aren't very "tech-savvy", this class is the place to start. Best Computer Science intro class I had taken without the pressure of learning the more technical stuff. Professor Severance introduced coding with very simple and layman terms. I came in hesitant and unsure if coding was within my reach, and after taking his course I am not only amazed with how much I was able to understand, but am looking forward to learning more. His lectures are easy, short and to-the-point, no computer jargon or overly complicated terms. And the assignments push you enough to really understand the new concepts he is teaching. Rather than just coding, he is teaching us to to be hyper-aware of our writing, how a computer interprets it and its affect in the end result in our code. If he is teaching any other classes in Python I will definitely take them. If not, I feel like I have a solid foundation to continue my self studies. I was very lost where to begin in my desire to learning coding.

Thank you very much Professor Severance, your passion and desire for people to learn coding through Python shines through this course. I appreciate your effort to make learning such a foreign area of study (to most people) much more approachable, and even coming alongside in sympathizing with our frustrations. Learning something new is difficult, but having a teacher who understands this and wants to help the student is beyond what a student can ask for of his/her teacher.

Again if you have had a desire to learn coding and thought it was impossible, feeling lost going through all the different youtube videos and forums. Take this course! It'll give you that basic foundation in learning to code without being overwhelmed by technical jargon.

By Chunjun F

Jun 24, 2023

I have just finished the "Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)" course as part of the Python for Everybody Specialization on Coursera, and I must say, it is one of the best introductory courses to Python programming I've come across.

This course served as a fantastic stepping stone into the world of Python. What stood out to me was the structure of the course. The flow from basics to more advanced topics was gradual and natural, making it easy to follow along and grasp concepts clearly. Even with no prior coding experience, I found myself not just understanding, but truly enjoying the process of learning.

The instructor, Prof. Charles Severance, is a fantastic educator. His teaching style is engaging and interactive, and he has a knack for making complex topics seem simple and accessible. His enthusiasm for the subject is infectious and certainly enhanced my learning experience.

Moreover, the hands-on exercises and assignments were a valuable part of the course. They provided an opportunity to put the theoretical concepts into practice, reinforcing my understanding and increasing my confidence in coding.

I also appreciated the robust community surrounding this course. The discussion forums were incredibly helpful, allowing students to interact, ask questions, and share insights. The sense of community made the learning experience even more enjoyable and fruitful.

For anyone looking to start their Python programming journey, I cannot recommend this course highly enough. It's not just about learning to code; it's about understanding the logic and beauty behind it. My completion of "Programming for Everybody" has left me feeling accomplished and eager to continue my Python learning journey.

By Harshad S

Jul 10, 2020

From start I know Coursera is one of the best online platform to learn things in quicker, proper, and smarter manner although I am not a newbie in programming but doesn't know how to code in python that is only reason I choose this course after seeing the ratings of the course I am eager to join this course. And as expected this course is far more better than my expectation and the Instructor of this course is really very good.

Charles Severance is one of the best teacher on online platform, I go through, really enjoyed the way he taught to us. His techniques, his way of teaching is something which makes him unique, and may be that's the reason most of student enjoy to attend hi course. I love the way he start teaching from the scratch and cover almost everything which is either required for course or essential for us. I have completed this seven week course in just within two weeks because I loved the way Professor Charles Severance teaches.

I am glad to attend this course and looking forward to attend the further courses by Doctor Charles Severance, continuing this series of Python learning. At last I would like to suggest all of aspirants want to learn python to go though this course at least once.

I loved various blogs in the end of every weeks either it is interview of any one or just a fun blog of office tours of Bangalore, Paris, Milan ,Seoul etc.

At last I wanna to thanks Coursera for providing this course to us and I would also like to thanks Michigan University for providing this course to us . Thank you Coursera and thanks to Michigan University to providing us such a wonderful course.

