Character Set in Python with suitable

Example
Certainly! Here's a simple explanation of the Character Set in Python with a suitable
example:

Character Set in Python

The character set is the group of characters that can be used in Python programs.
Python source code is written using characters from this set.

Components of Python Character Set:

 Letters: All uppercase and lowercase English alphabets (A-Z, a-z)

 Digits: Numbers from 0 to 9

 Special symbols: Symbols like +, -, *, /, =, <, >, :, (), {}, [], etc.

 Whitespace: Spaces, tabs, newline characters (used to separate statements and

indent blocks)

Important Points:

 Identifiers (such as variable names) can use letters, digits, and underscores _, but
cannot start with a digit.

 Python supports Unicode, so you can use many characters beyond ASCII in strings.

Example illustrating Character Set usage:

# Letters and digits used in variable names
name = "Alice" # Letters and quotes for string literal
age = 25 # Digits used for integer literal
score_1 = 95 # Letters, underscore, digits combined for identifier

# Special symbols used in operations

total_score = age + score_1 # '+' operator adds values

# Whitespace used for readability and indentation

if total_score > 100:
print("Great job!") # Indented to mark the block inside ‘if’
# Using special symbols in strings is allowed
message = "Hello, World!"
print(message)

Explanation:

 name, age, score_1, and total_score are identifiers made from letters, digits, and

underscore.

 = and + are special symbols (operators).

 "Alice" and "Hello, World!" use letters and punctuation within string literals.

 Spaces and indentation control the program structure

Python Statements

A statement in Python is a complete instruction that the Python interpreter can

execute. It can be a single action (simple statement) or a group of actions (compound
statement).

Types of Python Statements:

1. Simple Statement
A single instruction written on one line, like an assignment or function call.

2. Compound Statement
Consists of one or more statements grouped together, usually involving
indentation, such as if, for, and while blocks.

Examples:

1. Simple Statements

python

x = 10 # Assignment statement: assigns value 10 to variable x

print(x) # Function call statement: outputs the value of x

2. Compound Statements

python

age = 18

if age >= 18: # if statement (compound statement) starts here

 print("You are an adult") # indented block executed if condition is True

else:

print("You are a minor") # indented block executed if condition is False

3. Multiple Simple Statements on One Line (using semicolon)

python

a = 5; b = 10; print(a + b) # Multiple statements separated by semicolons

Summary:

 Simple statements are single-line instructions (assignment, print, etc.).

 Compound statements control the flow using indentation and include blocks of
statements (like if, for).

 Python uses indentation (spaces or tabs) to group statements in a block.

Tokens in Python:

Tokens are the smallest individual units in a Python program. The interpreter breaks
every line of code into these basic components before execution.

Types of Tokens in Python

1. Identifiers

Names used to identify variables, functions, classes, etc.

 Must start with a letter or underscore (_), followed by letters, digits, or

underscores.

Example:

python

student_name = "Rita"

_age = 15

2. Keywords

Reserved words with special meaning, cannot be used as identifiers.

Example:

python

if True:
 print("This is a keyword example.")

Here, if and True are keywords.

3. Operators

Symbols that perform operations—arithmetic, comparison, logical, etc.

Example:

python

sum = 4 + 5 # '+' is an addition operator

check = sum > 6 # '>' is a comparison operator

4. Literals (Constants)

Fixed values assigned to variables.

Example:

python

age = 16 # Integer literal

pi = 3.14 # Float literal

message = "Welcome!" # String literal

is_valid = True # Boolean literal

empty = None # None literal

5. Punctuators

Special symbols that organize and structure code, such as (), :, ,, {}, [].

Example:

python

def greet(name): # Parentheses () and colon :

print("Hello,", name)

list1 = [1, 2, 3] # Square brackets []

Summary Table
 Token Type Example Purpose

Identifier score = 50 Variable/function names

Keyword if, for, else Reserved words

Operator +, >, == Mathematical or logical ops

Literal "hi", 7, 3.5 Direct value in code

Punctuator (), :, [], , Code structure

By understanding tokens, you can read, write, and debug Python code more
easily because you know how every piece is interpreted by the computer.

Identifiers:

An Identifier in Python is the name you give to variables,

functions, classes, or other objects to identify them in your code.

Rules for Naming Identifiers in Python:

 Must begin with a letter (A-Z or a-z) or an underscore (_).

 Can contain letters, digits (0-9), and underscores (_) after

the first character.

 Cannot start with a digit.

 Cannot be a Python
keyword (like if, for, while, True, None).

 Are case-sensitive (Var and var are different).

 Cannot contain special characters like @, #, !, -, or spaces.

  No limit on length, but keep them readable and preferably
concise.

