Ultimate Python Mastery: From
Beginner to Elite
Chapter 1: Introduction to Python
1.1 What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language designed
with readability and simplicity in mind.
Created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991, Python’s goal is to let you write
clear and logical code for both small and large-scale projects.
Key Features:
- High-Level: You write code like natural English.
- Interpreted: Python runs line by line.
- Dynamically Typed: You don’t declare variable types — Python figures it out.
- General-Purpose: Used in AI, web, games, automation, data.
- Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux.
Real-World Uses:
- Web: Instagram, Spotify (Django/Flask)
- AI: Tesla, OpenAI (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Data Science: Netflix (Pandas, NumPy)
- Automation: Python scripts handle repetitive tasks
- Games: Pygame
- Cybersecurity: Scripting tools, scanners
1.2 Why Learn Python?
- Beginner-Friendly: English-like syntax.
- In-demand: Google, Netflix, NASA, OpenAI use Python.
- Versatile: Web, bots, AI, scrapers, games.
- Huge Community: Easy support.
- High-paying Jobs: Python developers earn $80k–$150k.
1.3 Installing Python & Setting Up
Step 1: Go to https://python.org/downloads and install the latest version.
✔ Check "Add Python to PATH" during setup.
Step 2: Open Terminal or Command Prompt and type: python --version
You should see something like: Python 3.12.1
1.4 Running Python Code
Option 1: IDLE
print("Hello, Python!")
Option 2: VS Code
Install VS Code and the Python extension.
Create hello.py:
print("Welcome to Python Mastery!")
Run it with: python hello.py
Option 3: Jupyter
pip install notebook
jupyter notebook
1.5 First Python Script
File: hello.py
# My First Python Program
print("Welcome to Python!")
print("You're on your way to mastery.")
Run with: python hello.py
Practice Challenge
Write a script that asks for your name and age, then prints:
Hello, Alice! You are 20 years old.
Example code:
name = input("What’s your name? ")
age = input("How old are you? ")
print("Hello,", name + "!", "You are", age, "years old.")
Recap & Mastery Checklist
- What Python is
- Why it’s useful
- How to install it
- Run code in IDLE, VS Code, and Jupyter
- Write and run scripts
- Use print() and input()
