Expert Precis to improve NTs Ay 4TH EDITION 100% INDEPENDENTDiscover more of our Complete Manuals today... {WhatsApp Manual The Cor te Python Aa Wve Complete Nikon Lee Tt Manual Manual( BDM's Definitive Guide Series Maya uoia eter ees ame e ia 1) development is to be clear about what you are trying to build.” giame stroustrup (Developer and creator of C+) Our modern digital world is made up of code. The Internet, our phones, TVs, games consoles, banking and virtually anything else you can think of, that’s connected in some way to the wider world, has some Form of code behind it, driving it and telling it how to rT RU cok elon Biel Meee Me cra el ee) |e cele LTA} languages. Some offer better stability, speed and complex algorithms. Others are designed for use with minimal system resources, in places that are impossible for an engineer to Elece cele ea Ese eee Ear 1PM ele industry runs off clever coding. In short, code surrounds and LAULUT Net) Neto laetel mele What a brilliant time then, to learn how to code; to see how a few simple lines of code can create something amazing and can interact with you and your technology. Python and C++ are two Oma aureia eee RoE ete aol EU RV 7iel) the help of this book plus a little imagination, you will soon be Ee leaped T cole Now, turn the page and let's start learning how to code. y F zBe eo ae ery are O. 6 SW Tau RUT k eer STS as Chena uy (74) Using Modules 92) Say Hello to C++ Cc aCe) 52) Working with Datai i Fa 9Working wien Code | Wi ie:It’s always worth looking at the common pitfalls of coding before you start hitting away at the keyboard; after all, bad habits are often formed at the start of a process. IF you're aware of how to structure your code before you begin, then you will learn to avoid most of the mistakes that usually accompany poorly developed code. This section starts your coding journey by examining those common mistakes, as well as investigating where your coding skills can take you as your experience grows. “Most good programmers do programming not because they expect to get paid or get adulation by the public, but because it is Fun to program.” Linus Torvalds (developer of the Linux kernel)mmon Coding Mistakes Co NUR eee hae NR Mu Aue cme ey Tag Cel nae Ue ies Mee Net lace n eget even experts make the occasional mishap. Thing is, to learn from them as best you car X=MISTAKE, PRINT Y There are many pitfalls For the programmer to be aware of, Far too many to be listed here. Being able to recognise a mistake and fix it is when you start to move into more advanced territory, and become a better coder. Everyone makes mistakes, even coders with over thirty years’ experience. Learning from these basic, common mistakes help build a better coding Foundation. e EASY VARIABLES "Meaningful naming for variables is @ must to eliminate common coding mistakes. Having letters ofthe alphabet isfine but what happens when the code states there's. a problem with x variable. It’s not too dificult to name variables tives, money, playert and soon. Ie would be wonderful to be able to ‘work lke Neo from The Matrix movies. Simply ask, your operator toads it into your memory and you instantly know everything about the subject. Sadly though, we cant do that. The First ‘major pitfallis someone trying to learn too much, too quickly. So take coding in small pieces and take your time. points points); write("Lives: "s1ives); write + "totaltimes" secs’ write( Y ‘totalscore //[COMMENTS write("Your total Score is: “+totalscore); Use comments t's simple concept but commenting on jour code saves so many problems when you next come to took overt Inserting comment nes helps you auch sift PLAN AHEAD through the sections of code that are causing problems; also useful fyou need to review an older piece of code While it’s great to wake up one morning and decide to code a classic text adventure, it's not always practical without a ‘good plan. Small snippets of code can be written without, too much thought and planning but longer and more in depth cade requires a good working plan to stickto and help iron out the bugs.USER ERROR BACKUPS SS ECR a an} SECURE DATA@) Working with Code ) Python Beginner's Mistakes Python isa relatively easy language to get started in where there's plenty of room for Reel ee cuca Me eka ae ear) language, it can be easy to make common mistakes that'll stop your code from running. DEF BEGINNER(MISTAKES=10) Here are ten common Python programming mistakes most beginners Find themselves making. Being able to identify these ‘mistakes will save you headaches in the Future. VERSIONS INDENTS, TABS AND SPACES Toadé to the confusion that most beginners already face when Python uses precise indentations when displaying its code. The coming into programming, Python has two live versions oF its indents mean that the code in that sectionis apart ofthe previous language available to download and use. ThereiisPython version _statement, and not something linked with another part ofthe code. 2.7.x and Python 3.6.x. The 3.6.x version isthe most recent, and Use four spaces to create an indent, not the Tab key. the one we'd recommend starting. But, version 2.7xcode doesn't always work with 3.6.x code and vice versa, =a python THE INTERNET COMMENTING Every programmer has and does at sme point goon the Internet Again we mention commenting. l’s a hugely important factorin {and copy some code to insertinta their own routines. There's programming, even if you're the only one wito sever going to view ‘nothing wrong with using others’ code, but you need to knowhow the cade, you need to add comments as to what's ging on. Is this the code works and what it does before you go blindly runningiton function where you lose a life? Write a comment and help you, or your own computer. anyone else, see what's going on, Creatldelete a. fle na python program sss prea EID ow eFintive Gude Series VolumesCOUNTING LOOPS Remember thatn Python 3 loop doesn't count the last number you specify ina range. Soif you wanted the loop to count from 1 to 10, then you will need to user n= ListCrange(1, 119) (hich will return 1 to 10. TB reeatie Sealand CASE SENSITIVE Python is a case sensitive programming language, so you will need to check any variables you assign For example, Lives=10 is 2 different variable to lives=10, calling the wrong variable in your code canhave unexpected results. Britton Fle_ft_Shell_Debug Options Window _Help Python 3.6.2 (¥3.6.2:5¢a33b5, dul @ 2017, 04 fon wins? Type "copyright", 53> Laves=10 >>> Lavesss >>> print (Lives, lives) 3 Nozedite" or "License()" for mor BRACKETS Everyone forgets ta include that extra bracket they should have added to the end ofthe statement. Python relies on the routine having an equal amount of closed brackets ta open brackets, so any errors in your code could be due to you forgetting to count your brackets including square brackets. def print_game_status(self): print (board[len(self.missed_letters)]) Print ‘Word: ' + self-hide word()) print (‘Letcers Missed: *,) for letter in self.missed letter: print (letcer,) print () print ("Letters Guessed: *,) for letter in self.guessed letters: print (letcer,) print () Ee C Python Beginner's Mistakes COLONS It’s common for beginners to forget to add a colon tothe end of 8 structural statement, such as lass Hangman: def quess(self, letter): ‘And oon. The colonis what separates the code, and creates the indents to which the Following code belongs to. OPERATORS Using the wrong operator is also common mistake to make. When youre performing a comparison between two values, for example, you need to use the equality operator (a double equals, ==). Using 23 single equal =) ian assignment operator that places a value to 3 variable (such as, Ives=10). OPERATING SYSTEMS ‘writing code For multiple platforms is dificult, especially when you start to utilise the external commands ofthe operating system, For ‘example, iF your code calls For the screen to be cleared, then For windows you would use eS. Whereas, for Linux you need to use ‘lear. You need to solve this by capturing the error and issuing it with an alternative command, 4 code to detect exror for using a aitterent 05 ‘e-ayotem(tcieas") —————z= Working with Code_) C++ Beginner's Mistakes There are many pitfalls the C++ developer can encounter, especially as this is a more CoM Ceu eur Tene anes men cechel cere rc) Pen ee neh sates al Coal orate afer VOID(C++, MISTAKES) Admittedly 's not just C++ beginners that make the kinds of errors we outline on these pages, even hardened coders are prone to the odd mishap here and there. Here are some common issues to try and avoid. UNDECLARED IDENTIFIERS ‘Acommon C++ mistake, andto be honest a common mistake with ‘most programming languages, s when youtry and output a variable that doesnt exist. Displaying the value of x onscreen isfine but not ifyouhaver't told the compiler what the value of xis to begin with File Edit View Search Tools Documents Help aoa eojag mel y (Citestt.cpp x #include GCC OR G++ IF you're compiling in Linux then you will no doubt come across ‘gccand g++. Inshort, gcc the Gnu Compiler Collection (or Gnu C Compiler as it used to be called) and ge isthe Gnu ++ (the C++ version) of the compiler. f you're compiling C++ then you need to, use g++, asthe incorrect compiler drivers willbe used. . davidermint mate Documents Fle Edt view Search Terminal HelpCOMMENTS (AGAIN) Indeed the mistake of never making any comments on code is back ‘once more. As we've previously bemoaned, the lack of readable identifiers throughout the cade makesit very difficult to look backat hhowit worked, for both you and someone else, Use more comments. QUOTES ‘Missing quotes is a common mistake to make, for every level oF ser. ‘Remember that quotes need to encase strings and anything that's ‘going tobe outputted to the screen or into a ile, For example, Most compilers errors are due to missing quotes in the code, EXTRA SEMICOLONS ‘while it’s necessary to have a semicolon at the end of every C++ tine, there are some exceptions to the rule. Semicolons need to be at the end of every complete statement but some lines of cade aren't complete statements. Such as #include if lines switch Lines fit sounds confusing don’t worry, the compiler lets you know where you went wrong, TOO MANY BRACES ‘The braces, or curly brackets, are beginning and ending markers ~around blocks of code, So for every {you must have a}. Often is ‘easy to include or miss out one or the other Facing brace when ‘writing code; usually when writing in a text editor, as an IDE adds them For you. #include > x; cout << x; { cout << "\n\n cout << mystring ? INITIALISE VARIABLES In C++ variables arent initialised to zero by default. This means if Yyou create a variable called x then, potentially, itis given arandom number fram 0 to 18,446,744,073, 709,551,616, which can be difficult to include in an equation. When creating a variable, give it the value of zero to begin with: X=. include What can you do to further your skills, learn new coding practises, experiment and present your code and even begin to help ‘thers using what you've experienced so far? TWITTER ‘Twitter srtall trols and antagonists, among the well publicised vitriol are some genuine people who are more than wing to spread their coding knowledge. We recommend you find afew who you can ‘late to and follow them. Often they post great tips, hacks and fixes fForcommon cading problems. = a oe KEEP CODING \f you've mastered Python fairly wel then turn your attention to Cet oreven GH. Sillkeep your Python skills going butlearing anew cading language keeps the old bran ticking over nicely and give youa view into another community, and how they do things differently. 01 tn ite Ses olan OPEN PROJECTS Look fr open source projects that you lke the sound of and offer to.contribute tothe code to keep it alive and up to date. There are millons of projects to choose From, so contact a few and see where they need help. It may only be a minor code update butit’s a noble ‘occupation for codersto getinto SHARE SKILLS Become more active on coding and development knowledge sites, such as StackExchange, If you have the skills to start and help others ‘out, not only will you feel really good for doing so but you can also, learn alot yourself by interacting with other members.GOING MOBILE The mobile market isa great place to test your coding skis and present any games or apps you've created. IF your app is good, then ‘who knows, it could be the next great thing to appear on the app stores. I's a good learning experience nevertheless, and something worth considering D coger = i ar, ONLINE LEARNING Online courses are good examples of where to take your coding skills next, even if you start From the beginner level again. Often, an online course follows a strict coding convention, sof you're sel taught then it might be worth seeing how other developers lay out their code, and what's considered acceptable. Learn to code interactively, for free ( Where Next? ‘C PORTFOLIOS IF you've learned how to code with an eye for a developer jab in the Future, then k's worth starting to build up an online portfolio ‘of code. Look at job postings and see what skills they require, then learn and code something with those skills and add itto the portfolio when it comes to applying, include a link to the portfolio, My Work: TEACH CODE Can you teach? If your coding sil are spot on, consider approaching a college or university to see iFthey have need fora programming language teacher, perhaps a part-time or evening ‘course. not teaching, then consider creating your own YouTube how to code channel SHARE CODE Get sharing, even if you think your code isnt very good. The iitcism, advice and comments you receive back help you iron out ~anyssues with your code, and you add them alto your checklist Alternatively your code might be utterly amazing but you won't know unless you share t HARDWARE PROJECTS Contributing to hardware projects isa great resource For proving your ‘ode with others and learning from ther contributors. Mary of the ‘developer boards have postings for coders to apply to For hardware projects, using unique code to get the most from the hardware that's being designed,STA male) to Python “The best programs are written so that computing machines can perform them quickly, and so that human beings can understand them clearly.” — Donald E. Knuth (Computer scientist, mathematician and author) ae 01 tn ite Ses olanSay Hello to Python ‘There are many different programming languages available to learn and use. Some are terrifically complex and incredibly powerful, while some are extremely basicand used as minor utilities For the ‘operating system. Python sits somewhere in the middle, combining ease of use with é a generous helping of power, allowing the user to create projects ranging from minor utilities through to great games and performance-heavy computational tasks. However, there's more to Python than simply being another programming language. It has vibrant and lively community behind it that shares knowledge, code and project ideas, as well as bug fixes for future releases. t's thanks to this community that the language has grown and thrived, so now it's your turn to take the plunge and learn how to program in Python, This section will get you started with Python and introduce you to this. remarkable programming language. Before long, you will be able to code your own helpful systems tools, text adventures and even control a character as they move around the screen. 18 WhyPython? 