Getting Started with Python in Under 10 Minutes

Overview

• Version: Python 3.8
• Code Editor: PyCharm
• Tools are free and open source.

Assigning Values to Variables

• To create a variable, choose a name (e.g., item).
• Assign a value (string, number).
  • Example: item = "orange".
• Python is case-sensitive (e.g., item vs. Item).
• Use underscores for multi-word variable names (e.g., item_name).

Printing Variables

• Use print() to display values.
• Example: print(item) will show orange.

Data Types

1. Integer: Any whole number (e.g., 10).
2. String: Text enclosed in quotes (e.g., "hello").
3. Boolean: True or false values (e.g., True, False).
4. List: Collection of values in brackets (e.g., my_list = ["apple", 2, False]).

Combining Different Data Types

• Convert data types as needed to combine them.
  • Example: print(name + str(integer)) to combine string and integer.

Basic Math Operations

• Addition: +
• Subtraction: -
• Multiplication: *
• Division: /
• Exponentiation: **

Logic Statements

• Use if, elif, and else for conditional logic.
  • Example:

    if age > 21:
        print("You are old")  
    elif age == 18:
        print("You are getting old")  
    else:
        print("You are still young")  
    

Loops

For Loop

• Syntax: for i in range(n):
• Example:

  for i in range(3):
      print("hello" + str(i))  
  

While Loop

• Syntax: while condition:
• Example:

  i = 0
  while i < 5:
      print(i)
      i += 1
  

Functions

• Define a function using def keyword.
• Example:

  def say_hello(name):
      print(f"Hey there, {name}!")  
  

• Reuse code by calling functions multiple times.

Placeholder Functions

• Use pass for functions without logic to avoid errors.

Exception Handling

• Use try and except blocks to handle errors.
  • Example:

  try:
      result = 10 + int(user_input)
  except ValueError:
      print("That is not a valid number")
  

Conclusion

• This guide covers the basics of Python programming.
• Many more topics to explore beyond this introductory guide.