AI ENGINEER FOUNDATIONS · STAGE 01
Python & software foundations
Write clear programs and reason about their cost.
Build a practical base in Python, data structures, problem-solving, and everyday software engineering. These skills help you turn ideas into code that can be tested and maintained.
BEFORE YOU START
Prerequisites
- Comfort using a computer and terminal
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
What you should be able to do
- Use core Python types and functions
- Choose collections that match the task
- Explain basic time and space complexity
WHAT YOU'LL COVER
Key concepts
SEE THE CONNECTIONS
A visual learning sequence
These are connected learning steps, not the only valid order. Revisit earlier ideas when an exercise reveals a gap.
Suggested learning sequence
Learn Python building blocks
Practice variables, control flow, functions, modules, and exceptions.
Why it matters: These are the pieces used to express reliable programs.
Understand data structures
Compare lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries through real tasks.
Why it matters: The right structure can simplify code and reduce unnecessary work.
Practice problem solving
Break a problem into examples, edge cases, and a solution.
Why it matters: Interview coding depends on communication as well as syntax.
Put it into practice
Build a small function that scans text and detects repeated words, then test empty input, punctuation, and capitalization choices.
Practice tasks
- Implement a frequency counter with a dictionary.
- Solve a string problem and state its complexity.
- Write tests for boundary inputs.
How you'll know you're ready
- Can explain a collection choice and its trade-offs.
- Can write and test a small function without relying on hidden state.