20 Equipment You Will Need 22 Getting to Know Python 24 How to Set Up Python in Windows How to Set Up Python in Linux ora bpublications comWhy Python? DeSean sae uur cue eC Camu ureon tis PI Ree eric nciemac cru m aides lca etal ences Ere Kel sre eho TAN OM Com Cell CP Cece eRe mc M WN Renee Python out of all the rest? PYTHON POWER Ever since the earliest home computers were available, enthusiasts, users and professionals have toiled away until the wee hours, sta ‘These pioneers of programming carved their way into anew Frontier, Forging small routines that enabled the letter ‘to scroll {across the screen It may not sound terribly exciting to 8 generation that's used to ultra high-definition graphics and open world, multi player online gaming, However, Forty-something years ago it was blindingly brillant. ‘Naturally these bedroom coders helped form the foundations for, ‘every piece of digital technology we use today. Some went on to ‘become chief developers for top software companies, whereas others pushed the available hardware tots limits and Founded the billion pound gaming empire that continually amazes us. Regardless of whether you use an Android device, 10S device, PC, ‘Mac, Linux, Smart TY, games console, MP3 player, GPS device builtin to. car, settop box ora thousand other connected and ‘smart appliances, behind them alls programming. over an overheating heap of circuitry to create somet akin to magi All those aforementioned digital devices need instructions to tell. them what to do, and allow them to be interacted with, These instructions Form the programming core ofthe device and that core ‘ane built using a variety of programming languages. ‘The languages in use today differ depending on the situation, the platform, the device's use and how the device wl interact wth ts ‘environment or users. Operating systems, such as Windows, macOS ‘and such are usually a combination of C+, CH, assembly and some form of visual-based language. Games generally use C++ whilst web pages can use a plethora of available languages such as HTML, Java, Python and so on More general-purpose programming is used to create programs, _apps, software or whatever else you want to cal them. They're widely used across all hardware platforms and suit virtually every ‘conceivable application. Some operate Faster than others and some eee 00 tn ites vole 4 verdgrid * {js'e= colum.cetcount() a) 0) fe 6 Hao Rokr Bas Gy fat Se Py cr o|sncnacess) O/B Hee #2 5@ sxtcureor(p-y)s cerl:schitseatrocusiS vod arraycert::chitdLostroct ‘leursor >= 0) efresinoetcursor); — cxrtehstatastfocue()} om Gremetvonce |) void _srraycert::Paine(Orawe ) ( rem ‘inintCsine 2 Shoe Ceeshsets $oawmacas Stance oor oa see ss uf « column cata) fre) € Crocker rs eviaowidth( jel; Stones Ua ter $ Stace i Stace” » Gren Eater fc = eland(scoloroisabled, sclorPaper): Sreane eal Street TENELE cetcount()) wc ‘top SERtLiner) « ab Seco Sites etsy) breeds Sate re bottom = Sop t optuanecy (a)Why Python? {are easier to lear and use than others. Python sone such general- purpose language. Python is what's known as a High-Level Language in that it 'talks! to the hardware and operating system using avarety of arrays, variables, objects, arithmetic, subroutines, loops and countless ‘more interactions. Whilst it's not as streamlined asa Low-Level Language, which can deal directly with memory addresses, cal stacks and registers, ts benefitis that it's universally accessible {and easy to lear. Python was created over twenty sixyears ago and has evolved to become an ideal beginners language for learning howto programa computer.’ perfect for the hobbyist, enthusiast, student, teacher {and those who simply need to create their own unique interaction between either themselves or a piece of external hardware and the computer itself Python i Free to download, install and use andi available for Linux, \Windows, macOS, MS-DOS, 05/2, BeOS, IBM iseries machines, and ‘even RISC OS. Ithas been voted one of the top five programming languages in the word and fs continually evolving ahead Of the hardware and internet development curve ‘oto answerthe question: why python? Simply put, it's Free, easy to learn, exceptionally powerful, universally accepted, effective and a superb learning and educational tool. [/7FiTe: invoke. java. Fimport java. lang.reflect.*; class rnvoke DUbIHE static void main( string [) args ) { try Gass ¢ = Class. forname( args[o] ); Method m = c-getMethod( argsi1], new class 0) 5 object ret = _m.invoke( null, null); systen.out.printinc “Tnvoked. static method: " + args{4] + of clase: © + args[o) with no args\neesules: * + ret; } catch ( Classnocroundexception e ) { 77 Class. fornane(.). can't find the class } Catch C Nosuchwiethodexception e2') { Se | pages stop boxes Tsun evens Bais. oe 2 THEN LET py Python is a more modern take on BASIG, it's easy to learn BASIC was once the starter language that early 3nd makes for an ideal beginner's programming language. B-bit home computer users learned. ona bdmpublcatonsz= Say Hello to Python Equipment You Will Need ole TaN TMs enon (Lee CURT Ke LU 1k Aol ONIN 0 aT 1aCe Ma en ol) don’t need an incredibly powerful computer and any software that’s required is freely available. WHAT WE'RE USING Thankfully, Python is a multi-platform programming language available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi and more. If you have one of those systems, then you can easily start using Python. 00 tn ies oun 4 COMPUTER Obviously you're going to need a computer in order to learn how to program in Python and to test your code. You can use Windows from XP onward) on elther a 32 or 64-bit processor, an Apple Mac or Linux Installed PC. [| AN IDE AniDE (Integrated Developer Environment) is used to enter and execute Python code. It enables you to inspect your program code and the values within the code, as well as offering advanced Features. There are many different IDEs availabe, so find the one that works For you and gives the best results PYTHON SOFTWARE ‘macOS and Linux already come with Python preinstalled as part of the ‘operating system, as does the Raspberry Pi, However, you need to ensure that you're running the latest version of Python, Windows users need to download and install Python, which well cover shorty |_| TEXT EDITOR \Whilst a text editors an ideal environment to enter code into, it's not an absolute necessity. You can enter and execute code directy From the IDLEbuta text editor, such as Sublime Text or Notepad++, offers more advanced features and colour cading when entering code. INTERNET ACCESS Python isan ever evolving environment and as such new versions ‘often introduce new concepts or change existing commands and code structure to make i a more efficient language. Having accessto the Internet will keep you upsto-date, help you out when you get stuck and give access to Python's immense number of modules. |_| TIME AND PATIENCE Despite what other books may lead you to believe, you won't become a programmerin 24-hours. Leaming to code in Python takes time, and patience. You may become stuckat times and other times the code wll Flows ke water, Understand you're learning something entirely new, and ‘you wil get there.THE RASPBERRY PI Why use a Raspberry Pi? The Raspberry Pisa tiny computer that’s very cheap to purchase but offers the user a fantasticlearning platform. Its main operating system, Raspbian, comes preinstalled with the latest Python along with many modules and extras. Sa aaa) The Raspberry Pi3 isthe latest version, incorporating a more powerful CPU, more memory, Wii and Bluetooth suppor. You can pick up aPi for around €32 or as apart of kit For £50+, depending on the kit you're interested in. The Raspberry P's main operating system isa Debian-based Linux distribution that comes with everything you need in simple to use package. t's streamlined forthe Piand s an ideal platform for hardware and software projects, Python programming and even asa desktop computer. FUZE PROJECT Cequpmentvouwilveed CR The FUZE isa learning environment built on the latest model ofthe Raspberry i. You can purchase the workstations that come with an electronics kitand even a robot arm for you to build and program. ‘You can find more information on the FUZE at www.Fuze.co.uk Coding for Linux We have several great E Raspberry Pititles available via wwwbdmpublications. ‘com, Our Pi books cover how tobuy your First Raspberry Pi, seit up and use it; there are some great step-by-step project examples and guides to get the most from the Raspberry Ptoo, Raspberry Pi Bertani 2 A, heatopanttemngtaryhz= Say Hello to Python) Getting to Know Python eMac ee eter tunlited eater kumar eiccteM a tar(ccd SoCo AURAL Men oe mee Reon Lec lale(Uerel enlace] to understand. WHAT IS PROGRAMMING? Ithelps to understand what a programming language is before you try to learn one, and Python is no different. Let's take a look at how Python came about and how it relates to other languages. ‘A programming language isa listof instructions that ‘a computer follows. These instructions can be as simple as displaying your name or playing a music file, or ascomplexas building a ‘whole virtual world. Python isa programming language conceivedin the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum PROGRAMMING RECIPES Programsare ke recipes for computers. recipe to bake a cake could go like this: 2 Put 100 grams of selfaising flourin a bow ‘Add 100 grams of butter tothe bowl, ‘Add 100 mlliitres of milk. Bake for half an hour, CODE Just lke a recipe, @ program consists of instructions that you follow at Centrum Wiskunde & inorder. A program that describes acake might run tke this Informatica (CW inthe ae Netherlands aa sucessorto bout = OL fe the ABClanguose ES ees patel BE mnmner Guido van Rossum, the Father of Python. ‘bo .append([flour, butter mic] Il cake. cookCbon) PROGRAM COMMANDS You might not understand some of the Python commands, lke bowl append and cake.cook(bowl) The firsts alist, the second an object; we'l look at bath inthis book. The main thing to know is that it’s easy to read commands in Python. Once you learn what the commands do, i's easy to Figure out how a program works, 00 tn ites one 4HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES Computer languages that are easyto read are known as high evel Thisis because they fly high above the hardware (also referred to as ‘the metal’) Languages that fly close to the metal lke Assembly, ‘are known as “low-level”. Low-level languages commands read abit like this:msg db ,@xa len equ $ = msg, 2 PYTHON 3 VS PYTHON 2 Peon u i ent ieee aT es ee Lene! WORLD OF PYTHON erates Cae! at eee ete perintothe Python ste eretscen PYTHON 2. erie nt is deed eee es Se de eee able resource. (cetinstornowxion CE ZEN OF PYTHON Python lets you access all the power of a computer in language that humans can understand, Behind all this isan ethos called "The Zen of Python." Ths sa collection of 20 software principles that influences the design ofthe language. Principles include “Beautiful isbetter than ualy" and "simple i better than complex." Type import: this into Python and it wil dsplay al the principles. ee eg Td PYTHON 3.X UPauguenE eae Rae einige Pen te et Fe stable, effective and efficient p eerste ces gs Poco ripts, modules and tutorial eet eee ee eng thon programming 3.X WINS elueueeemain Petre Sue ththe rants eee eee ei hited Python 3 For snippets of important code,z= Say Hello to Python ) How to Set Up Python in Windows Windows users can easily install the latest version of Python via the main Python Downloads page. While most seasoned Python developers may shun Windows as the platform of choice for building their code, it’s still an ideal starting point For beginners. INSTALLING PYTHON 3.X ‘Microsoft Windows doesn't come with Python preinstalled as standard, so you're going to have to install it yourself manually. Thankfully, 5 an easy process to follow. FETSERD 2"tby opening your web browser to www.python. ‘0ra/downloads/. Look fr the button detailing the download link for Python 3.x. The latest version atthe time of \weting i 3.7.0 but as Python is frequently updated this may bea different version for you. Papeete! ee Pe ee ee eee cata ane eo aa es Click the Download button for version 3x, and save the file to your Downloads folder. When the fle is downloaded, double-click the executable and the Python installation wizard wil launch, From here you have two choices Install Now and Customise Installation, We recommend apting for the Customise instalation link. Gis Install Python 3.7.0 (32-bit) wind (Chae Pyne 372 PH EZ) co's verre uid Series- volume 34 BRTERE RD Choosing the Customise option allows you to specify certain parameters, and whilst you may stay with the defaults, i's 2 good habit to adopt as sometimes (not ‘with Python, thankfully) installers can include unwanted additional Features. On the fist screen available, ensure all boxes ae ticked and click the Next button, Optional Features seamen ml Be amet mene yan ra a es tn) pythi wind D The nest page of optiosinclude some interesting ue additions to Python. Ensure the Associate file with Python, Create Shortcuts, Add Python to Environment Variables, recompile Standard brary and talfrAllser option are ticked. These make using Python ater much easier, ick nsalwhen youre ready to contrue ‘Advanced Options (acme fn fie py ae) hacen oemcen rane ml i [eager RoE — wind me Ora earHow to Set Up Python in Windows Cl 732i) ink wl EED icking on the IDLE (Python ication, Simply click launch the Python Shell, where you can begin the installation is complete _ your Python programming journey. Don't worry if your version is the Final Python wizard page will alow you to view the latest release aslong as it's Python 3.x our code works inside your notes, and Fllow some online tutorial Python 3 interface, Setup was successful m a - ° . pythén * windows oe Before you cose the install wizard window, you now click on the Windows Start button again SUS however, it's best to click on the link next to the SHEP) and this time type: CMD, you'll be presented with the shield detaled Dale ath Length Limit. This wil allow Python Command Prompt nk, Cck eto get tothe Windows comnmand tne to bypass the Windows 260 character limitation, enablingyou to environment. Toenter Python within the commandline, you ned execute Python programs stored indeepfeldersarangements. _totype: python and press Enter ‘Again, click Yes to authenticate the process; then you can Close the installation window. Wen © Disable path lenath limit Close Saas =o EE The command tine version of Python works in much the same way asthe Shell you opened in Windows 10 users can now Step 8; note the three leftfacing arcows (>>>). whilst t's a perfect find the installed Python exer) fine environment, i's not tao user-friendly, so leave the command 3.xwithin the Start button = line For now. Enter: exit to leave and close the Command cently Added section The First ink, Python 3.7 (32-bit will aunch the ‘command line version of Python when clicked (more ‘on that in a moment), To ‘open the IDLE, type IDLESay Hello to Python How to Set Up Python in Linux PYTHON PENGUIN Linux is such a versatile operating system that it's often difficult to nail down just one way of doing something. Different distributions go about installing software in different ways, but for this particular tutorial, we will stick to Linux Mint. PEPER Fistyounced to ascertain which version of Pyth iscurrently installed in your Linux system. To begin ‘with, drop into a Terminal session From your distro's menu, or hitthe Ctrlsalte keys dovidedavid tine ~ Next enter python =-version into the Terminal STEP 2 screen. You should have the output relating to version 2x oF Python ithe splay By deta, mos nue dstios come with both Python 2 and 3, as there's plenty of code out there stil available For Python 2. Now enter: python3. =-versicn. avidodavid nine: ~ Inour case wehave both Python 2 and installed SUPE) As long as Python 3.x.xis installed, then the code in cur tutorials york es aways worth checking to see the cto has been updated withthe latest versions, enter; sudo apt=get update && sudo apt-get upgrade to update the system, vidi ine — ‘80M Definitive Guide Series- Volume 24 ‘Once the update and upgrade is complete, enter: SUED ytnona version santo see if Pytion 3x isupdated or even installed. Aslong as you have Python 3x, you're running the most recent major version, The numbers after the 3. indicate patches and Further updates. Often they/re unnecessary, but can contain vital new elements. ‘onever Fyouwantthe latest, cating edge SHaP5 version, you'll need to build Python from source. Stare by entering these commancs into te Terminal sudo opt-get install build-essential. checkinstalt Sudo opt-get install Libreadline-aplv2-dev Tibncursesw5-dev libssl-dev LibsqliteS-dev tk-dev ibgdon-dev Libe6-dev Tibbz2-devHow to Set Up Python in Linux (¢ (Open up your Linux web browser and go to the EE For the GUIIDLE, you'll need to enter the Following BED eon cowrioadpage:hetps//www.pythonora/ — Maal command nc the Terminal thePythonSourcewnaowTisepensecowriosadlosce to, swdoant-get: instal led choose location and tart the download process, ‘The DLE can then be started with the command: fde3.Note that IDLE runs different version from the one you installed from source. —— “dvoid in. -/oownlona/Pyhon 372 you've downloaded), To access the newly unzipped Folder, enter: cd“ ssssnnnsesnnses eassseneonestearess ssarsenene Python-3.Y.