Python Programming Basics

Introduction

• Quick 1-hour introduction to Python.
• Recommended for beginners or those transitioning from another language.
• More in-depth 12-hour course available on YouTube.

Setup

1. Python Interpreter

   • Download from python.org.
   • Install and add Python to the PATH (for Windows).

2. IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

   • Options: PyCharm or VS Code.
   • PyCharm is more beginner-friendly.
   • Use the Community Edition (free).

First Python Program

• Create a new Python project and file.
• Use print() function to display output.
  • Example: print("I like pizza")
• Comments are written using # (pound sign).

Variables

• Reusable containers for values.

• Data Types:

  • String: Series of characters, enclosed in quotes.
  • Integer: Whole numbers.
  • Float: Numbers with decimals.
  • Boolean: True or False.

• Use f-string for string interpolation: f"Hello, {variable}".

Arithmetic Operations

• Operators:
  • Addition: +
  • Subtraction: -
  • Multiplication: *
  • Division: /
  • Integer Division: //
  • Modulus: %
• Augmented Assignment: +=, -=, *=, /=, //=, %=.

Type Casting

• Converting variables from one type to another.
• Functions: str(), int(), float(), bool().
• Useful for handling user input.

User Input

• Use input() to get user input.
• By default, input is of string type.
• Can type cast to other data types as needed.

Conditional Statements

• If Statements: Basic decision-making structure.
• Syntax: if, elif, else.
• Use comparison operators: ==, !=, <, >, <=, >=.

Logical Operators

• OR: At least one condition must be true.
• AND: Both conditions must be true.
• NOT: Inverts the Boolean value.

Loops

While Loops

• Repeatedly execute code as long as a condition is true.
• Check condition at the start of each iteration.

For Loops

• Iterate over a sequence (string, list, tuple, set).
• Can specify range and step.

Data Collections

Lists

• Mutable, ordered collection.
• Defined with square brackets [].
• Methods: append(), remove(), pop(), clear().

Tuples

• Immutable, ordered collection.
• Defined with parentheses ().
• Faster access than lists.

Sets

• Mutable, unordered collection.
• Defined with curly braces {}.
• No duplicate elements.
• Best for membership testing.