THANK YOU :)

By nasreen.shaik

Jul 5, 2020

Has many high-quality university courses fromtop U.S. universitiessuch as Stanford, Princeton, and Yale as well as international institutions such as the University of London and HEC Paris.Course feesare not immediately shown on the Coursera course pages, unfortunately. To view the fee, you have to click on "Enroll" and register for the platform. This will display the individual price for the course (for paid courses).If you want to take a course without a certificate for free, you can choose the "Audit" option for many courses (when registering for the course).Course series of several online courses are calledSpecializations. These require payment of a fee (monthly subscription, don't forget to cancel!). However, you can often take the individual courses of the series free of charge (without a certificate).Anyone enrolling for a paid course or Specialization will get access to a7-day trial period. If you are a quick learner, you can sometimes complete a course within the trial phase (and thus possibly even receive a certificate for free!).Some (not all) of thePersonal Development / Career courseshave been criticized by users as being rather superficial. Anyone who is already working and has an academic degree may not learn much in some of these courses.A clear advantage over other course platforms is theeasy navigationwithin courses. Videos, tests, discussion forums and further reading materials are easily accessible.For some courses, a final exam with an assessment by other students is required (Peer Assessment). This often works well, but for smaller courses with fewer participants, it may take some time to get adequate feedback for your work.

By sanjay N

Nov 8, 2022

Hello there, If you want to learn Python and looking for the best Python course on Coursera, or you are just wondering if the Python for Everybody course from the University of Michigan on Coursera is worth your time and money then you have come to the right place.

Earlier, I have shared the best Coursera certifications for Python and In this post, we will review Python for Everybody from the University of Michigan, one of the best Coursera specialization, and certification for Python developers.

You should read this review before you join any Python online course but if you are in a hurry and want a quick Yes/No answer whether you should join this Coursera specialization or not then our answer is Yes, by all means, you should go for it.

This is one of the most comprehensive Python courses on Coursera and covers all the necessary areas like basics, data structure, database, web scrapping with python, and much more. More than 750K people have already joined this course which is also a big proof of its quality. Many people say that learning a programming language can be a difficult task and can take months and months to learn even the basics so then you start developing your own products whether it was a web service or a mobile app but what if I say that there is a language that can be learned in a few weeks and that language called python. Throughout many research in many platforms and online courses, I have found one of the best and comprehensive online courses to learn this fabulous language and called Python for everybody specialization offered from the Michigan university through an online platform known as Coursera.

By Srimathi B

Oct 23, 2020

When I started this course I had a very little knowledge about programming. Frankly when I started to do the first lesson, I felt very nervous thinking whether I was able to complete this because this is my first programming course that I ever took. Today, I am very happy that I was able to successfully finished the course making me adequately enough individual to write a simple block of code in Python. I believe this is all due to the way and the amount of course material provided in this course. Videos are not too long or too short. The length of all the videos are just right. I simply cannot resist to mention I love the instructor’s writings on slides/screen. Those writings really helped me to understand theories and concepts of each lesson. Besides, those made me to feel that I was in an actual classroom.

Text book is written in very simple, clear and concise English making me to read whole chapter after each lesson without getting distracted or bored. The exercises provided at the end of each chapter are appropriate and gave me a chance to practice the concepts that I have already learnt.

The amount of course material provided for each lesson was just right for me. That is why I was able to absorb the material very easily and also was able to meet all the deadlines on time.

I have become unemployed due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This course helped me greatly to engage myself and learn a new skill during this difficult and stressful time. This inspired me to take more programming courses in the future. Thank you Dr. Severance!! Thanks so much for offering this course in Coursera !!!

By Muhammad u F

May 2, 2020

by Brandt completed this course, spending 1 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be very easy.

This is the first class in the new (at the time I took it) Python for Everybody specialization, which grew out of Dr. Charles Severence's popular course of the same name. As I understand it, the first two courses of this specialization will cover the material from the previous course, while the third and fourth courses and the capstone will cover new material.