¥/. FEET) Youllalso need Pip (Pip installs Packages), whichis a tool to help you install more modules and extras. Enter: sudo apt-get install python3-pip IPs then installed, check For the latest update with pip3 install --upgrade pip ‘When complete, close the Terminal and Python 3 willbe available via the Programming section in your distro's menu. evident -Domiot Python 72 FEED Withinthe Python folder, enter: -/configure sudo make altinstall This could take a while, depending on the speed of your computer. (Once finished, enter: python3.7 ==version to check the latest installed version. You should now have Python 3,7 installed, ‘alongside older Python 3xx and Python 2. Installation of Python on mac0S can be done in much the same way as the Windows instalation, Simply go tothe Python webpage, hover your mouse pointer over the Downloads link and select Mac 0S x from the options. You will then be guided tothe Python releases For Mac versions and the necessary installers for macOS 64-bit, For 05 X 10. and later. wonabdmpubicatonscom“| have always wished for my computer to be as easy to use as my telephone; my wish has come true, because | can no longer figure out how to use my telephone.” — Bjarne Stroustrup (Developer and creator of C++) IE) 50s evecare ve 4Getting Started with Python cl Learning how to code may seem a little daunting at First. Thankfully, the Python language has been designed with simplicity in mind. Like most things, you need to start slow, learn how to get a result and how to get what you want from the code. Inthis section, we will cover the core concepts: saving and executing your code, variables, numbers and expressions, user input, conditions and loops. 30 Starting Python for the First Time 32 Your First Code 34 Saving and Executing Your Code 36 Executing Code from the Command Line 38 Numbers and Expressions 40 Using Comments 42 Working with Variables, 44 User input 46 Creating Functions 48 Conditions and Loops 50 Python Modulesz= Getting Started with Python ) : Starting Python for Ay the First Time a The Raspberry Pi offers one of the best all-round solutions For learning and coding on, Meneame ols enatieracn uci ekenecutticencel ce hit latest stable version of Python 3, which makes it a superb coding platform. STARTING PYTHON We won't go into the details of getting the Raspberry Pi up and running, there's plenty of material already available on that subject. However once you're ready, Fire up your Pi and get ready for coding. FETTER) With the Raspbian desktop loaded, click onthe BETERED or example, in the Shell enter: 242 "Menu button followed by Programming > Python 3 After pressing Enter, the next line wll display the (OLE. This will open the Python 3 Shel. Windows and Mac users can. answer: 4. Basically, Python has taken the ‘code’ and produced the Find the Python 3 IDLE Shell fram within the Windows Start button relevant output. ‘meni and via Finder. = PEPTPD) The shellis where you can enter cade andseethe — SSWB the python shall acts very much ike a calculator, responses and output of code you've programmed since code i basically a series of mathematical into Python. Thissakind of sandbox, where you're ableto try out interactions with the system. Integers, which ae the infinite some simple code and processes. sequence of whole numbers can easily be added, subtracted, multiplied and so on. ye Scare’ Screute™ or “Licaaat)* for sare snfomaton ET 220iStarting Python for the First Time Cl ESTER Wile thats very interesting i's not particularly exciting, Instead, try this print(*Hello everyone!”) Just enter it nto the IDLE as you id in the previous steps. case the Hello everyone! bit. >>> print("Hello everyone Hello everyone! >>> | licking on the Highlighting tab, However, we don't recommend that _asyou won't be seeing the same as our screenshots. pe caro uae aso 4 FETED ust lke most programs avaliable, regardless of the ‘operating system, there are numerous shortcut keys avallable. We don’t have room for them all ere but within the Options > Configure IDLE and under the Keys tab, you can see alist (of the current bindings. Fare You may have noticed the colour coding within the Python IDLE. The colours represent different elements of Python code. They ae: Black— Data and Variables Green ~Strings urple—Functions ‘Orenge-Commands Blue — User Functions Dark Red Comments Light Red ~ Error Messages IDLE Colour Coding [-eoteur [use tor [examples Daekred | Comments | ianeaber VAR FETETR Te Pithon IDLE is a power interface, and one that's actually been written in Python using ane (of the available GU! toolkits. Fyou want to know the many ins and ‘outs forthe Shell, we recommend you take afew moments to view ‘www.docs.python.org/3/library/idte.html, which details many of the IDLE’ FeaturesE) ceinstneawtnenn Your First Code Essentially, you've already written your First piece of code with the ‘print(“Hello ONT Mit ae efor M aS KN UN et] ColtT1 a ON A ee Lear Le Lirel ole 1a entering your code and playing around with some other Python examples. PLAYING WITH PYTHON wi most languages, computer or human, it’s all about remembering and applying the right words to the right situation, You're not born knowing these words, so you need to learn them. ESTED you've closed Python 3 IDLE, reopen itin PEPER vou can see that instead ofthe number 4, the “whichever operating system version you prefer. In ‘outputs the 2+2 you asked to be printed tothe the Shell enter the Familiar Following: screen. The quotation marks are defining what's being outputted tothe IDLE Shell to print the total of 2+2 you need to remove the quotes: print(2+2) print (“Hello”) a wma fr on ESTeE RD vst as predicted, the word Hello appearsin the BITE You can continue as such, printing 242, 46442343 Shellas blue text, indicating output from a string {and soon ta the Shell. An easier way is to.use a 's airy straightforward and doesnt require too much explanation. variable, which is something we wil cover in mare depth later. For Now try now, enter: print(*2+2") E220.7 (. Your First Cod (Your First Code Cl \hatyou have done here assign the tesa Susp and b two values: 2 and 2. These are now variables, which can be called upon by Python to output, add, subtract, divide dando anor slong ther numbers stay these, Try ths printCa) print(b) ei ‘The outputof the last step displays the current Bia values of both a and b individually, as you've asked them tobe printed separately. IFyou want to add them up, you can Use the following print(arb) ‘This cade simply takes the values of a and b, adds them together and outputs the result oe ba Se) oeue es en You cn ply around ith aferent kinds of variables Suze and the Print function. For example, you could assign variables for someone's name: nane="David” print(name) PEPEED Now let's add surname: ‘surnane="Hayward” print(surnane) ‘You now have two variables containing a frst name and a surname ‘and you can print them independently. 1 Ea sh Dt oom ns en TERED we were to apply the same routine as before, Using the + symbol, the name wouldn't appear Correctly in the output inthe Shell. Try it print (name+surname) You need a space between the two, defining them as two separate values and not something you mathematically play around with, print(name, surname) In Python 3 you can separate the two variables, with aspace using a comma: ‘Alternatively, you can add the space ourselves printCname+” “+surnane) ‘The use ofthe comma is much neater, as you can see. Congratulations, you've ust taken your First steps into the wide ‘world of Python ora vmpublcatnscomz= Getting Started with Python) Saving and Executing Your Code While working in the IDLE Shell is perfectly Fine For small code snippets, it’s not designed for entering longer program listings. In this section you're going to be introduced to the IDLE Editor, where you will eel chee u mee EDITING CODE You will eventually reach a point where you have to move on From inputting single lines of code into the Shell. Instead, the IDLE Editor will allow you to save and execute your Python code. First, open the Python IDLE Shell and when it’s up, dlickon File > New Fie. This will open a new window with Untitied as its name. Thisis the Python IDLE Editor and within it you can enter the code needed to create your Future programs. coamudsoon atria one toate iterate aati tingencone ene sca print(*Hello everyone!”) ET 200 re cate sees vole BSTESEDD You can see that the same colour coding isin place Inthe IDLE Editor asitisin the Shel, enabling you tobetter understand what's going on with your code. However, to ‘execute the code you need to first save it. Press FS and you get a ‘ave...Check box open,PE (_ Saving and Executing Your Code Cl Enter a name for your code, ‘print hello for ‘example, and clickon the Save button. Once the Python code is savedit's executed and the output will be detalledin the IDLE Shell In this case, the words Hello everyone! FETTER Thisishow the vast majority of your Python code willbe conducted. Enter it into the Editor, hit FS, save the code and look atthe output inthe Shell. Sometimes things will fer, depending on whether you've requested a separate window, but essentially that’s the process.’ the process we will Use throughout this book, unless otherwise stated Ifyou open the file Location ofthe saved Python code, youcan see that it ends in apy extension. Thisis the default Python file name. Any code you create will be whatever py and any code downloaded from the many Internet Python resource sites will be oy. Just ensure that the code is written for Python 3 Lets extend the code and enter afew examples MAD cm the previous tutor 0-2 be2 rnane="David” surnane="Haynard” print(nane, surname) print Casb) IF you press FS now youll be asked to save the file, again, as t's been modified from before. EATEEEDD vou click the Ok button, the Fle willbe ‘overwritten wit the new code entries, and ‘executed, withthe output in the Shell I’s not a problem with just these Few tines butf you weretto edt a larger file, overwriting can become an issue. Instead, use File > Save As from within the Editor tocreate a backup, ie EB Fame in ito Wn Now create new fle. Close the Eto, and open Suid anew instance (File > New File from the Shell). Enter the following and save tas hello.py: ‘a="Python” be"is” c="cool!” print(a, b, ¢) ‘You will use this code in the next tutorial ie Se Fart in Entre ars bee = we webineatisconGetting Started with Python Executing Code from the Command Line COMMAND THE CODE Using the code we created in the previous tutorial, the one we named hello.py, let’s see how you can run code that was made inthe GUI at the command line level. Ez Python, in Linux, comes with two possible ways o EED Now you'e atthe command tine we can stat ‘executing code via the command line, One of the Python, For Python 3 you need to enter the h Python 2, whilst the other uses the Python 3 libraries and python3 and press Enter. This wll put you into the ‘on. First though, drop into the command line or Terminal on ll, with the familar three right. Your operating system, mens EED sm here you're able to enter the code you've : looked at previously, suchas: Windows users will . an2 printCa) You can see that it works exactly the same. rmacOS users can get access 9 their command line by licking Go > Utities » Terminal ‘80M Definitive Guide Series- Volume 24Executing Code from the Command Line cl Now enter: ext to eave the commandtine Pon Suz session and return you back to the command prompt. Enter the Folder where you saved the code from the previous tutorial and list the available Files within; hopefully you should see the hello.py file, Sy From within the same Folder asthe code you're ‘ing to run, enter the Following into the python3 hello. py This wll execute the code we created, which to remind yous: ‘as"Python” i— c="cool!” print(a, b, ¢) Naturally since this is Python 3 code, usin ae works when you use the python3 command. IF you ike, try the same with Python 2 by entering: python hello.py EED ‘The result of running Python 3 cade From the Python 2 command lin is quite obvious, Whitt esn't error out in any way, due to the differences between the way Python 3 handles the Print command over Python 2, the result Using Sublime For the moment, open the isn'ta we expecte hellopy file, ED he Raspberry Pi, you're going to temporarily leave the Pi For the moment and use Sublime as an example that you don't necessarily need to use the Python IDLE. With the hello. file open alter itto include the Following: Since Sublime Text isnt available For name=input¢“What is your name? “) print(*Hello,”, name) Save the helio.py file and drop back tothe commandline. Now execute the newly saved code with python3 hello. py ‘The result willbe the original Python is cool! statement, togethe with the added input command asking you For your name, and displaying tin the command window.C7} Getting Started with Python Numbers and Expressions Met eeu oe Sara ure or con Ave ru RTT Cette ns MR ee ore Re aaa VEU CN es aoa ea ea en ETE es] at] lcm (oll) UN aU n eat MPAA Coma eo en UB COUN Cm IT’S ALL MATHS, MAN You can get some really impressive results with the mathematical powers of Python; as with most, if not all, programming languages, maths isthe driving Force behind the code. BETTE open upthe Gul version of Python3,asmentioned IM You can use all the usual mathematical operations: ‘you can use either the Shell or the Editor. For the divide, multiply, brackets and so on, Practise with a time being, you're going to use the Shelljust to warm our maths ew, For example: ‘muscle, which we believe isa small gland located atthe backoFthe 4 brain (or not). 