Python Data Structures and Tools

This unit expands foundational Python skills by teaching core data types, control structures, functions, classes, and common libraries used in real-world scripting and small application development. Students will also learn environment and package management, basic persistence and database interaction, error handling, and introductory deployment and web-integration techniques to prepare for larger projects in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Apply Python built-in data types and data structures (strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries) including indexing, slicing, nested access, and date/time handling to store and manipulate program data.
• Demonstrate modular program design by creating and using functions, external classes, class inheritance, and exception handling to produce reusable and maintainable code.
• Configure development environments and manage dependencies by creating virtual environments, locating and installing packages, and using packaging tools (e.g., PyInstaller) to prepare applications for distribution.
• Implement persistent storage and external connectivity by performing file I/O, interacting with databases via SQLAlchemy, and consuming web APIs (including mapping services) to integrate external data into applications.