Python Programming Tutorial Notes

Introduction

• Instructor: Mosh Hamadani
• Focus: Python programming from scratch for various applications:
  • Data Science
  • Machine Learning
  • Web Development
• Target Audience: No prior knowledge required.

Why Learn Python?

• Multi-purpose Language: Used for various fields including:
  • Machine Learning and AI (most popular language)
  • Web Development (e.g., using Django)
  • Automation (saving time on repetitive tasks)
• Examples of Websites Using Python:
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Spotify
  • Dropbox
  • Pinterest

Setting Up Python

1. Download Python:
   • Go to python.org
   • Download the latest version, check "Add Python to PATH" during installation.
2. Install Code Editor:
   • Recommended: PyCharm (community edition is free)
   • Install instructions for Windows and Mac provided.

First Project & Code Execution

1. Creating a Project in PyCharm:
   • Create a new project, name it (e.g., Hello World).
2. Writing Your First Code:
   • Use print("Hello World") to print to the terminal.
   • Run the Code: Via menu or using shortcuts.

Variables in Python

• Definition: Used to store data temporarily in memory.
• Example:
  • age = 20
  • Print: print(age)
• Changing Variable Value:
  • Example:

    age = 30
    print(age)
    

Variable Types

1. String: Textual data, use quotes (single or double).
   • Example: name = "Mosh"
2. Boolean: True/False values.
   • Example: is_online = True
3. Integer/Float: Whole numbers or decimal numbers.
   • Example: price = 19.95

User Input

• Use input() to get user input from the terminal.
• Example:

  name = input("What is your name?")
  print("Hello " + name)
  

Type Conversion

• Use functions to convert types:
  • int(): Convert to integer
  • float(): Convert to float
  • str(): Convert to string

Arithmetic Operations

• Common operators: +, -, *, /, % (modulus), ** (exponentiation)
• Example:

  x = 10 + 3 * 2  # Operator precedence applies
  

• Augmented Assignment Operators:
  • +=, -=, *=, /=

Comparison Operators

• Used to compare values: >, <, >=, <=, ==, !=

Logical Operators

• Combine conditions:
  • and, or, not
  • Example: if price > 10 and price < 30:

Control Flow with If Statements

• If Statement Syntax:

  if condition:
      # code block
  else:
      # alternative code block
  

• Example:

  if temperature > 30:
      print("It's a hot day.")
  

While Loops

• Repeat a block of code while a condition is true.
• Example:

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

Lists

• Definition: Store sequences of objects, defined in [ ].
• Examples:

  names = ["John", "Bob", "Mosh"]
  print(names[0])  # Outputs: John
  

• List Methods: append(), insert(), remove(), clear(), len()

Tuples

• Definition: Similar to lists but immutable.
• Example:

  numbers = (1, 2, 3)
  

Summary

• This tutorial covers foundational Python concepts for beginners.
• Further learning resources available through Mosh's online coding school.