What is Python?

WHAT IS PYTHON?
• Python is a popular high-level
programming language used in various
applications

• Python is an easy language to learn

because of its simple syntax

• Python can be used for simple tasks

such as plotting or for more complex
tasks like machine learning
VARIABLES, OBJECTS, AND CLASSES

● A variable is a reference to a value stored in a computer’s memory.

● Variables can be sorted into a variety of categories (or data types) such as
numbers (int/float etc), Boolean values (true/false), and sequences
(strings, lists etc).
● An object is a collection of data from a computer’s memory that can be
manipulated.

○ ALL VARIABLES ARE OBJECTS although some objects can be defined

by data referred to by multiple variables.

○ Methods are the functions used to act on/alter an object’s data. They
describe what your object can “do.”
VARIABLES, OBJECTS, AND CLASSES (CONT.)

● A class is a collection of objects

who share the same set of
variables/methods. Instance #1
Color: Pink
Name: Polo
○ The definition of the class provides
Instance #2
a blueprint for all the objects within Color: Red
it (instances). Name: Mini
Instance #3
○ Instances may share the same Color: Blue
Name: Beetle
variables (color, size, shape, etc.),
but they do NOT share the same
values for each variable
(blue/red/pink, small/large,
square/circular etc.)
BASIC SYNTAX RULES
● The name of your variable (myInt etc.) is placed on the left of the “=“ operator.

○ Most variable names are in camel case where the first word begins with a lowercase letter and any
subsequent words are capitalized

○ Variable names may also appear in snake case where all words are lowercase, with underscores between
words
● The assignment operator (“=“) sets the variable name equal to the memory location where your value is found.
● The value of your variable (“Hello, World”) is placed on the right of the “=“ operator.

○ The type of this value does NOT need to be stated but its format must abide by a given object type (as
shown).
myString = “Hello, World”
myInt = 7
myFloat = 7.0
myList = [7, 8, 9]
myBoolean = true
BASIC SYNTAX RULES

● Function Syntax

○ def...: indicates that you are defining a new function.

○ function() refers to the name of your function. By convention, this name is typically lowercase and represents a
verb/action.

○ a,b refers to parameters (values or variables) that can be used within the statements of your function’s definition
(......). If your function has no parameters, an empty parenthetical () is used.

○ The return statement is an optional statement that will return a value for your function to your original call.

def function(a, b):

......
return a + b
BASIC SYNTAX RULES (CONT.)

● Calling a function

○ Call the function by referring to its name (function()) and by placing

any necessary arguments (1, 2) within the parenthesis separated by
commas. myValue = function(1, 2)

○ If you wish, you can set your function call equal to a variable (myValue). The value
returned by the function will be assigned to your variable name.

myValue = function(1, 2)
COMMON DATA TYPES
AND OPERATORS
• A data type is a means of
classifying a value and determining
what operations can be performed
on it. All objects have a data type.
• Operators are symbols used carry
out specific functions/computations.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
v5MR5JnKcZI
INPUT/OUTPUT

● Input functions (input()) allow users of a program to place

values into programming code.

○ The parameter for an input function is called a prompt. This

is a string (this can be indicated by “” or ‘’) such as “Enter a
number: “ xString = input(“Enter a num
x = int(xString)
○ The user’s response to the prompt will be returned to the
input statement call as a string. To use this value as any
y=x+2
other data type, it must be converted with another function print(y)
(int()).
● Print functions (print()) allow programs to output strings to
users on a given interface.

○ The parameter of this function is of any type. All types will

automatically be converted to strings.
IF-ELSE STATEMENTS

● If-else statements allow programmers to adapt the function of

their code based on a given condition.
● If a given condition (i.e. x % 2 == 0) is true, then the statements
following the if statement (if) will be executed. If the condition is xString = input(“Enter a
false, the statements following the else statement (else) will be
executed.
number: “)
x = int(xString)
○ The condition is tested using the Boolean operators == (is if x % 2 == 0:
equal to), != (is not equal to), and (used to test multiple
print(“This is an even
conditions), and or (used to test if AT LEAST ONE condition
is true).
number”)
elif x == 0:
○ Additionally, else-if statements (elif) can be used to print(“This number equals
provide unique coding statements for multiple conditions.
0”)
else:
print(“This is an odd
FOR LOOPS

● For loops perform the same task (iterate) for the number
of times specified by an iterable (something that can be
evaluated repeatedly such as a list, string, or range).
● for defines the for loop
● x is the variable defining the number of times the
statements within the loop (print(myInt)) are executed.
myString = input(“Enter a num
● The range(start, stop, step) function is often used to myInt = int(myString)
define x.
for x in range(0, 5, 1): print(my
○ The starting value is defined by start, the final value
is defined by stop – 1, and the magnitude at which x
changes between loops is defined by step.
● in is a Boolean operator that returns true if the given value
(x) is found within a given list, string, range etc.
WHILE LOOPS
myString = input(“Enter a
● While loops are statements that iterate so long as a
number: “)
given Boolean condition is met. myInt = int(myString)
x=0
○ x (the variable determining whether or not the
while x < 5:
condition is met) is defined and manipulated
OUTSIDE of the header of the while loop
print(myInt)
(while) x= x +1
○ The condition (x < 5) is a statement containing
a Boolean variable.

○ break is a statement used to exit the current

for/while loop.

○ continue is a statement used to reject all

statements in the current for/while loop
iteration and return to the beginning of the
loop.