Examples of Valid Identifiers:

python

student_name = "Ravi"

_age = 21

totalSales = 3000

var123 = 50

Examples of Invalid Identifiers:

python

123var = 5 # Starts with a digit - invalid

@username = "Alex" # Contains special character '@' - invalid

if = 10 # 'if' is a keyword - invalid

total-sales = 500 # Contains hyphen '-' - invalid

user name = "Neha" # Contains space - invalid

Simple Usage Example:

python

# Valid identifiers

name = "Alice"

age = 25

_score = 90
print(name) # Output: Alice

print(age) # Output: 25

print(_score) # Output: 90

Additional Notes:

 Leading underscore _var: by convention indicates "internal

use" or "private" in a module or class.

 Double underscore __var: used in classes for name mangling

(advanced topic).

 Avoid using Python keywords as identifiers to prevent errors.

This ensures your code is clear, error-free, and follows Python

conventions.

Related

 What are the main rules for naming valid Python identifiers
 How do Python's keywords differ from identifiers in usage
 Why can't a Python identifier start with a number or contain
special characters
 How does case sensitivity affect Python identifiers and their
naming
 What are some best practices for choosing descriptive
identifiers in Python
Examples:

alid Identifiers

python

userName = "Sam" # Letters and capital: valid

age1 = 20 # Letters and digits, does not start with a digit: valid
_score = 15 # Starts with underscore: valid

total_sales = 500 # Underscores are allowed: valid

value123 = 7 # Letters and numbers: valid

Invalid Identifiers

python

1user = "Tom" # Starts with a digit: invalid

user-name = "Eve" # Hyphen is not allowed: invalid

if = 10 # 'if' is a Python keyword: invalid

user name = "Ana" # Space not allowed: invalid

@score = 20 # Special character '@' not allowed: invalid

Quick Test in Python

You can use the .isidentifier() method to check if a string is a valid identifier:

python

print("score1".isidentifier()) # True

print("1score".isidentifier()) # False

print("user-name".isidentifier()) # False

print("for".isidentifier()) # True (but 'for' is a keyword, so it's reserved)

Rules of Identifies:

Here are the main rules for identifiers in Python:

 Start with a letter or underscore: Identifiers must begin with a letter (A–Z
or a–z) or an underscore (_). They cannot start with a digit.

 Valid: name, _value

 Invalid: 1st_number

 Can contain letters, digits, and underscores: After the first character,
identifiers can include letters, digits (0–9), and underscores.

 Valid: score1, data_2025

  No special characters other than underscore: Identifiers cannot contain
symbols like @, #, $, %, spaces, or hyphens.

 Invalid: user-name, user name, @score

 Cannot be a Python keyword: Reserved words such as if, for, class, while,
etc., cannot be used as identifiers.

 Case-sensitive: Identifiers are case-sensitive. For example, Total, total,

and TOTAL are all different.

 No length limit (but readability matters): Technically, there’s no limit,

but identifiers should be reasonably short and descriptive.

Examples:

python

valid_id = 10 # Valid

Valid_ID = 20 # Valid (different from 'valid_id')

user2score = 15 # Valid

__hidden = 5 # Valid

2numbers = 7 # Invalid (starts with digit)

user-score = 8 # Invalid (hyphen not allowed)

if = 12 # Invalid (keyword)

my score = 50 # Invalid (space not allowed)

Keywords in Python

Keywords in Python are special reserved words that have a specific meaning and
purpose. They define the core language syntax and structure—these words cannot
be used as variable names, function names, or any other identifiers.
Keywords are case-sensitive and must be written exactly as defined.

Key Points About Python Keywords

 Reserved for special functions by the language.

 Using a keyword as a name will cause a syntax error.

  Most keywords are in lowercase, except True, False, and None.

List of Python Keywords (as of July 2025)

Below is the latest official list of Python keywords. You can get this list in any Python
interpreter by running:

python

import keyword

print(keyword.kwlist)

List:

False await Else import

None break except in

True class finally is

And continue For lambda

As def from nonlocal

Assert del global not

Async elif If or

Pass raise return try

While with yield

Usage Example

Trying to use a keyword as a variable name causes an error:

python
if = 5 # ❌ This will cause a syntax error because 'if' is a keyword.

But using them properly is essential:

python

for i in range(3):

print(i)

if True:

print("This is a keyword example.")

Learning Tip

If you’re not sure whether a word is a keyword, you can check using:

python

import keyword

print(keyword.iskeyword("while")) # Output: True

This list is up-to-date for Python 3.11/3.12 (as of 2025) and covers what every
beginner should know about Python keywords.

