Notes on Python Programming Lecture

Introduction to Python Programming

• Learning to code with Python.
• Includes hands-on projects to facilitate learning.
• The final project is a weather app fetching data from an API.

Prerequisites

• Download Python Interpreter from python.org.
  • Ensure to add Python to the PATH during installation.
• Download an IDE (Integrated Development Environment):
  • Recommended: PyCharm (community version) or VS Code with Python extension.

Getting Started with Python

• Create a new Python project.
• Create a new Python file named main.py.
• Write your first Python program:
  • Example: print("I like pizza").

Variables

• A variable is a container for a value.
• Types of variables:
  • Strings (text): e.g., first_name = "John"
  • Integers (whole numbers): e.g., age = 30
  • Floats (decimal numbers): e.g., price = 10.99
  • Booleans (True/False).

Type Casting

• Changing a variable from one type to another: str(), int(), float(), bool().

User Input

• Use input() function to accept user input.
• Example: name = input("What is your name?")

Control Flow

• Use if, elif, else for decision-making.
• Use logical operators (and, or, not).

Functions

• Functions are reusable blocks of code.
• Define functions using the def keyword:
  • Example: def greet():.

Classes and Objects (Object-Oriented Programming)

• Classes are blueprints for creating objects.
• Objects are instances of classes:
  • Attributes (variables).
  • Methods (functions).

Decorators

• Functions that extend the behavior of another function.
• Use @decorator_name to apply a decorator.

Exception Handling

• Use try, except to manage exceptions and errors.
• Common exceptions: ValueError, TypeError, FileNotFoundError.

File Handling

• Use open() to read and write files:
  • Modes: 'r' (read), 'w' (write), 'a' (append).
• Use JSON for structured data with json module.

GUI Programming with PyQt5

• Use PyQt5 to create graphical user interfaces:
  • Widgets: buttons, labels, text boxes.
  • Layouts: arrange widgets vertically or horizontally.

Multi-threading

• Use threading for concurrent execution of tasks.
• Use threading module for creating threads.

Polymorphism

• Objects can take on many forms.
• Achieved through inheritance and duck typing.

Conclusion

• Python is versatile for various programming paradigms.
• Understanding these concepts will facilitate a deep understanding of Python programming.