2.0 Study Guide and Task Sheet: Python Programming Fundamentals

The main study route is now in Chapter 2 entry. Use this page only as a quick checklist while you practice.

One-Line Mental Model

input→data structure→function→file/API/output

If a topic does not help this loop yet, skim it first and return later.

Practice Checklist

Check	Evidence
I can run 5 tiny scripts with variables, conditions, and loops	practice/ folder
I can choose between list, dict, tuple, and set	short data-structure note
I can turn repeated code into a function	refactored script
I can save and reload JSON	tasks.json
I can handle one broken file or bad input	debug note
I can finish the workshop	ch02_output/

Depth Checks

Skill	Challenge
Data choice	Store the same task as a list item and as a dictionary. Explain which one is easier to extend.
Error handling	Break tasks.json on purpose, then make the program recover without hiding the error from the user.
Refactoring	Move repeated code into a function whose input and return value can be tested without touching files.
Communication	Write a README command that a new terminal can run without guessing hidden setup steps.

Check reasoning and explanation

1. The minimum pass is a rerunnable folder with small scripts and workshop output, not screenshots alone.
2. A data-structure note should explain the tradeoff, such as using a dictionary for task id, status, and due_date, but a list for the ordered sequence of tasks.
3. A refactored function should have clear inputs and a return value, and be testable without calling input() or reading a file.
4. Broken JSON recovery should tell the user the file was reset or backed up. It should not silently erase data.
5. A README passes when another learner can create the environment, run the script, and see the same expected output.

Ready To Continue

Continue to Chapter 3 when your task manager can add a task, save it, reload it, and explain the run command in a README.

Evidence to Keep

Keep this page’s proof of learning as a small evidence card:

Program Loop

input, processing, output, and saved state if any

Code File

Python file or notebook cell that can be rerun

Output

printed result, file result, or user-facing behavior

Failure Check

syntax, path, type, dependency, or control-flow issue

Expected Output

a rerunnable Python artifact that prepares for data and AI apps