Python Fundamentals

Learn idiomatic Python for scripting and practical projects

Duration 5h 11m Rating (4.5) Price Included with subscription on Pluralsight
Created by Austin Bingham, Robert Smallshire
Last updated 2020-01-28
Platform: Pluralsight Topic: Programming Languages Skills: Data Processing Python Scripting

Python Fundamentals introduces core Python concepts—syntax, data structures, control flow—and shows how to use the standard library to write scripts and small applications for automation and data tasks. It emphasizes readable, idiomatic Python and practical, hands-on examples so learners can write working code quickly and with confidence.

The course is geared toward programmers and technical professionals who want to apply Python for scripting, tooling, and basic data processing, with a focus on functions, modules, debugging, and simple testing workflows. The pacing and example-driven approach make it a practical entry point for those moving from another language or formalizing their scripting skills.

At a Glance

Python Fundamentals is a concise course that introduces core Python concepts and idioms and shows how the language is used across scripting, data work, and general-purpose development.

It is taught by Austin Bingham and Robert Smallshire and focuses on practical, readable Python that helps learners write working code quickly.

Level Intermediate
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Duration 5+ hours
Languages English
Certificate Certificate of completion
Access Access for as long as your subscription is active
Course includes
  • Video lessons (5+ hours)
  • Downloadable exercise files
  • Transcripts
Price Subscription-based, monthly or annual plans

What This Course Teaches

This course frames outcomes as measurable competencies: learners will be able to write Python programs using core syntax, apply standard-library tools, and construct scripts and small applications.

By the end, you should be able to implement common Python patterns, build file-processing scripts, and explain idiomatic code choices.

Core Syntax
Write Python programs using variables, expressions, and control flow.
Data Structures
Apply lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries to model and manipulate data.
Functions & Modules
Implement reusable functions and organize code into modules and packages.
Standard Library
Use common standard-library modules to perform tasks like parsing, dates, and math.
File I/O & Scripting
Build scripts that read, process, and write files for automation tasks.
Debugging & Testing
Debug code and write simple tests to validate program behavior.
Readable Code Practices
Explain and apply idiomatic Python styles for clearer, maintainable code.

How the Course Is Structured

Python Fundamentals is presented as a sequence of short, focused modules that progressively move from basic language elements to practical scripting patterns, with each module delivered primarily as video lessons supported by downloadable exercise files and transcripts.

The course is arranged in roughly a dozen concise modules and totals about 5 hours of video instruction overall.

Audience & Requirements

Python Fundamentals is aimed at technical learners who want a practical, hands-on introduction to Python for scripting, tooling, and basic data tasks; the course’s Intermediate label indicates it assumes some prior exposure to programming concepts.

It targets programmers or IT professionals who want to adopt Python as a productive, readable tool for everyday tasks rather than absolute beginners with no coding background.

Who It’s For
  • Software developers adding Python to their toolkit.
  • Engineers and sysadmins who write automation scripts.
  • Data practitioners seeking a practical introduction to Python tooling.
  • Experienced programmers switching languages to Python.
What You’ll Need
  • Familiarity with basic programming concepts (variables, control flow, functions).
  • Python 3 installed locally (recommended for following examples and exercises).
  • A code editor such as Visual Studio Code or PyCharm for hands-on work.

Final Verdict

Python Fundamentals is a concise, instructor-led introduction that suits programmers and technical professionals who want to adopt idiomatic Python quickly for scripting and small projects. Given its strong platform rating and the course’s inclusion of a completion certificate under a subscription access model, it represents good instructional value for learners who plan to study multiple topics on the same platform.

If you already subscribe to the platform or expect to take several related courses, this is a practical, time-efficient choice; if you need a free, ultra-beginner-first path or prefer a one-time-purchase model, compare offerings elsewhere before committing.