This is a very gentle introduction to programming in Python. The videos are very thorough, and Dr. Chuck does a good job of going over everything he's teaching in great detail. As I had a fair amount of experience in R and some experience with Python (Codecademy course and Genomic Data Science with Python course), I found this to be very easy, and I raced through the class in a few hours, listening to the videos on 2x speed. One of the big problems I have with this course and similar ones (like the Rice Python courses) is the use of web-based coding platforms. While they're useful for real-time checking of code, students who learn to use these platforms may end up completely lost if they try to go apply their programming experience from these courses to a real-world problem. I would much prefer to see programming taught via command line or using an IDE like Spyder.

Overall, four stars. Very thorough, very slow-paced. I imagine that finishing this specialization will only get students to the novice programmer stage, but it is a good first step, and probably the most approachable programming course out there for those with no experience.

By Ritarshi B

Jul 7, 2023

I recently completed this course, and I must say it was absolutely awesome! The course provided an excellent foundation for anyone looking to start their journey in Python programming.

First and foremost, the course content was comprehensive and well-structured. It covered all the essential concepts of the language, from variables and data types to control flow and functions. The explanations were clear and concise, making it easy to understand even for beginners like myself. The course also included practical examples and coding exercises, which greatly enhanced my learning experience.

One aspect that stood out was the instructor's expertise and teaching style. They had a deep understanding of Python and effectively conveyed their knowledge in an engaging manner. The instructor's enthusiasm and passion for the subject were infectious, making each lesson enjoyable and inspiring.

Furthermore, the course platform was user-friendly and provided ample resources for further exploration. The interactive quizzes and assignments helped reinforce my understanding, while the discussion forums allowed me to connect with fellow learners and seek assistance when needed.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the "Getting Started with Python" course to anyone interested in learning Python. It's an excellent starting point that equips you with the necessary skills to pursue more advanced programming concepts. Kudos to the instructor and the entire team for creating such a fantastic learning experience!

By Deleted A

Jun 25, 2023

I highly recommend the "Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)" course. It is an excellent resource for beginners looking to dive into the world of programming. The course is designed in a way that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior programming experience.

The instructor does a fantastic job of explaining concepts clearly and concisely, making it easy to understand even for those who have never written a single line of code before. The course starts from the basics and gradually progresses to more advanced topics, allowing learners to build a solid foundation in Python programming.

One of the standout features of this course is its interactive nature. It offers hands-on exercises and coding assignments that provide ample opportunities to practice what you've learned. This practical approach helps reinforce the concepts and ensures that you gain real-world programming skills.

Furthermore, the course materials, including lecture videos, slides, and additional resources, are well-organized and easily accessible. This makes it convenient to review previous topics or revisit specific sections whenever needed.

Overall, "Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)" is a fantastic course for anyone interested in learning Python programming. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the language and equips you with the fundamental skills needed to pursue further studies in programming or to start building your own projects.

By Derrick R M

Jul 14, 2022

Best Introduction to Python introductory course I have ever taken. I had taken python at University over a year ago in my second year but I had never really grasped the syntax and meaning of it all , and i never really liked the random youtube tutorials with no assignmets. I took this course due to my recent interest in Machine learning and Data Science. I was able to take it from the beginning, completeall the quizes and assignments all in one day with a few breaks here and there!. Most coding assignments were really simple and they give you a starting code from where to build on. The last Coding assignent (Week 7) was simple but needed one to first understand what exactly is needed, you can re-watch the while loops video again if needed. It took me a little bit more time compared to the rest which I finished in just minutes on average. I had to rest a little bit and come back to it as I had taken the whole course in one sitting. Here Dr. Severance does a very good job of explaining in avery clear and structured manner. I've got to complete the rest of the courses in the specialization. Assignments did a good job of re-enforcing what I have studied. There's no clearly and easily explained python introductory course with practice coding questions you gonna find on the Internet better than this one. Highly recommended for a complete beginner. If you're passed the beginner level, this course won't be of very much use though.

