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Introduction to Python
Overview
1. What is Python?
Definition:Python is a high-level programming language known for its
readability and straightforward syntax. It's interpreted, meaning that
Python code is executed line-by-line, which simplifies debugging and
development.
Example:
Python code to print "Hello, World!":
Python
print("Hello, World!")
C code to print "Hello, World!":
C/C++
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
printf("Hello, World!");
return 0;
}
Java code to print "Hello, World!":
Java
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}
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NOTES
History:
Python was created by Guido van Rossum and was first released in 1991.
Its design emphasises code readability and simplicity, which has
contributed to its widespread adoption. It's named after the British
comedy group "Monty Python" and has since evolved into one of the
most popular programming languages today.
2. Python Features
Easy to Learn and Use:
Python’s syntax is clean and readable, making it accessible for beginners.
It uses indentation to define code blocks, which encourages writing neat,
organised code, and replaces the curly braces ({}) used in many other
languages.
Example: Python’s simple syntax for defining a function:
Python
def say_hello():
print("Hello, World!")
In this example, there's no need for extra braces or semicolons, making it
easy for non-tech learners to pick up.
2
NOTES
Interpreted Language:
Python code is executed directly by the Python interpreter, without the
need for compilation. This allows for immediate feedback and easier
debugging.
Example: Use an IDE like PyCharm or an interpreter like Jupyter
Notebook, where students can write code and instantly see results.
High-Level Language:
Python abstracts complex details of the computer’s hardware. Users
don’t need to manage memory manually or deal with low-level
operations.
Dynamic Typing:
In Python, you don't need to declare the type of a variable when you
create it. The type is inferred at runtime, which simplifies coding but
requires careful management to avoid type-related errors.
Python
x = 10 # x is an integer
x = "Hello" # x is now a string
This allows more flexibility, but students should be aware of potential
type-related errors as their programs grow larger.
Object-Oriented:
Python supports object-oriented programming (OOP), which means it
can model real-world objects using classes. OOP principles such as
inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism make it easier to model
complex systems.
3
NOTES
Example:
Python
class Person:
def __init__(self, name):
self.name = name # Assigning the name attribute to the
person
def say_hello(self):
print(f"Hello, my name is {self.name}!")
# Creating an object of the Person class
person1 = Person("Alice")
person1.say_hello() # Output: Hello, my name is Alice!
Extensive Libraries and Frameworks:
Python has a vast standard library and a rich ecosystem of third-party
libraries and frameworks. This includes libraries for web development,
data analysis, machine learning, and more.
Cross-Platform Compatibility:
Python can run on various operating systems, including Windows,
macOS, and Linux. This makes it a versatile choice for development
across different platforms.
Community Support:
Python has a large and active community that contributes to its
development and offers extensive resources like documentation,
tutorials, and forums.
Python Community
3. Applications of Python
Web Development:
Django: A high-level framework that encourages rapid development
and clean, pragmatic design.
4
NOTES
Flask: A lightweight Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI) web
application framework that’s easy to use and extend.
Data Science and Machine Learning:
Pandas: Provides data structures and data analysis tools.
NumPy: Supports large, multi-dimensional arrays and matrices, along
with a collection of mathematical functions.
Scikit-learn: Offers simple and efficient tools for data mining and
machine learning.
TensorFlow and PyTorch: Popular libraries for deep learning and
neural networks.
Automation/Scripting:
Python is often used for scripting to automate repetitive tasks such as file
management, data extraction, and system administration.
Software Development:
Python can be used to build desktop applications with frameworks like
Tkinter and PyQt, as well as mobile apps with tools like Kivy.
Scientific Computing:
SciPy: Builds on NumPy and provides additional functionality for
scientific and technical computing.
Matplotlib: A plotting library used to create static, animated, and
interactive visualisations in Python.
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NOTES
Education:
Python’s simplicity makes it an ideal language for teaching programming
concepts to beginners, as well as advanced topics to more experienced
learners.
Game Development:
Pygame: A library designed for writing video games, providing
functionalities like creating windows, handling events, and drawing
graphics.
Finance: Python is used in finance for tasks like data analysis, financial
modelling, and algorithmic trading, thanks to its powerful libraries and
ease of integration with financial data sources.
4. Python Ecosystem
IDEs and Text Editors:
PyCharm: A full-featured IDE for Python with tools for debugging,
testing, and project management.
VS Code: A lightweight editor with Python support through extensions.
