Python Fundamentals

Python is a popular high-level programming language. It is easily extensible through the use of third-party packages and often allows powerful function to be written with few lines of code. Python caters to multiple programming styles (object oriented, procedural, etc) and the code tends to be readable and maintainable.

Target Audience:
Network Engineers, Applications Programmers and Systems Programmers.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Basic user level knowledge of an operating system such as UNIX or Windows. Experience in Shell Programming or C-type languages will be benefical but not mandatory. Working knowledge of any standard text editor will be required.

Course Objectives:
After completing this course, the delegate should be able to:

• Specify the features of and uses of Python

• Describe and use strings and variables

• Use Python lists and dictionaries

• Describe and use programming control structures

• Use operators and expressions

• Create and use functions

• Format and print program output

• Perform basic file manipulation

• Use Python and SQL to access a Relational Database

Assessments are done throughout the course in the form of practical assignments that the delegates are required to complete as part of the course content.

Key Topics:

• Python Language Introduction

• Lexical Conventions and Coding Syntax

• Variables, Strings, Lists and Expressions

• Flow Control: Conditions and Loops

• Tuples and Dictionaries (Hashes)

• Procedures and Functions

• Input and Output Modules

• Using Modules and Packages

• Database manipulation