Introduction to Python Programming

Sep 2, 2024

Python Programming Introduction

  • Easiest Programming Language: Python is the easiest and most popular programming language globally.
  • Salary Outlook: New Python developers in the US can expect a salary of $64,000.

Setting Up Python

  1. Download Python

    • Visit python.org/downloads.
    • Click the yellow 'Download Python' button.
    • Open the downloaded file, check 'Add Python 3.9 to PATH', then 'Install Now'.
  2. Install an IDE

    • Recommended IDE: PyCharm (jetbrains.com/pycharm).
    • Choose between Professional (paid) or Community (free) versions.
    • Follow standard installation procedures.

Creating a Python Project

  • New Project: Create a project in PyCharm named "Hello World".
  • Python File: Create a new file named main.py.

Writing Your First Python Program

  • Python Script: Use PyCharm to write scripts. Start simple with print('I love pizza').
  • Running Scripts: Use the play button or the run tab in PyCharm.

Customizing PyCharm

  • Font Settings: Change by navigating to File > Settings > Editor > Font.
  • Console Font/Color: Customize console appearance via File > Settings > Editor > Color Scheme.

Variables in Python

  • Variable Concept: Similar to algebra, a container for values which can be reused.
  • Data Types:
    • String: Series of characters, enclosed in quotes.
    • Integer: Whole numbers without quotes.
    • Float: Numbers with a decimal.
    • Boolean: True or false values.

String Operations

  • Print and Concatenate: Combine strings with +, print using print().
  • Length and Type Check: Use len() to find length, and type() to check data type.

Numeric Operations

  • Arithmetic Operations: Use +, -, *, / for math operations.
  • Type Casting: Convert data types using int(), float(), str() functions.

Multiple Assignment

  • Assign Multiple Variables: Use comma separation to assign multiple values in one line.

String Methods

  • Useful Methods: len(), find(), capitalize(), upper(), lower(), isalpha(), etc.

User Input

  • Accept Input: Use input() function to take user input.
  • Type Conversion: Convert input strings to int or float for numerical operations.

Loops and Control Statements

  • While Loops: Execute block as long as a condition is true.
  • For Loops: Iterate over a sequence up to a specified number or through collections.
  • Loop Control: Use break, continue, pass to control loop executions.

Lists and Tuples

  • Lists: Mutable sequence types.
  • Tuples: Immutable sequence types.
  • Operations: Append, remove, insert, sort, clear.

Dictionaries and Sets

  • Dictionaries: Key-value pair collections.
  • Sets: Unordered collections of unique items.

Functions

  • Function Basics: Define reusable blocks of code.
  • Return Statement: Send back values from functions.
  • Keyword Arguments: Pass arguments with keywords to functions.

Advanced Functions

  • Higher-Order Functions: Functions that take other functions as arguments or return them.
  • Lambda Functions: Anonymous functions defined with lambda keyword.
  • Map, Filter, Reduce: Functional programming tools in Python.

File Operations

  • Read/Write Files: Use open(), read(), write(), close() for file operations.
  • File Dialogs: Use tkinter to open/save files with dialogs.

Object-Oriented Programming

  • Classes and Objects: Create objects using classes as blueprints.
  • Inheritance: Share attributes/methods between classes.

Multi-Processing and Threading

  • Multi-Threading: Run concurrent threads.
  • Multi-Processing: Run processes in parallel.

GUI Programming with Tkinter

  • Basics: Create windows, labels, buttons, input fields.
  • Advanced Widgets: Use frames, tabs, menus, and canvas for complex GUIs.
  • Event Handling: Use bind functions for managing events like clicks and keypresses.

Building Basic Applications

  • Calculator: Implement a simple GUI calculator.
  • Text Editor: Build a basic text editor using file operations.
  • Games: Create simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Snake.