Topic Six (1.6): Programming Part 1 – Introduction to the Programming Environment

Introduction

While you will not encounter a module on programming until quite late in the course, it is not a skill you can learn in one go, but one that requires repeated practice over a period of time. Some of the assignments will feature a few questions on programming, whatever the focus of the rest of the assignment. The questions in assignment 11 will then deal with the theory of programming as well as some revision, extending on the basics you have already learned.

We will be supporting the python program; however, this shouldn’t stop you from learning another programming language in your own time.

Some of you who completed the IGCSE course maybe familiar with some of the programming that is required in the AS, so make use of the opportunity to revise it again.

 Software Requirements

To complete the programming modules and assessments you are going to need to download the Python programming software. This is free software which you download from the Python website.

EXPLORE - Python Programming Language (Python) Links to an external site.

Follow this link to download your software:

DOWNLOAD - Python Software (Python) Links to an external site.

Another way to write Python programs is to use an online service like repl.it:

EXPLORE – Code & Collaborate (replit.com) Links to an external site.

This has the advantage of easily being able to share your documents with others. However, you will need to be connected to the internet while you are using it.

Bookmark Python Websites

There are several sites available to help you with coding. We recommend you bookmark our main recommendations in your web browser:

EXPLORE - Python Basics (Python School) Links to an external site.

WATCH - Python Video Channel (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Python Basics (YouTube) Links to an external site.

The textbook also fully supports Python programming and you will be able to see many examples in the programming chapter.