Introduction to Python

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*These banks have used one or both of PyFi’s self-study courses to introduce their employees to Python programming and its application in the world of finance.

Unsure if Python, or PyFi is right for you?

Hear from PyFi students. Be Certain in your decision.

A Message from PyFi’s Head of Instruction, Zach Washam

Introduction to Python is designed to help you to gain understanding.

This class is my current best attempt to deliver a good introduction to Python.

I wrote PyFi’s original content in 2018. That content has been good enough – J.P. Morgan has given it to their new trading analysts since 2021 – but I have learned a lot over the years. Now, I have designed a new class from the ground up that incorporates the knowledge I have gained. My aim in Introduction to Python is to give you the best that I have today.

First, I want to help you to gain clear orientation in the big picture.

In a 2014 Reddit AMA, a user asked Elon Musk for advice on learning. Elon replied:

I have found that this advice works for me in practice. When I want to understand something new, I begin by asking, “What is the point of this thing? What is its history? What are its major parts?” Answering these questions provides me with the “trunk and big branches” within which I can then organize the finer details of the subject. So – what is Python? What is a programming language? What exactly is a computer? I am still fascinated by these questions. During the first part of Introduction to Python, we will discuss them together.

Then, I want to help you to understand the basic elements of Python, one by one.

Introduction to Python is more systematic and comprehensive than the introductory content I designed in 2018. Now, I am less concerned with speed and more concerned with understanding. Rather than rushing through the basics, in Introduction to Python, we will take our time to establish a secure foundation that I hope will serve you long into the future. This outline lists the items that I would like to cover in the class, time permitting:

What is Python?

We will delve into the foundational understanding of Python as a programming language. This module serves as a comprehensive introduction to Python, focusing on its big-picture orientation and its distinguishing characteristics. By the end of this module, students will have a solid grasp of Python's purpose, its key features, and its relevance in the world of programming.

Launching GitHub Codespaces

Get your development environment set up by setting up GitHub Codespaces and getting familiar with the basics. Codespaces allows students to get coding faster with a fully configured, secure cloud development environment native to GitHub.

Using Python as a Calculator

Introduction to fundamental concepts such as operators, numeric literals, expressions, types, and error handling within Python. Through hands-on exercises and interactive demonstrations, students will learn how to leverage Python's capabilities as a versatile computational tool, gaining proficiency in executing calculations efficiently and accurately.

Incorporating Variables

Advance your understanding of Python programming by learning how to effectively utilize variables as essential components in basic arithmetic operations. Students will be introduced to the concept of variable assignment, exploring single and multivariable assignment techniques, and delve into the naming rules and conventions for variables, including the avoidance of reserved keywords. Through interactive coding exercises and real-world examples, students will gain proficiency in creating, assigning values to, and manipulating variables, enhancing your ability to write flexible and dynamic Python code.

Using Built-In Functions

This module equips students with the essential skills to harness Python's built-in functions effectively. Focusing on the round() function as a core example, students will learn how to integrate built-in functions seamlessly into their code to enhance functionality and efficiency. This module introduces the concepts of function arguments, including optional arguments, positional arguments, and keyword arguments, empowering students to customize function behavior based on specific requirements. Additionally, students will explore common errors such as NameError and develop strategies to troubleshoot and resolve them.

Incorporating Strings

Extends students' Python proficiency by exploring the manipulation and integration of strings within functions. Using the NPV function as a basis, students will learn how to convert numeric outputs into strings, incorporating interpolated values for enhanced readability and presentation. This module covers fundamental string concepts, including quotation options, escape characters, and the advanced features of f-strings and the Format Specification Mini-Language. Furthermore, students will explore the concept of functions that do not explicitly return a value, resulting in the default return of the None type, and how to manage such scenarios effectively.

The Standard Type Hierarchy

This module offers an in-depth exploration of Python's standard data types and their hierarchical organization. Beginning with an introduction to the standard type hierarchy, this module delves into sequence types, including lists and tuples, and their common operations such as concatenation, slicing, and indexing. Students will also learn about mutability in Python and how it distinguishes between mutable and immutable sequence types. Furthermore, the module covers dictionaries and sets, showcasing their operations and utility in managing data. Finally, students will be introduced to the concept of classes as the foundation for creating custom data types and structures in Python.

Evaluating A Dictionary of Investments Using a For Loop

Extends students' proficiency in Python by introducing advanced techniques for data manipulation and control flow. Students will learn how to create a dictionary of investments, each containing relevant parameters, and pass these items systematically to the NPV function using a for loop. Through hands-on exercises and practical examples, students will explore the versatility of for loops in iterating over dictionary items and leveraging if statements for conditional processing. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the skills to efficiently evaluate multiple investments and perform complex financial analyses using Python.

Control Flow Operations

This module covers meta-operations (e.g. if statements, while loops, and for loops) that govern the execution of other operations, enabling more complex and dynamic programs
.

Applied Machine Learning Demo

Walk through the case studies used to advise fortune 500 companies in critical decisions and see first hand exactly how Python can take you beyond the limits of excel in the world of finance.

Introduction to Python is for beginners – especially finance students and professionals.

