Beginner's Guide to Python Programming

Sep 10, 2024

Python Programming Tutorial Notes

Introduction

  • Learn everything about Python programming.
  • Suitable for data science, machine learning, web development.
  • No prior knowledge required.
  • Instructor: Mosh Hamadani.

What You Can Do with Python

  • Machine Learning & AI: Python is the top language.
  • Web Development: Popular frameworks like Django.
    • Examples of websites: YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Dropbox, Pinterest.
  • Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, saving time and increasing productivity.

Setting Up Python

  1. Go to python.org to download the latest version of Python.
  2. Ensure "Add Python to PATH" is checked during installation (for Windows users).
  3. Install a code editor; recommended: PyCharm.
    • Download the Community Edition (free).
  4. Create a new project in PyCharm.
  5. Create a Python file named app.py for coding.

Writing Your First Code

  • Use the print function to output text:
print("Hello, World!")
  • Strings: Textual data surrounded by quotes.
  • Run Code: Use the Run menu or shortcuts.

Variables

  • Declaring variables:
age = 20
  • Use variables to store data temporarily.
  • Change variable values:
age = 30
  • Variable types: integers, floats, strings, booleans.

User Input

  • Use the input function to receive user input:
name = input("What is your name? ")
  • Combine strings for output with concatenation:
print("Hello, " + name)

Type Conversion

  • Convert types using built-in functions: int(), float(), str(), bool().
  • Important when working with user input.

Arithmetic Operations

  • Operators: +, -, *, /, // (floor division), %, ** (exponentiation).
  • Example:
result = 10 + 3 * 2  # result is 16

Comparison Operators

  • Used for comparisons: >, <, >=, <=, ==, !=.
  • Produce boolean values (True/False).

Logical Operators

  • Combine boolean expressions: and, or, not.
  • Example:
if (condition1 and condition2):
    # do something

If Statements

  • Create decisions in your code:
if temperature > 30:
    print("It's a hot day")
elif temperature > 20:
    print("It's a nice day")
else:
    print("It's cold")

Loops

  • While Loops: Repeat code until a condition is false.
  • For Loops: Iterate over sequences (e.g., lists, range objects).

Lists

  • Store multiple items:
names = ["John", "Bob", "Mosh"]
  • Access elements using indexes: names[0]
  • Use methods like append(), insert(), remove(), clear().

Tuples

  • Similar to lists, but immutable:
coordinates = (10.0, 20.0)
  • Use when you want to ensure data integrity.

Range Function

  • Generate sequences of numbers:
for number in range(5):
    print(number)
  • Can specify start, end, and step.

Conclusion

  • Python is versatile and used in many domains.
  • Recommended to explore further through online courses for deeper understanding.