Python - Getting Started
Yes, this is not a block-coding language, but do not be afraid. Read below to find out more about Python and then dig into the Python Challenges to see how easy it is to learn.
Python is a very popular programming language that is used by software engineers, data analysts, accountants, network engineers, scientists, mathematicians - and kids! Python has been around for over 20 years and it is one the most simple programming languages to use since the syntax is beginner friendly. It is also one of the most popular languages that employers look for.
Online Python Platform
For the purpose of keeping things simple, we are going to use the Google option for our programs using Python. It is called ' Google Colaboratory' or 'Colab' for short. https://colab.research.google.com/
When you and your students access Colab, you will have a pop-up window where the default will show you your most recent Colab file (notebook).
NOTE: all Colab files automatically save in your Google Drive. You can choose to open a file that you are working on, or click on New Notebook which is in the bottom right-hand corner of the pop-up window.
A nice thing about Colab is that it looks and feels like a most Google Workspace products.
There are two options in Colab - type code or type text. Watch this brief video to see how to create code & text cells. This video will also show you how you can share a Colab with others; add comments; and make text a heading using #.
For more videos and hands-on practice with coding Python using Google Colab, please visit the Python Challenges page.