Python Course Notes

Jul 30, 2024

Chapter 1: Introduction to Python

Ballu's Attempt at Python

  • Background:

    • Sallu Bhai's son, Ballu, faces frustration in Hollywood.
    • Joins online course to learn Python in 2 days.

  • Expectations:

    • Thought learning Python would lead to a 90 LPA job.
    • Experiences repeated errors and frustrations.

Development of a Python Course

  • Course Structure:

    • Comprehensive course focusing on the latest features, AI integration, and job readiness.
    • Course includes handwritten notes, cheat sheets, and practice problems.

  • Learning Focus:

    • Covers machine learning, AI development, data science, and web scripting.
    • Focused on hands-on projects and roadmaps for effective learning.

Introduction to Programming Basics

What is Programming?

  • Communicating with computers via programming languages (Python, C++, Java).

Importance of Python

  • Chosen because it is intuitive, readable, and user-friendly.
  • Considered simple as it resembles plain English.
  • Python's pseudocode nature aids beginners in understanding programming.

Features of Python

  • Short development time, free and open-source, high-level language.
  • Python easily translates high-level instructions into machine language.

Setting Up and Coding

Python Installation

  • Download Python from the official website.
  • Install VS Code for writing Python programs.

Running the First Script

  • Create a first.py file in VS Code.
  • Write print("Hello World") and save.
  • Run script via terminal using python first.py.

Programming Fundamentals

Variables & Data Types

  • Variables are containers for data, i.e., integers (1), floats (2.5), and strings ("text").
  • Define variables in Python using appropriate syntax (e.g., a = 5, b = "text").

Comments

  • Use # for single-line comments.
  • For multi-line comments, use triple quotes (""" comment """).

Python Libraries

  • Python has built-in libraries for various functionalities, promoting code reuse.

Control Structures

  • If Statements: Control the flow based on conditions.
if condition:
    # do something
  • Loops: Execute code repeatedly.
    • for loop for iterating through a sequence.
    • while loop for executing code while a condition is True.

Functions

  • Functions help organize code into reusable blocks.
  • Function Definition:
def function_name(parameters):
    # body of the function
  • Call functions using their defined name just like built-in functions (print()).

Advanced Concepts

Exception Handling

  • Use try-except blocks to handle errors gracefully.

    • If an error occurs in the try block, the program automatically moves to the except block.

  • Handling specific exceptions improves error messages. Example:

try:
   # code that may throw an error
except specific_exception as e:
   # code that runs if an error occurs

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Comprehensive understanding of Python up to advanced levels.
  • Future focus on projects and building portfolios for coding careers.
  • Transition into concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, etc.

Practice Set Notes

Chapter 1 Practice Set

  • Write programs focusing on structured problem-solving involving loops, conditions, and functions.
  • Create projects related to practical applications of learned concepts.

Chapter 2: Data Types and Variables

Key Points

  • Explore different data types available in Python (integers, strings, floats).
  • Sample manipulation of data types with examples; understanding variable declaration.
  • Understand rules for naming variables (no spaces, shouldn't start with numbers).

Chapter 3: Control Structures

Conditional Statements

  • Use if, elif, and else for decision making in code.
  • Multi-way conditional checks with multiple cases to handle various conditions.

Loops

  • Explore the use of for and while loops for iteration.
  • Practical examples of both loop types with conditions.

Practical Assignments and Exercises

  • Practice with creating loops and conditionals through problem sets.

Chapter 4: Functions and Methods

Function Basics

  • Understand definition and invocation of functions.
  • Differentiation between built-in functions and user-defined functions.
  • Handling default arguments in methods.

Chapter 5: Class Definitions and Object-Oriented Programming

Implement Concepts of Classes

  • Understand constructors and destructors in class definitions.
  • Learn about attributes, instance methods, and class methods.

Chapter 6: Error Handling and Exception Handling

Exception Handling Techniques

  • Utilize try, catch, finally control structures for handling errors.

Chapter 7: Input/Output

Reading and Writing Files

  • Practice reading, writing, copying, and renaming files in Python.

Chapter 8: Advanced Features of Python

Recursion

  • Understand how recursion works through function definitions.
  • Apply practical examples to showcase its effectiveness.

Chapter 9: Inheritance

Concepts and Examples

  • Differentiate between single and multiple inheritance with examples.
  • Differentiate between base class and derived class methods.

Chapter 10: Polymorphism and Encapsulation

Understanding Polymorphism

  • Explanation of method overloading vs. method overriding.

Chapter 11: Functions and Methods

Using Functions

  • Class methods vs. static methods; implementing various functionalities.

Chapter 12: Lambda Functions

Features and Usage

  • Use of lambda functions in various aspects within Python.

Project 1: Snake Water Gun Game

Overview

  • Develop a game based on the traditional snake water gun gameplay mechanics using Python.

Project 2: Jarvis Virtual Assistant

Objective

  • Create a virtual assistant capable of completing various tasks using speech recognition and interaction.