62 24283 Gs2)+"4) FETED |" the Shell enter the Following: BRTEEE MD Youve no doubt noticed, division produces a decimal number. In Python these are called fats, = ‘or floating point arithmetic. However, you need an integer as SSseesssz05 Shports decal ner tenn oe adoue sak vr You can see that Python can handle some quite large numbers. ET 220. cine sees vole‘You can also use an operation to see the remainder leftover From dhision, For example: 10/3 ‘ill display 3,333333333, which is of course 3.3-ecurting. you nowenter: 1083, ‘This will display 1, whichis the remainder let over From dividing 10 into 3, FETED Nex up we have the power operator, or ‘exponentiation if you wantto be technical. To work ‘ut the power of something you can use a double mutiplcation symbol or double-star onthe keyboard 203 3010 Essentially, i's 22x2 but we're sure you already know the basics bind maths operators. This show you would workt ou in Python. bing) C Numbers and Expressions Cl This wl be displayed as'0b11 converting the piEtg integer into binary and adding the prefix Ob to the Fron. Fyouwantt remove the Ob pref then you can use: format(3, *b’) ‘The Format command converts value, the number3,toa Formatted representation as controlled by the Format specification, the ' part. ‘Boolean Expression isa logical statement that will either be true or false. We can use these to compare data and test to see ifit’s equal to, less than or greater than. Try this inaNew File a=6 be? print(1, print(2, print, a == 6) a== 7) a == 6 and b == 7) print(4, a == 7 and b == 7) print(5, not a == 7 and b == 7) print(6, a print(?, print (8, print, Execute the code from Step 9, and you can see a series of True or False statements, depending on the result of the two defining values: 6 and 7. t's an extension of ‘what you've looked at, and an important part of programming. webineatisconC7} Getting Started with Python Using Comments Ue A OMAN IE cn URC come Ci inl Oey acl e ate NNEC Aol mice Mle mn Tet Coico Mey code line by line but over time, it can become difficult to read. #COMMENTS! Programmers use a method of keeping their code readable by commenting on certain sections. Ia variable is used, the ‘programmer comments on what it’s supposed to do, for example. I's just good practise. Stary cetng anew stance ofthe LE EBRor Su (File > New File) and create a simple variable and pane conman 10 print(“The value of A is,”, a) Save the file and execute the code, BEER Penning the code will return the line: The value of A is, 10intothe IDLE Shell window, which is what we ‘expected, Now, add some ofthe types of comments you'd normally see wichin code: # Set the start value of A to 10 o=10 # Print the current value of A print(“The value of A is,”, a) 22st Resave the code and execute. You cansee that the Burs) ‘output in the IDLE Shell is still the same as before, despite the extra lines being added. Simply put, the hash symbol (#) denotes atin of text the programmer can inset ifort, and others oF what's going on tout te user beng aware, ff yen 42 sal (ie Et Se Gets ene ren BRTEEE MD ets assume that the variable A that we've created Is the number of lvesina game. Every time the player dies, the value is decreased by 1. The programmer could insert aroutine along the lines of na-1 printC*You've just lost a life!”) printC*You now have”, a, “Lives left!”)¢ Using Comments Cl Whilst we know thatthe variable is lves, and thatthe player has just lost one, a casual viewer or ‘someone checking the code may not know. Imagine for a moment that the code i twenty thousand ines long instead of just our seven, You can see how handy comments are Essentially, the new code together with comments Bisa could look tke: # Set the start value of A to 10 0-10 # Print the current value of A print(“The value of A is,”, a) # Player lost a life! ona-1 # Inform player, and display current value of A lives) print(*You’ve just lost a life!”) printC*You now have”, a, “Lives teft!”) You can use comments in different ways, For example, Black Comments are a large section of text that details what's going on in the code, such as telling the code reader what variables you're planning on using! 4 This is the best game ever, and has been developed by a crack squad of Python experts # who haven’t slept or washed in weeks. Despite being very smelly, the code at Least # works really well. Inline comment re comments that follow section Sus of code. Take our examples from above, instead oF inserting the code on a separate line, we could use: =10 # Set the start value of A to 10 printC*The value of A is,”, a) # Print the current value of A ‘a-a-1 # Player lost a life! printC*You’ve just Lost a life!” printC*You now have”, a, “Lives Left!") # Inform player, and display current value of A (lives) FATED the comment, the hash symbol, can also be used to comment out sections of code you don't want to be ‘executed in your program. For instance if you wanted to remove the Fist print statement, you would use: # print(“The value of A is,”, a) I [eset the start value of A to 10 10 [e Peine the current value of A # printc"The value of A is)", ai] layer lost’ a life! fF Inform player, and display current value of A (Lives) Prant("You've just lost life!" Print(-You non have". a, “lives left!*) ‘Youalso use three single quotesto comment Suid ‘out a Block Comment or multiline section of comments, lace them before and afer the aresyou want to comment for them to work This is the best gane ever, and has been developed by a crack squad of Python experts who haven't slept or washed in weeks. Despite being very smelly, the code at Least works really Well. ———C7} Getting Started with Python Working with Variables AWARE Toney) LLYN 1) CoM Role Mm eon Reele|F-]kr-[eh aot ele S romantic cna ener ees iecieta) NU TON CUT oe VARIOUS VARIABLES You'll be working with the Python 3 IDLE Shell in this tutorial. IF you haven't already, open Python 3 or close down the pr IDLE Shelt to clear up any old code. Insome programing languages ore required Su" to.use a dollar sign to denote a string, which is a vavble made up of motile characters suchas a name of person, InPythonths bt necessry. For example inthe Shel enter name="David Hayward” (or use your own name, unless you're: eocaled Dad Hayuad, Bere You can check the type of variable in use by issuing the type () command, placing the name of the variable inside the brackets. In our example, this would be: ‘type name). Adda new string variable: title="Descended from Vikings”. ED sows vetnine cide Series- volume 34 Youve seen previously that arabes canbe Buss) concatenated using the plus symbol between the variable names. In our example we can use: print Cname + : * + title). The middle part between the quotations allows us to adda colon anda spice, as varibles are conected wut space, soweneedto ad them manvaly, 1s ES) oy Sts om EE You can also combine variables within another variable. For ‘example, to combine both name and tile variables into anew variable we use: bao es Bis a charactersnane +“: + title ‘Then output the content of the new variable as: print character) Numbers are stored as different variables: oge=44 Type Cage) Wich are integers as we know.0 ESTEE However, you can't combine both strings and integer type variables inthe same command, a5 You ‘would a set of similar variables. You need to either turn one into the ‘other oF vice versa, When you do try to combine both, you get an error message: print Cname + age) Bisa ‘Thisis a process known as TypeCasting, The Python codes: print (character +“ is “+ str(age) +“ years old.") oryou can use: print (character, s*, age, “years old.") Notice again thatin the last example, you don’tneed the spaces between the wordsin quotesas the commastreat each argument toprint separately >>> print (nane + age) Traceback (most recent call last): File “". line 1, in rane (nave + age} Typetrror: Can't convert “int object to str implicitly SbSprane (enaracter +! ar" + str(age) #" years old David Hayward: Descended fran Vikings is 44 years old. doo prant (character, "is", age, "years old.") David Hayward: Descended trom Vikings is 44" years old. ‘nother example of ypCasting when you askfor Suze input From the user, such as a name. for example, enter ‘age= input (“How old are you? *) All data stored from the Input commands stored asa string variable. fle Eat Shel Debug Options wndows ee Tule, 0ce 9 3078, THAT ae = Thispesets bit ofa problem whenyou want to Sus work with a number that's been inputted by the use. a5 ge + 10 wont work dve to beng 2sting arabe endan integer stead, you reed enter: intCage) + 10 ‘This will TypeCast the age string into an integer that can be ‘worked with. typettrer: can't cnwert "int" abject to str implicitly el ‘The use of TypeCasting is also important when Siar) dealing with floating point arithmetic; remember: numbers that have a decimal point in them. For example, enter: shirt=19.99 Now enter type(shint) and you'llse that Python has allocated the number as a float’, because the value contains a decimal point. le Eat shed Debug Options windows Help Python = (eens. Hype Sepprighe™ "eresite- or “License for mare information 33 petaniee) clas “fiat Z (aetaulk, Oct 18 2014, THRTTD ‘online nah auctor le E6t shel sua Optons windows ep ythan 3-43 (Seta, Bet 1 BONE, THRTTID (ee2.5°4) op tina ihe", Neredsts” or “License()” for more information. 55> Sypetantee) claet feat’? ———— (Working with Variables ClC7} Getting Started with Python User Input WATE TE Co) uid erie a ee Cen eR pea Reels ice ACR a eel oy earlier, so now would be a good time to Focus solely on how you would get information Pema cere ate ccnals USER FRIENDLY The type of input you want from the user depend greatly on the type of program you're coding. For example, a game may ask for a character's name, whereas a database can ask For personal details. BETSEDD is notalreads open the Python 31DLE Shell and start a New File inthe Editor. Let's begin with something really simple, enter: printc*Hetto”) firstnane=inputC*What is your first name? “) print¢*Thanks.") surnane=input(“And what is your surname? ) PEPPER save and execute the code, and as you already no doubt suspected, in the IDLE Shel the program will ask for your first name, storing itas the variable irstname, followed by your surname; also store in its own variable (curname). Fee yw sr nt T2204 "Now that we have the user'sname stored in a couple of variables we can call ther up whenever Siar) we want: printC*Welcone”, firstname, surname, “. T hope you're well today.”) FID rece yen cance shu oe ED so sect Toe tanec en print(‘Welcone”, firstnane, surnames. I hope you're well. today.")(User input Cl iG iP You don'tatways have to include quoted text within SAME out comand: For exarole, youcanaskthe user their name, and have the input inthe line below: print(*Hello. What’s your name?”) ‘nane=inputC) useringutpy - Jhome/pi/Documents/Python Code/us [Ele Edt Format fun Options windows Help ‘prant( Hello. Whats your nane?™) Panes input What youve created hres condon, which we Sus will cover soon. In short, we're using the input From theuser and measuring gansta condtion So, te user enters Davids the name, the guard willow them to pass unhindered Else, iF they enter aname other than David, the guard challenges, them toa fight. ESTEE The code from the previous steps often regarded asbeing alittle neater than having a lenathy ‘amount of text in the input command, butt’s not arule that's setin stone, so do as you lke in these situations. Expanding an the code, tay this print(“Halt! Who goes there?") ‘names input est Farmat Bin Stans wrsone 6p PEPIIED |: 2 g00d start to atext adventure game, perhaps? Now you can expand on it and use the raw input from the user to flesh out the game ite: ‘if name=="David”: print(*Welcome, good sir. You may pass.”) else: printC*I know you not. Prepare for battle!’ ESTEE ustes you learned previously, any input from a Users automatically a string, o you need to apply 2 ‘TypeCast in order to turn it into something else. This creates some Interesting additions to the input command. For example: # Code to calculate rate ond distance rint(*Input a rate and a distance”) rate = float CinputC*Rate: “)) rere year e rience Focus feaecimpereate: PETTSET DD 1 finalise the rate and distance code, we can ad distance = floatCinput(“Distance: “)) + Cdistance / rate)) Save and execute the code and enter some numbers. Using the Float(input element, we've told Python that anything enteredis a Floating point number rather than a string, print “Time: webineatisconC7} Getting Started with Python Creating Functions Now that you've mastered the use of variables and user input, the next step is to tackle CMten toa UA LMU EMM edo eee A Sn eco Te ol aa esTe.A) enables you to define your own Functions. FUNKY FUNCTIONS A function works on it and then returns the result, ‘2 command that you enter into Python to do something. Its a little piece of self-contained code that takes data, Iesnotjst tathat a funtion works on. They can Su" do all manner of useful things in Python, such as sot data change tems fom oneormattosnather and check the length or type of tems. Basically, a function is a short word that's Followed by brackets, For example, len0, list) or typed). FETED A function takes data, usually a variable, works on it depending on what the Function is programmed todo and,eturns the end value. The data being worked an goes Inside the brackets, so ifyou wanted to know how many letters are in the word antidisestablishmentarianism, then you'd enter: ‘Len¢“antidisestablishmentarianisn’) and the number 28, would return, NT 220i sees vole ‘You can pass variables through Functions in much BALE the came manner Letsassume you wantthe number of letters ina person's surname, you could use the following «ode (enter the text editor for tis example): ame=input (“Enter your surname: “) count=Len(name) print C*Your surname has“, count, “Letters in a) Press FS and save the code to execute it. Python has tens of functions builnt it, Fartoo ‘mary to getintoin the limited space available here. However, to view thelist of bultin functions available to Python 3, navigate to wowv.docs.python.org/3ibrary/Functions.html. These are the predefined functions, butsince users have created many ‘more, they're nat the only ones availabe.creatngrincions CEE Additional Functions can be added to Python through modules, Python has a vast range of ‘modules availabe that can cover numerous programming duties, They add Functions and can be imported as and when required, For example, to use advanced mathematics Functions enter ‘import math (Once entered, you have access tall the Math module functions Tose function from a mackie enter the name of Sua the module Followed by a full stop, then the name ‘of the Function. For instance, using the Math module, since youve just imported it into Python, you can utilise the square root Function Todoso, enter math. sqreCi6) ‘You can see thatthe code is presented as module function(data. FORGING FUNCTIONS ‘There are many different Functions you can import created by other Python programmers and you will undoubtedly come ‘across some excellent examples in the Future; you can also create your own with the def command. erica eee et eet erect Dae, food ee etree cens variable, the user's name for example. Edit roe Thi Hello Oe eae oer eee en) eet eee eee ie een teteee eer egress HelloC*David") eee STEP 4 usa eee gre ont Pe nee crate to.say hello to David. This is how modules and functions work: you ete Cee ee te eetestsC7} Getting Started with Python Conditions and Loops Conditions and loops are what makes a program interesting; they can be simple or rather complex. How you use them depends greatly on what the program is trying to achieve; they could be the number of lives left in a game or just displaying a countdown. TRUE CONDITIONS Keeping conditions simple to begin with makes learning to program a more enjoyable experience. Let's start then by checking if something is TRUE, then doing something else if it is't. Lets ceate new Python program that wilask Now youcan wean fstaterent to check the Su" the user to input a word, then check it to see iF it's Buss) word_length variable is equal to four and print afourletter word or not. Start with File> New File, and begin with Friendly conformation iit applies to the rule ee ero wordsinputC“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_Length=len(word: ‘if word_length print (word, “is a Four-Letter word. Well done.”) ‘The double equal sign (- something ele means checkif something is equal to PEPIIPD ow we can create anew variable, then use thelen [EBB the colon at the end off tells Python that if this Function and pass the word variable through it to statements true do everything after the colon get the total number of letters the user has just entered: that's indented, Next, move the cursor backto the beginning of —— = the Editor wordsinput(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_lengthelen(word) wordsinput(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_Length=LenCword) if word_length == 4: print (word, “is a four-letter word. Well 7 done.) else: print (word, “is not @ four-letter word.”) 220i cites voleConatonsandioos CORE PEED Press 5 and save the code to executeit. Enter FETED 01 expand the code to include another conditions a fourletter word in the Shellto begin with, you Eventually it could become quite complex. We've should have the returned message that it's the words our eters. added a condition For three etter words: Now press 5 again and erunthe program butthstime ente'2— orastnput*Please enter a Four-Letter word: “) Fiveletter word, The Shell wil depaythatsnot fouretter word, fora” Mou Tene, if word tength == 4: print (nord, “is a four-letter word. Well done.) elif word length print (Word, “is a three-letter word. Try again.”) else: print (word, “is not a four-letter word.) LOOPS eer eran eae ae ee Ne a eed block of code a number of times, usually with the support of a condition STEP 1 eseeoe statement. Like I, ESSER The For loop is another example. Foris used to Ese: Sete eres ors Sear ables inside square brackets. For exa = i prords=f*Cat™, “Doa®, “Unicorn? ee print GD) 3 print Cord} tt Fama fi Gore Yrs th Ve Me LI Eodrrrk,egy }phh SIeae 9 aS edad SreE CRE hucie ur preteen a Q poate ints the cu Ea le cet ee ees TKO) Be ees cs eee eee eee eteGetting Started with Python Python Modules MASTERING MODULES Think of modules as an extension that's imported into your Python code to enhance and extend its capabilities. There are countless modules available and as we've seen, you can even make your own, BED 2'cishgetthebitintnenswhinrton SED orn oak mote sophisticated programs. Asyou ste aware, modules Python Tolstals module we ean use Pp sal Packages) are thon sci tht are inperte, such 2s Inport ath Close down the LE shel and drop to a command prompt or Terminal session, At an elevated admin command prompt, enter: pip install pygame ED Sore reticsccnt ontario, REI nherenesoneurean cloned example on non Pi platforms isthe Pygame module, which contains click the result then click Run as Administrator. Linux and Mac users many functions to help create games. Try: mport pygame. 31 use the Sudo command, with sudo pip install package. ‘80M Definitive Guide Series- Volume 24(Pronmeaies (Python Modules ‘import pygame, the module will be imported into the code without any problems, Youll ind that most code downloaded or copied from the Internet will contain a module, mainstream of nique, these are usually the source of errorsin execution due to Close the command prompt or Terminal and relaunch the IDLE Shell when you now enter: them being missing. a ‘The madules contain the extra code needed to achieve a certain result within your own code, as we've previously experimented with. For example: ‘import random Bisa Brings in the code from the Random Number Generator module. You can then use this module to create something like: for i in range(10) printCrandom.randint(1, 25)) a This code, when saved and executed, will display ten Suze random numbers from 1 to 25. You can play around with the code ta display more or less, and fram a great or lesser range. For example: ‘import random for i in range¢es): rintCrandom.randint(1, 100)) ‘Multiple modules can be imported within your code. To extend our example, use import random import math for I in range(s): printCrandom.randint(1, 25)) print (math. pi) a ESTEE the cesultisa string of random numbers Followed by the value of Pi as pulled from the Math module using the print(math.pi Function. You can also pullin certain Functions from a module by using the From and import commands, such as: from random import randint for i in range(s): print(randint(L, 25)) a ‘This helps create a more streamlined approach to STEP 10 programming. You can also use import module ‘which willimport everything defined within the named module. However, it's often regarded as a waste of resources but it works nonetheless. Finally, modules can be imported as aliases: import math as m print(m.pid ‘Of course, adding comments helps to tell others what's going on. ttre Ctenistoameient ney 7 webineatiscon“It's OK to figure out murder mysteries, but you shouldn’t need to Figure out code. You should be able to read it.” — Steve McConnell (Software Engineer and Author) Datais everything. with it, you can display, control, add, remove, create and manipulate Python to your every demand. Over these coming pages we look at how you can create lists, tuples, dictionaries and multi-dimensional lists then how you can use them to forge exciting and useful programs. It's little wonder that data is now valued more than gold or oil. You will also learn how you can use the date and time Functions, write to Files in your system and even create graphical user interfaces that will take your coding skills to new levels and into new projectideas. Lists Tuples 34 56 58 Dictionaries 60 Splitting and Joining Strings 62 Formatting Strings 64 Date and Time 66 Opening Files Writing to Files 70 Exceptions Python Graphics esRee ou ole ue coo Le Re Leese cho ANT] Reo = E-Ceceo Ty eva a Se Keel enone d eu me Mm OU me D LE lce te) Ere Riel OMIT RCT WORKING WITH LISTS Lists are extremely handy in Python. list can be strings, integers and also variables. You can even include Functions in lists, TEP 1 ‘sign, then square brackets and the items separated by commas; ae numbers = [1, 4, 7, 21, 98, 156] mythical_creatures - [“Unicorn”, “Balrog”, “Vampire”, “Dragon”, “Minotaur”) Bes ge an meen FETEEERD (nce you've defined your list you can calleach by referencing ts name, followed by anumber. Lists start the first item entry as 0, Followed by 1,2, 3 and soon, For example: unbers To call up the entire contents ofthe lst. unbers[3] To cll the third From zero item in the lst (21 in this case), GET 200.4 Fe vo nasoncon roses annem ‘or the second to last item with [-2] and so on, Trying to reference an punbers[~1] imythical_creatures[~4] EERE icing is similar toindexing but you can retrieve ‘multiple ternsin alist by separating tem numbers with a colon. For example: punbers[1:3] vill output the 4 and 7, bing item numbers 1 and 2. Note thatthe returned values don't include the second index positon (as you ‘would numbers[1:3] to return 4,7 and 21).Se cnc tnatinencatota gro snr Ener everything Youcanview what canbe done wth sts by entering piEtg dir(list) into the Shell. The output is the available Functions, for example, insert and pop are used to add and remove items at certain postions. To insert the number 62 at item index 4 numbers. insert(4, 62) Toremovet: rnunbers .pop(4) ESTED ers can be added toa lst by entering nunbers=nunbers+[201] Or for strings: mythical_creatres=mythical_creatures+[“Gri ffin”] (Or by using the append Function: mythical_creatures.append(“Nessie”) ‘nunbers .append(278) Removal a tems can be done in two ways. The first Suze is by the item number: del nunbers{7] Alternatively, by item name: mythical_creatures. renove(“Nessie”) You also use the list function to break string down Into its components. For example: List¢“Davia") Breaks the name David into Da, V,7,'¢’. This can then be passed Ora toanewlist nanesList(“David Hayward”) ‘name age=[44] user = nane + age user Based on that, you can create a program to store someone'sname and age as alist: namesinputC“What”s your name?) ‘name=ListCname) ‘age=intCinput (“How old are you: “)) ‘lage=Lage] user = Iname + lage ‘The combined name and age lists called user, which canbe called by entering user into the Shel. Experiment and see what you can do, STEP 10 aTuples are very much identical to lists. However, where lists can be updated, deleted or changed in some way, a tuple remains a constant. This is called immutable and they're Pred ONE TCe THE IMMUTABLE TUPLE Reasons for having tuples vary deper 1g on what the program intended to do. Normally, a tuple is reserved for something special but they’re also used for example, in an adventure game, where non-playing character names are stored. ‘tuple created the same wayasa st but inthis Su" instance you use curved brackets instead of square brackets. For example months=C"January”, “February”, “March”, “April”, “May”, “June”) months ‘You can create grouped tuples into lists that contain SAD ici setsof dota Forinstonce,hereisa tuple ‘called NPC (Non-Playable Characters) containing the character name {and their combat rating For an adventure game: NPC=[C"Conan”, 100), (“Belit”, 80), (“Valeria”, 95)] BSTe EDD st as with sts, the tems within a named tuple can be indexed according to their position inthe data range, ie. rmonths[0] months[5] However, any attempt at deleting or adding to the tuple wil result inan errorin the Shel. ET 220i BATE 2h ofthese data items canbe accessed asa \whole by entering NPCinto the Shell or they canbe indexed according to their position NPC[0 You can also index the individual tuples within the NPC lst: ecco} 1) will display 100.Rsworhrtngttwhenfeerengrutie ETRE now snake tne ovo Susp tuples within a list, the indexing is slightly different Sus corresponding variables: ‘romthenar.Youweuldexpect re 95 combetratingoftNe eames conbotratingy Pe character Valeria to be NPCiA][S], but t's not. t's actually: wectzien ‘You can now check the values by entering name and combat. rating, FETT) Thismeans of course that the indexing Follows thus: ESUAINEMB Remember, as with sts, you can also index tuples in — Using negative numbers which count backwards ao : From the end of the data lis. For our example, using the tuple with — = multiple data items, you would reference the Valeria character with 1 om Necrz]£-0) 1,0 \which as you canimagine, getsa tle confusing when you've got a lotof tuple data to dea with. Tuples though utlse a Feature called unpacking, EE ‘You can use the max and min functions to find the BMD etre dat tems stored within tule are SALMA rest and lowest vues cf a tuple composed of assigned variables First create the tuple with two tems (name and numbers. For example: combat rating): humbers=(10.3, 23, 45.2, 109.3, 6.1, 56.7, 99) aheneiesrniaeninal ‘The numbers can be integers and Fits. To output the highest and lowest, se: printCnaxCnunbers)) Payee See TT printGminCnunbers)) ————Dictionaries PMP ear Us AUN me Ceol a Leek M VA Mo EA e ne] AN OTe eRe Ke RM Kees a eoke ack Nea tea le a oth eCe) ITED Reo] Uno ol men Kaos oa KEY PAIRS jonary is like a list but instead each data item comes as a pair, these are known as Key and Value. The Key part must be ‘unique and can either be a number or string whereas the Value can be any data item you like. FE cs csincntocencsskaonn ion REE sissies ucoonaheconas Decannenaie seme TANE Nee pemmannseuenee ahem ese Key:Value. For example: entered ina similar Fashion toa list, whch you're no doubt Familiar phonebook={“Enma”: 1234, “Daniel”: 3456, “Hannah: Whby now. 6789} ESTEE st as with most ists, tuples and so on, strings EATER The benefit of using a dictionary is that you reed be enclosed in quotes (single or double), can enter the key to index the value. Using the whist integers cn beet open. Remember thatthe valve can be phonebook example from the previous steps you can enter eiterastingoraniegeryeunstneedtoeresseTereE nook sean”) 8 phonebook“Hannah”] phonebook2={“David”: “@987 654 321”} ET 201i sees vole 4‘Adding toa dictionary is easy too. You can include a new data tem entry by adding the new key and value items ike: phonebook[“David"] = “0987 654 321” phonebook Next youneedtodefne the user nputs and Sus variables: one for the person's name, the other Torther phone number let's eepitampleto avid nat Python code): ame=inputC“Enter name: “) hunber=intCinputC“Enter phone nunber: *)) BETTIE You can also remove items from a dictionary by Issuing the del command followed by the tems key; the value will be removed as wel, since both work as a pai of data items: del. phonebook[“David"] Tsing thease rer Now aout crating» STEP 7 piece of code that will ask the user for the dictionary key and value items? Create a new Editar instance and start by coding in a new, blank dictionary: phonebook={} STE! "Note we've kept the number as an integer instead (of a string, even though the value can be both ~aninteger ora string, Now you need to add the user inputted variables to the newly created blank dictionary. Using the same process as in Step 5, you can enter: phonebook{nane] = nunber aan Now whenyousave and execute the code, Peon Suid will ask for a name and a number. it will then insert those enresinta the phonebook dctonay, hich you canest by enternginta the Shel phonebook phonebook[“David"] IF the number needs to contain spaces you need to makeita string, so remove the int part of the input. wurbémpubicatonscom Gyz= Working with Data ) Splitting and Joining Strings MMT Ke Uae Re eM AM eam el AME Mee at MRR NTT Uae ol Lee come across long sets of strings. A useful skill to learn in Python programming is being able to split those long strings For better readability. STRING THEORIES, You've already looked at some list functions, using insert, .remove, and .pop but there are also Functions that can be applied tostrings. STEERED The main tool in the string function arsenalis spit. [ESTESEMD Note thatthe text spit parthas the brackets, With you're able to split aparta string of data, uotes, then a space followed by closing quotes bbased on the argument within the brackets. For example, here's __and brackets. The space isthe separator, indicating that each lst string with three items, each separated by a space: item entry is separated by a space. Likewise, CSV (Comma Separated Value) content has a comma, so you'd use: ‘text="January, February,March, April May, June” monthsstext.split(",”) ‘text="Daniel Hannah Emma” Noniutswnbestigivoatandsitine — ETRESF Yove previous eennonyoucnslasirg Suse content accordingly: ue into individual letters as a list, using a name: names=text.split(* “) ‘name=List(“David") rane Then enter the name of the new list; names, to see the three items ‘The retumed value is‘D ‘d. Whilst it may seem alittle useless under ordinary circumstances, t could be handy for creating aspeling game for example, IT) 220i sees voleC Splitting and Joining Strings Cl Fe conc sontinans on no ‘alphabet="”. join([“a”,"b”,"c”,"d”,"e"]) ‘alphabet. ‘This will display ‘abcde’ the Shel. Aswiththe split funtion, the separator doesit piEtg have to be a space, it can also be a comma, a full ‘stop, a hyphen or whatever you like: “Red”, “Green”, “Blue"] -JoinCcolours) ETE You can therefore apply jinto the separated name youmadein Step 4, combining the letters again to form thename: ‘nane="".joinCnane) ‘We've joined the string back together, and retained the list called ‘name, passing it through the Join Function. FR cc cortctcny oe nici en — list=[“Conan”, “raised”, “and”, “struck”, “the”, texts" “.join(list) a “his”, “mighty”, “sword”, ‘demon™] "Note the space between the quotes before the join Function (where there were no quotes in Step 6's join) ERTESERD there's some interesting Functions you apply toa string, suchas. capitalize and title. For example: ‘titLe="conan the cimmerian” title.copitalize() title. titled ‘oucan ao ute osc operators onstrngs, Suid ‘with the ‘in’ and ‘not in’ functions. These enable you to check if a string contains (or does not contain) a sequence of harcters message="Have a nice day” “nice” in message oad not in nessage “day” not in message “night” in message az= Working with Data Formatting Strings When you work with data, creating lists, dictionaries and objects you may often want Pormset treet ee ranch cei nectar ened earlier versions of Python tended to complicate matters. STRING FORMATTING Since Python 3, string Formatting has become a much neater process, using the format Function combined with curly brackets. It’s a more logical and better formed approach than previous versions. Trebascfomstiginrtonitocaeach RETR) oucanocuae ao ince rte hemi Su" variable into the string using the curly brackets: Buss) nunber=10000 ‘name="Conan” print(“{} of {} was a skilled mercenary, printC*The barbarian hero of the Hyborian Age is: and thief too. He once stole {} gold from a £0”. formatCnane)) merchant..”