Jupyter Notebook: Perfect for data science and interactive computing.
Package Management:
pip: The package installer for Python, allowing users to install and
manage Python libraries and dependencies.
Example: To install Pandas using pip:
Python
pip install pandas
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NOTES
Python Versions:
Python 2 vs. Python 3: Python 3 is the current version with ongoing
support and updates, while Python 2 reached its end of life in January
2020. Python 3 offers improved features and fixes from Python 2, and
it's recommended to use Python 3 for new projects. The differences
include improved syntax (e.g., print statements), type hinting, and more
advanced data structures.
Example: Syntax differences between Python 2 and Python 3:
Python
# Python 2
print "Hello, World!"
# Python 3
print("Hello, World!")
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NOTES
Comparison with Other Programming
Languages
1. Language Type
Python: Interpreted language.
High-level, meaning it abstracts many complex operations, making it
easy to learn and use.
C: Compiled language (code is converted into machine code before
execution).
Low-level language, giving close control over the hardware and memory.
Java: Compiled and Interpreted (compiled into bytecode and then run
on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)).
High-level like Python, but with more structured syntax.
2. Syntax Simplicity
Python: Very simple and easy to read. Uses indentation to define code
blocks instead of curly braces `{}` or semicolons `;`.
Example:
Python
if age > 18:
print("You are an adult.")
C: Requires more structure. Uses curly braces `{}` and semicolons `;` to
define code blocks and statements.
Example:
C/C++
if (age > 18) {
printf("You are an adult.");
}
8
NOTES
Java: More verbose and structured than Python but simpler than C. Also
uses braces `{}` and semicolons `;`.
Example:
Java
if (age > 18) {
System.out.println("You are an adult.");
}
3. Memory Management
Python: Automatic memory management through garbage collection.
The programmer doesn’t have to manually allocate or free memory.
C: The programmer controls memory allocation (`malloc()`, `free()`)
and has more control over how memory is used known as Manual
memory management
Java: Automatic garbage collection, like Python, but still offers more
control over memory than Python.
4. Performance
Python: Slower compared to C and Java because it’s interpreted and
dynamically typed (types are checked at runtime).
C: Fastest of the three, as it’s compiled directly into machine code and
gives low-level access to memory and CPU.
Java: Faster than Python, but generally slower than C. Java uses
Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, where bytecode is compiled to machine
code at runtime.
5. Type System
Python: Dynamically typed, meaning you don’t have to declare the data
types of variables. Types are checked at runtime.
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NOTES
Example:
Python
x = 10 # No need to declare the type.
x = "Hello" # Python allows you to change the type at any time.
C: Statically typed, meaning you must declare the data type of each
variable at the start, and it cannot be changed later.
Example:
C/C++
int x = 10; // Variable type must be declared.
x = "Hello"; // This would cause an error.
Java: Also statically typed like C. Variables need explicit type
declaration, but Java is more flexible with object-oriented data types.
Example:
Java
int x = 10; // Variable type is declared.
x = "Hello"; // Causes an error.
6. Use Cases
Python: Known for data science, web development, automation, and
scripting.
Common libraries include Pandas, NumPy, Django, and Flask.
C: Typically used for system programming (operating systems),
embedded systems, and applications where performance is critical (like
gaming engines).
Java: Popular for enterprise-level applications, Android app
development, and large systems where portability and scalability are
crucial.
Common libraries include Spring, Hibernate, and Android SDK.
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NOTES
7. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Python: Supports object-oriented programming but doesn’t force it.
You can write procedural code without using objects.
C: Does not support object-oriented programming directly. It is
procedural, meaning it follows a sequence of commands.
Java: Fully object-oriented, meaning almost everything in Java is
treated as an object. You have to define your code around classes and
objects.
8. Portability
Python: Highly portable. Python code can run on any platform that has
a Python interpreter.
C: Less portable than Python or Java because C code is often compiled
specifically for the operating system and hardware it's intended to run
on.
Java: Very portable thanks to the JVM (Java Virtual Machine). Once
compiled to bytecode, Java can run on any system that has the JVM
installed.
9. Learning Curve
Python: Easiest to learn due to its readable syntax and flexibility.
Excellent choice for beginners.
C: Steeper learning curve due to manual memory management and
complex syntax.
Good for those who want to understand the fundamentals of how
computers work.
Java: Moderate learning curve. Easier than C but more complex than
Python.
Requires understanding of OOP concepts early on.
