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Study Guide

Module 1 is the practical foundation for the rest of RECODE. If later modules teach collaboration, AI-assisted development, or packaging, this module builds the base you need first: a working Python environment, confidence with core language features, and a first set of habits for writing maintainable code.

How to use this module

The module is easiest to follow in this order:

  1. Read Getting ready: Python environment and tools.
  2. Work through Python basics.
  3. Continue with Control flow and data structures.
  4. Practice with Working with files and data.
  5. Review Code quality and good practices.
  6. Finish with Introduction to object-oriented programming and Project organization for small Python projects.

What you should be able to do afterwards

By the end of Module 1, you should be comfortable with:

  • opening a Python project in VS Code,
  • creating and activating an environment,
  • running Python code in a terminal, script, or notebook,
  • using variables, functions, loops, and common data structures,
  • reading simple files and plotting data,
  • writing code that someone else can understand and reuse.
  • Try examples yourself instead of only reading them.
  • Keep a notebook or small practice script open while studying.
  • Make small changes to the examples and observe what happens.
  • Ask "what problem does this tool solve for me?" before memorizing syntax.

That mindset will help much more than trying to learn Python by heart.