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The Joy of Computing using Python

IIT Ropar's popular NPTEL course that teaches Python through games and puzzles.

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About this course

Prof. Sudarshan Iyengar's course introduces programming through fun problems: the birthday paradox, Monty Hall, ciphers, sentiment analysis, tic-tac-toe and PageRank. It needs only school-level background and is one of NPTEL's most popular courses.

Best for: Complete beginners, including non-CS students in India.

What you will be able to do

  • Write Python programs with loops and lists
  • Model puzzles and games in code
  • Implement simple searching, sorting and recursion
  • Understand ideas behind tools like PageRank

Syllabus and your progress

Tick modules off as you finish them on NPTEL.

0 of 7 modules done

Plan your pace

At 4 hours a week you would finish in about 8 weeks, using the course time estimate above.

Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.

Cost and certificate

Paid certificate

Lectures and assignments are free; the proctored NPTEL certification exam carries a registration fee.

Before you start: 10th standard level

NPTEL sets the terms and can change them. Check the course page before you commit serious time, and tell us if something changed.

Quick answers

Is The Joy of Computing using Python really free?
Yes, the course material is free on NPTEL. Lectures and assignments are free; the proctored NPTEL certification exam carries a registration fee.
How long does The Joy of Computing using Python take?
Plan for about 30 hrs in total (NPTEL syllabus describes it as a 'whirlwind tour of 30 hrs'.). It is instructor-paced, so you can go faster or slower.
Do I need experience before The Joy of Computing using Python?
It helps to have: 10th standard level.

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The Joy of Computing using Python

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