By Syed M K

Jun 17, 2020

My online classes are a convenience for me. They allow me to take additional classes that would not have fit into my schedule otherwise. I am not a traditional student, so I have non-traditional needs. Internet classes allow me to remain at home with my family. Taking Internet classes has many advantages for a non-traditional, and traditional student, such as: saving money, saving time, and most of all the convenience. Internet classes are the answer for many students with non-traditional needs. However, the only downfall to my Internet class was a computer virus, which was disastrous. I lost everything on my computer, but as for the important files I had backup on floppies. I was lucky, my sister-in-law came within a few days and fixed my computer, so I did not get too far behind. This situation should be considered when taking an Internet class. In my experience with Internet classes, the good far outweigh the bad. Taking Internet classes has saved me money. If I were taking traditional classes, I would be spending about twenty dollars a week in gas alone, not to mention the wear and tear on my car. The only expense that I incur with Internet classes is my server charge, which is about twenty-five dollars a month. That means by taking Internet classes I am saving over eighty dollars a month, and that does not include wear and tear on my car. I could finance a new computer with the savings from taking online classes.

By Rahul K

Sep 6, 2019

This is a great course. The teacher not only knows his material, but has a lot of experience working with first time programmers and so knows what errors they are likely to make and what questions they are likely to ask and addresses them all. He is fun to listen to, unlike some moocs I have taken where the teachers were reading and got the intonation all wrong--very distracting. This one wasn't like that by far. He was interesting and even funny at times. The only issue I have is that if you are auditing the class, it isn't as nice an experience. You can't submit quizzes to see if you got them right and all your coding problems are marked wrong. You can still do the coding and the website will error check and all, but you won't get the pass/fail grade to be sure you got it right.

The videos covers what's in the book, but in an easy to understand way, so when you read the chapter associated with it, you can follow along without it being too dry or laborious. Then you are ready for the quiz and coding problem(s), and then a little wrap up material before moving on to the next lesson. I'm glad we are allowed to work ahead. I'm moving on to the second course in the specialization, which picks up where this one left off. If you want to learn Python or just "a" programming language to get a start or just dabble in programming, this is a great place to start!

By Charlie R

Oct 10, 2017

I like this program mucho! Yes, you can learn Python from a book or from an automated, text-based course. But the videos by Dr. Chuck give the course the human touch and a real-world college feel. With a human in the loop, slight and useful nuances of coding and perspective on coding come through subtly and informally, beyond what text alone can provide. -- My only hangup was with the Autograder, the automated checker of submitted programs. For the final program I delivered output as required. My code was syntactically and semantically correct. However I had to rewrite my code several times to fit the hidden requirements of the tool. That was frustrating. To resolve the problem I went to the Forum and received prompt feedback on my efforts. Again, the human support aspect of Coursera distinguishes it from other tools. On the way to resolution, I did get feedback on alternate and cleaner ways to code. Thanks very much to those that monitored and respond to the forum. -- I am VERY HAPPY with my experience with Coursera and this course. I am very excited: I feel empowered and confident that I can achieve my goals of not only acquiring a good, basic foundation of programming (Algorithms, Data Structures, etc.) but continue to advanced and current topics (Machine Learning, Big Data, etc.) Thanks to all!

By Muhammad M

Jan 26, 2023

I recently completed the " Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)" course and I couldn't be more impressed with the material covered. The instructor does an excellent job of breaking down the complex concepts of programming and making them easy to understand for anyone with moderate computer experience.

The course starts off by introducing the idea of why we program and sets the stage for the rest of the material. The instructor also guides us through the process of installing and using Python, which was incredibly helpful.

One of the things I appreciated most about this course was the progression of the material. Each chapter builds upon the previous one and by the end of the course, I felt confident in my ability to write basic Python programs. The chapters on variables, expressions, conditional code, functions and loops were particularly informative and I found myself excited to try out the new concepts I had learned.

The quizzes and assignments were also a great way to solidify my understanding of the material. Overall, I found the course to be well-structured and engaging. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to learn the basics of programming with Python. It is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to take more advanced programming courses in the future.