Introduction to Programming with Python

Overview

• Presenter: Gary Sims
• Topic: Learning to program using Python

Downloading Python on Windows

1. Go to python.org
2. Click on "Downloads" in the menu bar
3. Choose between:
   • Python 3.6.5 (recommended)
   • Python 2.7.14 (older version, for legacy systems)
4. Download the .exe file
5. Run the installer to install Python

Setting Up Python IDLE

• Look for the IDLE program after installation:
  • Either on the desktop or in the Start Menu
• Launch IDLE, which will present the shell (three chevron prompts)

Writing a Simple Program

Creating a Guessing Game

1. Go to File > New File to open the editor
2. Start writing the Python program

Sample Code

• Print statement: print("I am thinking of a number between 1 and 10")
• Save as guess.py in preferred source code directory

Importing Libraries

• Import random number functionality: import random

Setting up the Game Logic

1. Generate a random number: n = random.randint(1, 10)
2. Initialize game run status: running = True
3. Create a while loop to control game running: while running:
4. Get user input and provide feedback:
   • Prompt user to make a guess: guess_string = input("Take a guess: ") guess = int(guess_string)
   • Compare guessed number with generated number: if guess == n: print("Well done, that is right!") running = False elif guess < n: print("Try a bigger number.") else: print("Try a smaller number.")
5. Ensure proper indentation for Python to recognize code blocks

Running the Program

• Save changes and run by selecting Run > Run Module
• Example Gameplay:
  • User guesses – program provides hints until the correct number is guessed

Conclusion

• The program lacks error checking (e.g., handling non-integer inputs)
• Encouragement to explore Python further
• Source code will be available in the video description

Call to Action

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