Python Kickstart

A beginner-friendly Python curriculum for Programming 1 (PRRPRR01), designed to teach programming fundamentals through hands-on exercises and projects.

Overview

Python Kickstart provides a structured learning path for students new to programming, featuring:

• Interactive Chapters: Step-by-step lessons covering Python basics
• Auto-tested Exercises: Immediate feedback on coding tasks
• Open-ended Projects: Creative opportunities for exploration
• Teacher Resources: Solutions, rubrics, and classroom guides

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8 or higher
• VS Code with Python extension
• Git for version control

Setup

1. Clone this repository
2. Follow the VS Code Setup Guide
3. Install dependencies: pip install -r requirements.txt
4. Start with Chapter 1 in the book/ directory

Testing Your Code

This course uses automated tests to give you instant feedback on your exercises. Here's how to test your solutions:

Test a Single Exercise

# Example: Test your Chapter 1, Exercise 1 solution
pytest tests/test_01_intro.py::TestExercise01_01::test_hello_world_output -v

Test All Exercises in a Chapter

# Example: Test all Chapter 1 exercises
pytest tests/test_01_intro.py -v

Test Everything

# Test all exercises across all chapters
pytest tests/ -v

Understanding Test Results

• ✅ PASSED: Your solution works correctly!
• ❌ FAILED: Check the error message to see what needs to be fixed
• 📝 Tip: Tests check both your program's output and code structure

For more detailed testing information, see tests/README.md.

Saving Your Progress with GitHub

Want to save your work and access it from different computers? GitHub makes it easy to sync your progress across all your devices.

GitHub Guides

• Using GitHub - Complete guide to forking, cloning, and syncing your work
• Updating Your Fork - How to get the latest course updates
• Troubleshooting - Solutions to common Python and setup issues

Quick Start with GitHub

1. Fork the repository on GitHub to create your own copy
2. Clone your fork: git clone https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/python-kickstart.git
3. Work on exercises and save progress: git add . && git commit -m "Complete Chapter X"
4. Sync your work: git push origin main

See the complete GitHub guide for detailed instructions.

Project Structure

python-kickstart/
├── book/           # Course chapters and lessons
├── exercises/      # Auto-tested coding exercises
├── tests/          # Test files for exercises
├── projects/       # Open-ended project briefs
├── solutions/      # Teacher solutions and rubrics
├── templates/      # Starter project templates
└── docs/           # Documentation and guides

Contributing

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.