Description

Introduction

The PCEP: Certified EntryLevel Python Programmer Essentials certification is an entry-level credential designed for individuals who are starting their journey with Python programming. This certification is intended to validate fundamental programming skills and knowledge of the Python language, essential for anyone beginning their career in Python programming. It is ideal for those who wish to demonstrate their understanding of core Python concepts and develop their programming expertise.

Through this course, you will learn basic Python syntax, data types, control structures, and libraries, while also developing an understanding of how to work with common Python tools. The PCEP certification not only enhances your programming knowledge but also opens doors to entry-level job roles in software development, data analysis, and automation, among other fields.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of how computers and programming work is recommended.
• No prior programming experience is necessary, as this course is designed for beginners.
• A computer with Python 3.x installed or access to an online Python environment such as Jupyter Notebook or Repl.it.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Python Programming
   1.1 What is Python and Why Learn It?
   1.2 Installing Python and Setting Up Your Development Environment
   1.3 Running Python Code: Interactive Mode vs Scripts
   1.4 Introduction to Python IDEs: IDLE, PyCharm, VS Code
   1.5 Writing and Executing Your First Python Program(Ref: Uniface for Application Development: From Beginner to Expert)
2. Basic Python Syntax and Data Types
   2.1 Python Syntax: Keywords, Identifiers, and Statements
   2.2 Variables and Constants
   2.3 Data Types: Integers, Floats, Strings, Booleans
   2.4 Basic Operators: Arithmetic, Comparison, and Logical Operators
   2.5 Type Conversion and Casting in Python
3. Control Flow and Loops
   3.1 Conditional Statements: if, else, and elif
   3.2 Working with Loops: for and while
   3.3 Break, Continue, and Pass Statements
   3.4 Nesting Conditional Statements and Loops
   3.5 Using Logical Operators in Conditions
4. Functions in Python
   4.1 Defining and Calling Functions
   4.2 Function Parameters and Return Values
   4.3 Default Arguments and Keyword Arguments
   4.4 Understanding Variable Scope in Functions
   4.5 Lambda Functions and Anonymous Functions
5. Working with Collections
   5.1 Lists: Creating, Accessing, and Modifying Lists
   5.2 Tuples: Immutable Sequences
   5.3 Dictionaries: Key-Value Pairs and Dictionary Methods
   5.4 Sets: Unique Collections
   5.5 Understanding List Comprehensions
6. String Manipulation and Regular Expressions
   6.1 Working with Strings: Concatenation and Slicing
   6.2 String Methods: Searching, Replacing, and Formatting Strings
   6.3 Using Regular Expressions for Pattern Matching
   6.4 Working with Multi-line Strings
   6.5 String Interpolation and String Formatting Techniques
7. Handling Errors and Exceptions
   7.1 Understanding Errors in Python
   7.2 Handling Exceptions with Try-Except
   7.3 Multiple Exception Types and Error Handling
   7.4 Raising Exceptions and Custom Error Messages
   7.5 Using Finally for Cleanup Code
8. Modules and Packages
   8.1 Introduction to Python Modules
   8.2 Importing Modules and Using Functions from Modules
   8.3 Built-in Python Modules: math, datetime, os, and More
   8.4 Creating Your Own Modules and Packages
   8.5 Using Python’s Package Index (PyPI) and Installing Third-Party Packages
9. Basic File Handling in Python
   9.1 Reading from and Writing to Files
   9.2 Working with Text and Binary Files
   9.3 Handling File Paths and Directories
   9.4 Using with Statements for File Handling
   9.5 Basic File I/O for Data Storage and Retrieval
10. Best Practices in Python Programming
    10.1 Writing Clean and Readable Code (PEP 8)
    10.2 Code Documentation and Commenting Best Practices
    10.3 Introduction to Version Control with Git
    10.4 Python Development Environments and Virtual Environments
    10.5 Debugging Python Code: Using Print Statements and Debuggers
11. Final Review and Practice
    11.1 Review of Key Concepts and Python Syntax
    11.2 Practice Problems and Exercises
    11.3 Building Simple Python Projects
    11.4 Mock Exam and Test Preparation
    11.5 Certification Exam Tips and Resources
12. Conclusion and Next Steps
    12.1 Recap of Key Learning Points from the Course
    12.2 Preparing for the PCEP Certification Exam
    12.3 Expanding Your Python Knowledge: Advanced Topics
    12.4 Career Opportunities in Python Programming
    12.5 Continuing Your Learning Journey in Python

Conclusion

The PCEP: Certified EntryLevel Python Programmer Essentials course is a perfect starting point for anyone new to programming, offering a comprehensive foundation in Python. By completing this course and earning the PCEP certification, you will have the skills and confidence to begin writing and running Python code, solving problems, and working with data. This certification will serve as a stepping stone to more advanced Python topics and professional development in software engineering, web development, and automation fields.

With Python’s increasing demand in various industries, this entry-level certification will make you an attractive candidate for entry-level programming roles and provide a solid foundation for future growth.

Reference