.format(nane, place, nunber)) ESTEE Remember to close the print function with two sets EESSWAM There are many different ways to apply string of brackets, as you've encased the variable in one, formatting, some are quite simple, as we've shown {and the print Function in another. You can include multiple cases of you here; others canbe significantly more complex. Ital depends string formatting ina single print Function: ‘on what you want from your program. A good place to reference Frequently regarding string Formatting is the Python Docs webpage, Found at www.docs-python.org/3.1/ibrary/string. html. Here, you will Find tons oF help ‘name=""Conan” place="Cinmeria” printC*{} hailed from the North, in a cold land known as {}".format(name, place)) TD coves oetnie uid Series- Volume 24e Formatting Strings Cl \ Interestingly you can reference alist sng the sting Sua Formatting Function. You need to place an asterisk in front ofthe list name: nunbers=1, 3, 45, 567546, 3425346345 printC“Some numbers: {}, (, {t, fh, 0”. format (*nunbers)) BEPPD wien indexing in tists, the same apples to calng a lst using tring Formatting. You can index each tem according to its poston (rom 0 to however many are present runbers=1, 4, 7, 9 print(‘More nunbers: {3}, {0}, (2, {1}.”. format *nunbers)) ‘dt you probably suspect, you can mixstngs Suze and integers in a single list to be called in the Format function characters=[“Conan”, “Belit”, “Valeria”, 19, 27, 20) print C“{0} is {3} years old. Whereas {1} is {4} years old.”. format(*characters)) Youcanals printout the content of user nput Sus in the same Fashion: hame=inputC“What"s your nane? “) printC‘Hello {}.”.format (name) STE! You can extend this simple code example to display the firstletter in a person's entered name: ame=inputC“What”s your name? “) printC*Hello {}.”.format(name)) Iname=List(name) printCThe first Letter of your nane is a {0}". format¢*Lname)) FP onset nnasarr tac ncomc hames=[“Conan”, “Belit”, “Valeria”] ages=[25, 21, 22] Creating two ists. Now you can cll each ist, and individual tems: printC*{0[0}} is {1(0]} years old. Whereas {0[1]} is {1[1]} years old.”.format(nanes, ages)) webineatisconDate and Time PMO RR en eCoie numer reco a cB Eo eure racers inna erscuiur Iofm WACOM Rte melee ane R en Relea MaRS nea con ea MIT mere Com TIME LORDS ‘The Time module contains Functions that help you retrieve the current system time, reads the date From strings, Formats the time and date and much more. Feayouneedtoingatie rine modi kone TRAE Youcensee estucweothow ne speed su" that’s built-in to Python 3 so you shouldn't need to Buss) byentering: drepinto commons promot andpip sta Once SIMON, ene: tocat etme) you can callthe current time and date wth a simple commane: mens ‘The outputis dsplayedas such: "time, struct _timeCtm. ‘time. asctime() year=2017, tmmon=9, tmmday=7, tm_hour=9, : ‘tmunine6, tmsec=13, tmnday=3, tmyday=250, tm ‘isdst=0)'; obviously dependent on your cutrenttime as opposed to the time this book was writen ESTEE Thetime function sspit into nine tuples, these are EEE There are numerous functions built into the Time divided up into indexed items, a with any other ‘module. One of the most common of these is tuple, and shown in the screen shot below. strftime0. With t, you're able to present a wide range of arguments ‘as it converts the time tuple into a string. For example, to display the ‘current day of the week you can use: = a tine strftime( x4’) © aor yar aoe : ei = is Stra! Meco “mn fo re neti 5 second 0 to 6 (60 61 ae hap Seconds) 6 bay ot week 006 (0% Mendy) 7 Dayo ear 1 t 366 (tan dy) © Dayton saungs 1,0, 1,1 means rary determines OST I 220i7 (. Date and Ti (Date and Time Cl ‘This naturally means you can incorporate various SME Fncionsintoyour on code suchas time. strFtimeC*%a") time. strFtimeC“%B") time. strFtimeC“%b") time. strFtimeC“%H") time. strFtimeC“HAN") ‘You saw at the end of the previous section, inthe BALD coco clelct Pito however many decal laces the users wanted, you can time a particular event in Python, Take the code from above and alter it slightly by including stort_time=time.timeC) ‘Then there's: endtime=time. timeC)-stort_time ea FETED (Note the last two entries, with 6H and HM, as ¥you can see these are the hours and minutes and as the last entry indicates, entering them as %H¥6M doesn't display the Lume correctly in the Shell. You can easily rectify this with: time. strFtimeC“xH:90") FEED tres sve guste sts ay ‘import: time nanesinputC“Enter Login name: “) printC*Melcone”, name, “\d”) print¢“User:”, name, “logged in at”, time. strftime“#H:36")) ‘Try to extendit Further to include day, month, year and so on ERTERER the output wil ook similar to the screenshot below. ‘The timer Function needs tobe either side ofthe input statement, as that’s when the variable name is being created, ‘depending on how long the user took to login. The length of time is then displayed on the last tine ofthe code asthe endtime variable. ‘There's a lot that can be done with the Time module; some of iis quite complex too, such as displaying the number of seconds since January 1st 1970. you ‘want to drill down Further into the Time module, then in the Shell center:help(time) to cisplay the current Python version help file forthe Time module. aIn Python you can read text and binary files in your programs. You can also write to file, een en lel enscaect Cen Matar l eller acca vetlc) output and store data from your programs. OPEN, READ AND WRITE In Python you create a file object, similar to creating a variable, only pass ‘categorised as text or binary. FETED s2rtbyentering sometextintoyoursystem'stext EIB ryounow enter poem into the Shell, you will get editor. The text editors best, not a word processor, some information regarding the text file you've just {85 word processors include background formatting and other ‘asked to be opened. You can now use the poem variable to read the elements. In our example, we have the poem The Cimmerisn, by contents of the file: Robert E Howard. You need to save the file as poem.txt, poem. read¢) Note than a mn entry inthe text represents a new tine, as you used previously. BETES You use the opend functionto passtherleintoa EAM iF you enter poem read a second time you will variable as an object. You can name the file object ‘notice thatthe text has been removed from the fle. anything you like, but you will need to tell Python the name and —-—-_-Youwill need to enter: poem-open(“/home/pi/Documents/ location of the text file you're opening: Poem. txt”) againto recreate the fil. This time, however, enter: oemsopen("/home/pi/Documents/Poem. txt”) printpoem.read()) This time, the n entries are removed in Favour of new lines and readable text. I 220i sees vole 4Aantewihiesci dconisanton— EERERF) tennis hte yu cnet STE ‘you're able to index individual characters of the Sus grab all the lines of the text and store them as tert For example mull sts These con then be stredas avarble oem. read(s) poen=openchone/pi/Docunents/Poem. txt”) Displays thes five characters, whist again entering eR poem. read(5) lines[1) lines(2] ‘will display the next Five. Entering (1) will display one character at atime. ESTED Sirilary, youcan display onetine of textatatime by Ea You can also use the For statement toread the lines Using the readline() Function. For example: of text backto us: oem=open("/home/pi/Docunents/Poem.txt") for Lines in Lines: poem. readline() print(Lines) Will display the first line ofthe text with ‘Since this is Python, there are other ways to produce the same output: poen.readlineC) oemsopen(“/home/pi/Documents/Poem. txt”) for Lines in poem: Displaying the next line of text once more. —— | Peaster em veumostneguedtiatyvcnpesiie — EEREREE etsnsonettyounartn rstat one Suse readline() Function into a variable, thus allowing you STEALO character at a time, like an old dot matrix printer to call tagain when needed: ‘would, You can use the Time module med with what you've looked poemsopenC“/hone/pi/Docunent's/Poem. txt") fasmmeaal ‘Vine=poen.readlineQ) import tine line oem=open(/home/pi/Document's/Poem. txt") ‘Tines=poemn.read() for Lines in lines: printClines, end=”") ‘time.sleepC.15), ‘The outputis un to view, and easly incorporated into your own code. aMeron rn ie nna aM cecal M Maree OPCS eee Mec AOC mitr rks tet eter iets) afile, that you can then read() back into Python. WRITE AND CLOSE The write() Function is slightly more complex than read(). Along with the filename you must als determines whether the file in question isin read or write mode. \lude an access mode which ESTEERDD %2"tby opening IDLE and enter the Following TERED tHowever, the actual text file still blank (you can check by opening it up). This is because youve SARL ‘writen the line of text to the file object but not committeditto the can file itself, Part ofthe write() Function i that you need to commit the CChange the destination from /home/pi/Documents to your own changes to the ile; you can do this by entering: system Thiscode wil crete text file clledtext2xtinwite mode. ergcecy Using the variable‘ f there's no file ofthat namein the location, it * will create one. Fone already exits, it wll overwrite it, so be careful Sige Poel apc Yom. nee ron FETED You can now wrtetothetext fle using the write) — EES ifyou now open the text file witha text editor, Function. This works opposite to read, writing lines you can see that the line you created has been Instead of reading them. Try this: ‘written tothe file. This gives us the foundation for some interesting possiblities: perhaps the creation of your own log file or even the beginning of an adventure game. ‘t.write(“You awake in a small, square room. A single table stands to one side, there is a Locked door in front of you.”) [Note the 109. [t's the number of characters you've entered. ——- - ryten3.425re| IT 220i cite sees vole 4‘To expand this code, you can reopen the file using HEED Youcan pass variables toa file that you've created Susp ‘a’, For access or append mode. This will add any text Sus jin Python, Perhaps you want the value of Pito be atthe end ofthe original line instead of wiping the file and creating written to file. You can call Pi from the Math module, create anew ‘anew one, For example: file and pass the output of Pinto the new file: ‘teopen(/home/pi/Documents/text .txt”,"a") import math tenmitteC*\n") printC*Value of Pi is: “,math.pi) t.write(" You stand and survey your surroundings. print(“\nliriting to a file now") On top of the table is some meat, and a cup of water.\n”) FETTER You can keep extending the text ine by line, STE! Now let's create a variable called piand assign tthe tending each with anew line \n). When you're value of Pi done, finish the code with t.close() and open the file in atext == editor to see the results: pismath.pi tawritec“The door is made of solid oak with iron’ YoUs#s need to create anew filein which towne Pt: strips. It’s bolted from the outside, Locking you t=open(““/home/pi/Documents/pi.txt”,"w") in. You are a prisoner!.\n") ticloseO Remember to change your file location to your awn particular system setup, Tieewerainnonrtfie xaastocnice: TREE Toren yu conse svgtematingta che Suze using the open() Function. Each depends on how the Susy variable and write it to the file, then commit the fleisacessed and eventhe postion ofthe cursor ror example, r+ changes and cose te le: coeafieinveandwrteadpnestheceera testo waeacnatue of PLA8! (7 fOrHtCODD erie. ‘t.close() You can see from the results that you're able to pass any variable to afile, wurmbémpubicatonscom GyMeare em Tot Ure Reo rare re Lea Reo cree erties et mh eterna aia ce Rms Milter cr ururnlc arenas EXCEPTIONAL OBJECTS Rather than stop the Flow of your cot , Python includes exception objects which handle unexpected errors in the code. You ‘ean combat errors by creating conditions where exceptions may occur. FETE You can create an exception error by simplytrying EIB youcanuse the functions raise exception to create to divide a number by zero. Tis will report back ‘our own error handling code within Python. Le’s with the ZerobivisionError Division by zero message, as seen in the assume your code has you warping around the cosmos, too much scteenshot, The ZeroDivisionError partis the exception class,of however results in 8 warp core breach. To stop the game from Which there are many, ‘exiting due tothe warp core going supernova, you can create 3 ‘custom exception: raise Exception(‘warp core breach”) arora non doyecmelenanecereiaesnon venice ee erence oti esos c Seton eee senate oe cant atone see ne meetin hm 6 8 A 00 tn ites one 4(_ Exceptions Cl For example, use the divide by zea err. Youcan Susp create an exception where the code can handle the error without Python quitting due to the problem: try: ‘a=intCinputC“Enter the first nunber beintCinputC*Enter the second nunber: print (a/b) except ZeroDivisionérror: printC*You have tried to divide by zero!”) else: printC*You didn’t divide by zero, Well done!") ? >) ‘Naturally, you can quickly fix the issue by changing Sus the “r” read only instance with a “w* for write. This, asyouabeady now, wl ceste the fle andunte the content then Committe changes to thee, The end est wil eport ferent setof crcumstances, nts cit, a sucessful execton othe code FETTER You can use exceptions to handle a variety of useful tasks. Using an example from our previous tutorials, let’s assume you want to openafile and write to it try: ‘txt = opent“/home/pi/Documents/textfile.txt”, “r”) txt.nriteC“This is a test. Normal service will shortly resume!) except I0Erro print (“Error: unable to write the file. Check permissions”) else: print (“Content written to file successfully. Have a nice day.”) ‘txt. closeQ) TEER AD Obviously this won't work due tothe file textile txt being opened as read only the “” part). Soin this, case rather than Python telling you that you're doing something wrong, you've created an exception using the |OErrar class informing the user that the permissions are incorrect You can also use a finaly: block, which works ina similar Fashion but you cant use else with it. To use ‘our example rom Step 6: tr ‘txt = open(“/home/pi/Documents/textfile.txt”, “r”) te txtawriteC“This is @ test. Normal service will shortly resume!) finally: print (“Content written to file successfully. Have @ nice day.”) ‘txt.closeQ, except I0Error: print “Error: unable to write the file. Check permissions”) =—=—==——. PEPTET DD 2 before anecror will occur as you've used the read-only permission. Fyou change Itto a "w", then the cade will execute without the errar being displayed inthe IDLE Shell. Neeclessto say, it can be a tricky getting the exception code right the First time, Practise though, and you will get the hang oft. smn eoscamMCR M Neen eer