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NOTES
Feature Python C Java
Syntax Very simple and clean. Low-level, more Moderate syntax, more
complex syntax. structured than
Python.
Length Minimal code, one line Requires additional Needs a class and
is enough. elements like method declaration
#include, main(). (public static
void main).
Compilation/Inter Interpreted language Compiled language Compiled to bytecode,
pretation (executes (must be compiled then run by the JVM
line-by-line). before execution). (Java Virtual
Machine).
Memory Automatic garbage Manual memory Automatic garbage
Management collection (via management (pointers collection through
reference counting). and memory JVM.
allocation).
Execution Speed Slower, due to being Very fast, close to Faster than Python,
interpreted. machine code. slower than C (but
faster than interpreted
languages).
Type System Dynamically typed (no Statically typed Statically typed, with
need to declare (requires explicit type type declarations.
variable types). declaration)
Ease of Use Easiest, great for More complex and Moderate difficulty;
beginners. low-level, harder for easier than C, more
beginners. complex than Python.
Platform Cross-platform Platform-dependent Cross-platform (runs
Dependency (requires Python (compiled to machine on any platform with
interpreter). code for specific OS). JVM).
Use Cases Web development, System programming, Enterprise
scripting, data science, embedded systems, applications, Android
automation. high-performance development, web
apps. apps.
Error Handling Runtime errors are Compile-time errors Both compile-time and
often caught during are common due to runtime error
execution. stricter syntax. handling (exceptions).
Community Large community and Strong community, Strong support for
Support a wealth of libraries. but fewer high-level enterprise solutions
libraries. and libraries.
12
NOTES
Keywords, Identifiers, and Comments
1. Keywords in Python
Keywords are reserved words in Python that have special meanings. You
cannot use them as variable names, function names, or identifiers.
Python has around 35 keywords, and they are all lowercase except for
True, False, and None.
Purpose: Keywords are predefined in Python and perform specific
functions.
Rule: You cannot use keywords for naming variables, functions, or
identifiers.
Examples of Python Keywords:
● if, else, elif: Used for conditional statements.
● for, while: Used for loops.
● True, False: Represent Boolean values.
● import: Used to include external modules.
Example:
Python
if True: # 'if' and 'True' are keywords
print("This is a keyword example.")
Keywords form the backbone of any program’s structure, making it
essential to know them to write Python code.
2. Identifiers in Python
Identifiers are the names given to variables, functions, classes, etc. They
are created by the programmer to refer to different elements in the code.
Purpose: Identifiers give names to entities like variables and functions.
Rule: Identifiers cannot be Python keywords.
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NOTES
Syntax Rules: Identifiers must start with a letter (A-Z, a-z) or an
underscore (_), but can include numbers (0-9).
No special characters like @, #, $ are allowed.
Identifiers are case-sensitive (Name and name are different).
Examples:
Python
name = "John" # 'name' is an identifier
_age = 25 # '_age' is an identifier starting with an
underscore
height2 = 175 # 'height2' is a valid identifier
Common Mistake:
Python
2name = "Alice" # Invalid: cannot start with a number
Identifiers are like names given to things in real life (like people, places),
and follow simple rules for naming.
3. Comments in Python
Comments are notes added to the code to explain what’s happening,
making it easier to understand for yourself and others. Comments are
ignored by the Python interpreter, so they don’t affect the code
execution.
Types of Comments:
Single-Line Comment:
Created using a hash (#) symbol.
Used for brief explanations.
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NOTES
Example:
Python
# This is a single-line comment
print("Hello, World!") # This prints a greeting
Multi-Line Comment:
Python doesn't have a built-in multi-line comment syntax, but you can
use triple quotes (''' or """) to simulate multi-line comments.
Often used to describe functions or large sections of code.
Example:
Python
'''
This is a multi-line comment.
It can span multiple lines.
'''
print("Hello, Python!")
Purpose: Comments make your code readable by describing its
functionality.
Rule: Comments do not affect the execution of the program; they are
only for humans reading the code.
Comments help both the writer and others understand what the code
does. In real-world data science projects, comments ensure collaboration
is smoother.
Example for all:
Python
# This program checks if someone is an adult or not
age = 20 # 'age' is an identifier for storing the person's age
if age >= 18: # 'if' is a keyword
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NOTES
print("You are an adult.") # Comment: Printing adult status
else: # 'else' is a keyword
print("You are not an adult.")
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