Python Programming 1 develops the practical skills needed to build Python code with greater control and accuracy. You’ll work through syntax, data handling, logic, reusable functions, error management and modular code, with exercises that reflect workplace programming tasks. The course also supports preparation for the PCEP certification, helping you strengthen day-to-day coding capability and take a clear next step in your technical development.
Python Programming 1
Foundational Python skills for new programmers
This course provides a structured introduction to Python programming, designed for beginners and professionals expanding their technical capability. Through practical, instructor-led learning, you’ll build essential skills in writing, organising and maintaining Python code. The course focuses on applying core programming concepts in real scenarios, helping you develop confidence and problem-solving ability. It is suitable for early-stage learners or those transitioning into development, providing a strong foundation for further study in areas such as data analysis, automation or web development.
This four-day course is aimed at learners with basic programming knowledge who want to apply Python in development, testing, automation or technical problem-solving roles. You’ll practice building scripts, controlling programme flow, working with data structures and organising code into reusable components. The course is also designed to help you move beyond basic syntax and develop more reliable coding habits, helping you progress into further Python learning and wider technical responsibilities.
Learning objectives
- Build Python scripts
- Apply control flow
- Use Python data types
- Work with strings and collections
- Create reusable functions
- Manage runtime errors
- Organise code into modules
- Handle file operations
- Understand database interaction
Key facts
Certification
This is a skills and knowledge-based course without formal accreditation.
Who it’s for
This course is suitable for beginners, IT professionals and anyone looking to build practical Python programming skills.
Prerequisites
You should understand general programming concepts such as variables, selection and iteration, and be comfortable navigating files and editing text.
Exam information
There is no exam requirement for this course.
Optional extras
There are no optional extras with this course.
Pre-course
You can build prerequisite knowledge by attending the Introduction to Programming - Python course.
Course syllabus
Dive into the detail of the course by looking at the syllabus below.
Day one
- Getting started
- Python overview
- Python versions
- Documentation
- Runtime environments
- Installation
- REPL shell
- Editors
Day one
- Scripts and syntax
- Script naming
- Comments
- Docstrings
- Statements
- Code blocks
- Whitespace
- Console input and output
- Script execution
Day one
- Variables and data types
- Literals
- Identifiers
- Assignment
- Number types
- Number systems
- Floating point accuracy
- Collections
- Type conversion
Day one
- Operators and expressions
- Arithmetic operators
- Assignment operators
- Comparison operators
- Logical operators
- Membership operators
- Bitwise operators
- Identity operators
Day one
- Conditions and loops
- Conditional statements
- Nested conditions
- Shorthand conditions
- Iterative statements
- Range function
- List iteration
- Break
- Continue
Day two
- Functions
- Declaration
- Invocation
- Default parameters
- Named arguments
- Args and kwargs
- Return values
- Variable scope
- Recursive functions
Day two
- Objects and classes
- Objects
- Attributes
- Dot notation
- Dunder attributes
- Mutability
- Pass by reference
- Class declaration
- Instantiation
- Methods
- Composition
Day two
- Lists
- List syntax
- List elements
- List iteration
- Membership checks
- List methods
- List deletion
- List combination
- List comprehension
Day two
- Tuples
- Tuple syntax
- Tuple elements
- Tuple unpacking
- Tuple iteration
- Membership checks
- Tuple combination
Day two
- Sets
- Set elements
- Set iteration
- Membership testing
- Sorting
- Copying
- Set methods
Day three
- Dictionaries
- Dictionary syntax
- Dictionary elements
- Dictionary iteration
- Key checks
- Dictionary methods
- Dictionary deletion
- Dictionary comprehension
Day three
- Strings
- String syntax
- Escape characters
- Triple-quoted strings
- Concatenation
- Placeholders
- String formatting
- String methods
Day three
- Modules and packages
- Built-in modules
- Help functions
- Custom modules
- Module files
- Module search path
- Imports
- Namespaces
- Aliases
- Executable modules
- Packages
- Subpackages
- Standard Library
- Pip installation
Day three
- Pattern matching
- Regular expressions
- Special characters
- Raw strings
- re module
- Match functions
- Search functions
- Split and substitution
Day four
- Exception handling
- Exception handling
- Try and except
- Else and finally
- Exception types
- Exception objects
- Raising exceptions
- Custom exceptions
Day four
- Files and filesystem
- Open function
- File seeking
- File reading
- File iteration
- File writing
- Context managers
- Text encoding
- Unicode
- Binary files
- os module
- Filesystem errors
Day four
- Databases
- DB-API
- Database connections
- Cursors
- Queries
- Results
- Transactions
- Insert records
- Update records
- Delete records
FAQs
Python Programming 1 develops practical coding capability for learners who already understand core programming concepts. You’ll work with Python 3 across syntax, data types, functions, objects, files, modules, exceptions and databases, building the confidence to apply Python in structured technical tasks.
What does Python Programming 1 cover?
The course covers the main areas needed to start writing structured Python code. You’ll work with syntax, variables, data types, operators, control flow, functions, objects, collections, modules, pattern matching, exception handling, files and databases. The focus is on applying these topics through practical coding tasks, so you can understand how Python behaves in realistic programming scenarios.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
No. This course is for learners who already understand basic programming concepts. You should be familiar with variables, functions, loops, object-oriented programming, command line use and basic text file editing before joining. The source course pages state that learners should complete Introduction to Programming – Python first.
Does this course support PCEP preparation?
Yes. The course supports preparation for the Python Institute Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer, or PCEP, exam. It covers essential Python topics through structured training and practical exercises. The supplied source material confirms PCEP preparation, but does not confirm that the exam itself is included.
Who is Python Programming 1 for?
Python Programming 1 is suitable for learners with basic programming experience who want to deepen their Python skills or move across from another programming language. It is relevant for developers, engineers and technical professionals who need to write, understand or maintain Python code as part of their role.
Will I work with files and databases?
Yes. The syllabus includes file handling, filesystem operations and database interaction. You’ll cover reading and writing files, context managers, text encoding, the os module, database connections, cursors, queries, results, transactions and inserting, updating or deleting records.
How does this course support further Python learning?
The course builds the Python knowledge needed before moving into more advanced programming topics. It also forms part of the recommended learning pathway for learners preparing for PCAP when combined with Python Programming 2, according to the supplied ILX and StayAhead course pages.
What our customers say
Very good teacher, explains things thoroughly, also has a good sense of humour. I would recommend this course to my colleagues.
Louis
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
Very well explained at a good pace. Fantastic instructor and I hope to be training here again.
Aaron
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
The content delivered by the instructor was succinct and fully understandable. I have enjoyed the course and feel much more competent and confident in programming
Amran
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
Very engaging course. Practicals great to re-inforce the content. Proof will be the application back on the day job! Thanks
Owen
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
It was really good knowledge session! we started with basics and post 3 days, gibberish language code have started making sense! Thanks!
Rohit
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
Excellent course and well delivered.
Ben
Python Programming 1
Python Programming 1
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