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Programming Applications with Python: Libraries and Web Scraping

On the final course of this ExpertTrack, consider applications for APIs and Python, and explore the purpose of web scraping.

Man working on two screens of code.
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Included in an ExpertTrack

    Course 3 of 3
  • Get full ExpertTrack access

    $39/monthFind out more

Examine Python libraries for web development

This course will continue the training you’ve received so far, and introduce you to the popular Requests library in Python. You’ll study how to install the Requests library and get to know how it works.

Learning via videos, interactive exercises, and quizzes, you’ll also explore what HTTP requests are and what each of the status codes in HTTP mean.

Explore error handling and web scraping

You’ll examine performing error handling – one of the most crucial aspects of software development – before going on to learn the basics of web scraping.

Explore how common libraries and tools can be used to perform web scraping, and learn how web scraping works in practice and its pros and cons.

Using BeautifulSoup in Python program to perform web scraping, you’ll emerge with a firm understanding of the library, able to perform basic web scraping for your next project.

Learn Python with international experts

Github is a world-leading development platform, and you’ll discover the ins and outs of application programming with Python.

You’ll finish the ExpertTrack with a string of in-demand skills you can take to the software development job market – or apply to your current role – with confidence.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Working With APIs

    • Welcome to the course!

      Introduction to the course, information about the optional project tasks, and an overview of Week 1.

    • Python libraries for networking

      Take a look at one of the most popular and sought after libraries in Python: Requests.

    • HTTP Requests

      Look into what HTTP requests are and what each of the status codes in HTTP means.

    • Wrap-up

      Wrapping up the week.

  • Week 2

    JSON, error handling, and exceptions

    • Introduction

      Introduction to the week

    • HTTP requests

      As a part of HTTP requests, look at the JSON format, which is the most popular format for data exchange in the context of web applications.

    • Error handling

      Learn about performing error handling, which one of the most crucial parts of software development.

    • Wrap-up

      Wrapping up the week

  • Week 3

    Web scraping

    • Introduction

      Introduction to the week

    • Introducing web scraping

      Get a basic idea of what web scraping is and how we can perform web scraping. The two words that make up this term directly define what it is as well.

    • Web Scraping libraries

      This one is an appetiser to get you warmed up for the main course. You will soon go over some of the common libraries like: Requests, Scrapy, Selenium and Beautiful Soup

    • Wrap-up

      Now it's time to reflect on your learning throughout the week and look to what's next!

  • Week 4

    Web scraping libraries and more

    • Introduction

      Introduction to the week.

    • Introducing BeautifulSoup

      You are about use Beautiful Soup in our Python program to perform web scraping. By the end, you should have a firm grip over the library and be able to perform basic web scraping for your next project.

    • Pros and cons of web scraping

      In the upcoming topics, we will see the pros and cons of web scraping, a case study, and a little discussion to invigorate your thought process.

    • Wrap-up

      Wrap up of the module

    • Graded Course Test

      A graded course test for the second two weeks of this course.

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  • Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
  • Complete each course and pass assessments.
  • Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
  • Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
  • Make your career dreams a reality.

Download a PDF

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Articulate key elements for APIs
  • Identify and define key elements for webscraping using Python
  • Evaluate and select various tools for webscraping

Who is the course for?

  • Career changers looking for an entry-level role as a programmer.
  • Established technology professionals looking to better understand the versatility of Python.
  • Technology team leaders, looking to better understand key concepts to more effectively manage development teams

What software or tools do you need?

On this course we’ll be using Python. We recommend you use a computer to access these elements.

Who will you learn with?

Hi everyone. I'm Jey, a professional accredited engineer that is looking to create innovations inside the engineering industry. My interests include deep learning, cryptography and quantum computing.

Who developed the course?

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

In collaboration with

GitHub logo

Endorsers and supporters

endorsed by

Coventry University logo

About this ExpertTrack

Kickstart your programming career by learning how to program simple applications in Python.

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  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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