Review - Is Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization Worth it in 2024?

Hello guys, In the ever-evolving realm of programming languages, Python stands as a versatile and in-demand tool, powering applications across diverse domains, from web development to data science and artificial intelligence. As aspiring programmers and seasoned developers alike seek effective ways to master Python, Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization emerges as a potential beacon, promising a structured and comprehensive journey through the intricacies of this powerful language. While Coursera has many great Python courses and certifications like Google's Python for IT Automation and the world famous Python for Everybody certification, this Python 3 specialization from University of Michigan is certainly worth it for its comprehensive coverage, engaging explanation and well structured content.

In 2024, the landscape of online education has seen remarkable growth, offering learners a plethora of options to enhance their coding prowess. The question on many minds is whether Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization is a worthwhile investment of time and effort. 

This article delves into the nuances of the specialization, dissecting its curriculum, project-based approach, and industry relevance to determine if it remains a valuable choice for those embarking on their Python programming journey or seeking to fortify their existing skills.

By the way, when it comes to learning Python, this language is open-source and rich in libraries that can extend its functionalities, and many IT specialists recommend starting with this language to understand how programming work but not a mandatory thing to start with.

So if you want to be an AI engineer or a data scientist, you may consider learning python since this is the best language in this domain. I will recommend one of the reputable courses created by Michigan university called Python 3 Programming Specialization offered in Coursera.

In this article we will evaluate the merits, potential benefits, and considerations surrounding Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization in the context of 2024's dynamic programming landscape. Let's uncover whether this specialization stands the test of time, providing learners with a meaningful and updated Python learning experience.

Is Python 3 Programming Specialization by Michigan University on Coursera worth it?

As technology evolves, so do the demands on programmers, and staying abreast of current programming languages is paramount. Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization, designed to provide a comprehensive journey through Python programming, appears to be a solid choice for both beginners and those looking to deepen their Python expertise. 

Now, is the time to find out what are you going to learn exactly in this program and whether its worth your time and money or not. We will find that by checking out who is your instruct, his experience and teaching style as well as what is covered in this course and how well and in-depth.

1. The Instructors Review

Michigan University offers this course, and all of the four instructors have greater experience in the field of programming. Many of them are assistant professors like Christopher Brooks and Steve Oney, so that you can learn too much about python from industry experts.

2. Course Content

Now that you know who has created this course its time to see what is covered in this Python 3 specialization on Coursera. The specialization, typically comprising a series of courses, covers fundamental Python concepts, data structures, algorithms, and even dives into applied areas such as web development and data visualization.

2.1. Python Basics

The first section of the specialization will teach you the basics of this easy language. You will understand the variables and values and how to store variables and statements & expressions. Next, you will learn how to store multiple values inside one variable and access those variables, learn how to use the loop, and draw basic shapes. 

Later, you will understand the boolean expression and logical operators and how to use accumulation patterns. You can also audit this course for free. Talking about the social proof, more than 370K students have joined this course and on average it has 4.8 rating which is simply amazing. 

2.2. Python Functions, Files, and Dictionaries

You will learn how to use python language to work with files such as .CSV files and how to read them. Next, you will learn another data type known as dictionaries and the special way of how it stores the variables as a key:pair values and practice using them in an accumulation pattern. 

Later, you will start creating your own functions and use them inside your program so you don’t need to write the same code every time and draw images using the turtle module. Finally, learn how to sort  dictionaries at the end of this course.

2.3. Data Collection and Processing with Python

You will deep dive into complex data structures such as nested data and nested lists, dictionaries, and processing JSON results. Next, you wl learn the map function, which takes all the object in the list and applies a function to that list and use the filter function that takes all of the objects of the list and runs them through a function. 

Later you will learn how to use list comprehension, a smart way to create a new list based on the existing list. Finally, learn how to use the API to access the data from the web.

2.4. Python Classes and Inheritance

You will learn the concept of object-oriented programming (OOP) that enables you to make a piece of code reusable and easy to understand for other developers. You will learn how to use the classes that are a part of the OOP and are considered a blueprint of your code. 

If your python code has many classes that share some of the attributes, you can inherit from one of the classes known as the parent class. You will learn that concept and use the Django framework to build the web with the classes and inheritance.

2.5. Python Project: pillow, tesseract, and OpenCV

This final course in the specialization will teach you how to use three of the available python libraries to work with images, starting with the pillow library that can load images and make small changes. Next, you will use the tesseract library to recognize text inside images. 

The open-source library OpenCV is complex and has many algorithms to make more complex changes and analyses on images and videos.

Is Python 3 Programming Specialization really worth it in 2024?

While Coursera has many great Python courses like Google's Python for IT Automation and the world famous Python for Everybody certification, this Python 3 specialization from University of Michigan is certainly worth it for its comprehensive coverage, engaging explanation and well structured content.

For beginners, this specialization offers a structured path to grasp the essentials of Python programming, enabling a smooth transition from basics to more advanced topics. The hands-on projects and assessments not only reinforce theoretical knowledge but also provide practical experience in solving real-world problems.

For seasoned developers, the specialization serves as an opportunity to brush up on Python skills and explore specific areas of interest within the language. The inclusion of projects involving web development and data science applications ensures relevance to contemporary industry needs.

Moreover, Coursera's platform often incorporates collaboration with industry experts and provides a recognized certification upon completion. This credential can be a valuable addition to your resume, signaling to employers that you have dedicated time and effort to master Python programming under the guidance of seasoned instructors.

However, the decision to enroll in Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization should consider individual learning preferences, prior programming experience, and specific career goals. While you  may benefit immensely from the structured format and guided learning, others might prefer a more self-directed approach. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn Python in a guided and structured way in 2024. 

Talking about social proof, more than 219K students have joined this Python specialization on Coursera which makes it one of the most popular Python program on Coursera after Python for Everybody from the University of Michigan itself. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, for those seeking a comprehensive and structured learning path in Python programming, Coursera's Python 3 Programming Specialization appears to be a worthwhile investment in 2024. The decision ultimately hinges on your personal learning style, goals, and how well the specialization aligns with your aspirations in the dynamic field of programming and software development.

Python is an easy-to-learn and use programming language and has become more popular since it supports many industries, from creating intelligent software to building the web and analyzing your data, so learning this language can be very useful and attract employers.

By the way, If you are planning to join multiple Coursera courses or specializations, then consider taking a Coursera Plus subscription which provides you unlimited access to their most popular courses, specialization, professional certificate, and guided projects. It costs around $59/ per month but is worth it because you get access to more than 7000+ courses and projects, and you can also get unlimited certificates.

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Thanks for reading this article. Please, if you like my review of Python 3 Programming Specialization on Coursera then please share it with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback, then please drop a note.

P. S. - If you are looking for the best Udemy courses for IT Professionals and learning key technical skills, check out my earlier article about the Top 10 Udemy courses for programmers. It contains courses to learn SQL, Python, Java, Data Structure, Algorithms, and other key skills.