Introduction to Open Source Application Development (Coursera)

Learning Python has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. Python is a versatile programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including data science, machine learning, web development, and more. In an introductory Python course such as this, you can expect to learn the basics of Python syntax, data types, control structures, and functions. Learning Python can lead to many career benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and the ability to work on exciting and innovative projects. Additionally, adding online courses and certifications to a resume can demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn new skills.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recall and describe software application and development theory and concepts
• Write, compile, execute, troubleshoot, analyze, evaluate, and resolve simple problems through program coding using Python computer language.
• Develop, synthesize, and identify important language standard libraries and utilities.
• Apply data transfer techniques between modules using parameters and return values.
• Construct applications to use simple files for input and output.
• Implement arrays as structures to contain data.
• Use a higher-level programming language to code, test, and debug software designs.
• Implement concepts of Object Oriented Programming (OOP), inheritance and polymorphism.
• Describe integration of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and event driven programming.
• Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions (ABET Computing Criterion 3.1)
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline (ABET Computing Criterion 3.2)
• Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computer-based systems (ABET IT Criterion 3.6)

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Python and Programming
Welcome to Introduction to Open Source Application Development! In this module, you will learn to install and configure Python and Visual Studio Code (VSC). You will gain proficiency in programming fundamentals, including declaring variables, describing data types, and implementing programming logic using flowcharts and pseudocode. Additionally, you will acquire the skills to perform arithmetic operations and effectively work with code in Visual Studio Code, culminating in the ability to upload your coding results to the appropriate platform.

Module 2: Sequential Control Structures, Basic Input/Output, Type Conversions
Module 2 focuses on essential programming concepts and skills. You will learn to format output effectively, leveraging various techniques to present data clearly. Additionally, you will explore the importance of type conversion functions and how to use them proficiently. Finally, you will gain an understanding of the sequential flow of a program, mastering the art of designing programs that interact with users through input and output statements.

Module 3: Decision Control Structure (Logical Statements)
In this module, you will learn how to utilize decision alternatives and construct decision structures using conditional statements like 'if' conditions. This essential skill will enable you to create dynamic and responsive programs that adapt their behavior based on specific conditions and criteria.

Module 4: Repetition Control Structure, Logical Statements cont.
In this module, you will learn how to construct nested loops to handle complex repetitive tasks efficiently. Additionally, you'll gain proficiency in constructing both 'For' and 'While' loops, empowering you to create versatile and optimized code for various scenarios, from iterative calculations to data processing.

Module 5: Functions and Program Modularity, Common Library Packages, Debugging
This module is designed to enhance your programming skills by focusing on key areas. You'll learn the art of debugging source code, equipping you with the ability to identify and resolve errors effectively. You will explore how to work with imported modules, expanding your code's functionality. And lastly, you'll delve into defining and implementing user-defined functions, enabling you to organize and streamline your code while building reusable blocks of logic for various applications.

Module 6: List Processing, File IO Processing
In this module, you will explore essential data manipulation skills. You will learn how to efficiently read and write data to and from files, a critical aspect of real-world data processing. Additionally, you'll master list manipulation techniques, including list slicing, and expand your capabilities by creating lists, including multidimensional ones, enabling you to handle and analyze structured data effectively.

Module 7: Object Oriented Programming (OOP) including Inheritance, UML
In this module, you will dive into object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and practices. You will demonstrate your understanding of unified modeling through UML class diagramming, a crucial skill for designing and visualizing software systems. You will also learn how to harness the power of inheritance to build upon existing classes, and you will create your own classes and class objects, paving the way for modular, efficient, and scalable software development.

Module 8: Crafting Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
In this module, you will learn how to leverage the Tkinter module to create your own customized GUIs, giving you the ability to design user-friendly software interfaces. Furthermore, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of GUIs as you describe and work with basic controls that constitute an interactive and visually engaging user interface.

Summative Course Assessment
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. Be sure to review the course material thoroughly before taking the assessment.