eel ue Rm ey cel cnet eae will come a time when a bit of graphical representation wouldn't go amiss. Python 3 Pee Meee menace tena cattle GOING GRAPHICAL You can draw simple graphics, lines, squares and so on, or you can use one of the many Python modules available, to bring out some spectacular effects ‘One of the best graphical modules to begin learning a Python graphics is Turtle, The Turtle module is, as tre amesusgsts asd onthe ture bot wsed nay seo, Gatean be rograrined to dow sorting ona age oF paeronthe oor The Tutlemedl canbe mpd Sport ture. Let's begin by drawing a simple circle, Start a New Siar File, then enter the following cade: ‘import turtle turtle. circle(sa) turtle. getscreen()._root.mainLoop() ‘As usual pressF5 to save the code and execute it. A new window will, ‘now open up and the Turtle’ will raw a circle FED 200s vetnine uid Series- volume 34 The command turtle cee) hat ras the Buss) circle on the screen, with 50 being the size. You can play acound with theses you te, golng upto 10, 150 and beyond: you can draw an arc by entering: tuntLeseincLeCsey 180), where the sizes 50, but you'e telling Python to only draw 180" ofthe cle. BRED the last part of the circle code tells Python to keep the window where the drawing istaking place to remain open, sothe user can cckto closet. Now let's make a square: import turtle print (“Drawing @ square.) for t in rangeca): ‘turtle. forward(100) turtle. leFt(90) turtle. getscreen()._root .mainloop() ‘You can see that we've inserted a loop to draw the sides of the square, =Python Graphics cl PTSD) You can add anew line to the square code to add some colour: turtle.colorc*Red”) ‘Then you can even change the character to an actual turtle by entering: turtle. shopeC“turtle”) You can also use the command turtle. begin ALLO, and turtLe.end_fl1© tofillin the square withthe chosen colours; ed outline, yellow filin this case, from turtle import * color(‘red’, ‘yellow’) begin fL1C) while True: Forward(200) leFtC170) if abs(pos()) < 1: break end_Al1O done Isa different method, butvery effective FETED nother way in which you can display graphicsis by using the Pygame module. There are numerous ‘ways in which pygame can help you output graphics to the screen but for nowlet’s loka displaying a predefined image. Start by ‘opening a browser and Finding an image, then save itt the Folder Where you save your Python code. oc si Ss Now let’ get the code by importing the Pygame module ‘import pygane ygane. init) ‘img = pygane. image. Load“RPi.png”) white = (255, 255, 255) w= 900 h= 450 screen = pygane.display. set_mode((n, h)) screen. fill((white)) screen. fill(Cwhite)) screen. blitCing, (0,0) pygane.display.fiipO while True: for event in pygane.event.get(): if event.type = pygane.QUIT: ygane.quit() Inthe previous step you imported pygame, initiated the pygame engine and asked to import our saved Raspberry P logo image, saved as RPi.png. Next you defined the background colour of the window to display the image and the ‘window size as per the actual image dimensions. Finally youhavea loop to clase the window. Sar) w = 900 h = 450 screen = pygame display.set_mode((w, h)) screen. fill((white)) screen. fill((white)) screen.blit(img,(0,0)) pygame. display. #lip() while True: for event in pygame.event.get(): if event. type == pygame. QUIT: pygane.quit() PPT Press FS to save and execute the code and your image willbe displayedin a new window. Havea play around with the colours, sizes and so on and take time to look tp the many functions within the Pygame module too. RaspberryPiIndex ) “First, solve the problem. Then, write the code.” — John Johnson (Developer and author) FA) coves Detnkive Guide Series: Volume 24Using Modules ‘Python modules simply a Python- created source file which contains the necessary and unique code for custom classes, Functions and global variables. You can bind and reference modules to extend functionality and create even more spectacular Python programs. Want to see how to better use these modules to add a little something extra to your code? Then read on and learn how they can be used to Fashion Fantastic code. There's even some basic animations in this section, to help you get more from the Python modules. 76 78 80 82 88 90 Calendar Module OS Module Random Module Tkinter Module Pygame Module Basic Animation Create Your Own Modules wonabdmpubcatonscom — (8@) Using Modules ) Calendar Module WORKING WITH DATES The Calendar module is bul into Python 3. However, if For some reason it’s not installed, you can add it using pip install calendar as a Windows administrator, or sudo pip install calendar for Linux and macOs. Itisloaded into memory stat by entering ‘sep=calendar. TextCalendar(calendar.. SUNDAY) call up the module and its inherent Functions, Once ssep.prmonth(2019, 9) fle Eat Sheh_pebug aptons widow Help aT 25538) You can see thatthe days of September 2019 are displayed in a wal calendar fashion. Naturally you can change the 2019, 9 part ofthe second tine to any year and ‘month you want, a birthday or example (1973, 6).The first-line configures TextCalendar to starts weeks an a Sunday, you can opt for Monday if you prefer. ie tat Sh tn soto done eee TEL oa OT DFE) 201. ote cite sees olan Launch Python 3 and enter: import calendar to ‘There are numerous functions within the Calendar Buss) ‘module that may be of interest to you when Forming your own code, For example, you can display the number of leap years between two specific years Leops-calendar. Leapdays(1900, 2019) printCleaps) The results 29, starting from 1904 onward. le Edt Shel Rebus Options Yndow He Python 3-5-3 (defo, Sep 27 208, 17525538) ype “copyright, ereaite" or “License()* for sore information Se aiaet cllndar 325 1SipescSlendar-Leapdeys(2900, 2019) 255 Rite) You could even fashion that particular example into apiece of working, user interactive Python code: import calendar print(“s>>>>>>>>>Leap Year Calculator<>>Backup completecccececeee”) °° /nome/pi/Documents* “/nome/pi/backup/? + time.asctimeC) \ OS Module CH@) Using Modules ) Random Module RANDOM NUMBERS There are numerous Functions: Python programs. in the Random module, which when applied can create some interesting and very useful “ust as ith other modules ounces toimport Su" random before you can use any of the functions we're going to look at n this tutorial. Let's begin by simply printing @ random number from 1to 5: ‘import random printCrandomint(0,5)) Inour example Suse the number Four ie Bi Shek cea ere dow was retuned However enter ther function afew more tines rdw pay erent integer values fromthe sear numbers given, eo fe The overal effect athough pseudo fandom s adequate forthe average programmer to ulise in ther code Fora bigger set of numbers, including floating point values, you can extend the range by using the ‘multiplication sign ‘import random printCrandom.random() *100) Will display a floating point number between 0 and 100, tothe tune ‘of around Fifteen decimal points. DD) 201 ote cite sees one However. the Random module aitused exclusely Bu for numbers. You can use it to select an entry From a lst From random, and thelist can contain anything: import random random. choi ce¢ Conan’ “Belit”)) This will display one of the names of our adventurers at random, which isa great addition toa text adventure game. , “Valeria” You can extend the previous example somewhat by having random. choice select from a list of mixed variables. For instance: import random Lst=[“David”, 44, “BOM Publications”, 3245.23, “pi”, True, 3.14, “Python”] nd=random. choiceCIst) print(rnd)Interesting, you can ao wea funtion whine Suz Random module to shuffle the items in the list, thus adding te more randomness into the equation: random. shuffleClst) print(ist) ‘This way, you can keep shuffling the list before displaying a random item from it PER Using shure, you can create an entirely random list cof numbers, For example, within a given range: ‘import randon Lst=[[i] for I in range(20)) random. shuffle(Lst) print(lst) Keep shuffling the list and you can havea different selection of items from 0to 20 every time. PEPTID) You can also select.a random number framagiven range in steps, using the start, stop step loop: ‘import random for i in rangeC10): printCrandom.randrange(®, 200, 7)) Results will vary but you get the general idea as to how it works (Random Module CH Levsuse an example pec of code whch ipsa Sus) virtual coin ten thousand times and counts how many times iwil land on heads o tails: import random output={*Heads”:0, “Tails”:0} coin-listCoutput.keys()) for i in rangec10000): ‘output[random. choi ceCcoin)]+=1 print(‘Heads:”, output[“Heads”]) print(“Tails:”, output[“Tails”]) Here's an interesting piece of code. Using atext file containing 466 thousand words, you can pluck ‘user generated number of words from the file (text file Found at: ‘www. github.com/dwyl/english-words} import random print(>ss>>5s>>>Random Word Findercccceceece") printC*\nUsing a 466K English word text file I con ick any words at random.\n”) wds=intCinputC*\nHow many words shall I choose? » with openC“/home/pi/Downloads/words.txt”, “rt™) as ‘words = F.readlinesC) words = [w.rstrip() for w in words] printc* =) for w in random.sample(words, wds): printw) printc* wventinosictoncn GIz= Using Modules) Tkinter Module GETTING GUI = Tkinter i usualy built into Python 3, However, iFit's available when you enter: import tkinter, then youneedtopip install tkinter fromthe command prompt, ‘We can start to import modules differently than before, to save on typing and by importing all their contents: ‘import tkinter as tk from tkinter import * PEPER is not cecommended to import everything From a ‘module using the asterisk but it won't do any harm ‘normally Let's begin by creating a basic GUI window, enter: windsTkO This createsa small, basic window. There's nat much else ta doat this point but click the Xin the corner to close the window. WED) 201 ore cite seis olan er is easy to use but there's a lot more you can do with it. Let's start by seeing how it works and getting some code into it. Before long you will discover just how powerful this module reall FSTEEE DD The ideal approach i to add mainioop() nto the code to control the Tkinter event oop, but well, ‘get to that soon, You've just created a Tkiter widget and there are several more we can play around with: ben=Button() ben. pack() ben{“text”]="Hello everyone!” ‘The first line Focuses on the newly created window. Click back nto the Shell and continue the other lines. ‘You can combine the above into a New File ‘import tkinter as tk from tkinter import * btn=Button() ben.pack() ben['*text”]="Hello everyone!” ‘Then add some button interactions: def clickO: print(*You just clicked me!”) ben{“conmand™}=click(Tkinter Module cl EPTSIDD Seve and execute the code from Step S anda window appears with ‘Hello everyone! inside. IF you click the Hello everyone! button, the Shell will output the text You justclicked met. I's simple but shows you what can be achieved with 2 few lines of code. FEPID) You can also display both text and images within a Tkinter window. However, nly GIF, PGM or PPM Formats are supported. So find an image and convertit before using the code. Here's an example using the BDM Publishing logo: from tkinter import * root = Tk ‘logo = Photolnage(file="/hone/pi/Dowloads/BOM_Logo.. aif") WL = Label(root, root. titleC“BOM Publications”), ‘image=1ogo).pack(side="right”) content = “”” From its hunble beginnings in 2004, ‘the BOM brand quickly grew from a single publication produced by a team of just tno to one of the biggest ‘names in global bookazine publishing, for two simple reasons. Our passion and conmitnent to deliver the very best product each and every volume. While ‘the company has groan with a portfolio of over 250 publications delivered by our international staff, ‘the foundation that it has been built upon renains ‘the sane, which is why we believe BOM isn’t just tthe first ‘choice it’s the only choice for the snart consumer.” W2 = Label(root,, justi fysLEFT, padx = 10, ‘textacontent).pack(siden" Left”) root .nainloop© The previous code is uite weighty, mostly due tothe content variable holding apart (oF BOM's About page From the company website. You can obviously change the content, the root title and the image to suit your needs. ETP You con create radio buttons too. Tr from tkinter import * root = TkO v = IntvarQ) Label (root, root.titleC“Options”), tex a preferred language:”*”, justify = LEFT, padx RadiobuttonCroot, text="Python”, padx = 20, varioble=v, value=1).packCanchor=WW) RadiobuttonCroot, texte", padx = 20, variable=v, value=2).packCanchor=") rmaintoop() from tkinter import * root = Tk) def var_states() printC‘Warrior: %d,\nMage: Xd” % (varl.get(, var2.getQ)) Label root, root.titleC“Adventure Gane”), texte”>>>>s>>59>Your adventure rolecceceece=800 or pos(0) while True: xa = -xa # Lock the franerate at 50 FPS gui -updateC) time.sleep(.025) balla Remove the code you entered in Step 2 and insert the code From Step 5 ints place; again, between the canvas .create_oval(5,5,60,60, fill="red?) {and the gui .mainL.oop() tines. Save the code and Run it as normal you've entered the code correctly, then you wil se the red ball bbounce off the edges of the window until you close the program. clock. tick(S0) # Handle events for event in pygane.event.get(): if event.type == pygame. QUIT: return screen. fl1((0,0,0)) move_and_draw_stars(screen) pygame. display. flip() if —_nane__ == “_nain BSA The bouncing animation moh — takes place within the : det main While True loop. First, we have the values (of xa and xy before the op, bath of § and 10. The pos=canvas.coords(bal11) line takes the value of the balls location in the window. when it reaches the limits of the window, 800 or 600, will make the values FED icc honsiarncroeue rene ‘New File and entering import pygame from random import randrange MAX_STARS = 250 ‘STAR_SPEED = 2 def init_stars(screen): “" Create the starfield “™" global stars stars = for i in range(MAX_STARS) # A star is represented as a List with this format: [X,Y] ie star = [randrangeC0, screen.get_width() - 1), randrangeC®, screen.get_height© - 13] stars.append(star) def move_and_draw_stars(screen): “Move and draw the stars 4” global stars for star in stars: star[1] += STAR_SPEED if star[1] >= screen.get_height©: star[i] = 0 star[0] = randrange(@,639) screen. set_at(star, (255,255,255)) Imagine this as the beginning of some game code, or even the start toa presentation? Using a combination of Pygame and Tkinter, your Python animations wil look fantastic. pyoame:dnse() Pyoame.dsbplay.Set-eaption( "5 EXeek = pyoane-tine-ciock() do (640, 20) Sete Staadatsonr) snit_stars(sereen) ‘hock: eiek(S0) ° = handie events sy event. get) yoane: screen. £511((0,9,9)) re ect Neer) Pras. sisplay- #00), Save and Run the code. You will agree that the simulated starfield code looks quite impressive.Zz Using Modules) Create Your Own Modules BUILDING MODULES ‘Modules are Python files, containing code, that you save using a py extension. These are then i now Fa ported into Python using the impor command Lette by creating aset of bask matheratis Su" Functions. Multiply @ number by two, three and square or raise a number to an exponent (power). Create a New File inthe IDLE and enter: def timestnoCx): return x * 2 def timesthree(x): return x * 3 def square(x): return x * x def power(x,y): return x ** y print Ctimestwo(2)) print Ctimesthree(3)) print Csquare(4)) print Cpower(5,3)) Save the program as basic_math.py and execute itto get the results. Under the above cade, enter Functions to call the code: NBD) 201. te cite sees ele FETS RD Now you're going to take the Function definitions ‘out of the program and into a separate file Highlight the Function definitions and choose Edit > Cut. Choose File > New File and use Edit > Paste in the new window. You now have two separate files, one with the Function definitions, the other with the Function calls, I you now try and execute the basic_math.py code ‘again, the error’ NameError: name "timestwo' is not defined! willbe displayed, This is due to the code no longer having access to the Function definitions ED etunto thenewly ‘created window containing the Function definitions, and lick File > Save As. Name this minimath.py and save it in the same location as the original basic_math.py program. Now close the minimath.py window, so the basic_math.py window fs left openCreate Your Own Modules cl PEPTID) (b2ck to the basic_math.py window: at the top ofthe code enter: fron minimath import * ‘This ill mport the Function definitions as a module, Press F5 to save and execute the program to see tin action, FEPTIED You can now use the code Further to make the program alittle more advanced, utilising the newly created module to its Full Include some user interaction. Start by creating a basic menu the user can choose from: print(“Select operation.