Import, Inspect, Repeat
The everyday import-and-explore loop.
Import, Inspect, Repeat is a free Data Science Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 4 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Data Science Academy learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
The Daily Rhythm
Most analysis follows a simple loop: import a tool, inspect what you have, then repeat. Master this rhythm and notebooks stop feeling scary.
Import a Library
The first cell almost always brings in your tools. An import loads a library so its functions are ready for the rest of your work.
import pandasGive It a Short Alias
Typing pandas constantly is tiring, so people alias it to pd. The as keyword renames the import to something quick.
import pandas as pdThe Famous Two
Almost every data notebook opens with two imports: pandas as pd for tables and numpy as np for fast math.
import numpy as npLoad Some Data
Now pull data into the notebook. Reading a CSV into a table gives you a DataFrame, the object you will inspect and explore.
df = pd.read_csv("sales.csv")Peek at the Top
Never trust data you have not looked at. Calling head shows the first few rows so you can sanity-check what loaded.
df.head()Check the Shape
How big is this table? The shape attribute returns rows and columns as a pair, telling you the scale at a glance.
df.shapeList the Columns
Before analysis, learn what you have to work with. The columns attribute lists every column name in the table.
df.columnsOne-Line Overview
Want types and missing counts together? The info method prints a compact summary of every column in one go.
df.info()Inspect, Then Refine
What you see guides your next move. You might repeat the loop: import another tool, reload, or inspect a different slice.
Small Steps Beat Big Leaps
Run one cell, read the output, then write the next. This tight loop catches mistakes early instead of after a giant script.
Quick Check
You just loaded a CSV and want a fast look at the first handful of rows.
Recap: Import, Inspect, Repeat
You learned the everyday loop: import your tools, load data, inspect with head, shape, and info, then refine. That is data work in a nutshell. 🔁
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Import, Inspect, Repeat” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Import, Inspect, Repeat” is free to read here on the web, and the Data Science Academy course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Data Science Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Import, Inspect, Repeat”?
The everyday import-and-explore loop. You practise Data Science Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Data Science Academy?
No prior experience is required. Data Science Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 4 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Import, Inspect, Repeat” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Data Science Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Data Science Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Install Python the Painless Way
- Cells, Kernels, and Run Order
- Markdown Notes Beside Your Code
- Import, Inspect, Repeat