What Python is — and why learn it
Easy to read, powerful to use
Python is a programming language created to be simple and readable. Compare a line of Python with what it does:
print("Hello, world!")Output:
Hello, world!That's a complete program. No setup, no extra symbols — just say what you want.
What people build with Python
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Data and reports | Sales analysis, rosters, spreadsheets, charts (see Python for Data) |
| Websites and apps | The back end of sites like Instagram and Spotify (see Full-Stack Python) |
| Automation | Renaming hundreds of files, sending reports, tidying data |
| AI and science | Machine learning, research, robotics |
| Games and fun | Quiz games, simple games, art |
Python or JavaScript?
Both are great first languages. JavaScript runs in web browsers and makes web pages interactive. Python is often used for data, automation and servers. The core ideas — variables, if statements, loops, functions — are the same in both. Learn one well and the second is much easier.
Get your starter files
Download the attached Python Foundations starter files and unzip them. They include a practice notebook with every exercise, solutions, and the two projects. You'll set up Google Colab in the next lesson.
Try it
Write down one boring, repetitive task in your life or a job you'd like — something a program could do for you. Keep it in mind as you learn.
Downloads
2 files to download once you enrol.