\n") print(“1.Times by two”) print(“2.Times by Three”) print(“3.Square”) print(“4.Power of”) choice = input¢“\nénter choice (1/2/3/4):”) unl = Now we can add the user input to get the number the code will work on: intCinput(“\nEnter number: “)) This willsave the user-entered number asthe variable numt Ble Edit Format Bun Options Windows Help Tron minimath Inport * print("Select operation.\n") int("1-Tines by to" | Freezes by The irint("3.Square") print(~4:Poner of”) choice = input("\nEnter choice (1/2/3/4: punt = int(input("\nenter number: » l finaly youcan now create a range off statements Sra) to determine what to do with the number and utilise the newly created function definitions: if choice = ‘1’: printCtimestwoCnumt)) elif choice = °2 printCtimesthreeCnuni)) elif choice == ‘3’: print(squareCnum)) elif choice = <4": und = intCinput(“Enter second nunber print(poner(numl, nun2)) else: printC*Invalid input”) ‘he Est Frat Ban crore sone tp SDD, Peanet-tinwar eb) Note hat forthe ast vlable options the Power Buss of choice, we've added a second variable, num2. This pases asecond number trough the function definition cle power. Sve and execute the program o seein action,“The most important property of a program is whether it accomplishes the intention of its user.” syietcoc CEE C++ is an excellent, high-level Programming language that’s used in a multitude of technologies. Everything from your favourite mobile app, console and PC game to entire operating systems are developed with C++ as the core, together with a collection of software development kits and custom libraries. C++ is the driving force behind most of what you use on a daily basis, which makes it a complex and extraordinarily powerful language to get to grips with. In this section, we look at how to install a C++ IDE and compiler on your computer. 94 Why C+? 96 Equipment You Will Need 98 Howto Set Up C++ in Windows 100 How to Set Up C++ on a Mac 102 How to Set Up C++ in Linux Other C++ IDEs to Install igSay Helloto C++ ) ee Tuas Ce cc caterer ACH Y called C with Classes, the language was renamed C++ in 1983. t's an extension of the original C language and is a general purpose object-oriented (OOP) environment. C EVERYTHING Due to how complex the language can be, and its power and performance, C++ is often used to develop games, programs, device drivers and even entire operating systems. G ~onemeraterduntattrton Dating backto 1979, the start ofthe golden era of home ‘computing labs and by regular people who didn't have access tothe computing, C++, oF rather C with Classes, was the brainchild of mainframes and large computing data centres. Danish computer scientist Bjame Stroustrup while working on his PhO thesis. Stroustrup's plan was to further the original language, _C+1simpactin the digital world is immense, Many of the programs, which was widely used since the early seventies applications, games and even operating systems are coded using Cr+.For example, all of Adabe's major applications, such as C++ proved to be popular among the developers ofthe 80s, Photoshop, InDesign and so on, are developed in C++. You will find since it was a much easier environment to get to grips with and that the browser you surf the internet with is written in C++, as ‘more importantly, it was 99% compatible with the original C ‘well as Windaws 10, Micrasoft Office and the backbone to Google's language. This meant that it could be used beyond the mainstream search engine. Apple's macOS is writen largely in C++ (with samme BET 200 cate sees voleFree environment to learn C++ in. S ‘other languages mixed in depending on the Function) and the likes (of NASA, SpaceX and even CERN use C++For various applications, ‘programs, controls and umpteen other computing task. C++ isalso extremely efficent and performs well across the board as wells being an easier addition tothe core C language. This higher level of performance over other languages, such as Python, BASIC and such, makes it an ideal development environment For modern computing, hence the aforementioned companies Using itso widely While Python isa great programming language to learn, C++ puts the developer Ina much wider world of coding. By ‘mastering Ces, you can find yourself (why c+4? Cl \ summary TT na pang ~ Delo development wt Microsoft's Visual Studio is a great, bbegin with Python and spend some time getting to grip with ‘programming structure and the many ways and means in which you Find a solution to a problem through programming, Once Yyou can happily power up your computer and whip ‘outa Python program with one hand ted behind your back, then move on to C++. OF course, there's nothing stopping you from jumping straight into C+ if you Feel up tothe task, go fort. Getting to use C+ is. as easy as Python, all you need isthe right set of tools in which to-communicate with the computer in C++ and you can start your journey. A C++ IDEs Free of charge, even the immensely powerful Visual Studio from Microsoft 's freely avalable to download and use. You can get into C++ from any operating system, be it macOS, Linux, Windows or even developing code forthe likes of Microsoft, Apple and so.0n. Generally, C++ developers enjoy a higher salary than programmers of some other languages and due toits versatility, the C++ programmer can move between jobs and companies without the need to relearn anything specific. However, Python is an easier language to begin with. you're completely new to programming then we would recommend you S mobile platforms. Justke Python, to answer the question of Why C+ isthe answer is because i's fast, efficient and developed by mast of the applications you regularly use e's cutting edge and a fantastic language to master. C @ debian ubuntu aaa Indeed, the operating system you're using is written in C+. Mac Windows 10z= Say Hello to C++ ) Equipment You Will Need You don’t need to invest a huge amount of money in order to learn C++ and you don’t need an entire computing lab at your disposal either. Providing you have a fairly modern computer, everything else is Freely available. C++ SETUPS ‘Most, if not al, operating systems have C++ in their code, so it stands to reason that you can learn to program in C++ no matter what OS you're currently using. COMPUTER Unless you Fancy writing out your C++ code by hand on a sheet of paper (whichis something many older coders used to do), 2 computer isan absolute must have component, PC users can have any recent Linux distro or Windows 05, Macusers the latest macOS. [_] AN IDE Just as with Python, an IDE is used to enter and execute your C++ cade. Many IDEs come with extensions and plugins that help make it work better, oradd an extra level of functionality. Often, an DE Sz _ _— provides enhancements depending on the core OS being used, such as being enhanced for Windows 10. a) COMPILER —< ‘compiler isa program that converts the C++ language into binary, so thatthe computer can understand, While some IDEs come with 3 compiler builtin, others don't. Code: Blockss our Favourite IDE that comes ith a C++ compiler as part ofthe package. More on this later. [_] TEXT EDITOR Some programmers much prefer to use atext editor to assemble thelr C++ code before runningit through a compiler Essentially you can Use any text editor to write code, just save it with a.cpp extension. However, Notepad++ is one ofthe best code text editors available. |_| INTERNET ACCESS While it’s entirely possible to learn how to code ana computer that's not attached tothe Internet, i's extraordinarily difficult. Youneed to install relevant software, keep it up to date install any extras or extensions and look for help when coding, All of these require access to the internet. L] TIME AND PATIENCE Yes, as with Python, you're going to need to set aside significant time tospend on learning how to cade in C++. Sadly, unless you're a genius, ies not going to happen overnight, or even a week. A good C++ coder has spent many years honing their craft, so be patient, start small and keep learning BET 200 cine sees vee( Equipment You Will Need cl OS SPECIFIC NEEDS C++ will work in any operating system but getting all the necessary pieces together can be confusing to a newcomer. Here are some OS specifics For C+. We have mentioned previously that a good IDE is Microsoft's Visual Studio. However, a better IDE and compiler is Code:Blocks, which is regularly kept up to date with a new release twice a year. Otherwise Windows users can enter their code in Notepadt+, then compile it with MinGW as used by Code:Blocks. Linux users ae lucky in that they already have a compiler and text editor butt into their operating system. Any text editor allows you to type out your C++ cade, when i's saved with a cpp extension, use gr+ to compile Ia Lag MAC } The Raspberry P's operating systems Raspbian, which isLinux based, Therefore, you're able to write your code ‘out using a text editor, then compile twith g++ as you would in any other Linux distro. Mac owners will need to download and install Xcode tobe able tocompile their C++ code natively, Other ‘options For the macoS include Netbeans, Eclipse or CoderBlocks. Note: the latest CodesBlocks isn’t available For Mac due toa lack ‘of Mac developers.. Say Helloto C++ ) How to Set Up C++ in Windows Ute MR ere R Ur ake Re nee AO AN eo CoM Tee TL eT Gree 1K are plenty of IDEs and compilers available, including Visual Studio from Microsoft. However, in our opinion, the best C++ IDE to begin with is Cod Iola CODE::BLOCKS Code:sBlocks is a free C++, C and Fortran IDE that’s Feature rich and easily extendible with plug-ins. It's easy to use, comes with a compiler and has a vibrant community behind it FETED e2tby visting the Code:Blocks download site, at ww codeblocks.org/downloads. From there, click (on the ‘Download the binary releases' nk tobe taken to the latest downloadable version for Windows. a PEPTSPR) You can see that there are several Windows versions available. The one you want to download has ‘mingw-setup.exe' atthe end of the current version number. At the time of writing thsi: codeblocks-17.12mingw-setup.exe, The differences that the mingw-setup version includes a C++ compiler and debugger from TDM-GCC (a compiler suite). ED coms oetntive cui Series: Volume 34 ‘when youve located the file, click on the Sourceforge.net ink atthe end of the line and a ‘download notification window appears; click on Save File to start the download and save the executable to your PC. Locate the downloaded Code:Blocks installer and double-click ta start. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation Welcome to CodeBlocks Setup Seng nl ge you trough ean of Coste Rereomneded lyase ste ete fuer Sune sre pom uote ‘Sevoc yon detente wre (Once you've agreed tothe licencing terms, there isa Siar) choice of installation options avalable. You can opt fora smaller install, missing out on some ofthe components but we ‘would recommend you opt for the Full option as default. @ (sone Compares tet econ ek Screed 251488(_ How to Set Up C++ in Windows ‘Cc Next choos an instal oation forthe Codes Blocks Sua files. t's your choice, but the default will generally suc, ules ofcourse you hove any ped requirements When you click Next, the install begins; when's inished a notification ops up asking you iF you want to start CodeBlocks now, so click Yes. eae rt Cs ta osneg Mw ros at ar os) es hl Cis ber ea. a gi a Saeco? Sec 7 Crete = E ua toe : bur Cee port Caer ease acoA rear MU | FETTER The Fisttime Code:Blocks loadsitruns an auto-detect for any C++ compilers you may already have installed on you system. you don’t have any, click on the first detected option, GNU GCC Compiler, and click the Default button to set it as the systems C++ compiler. Clik OK when you're ready to continve. Sheeran BERT When the program starts another message appears, informing you that Code:Blacks is currently not the default application For C++ files. You a couple of options: to leave everything ast sor allow Code:Blacks to associate all C+ file types. Again, we would recommend you opt forthe last choice to ‘associate CodeBlocks with every supported file typ. Before youstart using Code: Blas t's worth SSIES) ‘explaining exactly why you need the added complet rst, acompleris seperate program tht reads throughyour Cvs code and cheds agaist te atest acceptable programing standards why youneed the mest rece Evatable comple Ts caren Grr wth C20 under BETSSEEDD Essentially, computers work and understand only binary, ones and zeros, or Machine Language. Programming in binary isnt effective For human beings. For ‘example, to outputthe words Hello World!” tothe screen in C++ ‘would appear in binary as: 1100011 91101111 @1110101 21110100 e0100000 00111100 0111100 00100000 90100010 01001000 1100101 01101100 01101100 @1101111 @0100000 1010111 01101111 01110010 @1101100 01100100 00100001 0100010 e0111011, Select Bers eR ER the compiler therefore takes what you've entered as C++ code and translates that to Machine Language. To execute C++ code the IDE builds the code, ‘checking for errors, then pass it through the compiler to check standardisation and convert it to ones and zeros For the computer toact upon It's rather clever stuff, when you stop to think about ft. ora bpublications com. @) Say Helloto C++ ) How to Set Up C++ ona Mac To begin C++ coding on a Mac you first need to install Apple’s Xcode. This is a Free, Full featured IDE that’s designed to create native Apple apps. However, you can also use it to create C++ code relatively easily. XCODE Apple's Xcode is primarily designed for users to develop apps For macOS, iOS, tvOS and watchOS applications in Swift or ‘Objective-C but you can use it for C++ too. FETTER S2tbyopening the App Store on your Mac, Apple. ERMINE when you're ready, click on the Get button which "Menu > App Store. inthe Search box enter Xcode’ then turns into install Ap. Enter your Apple ID and press Return, There are many suggestions filing the App Store and Xcode begins to download and install It may take some time Window but it's the Fist option, Xcode, that youneed toclickon. depending on the speed af your internet connection. PEPE DD) Take amoment to browse through the app's EPID when the installation is complete, click on the information, including the compatibility, to ensure ‘Open button to launch Xcode, Click Agree to the you have the correct version of macOS. Xcode requires macOS licence terms and enter your password to allow Xcode to make 10.126 or later to install and work. changes tothe syste. When that is done, Xcode begins to install, as con ncnaeng additional components. EEE cores etn Gude Seris-votume 24