Related

 How many keywords are currently reserved in the latest Python version
 What are the most commonly used Python keywords in everyday coding
 How can I check if a word is a Python keyword in my code
 Why are certain words like 'and' and 'or' considered keywords in Python
 How do Python keywords differ across Python 2 and Python 3 versions

Keywords in Python:
Python has several types of operators that allow you to perform operations on values
and variables. Here is a concise overview of the main Python operator types with
examples:

1. Arithmetic Operators

Perform basic mathematical calculations.

 Operator Meaning Example Outpu
t

+ Addition 5+3 8

- Subtraction 5-3 2

* Multiplication 5*3 15

/ Division 5/2 2.5

// Floor division 5 // 2 2

% Modulus (remainder) 5%2 1

** Exponentiation 2 ** 3 8

Example:

python

a = 15

b=4

print(a + b) # 19

print(a - b) # 11

print(a * b) # 60

print(a / b) # 3.75

print(a // b) # 3

print(a % b) # 3

print(a ** b) # 50625
2. Assignment Operators

Assign values to variables and perform operations simultaneously.

Operator Meaning Equivalent to Exampl

e

= Assign x=5 x=5

+= Add and assign x=x+3 x += 3

-= Subtract and assign x=x-3 x -= 3

*= Multiply and assign x=x*3 x *= 3

/= Divide and assign x=x/3 x /= 3

%= Modulus and assign x=x%3 x %= 3

//= Floor divide and assign x = x // 3 x //= 3

**= Exponentiate and assign x = x ** 2 x **= 2

Example:

python

x=5

x += 3

print(x) # 8

3. Comparison Operators

Compare two values; the result is a boolean (True or False).

 Operator Meaning Example Outpu
t

== Equal to 5 == 5 True

!= Not equal to 5 != 3 True

> Greater than 5>3 True

< Less than 3<5 True

>= Greater than or equal 5 >= 3 True

<= Less than or equal 3 <= 3 True

Example:

python

print(10 == 10) # True

print(7 != 5) # True

print(10 > 5) # True

print(2 < 5) # True

print(10 >= 10) # True

print(3 <= 4) # True

4. Logical Operators

Combine boolean expressions.

 Operator Meaning Example Outpu
t

and True if both true True and False False

or True if at least one true True or False True

not Invert boolean value not True False

Example:

python

a, b = True, False

print(a and b) # False

print(a or b) # True

print(not a) # False

5. Bitwise Operators

Operate at the binary level on integers.

Operator Meaning Example Output

& Bitwise AND 10 & 7 2

| Bitwise OR 10 | 7 15

^ Bitwise XOR 10 ^ 7 13

~ Bitwise NOT ~10 -11

<< Left shift 10 << 2 40

 Operator Meaning Example Output

>> Right shift 10 >> 1 5

Example:

python

a = 10 # 1010 in binary

b = 7 # 0111 in binary

print(a & b) # 2

print(a | b) # 15

print(a ^ b) # 13

print(~a) # -11

print(a << 2) # 40

print(a >> 1) # 5

6. Membership Operators

Test if a value is present in a sequence.

Operator Meaning Example Outpu

t

in True if value is in sequence 'a' in 'apple' True

True if value is NOT in

not in sequence 3 not in True

Example:

python
print('a' in 'banana') # True

print(10 not in [2, 4, 6]) # True

7. Identity Operators

Check if two variables refer to the same object in memory.

Operator Meaning Example Output

True/
is True if both are the same a is b False

True/
is not True if not the same a is not b False

Example:

python

a = [1, 2, 3]

b=a

c = [1, 2, 3]

print(a is b) # True

print(a is c) # False (same values but different objects)

print(a is not c) # True

These operator categories cover almost all the operations you’ll typically need in
Python programming. Each is illustrated with simple usage examples to help
understanding.

Punctuators in Python and list of Punctuator

Punctuators in Python

Punctuators (or punctuation symbols) in Python are special characters that

organize and structure code. They mark the boundaries of statements, separate
elements, and affect the way the interpreter reads the program. Punctuators
do not perform computations (unlike operators), but they are crucial for the correct
syntax and structure of Python code.

List of Common Punctuators in Python

Punctuator Name/Use Example Usage

Function calls,
() Parentheses grouping: print(x)

[] Square brackets Lists, indexing/slicing: a

{} Braces/Curly brackets Dictionaries, sets: {"a":1}

Block start (loops, functions): if

: Colon x:, Dicts: {"a":1}

, Comma Separates items: a, b, c

Access
. Dot/Period attributes: object.method()

Separate multiple
; Semicolon statements: x=2; y=3

= Assignment operator Assignment: x = 5

== Equality operator Comparison: x == 5

Compound assignment
+=, -=, ... punctuators x += 2
 Punctuator Name/Use Example Usage

@ Decorators @staticmethod

# Comment symbol # This is a comment

' ", """ Quotes String delimiters: 'hi', "hi"

Backslash (escape, line

\ continuation) \", \\, or to break lines

Backtick (used for repr in Python

` 2) Not commonly used in Python 3

These are most frequently encountered in Python.

