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Udemy Course Review: Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming

Udemy – Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming 2023-2​

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming course cover image

Link to the Course on Udemy

Overview​

"Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming" is a comprehensive introduction to Python aimed at beginners. It teaches programming concepts through practical examples of automating everyday tasks. This review is based on the 2023-2 version of the course.

Content Breakdown​

The course covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Basic Python Syntax: Variables, data types, operators, control flow.
  • Web Scraping: Extracting data from websites using requests and BeautifulSoup.
  • Working with Spreadsheets: Reading and writing Excel files using openpyxl.
  • Working with PDFs and Word Documents: Automating tasks with PDF and Word documents using libraries like PyPDF2 and python-docx.
  • Sending Email and Text Messages: Using Python to send emails and SMS messages.
  • GUI Automation: Using PyAutoGUI to control the mouse and keyboard to automate desktop tasks.

Pros​

  • Beginner-Friendly: Assumes no prior programming experience.
  • Practical Examples: Focuses on real-world applications, making learning engaging.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers a broad range of useful Python libraries.
  • Well-Structured: The course is logical and easy to follow.
  • Clear Explanation: The instructor explains concepts clearly.

Cons​

  • Can be too basic for experienced programmers. If you already know Python, this course might not be challenging enough.
  • Some libraries discussed are outdated: While the core concepts are great, some libraries have evolved since the course was created. Be prepared to do a little research for newer methods.
  • Limited on best practices (e.g. tests) Doesn't dive into more formal aspects of software development.

Coding Tools​

The course primarily focuses on Python and its standard libraries and third-party libraries like:

  • requests
  • BeautifulSoup4
  • openpyxl
  • PyPDF2
  • python-docx
  • PyAutoGUI

The course recommends using a text editor or IDE like VS Code or Sublime Text.

Rating​

I would give this course a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's an excellent starting point for learning Python and automating tasks.

Who should take this course?​

This course is ideal for:

  • Complete beginners with no prior programming experience.
  • People who want to automate repetitive tasks in their daily work or personal life.
  • Anyone interested in learning Python in a practical and engaging way.