Python Study Material

Python Fundamentals
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Python programming! Python is a
powerful, beginner-friendly programming language that's perfect for learning the
fundamentals of coding. In this presentation, we'll cover everything from basic
syntax to object-oriented programming concepts.

Python's clean, readable syntax makes it an ideal first programming language.

Whether you're completely new to coding or transitioning from another language,
this guide will give you the solid foundation you need to start building amazing
programs.
What is Python?
High-Level Language Interpreted Language Object-Oriented
Python abstracts away complex details, No compilation step needed! Python code Python supports object-oriented
letting you focus on solving problems runs directly through an interpreter, programming principles like classes,
rather than managing memory or system- making development faster and inheritance, and encapsulation. This helps
specific operations. This makes it perfect debugging easier. You can test ideas you organize complex programs and write
for beginners and rapid development. quickly and see results immediately. reusable code.

Getting Started with Python

You can run Python code using several tools: IDLE (Python's built-in editor), VS Code (popular code editor with Python extensions), or Jupyter
Notebooks (great for learning and data analysis). Choose the one that feels most comfortable to start your Python journey.
Your First Python Code
Printing Output
The print() function is your gateway to displaying information in Python. It's simple
but essential for debugging and showing results.

print("Hello, World!")
print("Welcome to Python programming!")
print(2024)

Adding Comments
Comments help you document your code and make it readable for others (and future
you!). Python supports two types of comments:

# This is a single-line comment

print("This code runs") # Comment at end of line

'''
Pro Tip: Good comments explain why you're
This is a multi-line comment
doing something, not just what you're doing.
Perfect for longer explanations
Your code already shows what it does!
or documentation blocks
'''
Variables and Dynamic
Typing
Variables in Python are like labeled containers that store data. Unlike many other
programming languages, Python uses dynamic typing - you don't need to declare
what type of data a variable will hold. Python figures it out automatically!

1 Create variables by assignment

Simply use the equals sign to assign values: name = "Alice" or age = 25

2 Variables can change types

The same variable can hold different data types throughout your program: x =
5 then later x = "hello"

3 Use meaningful names

Choose descriptive variable names like student_score instead of s. Your future
self will thank you!
Python's Core Data Types
1 2

Integers (int) Floating-Point Numbers (float)

Whole numbers without decimal points. Examples: 42, -17, 0 Numbers with decimal points. Examples: 3.14, -2.5, 0.0

Perfect for counting, indexing, and mathematical operations that Essential for scientific calculations, measurements, and any math
don't require fractions. involving decimals.

3 4

Strings (str) Booleans (bool)

Text data enclosed in quotes. Examples: "Hello", 'Python', "123" True or False values. Examples: True, False

Used for names, messages, file paths, and any text-based Critical for decision-making in your programs and controlling
information. program flow.

Use type(variable_name) to check a variable's type, and functions like int(), str(), float() to convert between types when needed.
Python Operators
Arithmetic Operators Comparison Operators Logical Operators
Perform mathematical calculations: Compare values and return True/False: Combine boolean expressions:

+ addition, - subtraction == equal to, != not equal and both conditions true
* multiplication, / division > greater than, < less than or at least one condition true
% modulo, // floor division >= greater/equal, <= less/equal not opposite of condition
** exponentiation

Assignment Operators Membership & Identity

Shorthand for modifying variables: Special operators for checking relationships:

x = 10 # basic assignment "a" in "apple" # True (membership)

x += 5 # same as x = x + 5 "z" not in "hello" # True
x -= 3 # same as x = x - 3 x is y # same object identity
x *= 2 # same as x = x * 2 x is not y # different objects
Working with Strings
String Indexing and Slicing

Strings in Python are like a sequence of characters that you can access individually.
Each character has a position (index) starting from 0.

text = "Python"
print(text[0]) # "P" - first character
print(text[-1]) # "n" - last character
print(text[0:3]) # "Pyt" - slice from index 0 to 2

Text Case Methods

.upper() converts to UPPERCASE, .lower() converts to lowercase, and .title() capitalizes
each word.

Cleaning & Splitting

.strip() removes whitespace, .split() breaks strings into lists, and .replace() substitutes
text.

F-String Formatting
Modern string formatting: f"Hello {name}!" - clean, readable, and efficient for
combining variables with text.
Python's Essential Data Structures

Lists - Flexible & Ordered

[1, 2, 3] or ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
1
Mutable sequences that can hold different data types. Perfect for collections that change size, like shopping lists or student grades. You
can add, remove, and modify elements easily.

Tuples - Immutable & Ordered

(1, 2, 3) or ("Alice", 25, "Engineer")
2
Fixed sequences that can't be changed after creation. Ideal for coordinates, RGB colors, or any data that shouldn't be modified
accidentally. More memory-efficient than lists.

Sets - Unique & Unordered

{1, 2, 3} or {"red", "green", "blue"}
3
Collections of unique elements with no duplicates. Great for removing duplicates from data, checking membership quickly, or
mathematical set operations like unions and intersections.

Dictionaries - Key-Value Pairs

{"name": "Alice", "age": 25, "job": "Engineer"}
4
Store related information together using descriptive keys. Perfect for representing real-world objects, configuration settings, or any
time you need to look up values by name rather than position.
Making Decisions with Conditional
Statements
Control Your Program's Flow
Conditional statements let your programs make decisions based on different
situations. They're the foundation of intelligent, responsive code that can
handle various scenarios.

age = 18

if age >= 18:

print("You can vote!")
elif age >= 16:
print("You can drive!")
else:
print("Enjoy being young!")

1 2 3

if statement elif statement else statement

Tests a condition. If True, executes the Checks additional conditions if the Catches all remaining cases. Executes
indented code block below it. previous ones were False. You can have when none of the above conditions are
multiple elif blocks. True.

Remember: Python uses indentation (spaces or tabs) to group code blocks. Consistent indentation is crucial for your code to work
correctly!
Mastering Loops, Functions & Beyond

Loops Functions Error Handling

for loops iterate over sequences (lists, Create reusable code blocks with def Use try-except blocks to handle errors
strings, ranges). while loops continue until function_name():. Functions can accept gracefully. The finally block always runs,
a condition becomes False. Use break to exit parameters, return values, and have default perfect for cleanup tasks like closing files or
early, continue to skip iterations. arguments. Master *args and **kwargs for database connections.
flexible inputs.

File Operations & Modules

Handle files safely with with open("file.txt", "r") as f: - this automatically Expand Python's capabilities by importing modules: import math,
closes files even if errors occur. Read with .read() or .readlines(), write import random. Install external packages with pip install
with .write(). package_name to access thousands of useful libraries.

Object-Oriented Programming Basics

Classes are blueprints for creating objects. Define classes with class MyClass:, use __init__ for constructors, and implement inheritance to create
specialized versions of your classes. OOP helps organize complex programs and promotes code reuse.

Congratulations! You now

ï

have the foundation to build

amazing Python programs! ï