Examples of Punctuators in Action

python

# Using parentheses, colon, and indentation for function definition

def greet(name):

print("Hello,", name) # Parentheses and comma

# List with square brackets, values separated by commas

my_list = [1, 2, 3]

# Dictionary with curly braces, colon and commas

my_dict = {'a': 10, 'b': 20}

# Accessing an attribute of a string object

word = "python"

print(word.upper())

# Using the hash for comments

# This line won't be executed

# Using the at symbol for decorators

@staticmethod

def my_function():

pass

# Backslash for line continuation

x=1+2+3+\

4+5

# Using quotes

str1 = "Hello"

str2 = 'World'

# Semicolon to write multiple statements in one line

a = 1; b = 2; print(a + b)

Summary Table

Symbol(s) Describes Typical Usage Example

func(x); grouping
() Parentheses expressions
Symbol(s) Describes Typical Usage Example

[] Square brackets lst, [1][4][2]

{} Curly braces {"a":1}, {1,2}

: Colon def f():, if x > 0:

, Comma print(a, b), lists/tuples

. Dot obj.attr, module.func()

; Semicolon x=1; y=2

= Assignment x=5

==, !=, etc. Comparison/assignment if x == y:

@ Decorator @classmethod

# Comment # Comment

' ", """ Quotes (string delimiters) 'a', "b", """c"""

"newline:\n"; line
\ Backslash continuation

` Backtick (Python 2) Legacy use (not in Py3)

Note: Some symbols (like +, -, *) are both operators and, in technical
categorization, can also appear as punctuators in some contexts, but are mainly
treated as operators in Python. Punctuators are essential for code structure and
forming Python syntax.

If you need detailed usage examples for any specific punctuator, let me know!

Related

 What are the main categories of punctuators in Python and their functions
 How do Python punctuators compare to those in C or C++
 Why is string.punctuation useful in text processing tasks
 How do context and placement affect the role of punctuators in Python
 What are some less common punctuators in Python and their usage chances

Literals in Python

A literal in Python is a fixed value written directly in the source code. It represents
data that does not change during program execution. Python supports several types
of literals, each representing different kinds of data.

Common Types of Literals in Python with Examples:

1. Numeric Literals
Represent numbers of various types:

 Integer literals: Whole numbers without a decimal point.

python

a = 10

b = -25

 Floating-point literals: Numbers with decimal points.

python

c = 3.14

d = -0.01

 Complex literals: Numbers with a real and imaginary part, where the
imaginary part is denoted by j.

python
e = 5 + 2j

f = -3j

2. String Literals
Text enclosed in quotes.

 Single quotes:

python

s1 = 'Hello'

 Double quotes:

python

s2 = "Python"

 Triple quotes (for multi-line strings):

python

s3 = '''This is

a multi-line

string'''

 Raw strings (ignore escape sequences):

python

s4 = r"C:\Users\Name"

3. Boolean Literals
Represent truth values:

python

flag1 = True

flag2 = False

4. Collection Literals
Literals representing collection data types:

 List:

python
lst = [1, 2, 3]

 Tuple:

python

tpl = (1, 2, 3)

 Dictionary:

python

d = {"name": "Alice", "age": 30}

 Set:

python

st = {1, 2, 3}

5. Special Literal

 None represents the absence of value or a null value:

python

n = None

Example showing different literals:

python

# Numeric literals

num_int = 100

num_float = 3.14

num_complex = 2 + 3j

# String literals

greeting = "Hello"

multiline = '''This is

a multi-line string'''

# Boolean literals
is_valid = True

is_done = False

# Collection literals

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] # list

coordinates = (10, 20) # tuple

person = {"name": "John", "age": 25} # dictionary

unique_numbers = {1, 2, 3} # set

# Special literal

nothing = None

print(num_int, num_float, num_complex)

print(greeting)

print(multiline)

print(is_valid, is_done)

print(fruits, coordinates, person, unique_numbers)

print(nothing)

Output:

text

100 3.14 (2+3j)

Hello

This is

a multi-line string

True False

['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'] (10, 20) {'name': 'John', 'age': 25} {1, 2, 3}

None
Summary:

 Literals are fixed values used in code like numbers, text, booleans,
collections, or None.

 They are the basic data you'll use in Python programs and help represent
information directly.