This class is meant for finance students and finance professionals who are familiar with Microsoft Excel but have no experience with programming. I will highlight similarities between Python and Excel throughout the class, and the main project – building an NPV calculator – is finance-related. However, prior knowledge of finance and Excel is not required. This class would also be an effective introduction to Python for students without a finance background.

Disclaimer: This is a beta test of a new class.

The pace of a live class is always somewhat unpredictable. We may exclude some topics in this outline in order to spend more time on others.

Introduction to Python will take place via Zoom over four consecutive days.

Current class times are listed at the bottom of this page. You will need to select a specific time prior to checking out. If you do not see a time that fits your schedule, please send us a request for an alternate time by emailing support@pyfi.com. We will update you if we schedule a new class that meets when you are available.

Zach Washam
Founder & Head of Instruction

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$399.00 USD

$499.00 USD

PyFi's Introduction to Python is designed to help you lay a strong foundation of Python knowledge that you can build on in the future.

Deepen your understanding and appreciation of computer science
Learn about the characteristics that distinguish Python from other programming languages
Set up a Python development environment and write your first program
Learn the basic elements of Python one-by-one with hands-on application
As a look ahead, walk through a demo of a machine learning algorithm used to advise Fortune 500 companies on multi-billion-dollar capital markets transactions

The PyFi Guarantee

We offer a 100%, no questions asked, 30 day money-back guarantee to completely de-risk your investment. This guarantee is good from the last day of your live training. That means that if you enroll today for a training that runs two weeks from now, Monday through Thursday, then PyFi will honor your guarantee for up to 30 days after your Thursday session. Enroll now, and if for any reason you aren't completely satisfied, send us an email and you'll get a full refund.

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Meet Your Instructor

Zach Washam

EX - Wells Fargo

While learning Python as an investment banker, Zach made an interesting observation: Python programming had a lot in common with the Excel models he made at work. By thinking of Python like Excel, Zach quickly learned the coding language and invented Wells Fargo Securities' first machine learning algorithm for investment banking and capital markets.

After submitting two algorithms for patent protection and winning Wells Fargo's 2018 "Local Sphere Innovation Award," Zach left investment banking to launch PyFi.

Now, Zach’s courses have been delivered to thousands of finance students and professionals around the world.

*These banks have used one or both of PyFi’s self-study courses to introduce their financiers to Python programming and its application in the world of finance.

How Can We Help You?

What makes "Introduction to Python" unique?

PyFi's Python training is custom-tailored for finance professionals, and we know that you are not starting from scratch - even if you have never coded before.

By building new Python skills on top of your existing Excel knowledge, you will learn to code more quickly and easily while also retaining more of what you learn.

Top financial institutions choose PyFi to train their finance professionals because no other program can beat our results.

How long is the program

Introduction to Python is an 8 hour program conducted live, via Zoom call. The program is held over 4 days, in 2 hour sessions.

What if I miss a session?

All sessions are recorded and the recordings are distributed to students the following day.

What if I need to reschedule?

If your availability changes between the time you and enroll and the time your cohort begins, then you can write us at support@pyfi.com and request to be enrolled into a different cohort. There is no penalty for rescheduling your cohort start date.

How will learning python help my finance career?

New technology is changing the finance industry. Python and machine learning specifically give finance professionals the opportuntiy for more efficient output of their work through the automation of processes, superior analysis of large data sets, and more. Put simply, learning python code can help you stay competitive in your work and even give you an edge over your peers.

Is there a guarantee? What if I don't like the course?

PyFi offers a no questions asked, 30 day money-back guarantee. If you aren't completely satisfied with the program, you have 30 days from the day of your last session to email us and request a full refund.

How can we afford to do this? Because fewer than 1% of our customers ask for refunds. PyFi provides the best Python training on the market, and we know you are going to love it.

Do I need to work from a specific OS?

No. You can participate in this program from any OS. You will be coding in a cloud development enviornment, "Code Spaces" and using "Zoom" to participate in the program.

Whats included in the program?

You will receive instructions on how to sign up for your free Codespaces account and all materials will be provided to you during call time. At the end of the program you will receive access to a certification exam to demonstrate that you've retained the knowledge shared during the program.

Do I need to understand investing and portfolios to take the program?

The finance specific topics that are discussed in the courses can be picked up as you work through each topic. That being said, this program is designed specifically for finance professionals. If you are not interested or currently working in finance, there are likely better Introductory finance courses out there for you.

Who is this program NOT for?

This program is designed for finance professionals who are NEW to Python. Therefore, if you already have experience in Python, this program is probably not for you. If you are interested in going over the basics and strengthening your foundation, then please participate, risk free. However, if you are expecting to dive into more advanced topics like writing a trading algorithm, or the topics covered in our "Applied Machine Learning" self-study course, then this program is probably NOT for you.

Have any questions? We’re ready to help!

Learn Python for Finance in a
Live Online Program:

Introduction to Python

Unsure if Python, or PyFi is right for you?

Hear from PyFi students. Be Certain in your decision.

A Message from PyFi’s Head of Instruction, Zach Washam