Introduction to Python Programming

:dart: Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand what Python is and why it's useful
• Write your first Python program using print()
• Get user input using input()
• Store and use information with variables

:information_source: Info Definition: Python is a programming language with syntax rules for writing what is considered valid Python code.

:emoji: What is Python?

Python is now one of the most popular programming languages. Data scientists use it for analyzing data and creating visualizations.

Python is a high-level programming language. This means you need fewer lines of code to complete tasks. It's perfect for beginners to learn!

Every programming language shares similar concepts. If you know another programming language, you'll find Python easier to learn.

:memo: Note Fun Fact: Guido van Rossum created Python and released it in 1991. He named it after the comedy group "Monty Python"!

:muscle: What Can Python Do?

Python helps you:

• Analyze data - Find patterns and insights in information
• Create visualizations - Make charts and graphs to show your findings
• Connect to databases - Store and retrieve large amounts of data
• Work with files - Read, write, and modify documents

:mag: Why Python is Special

Python is different from other programming languages:

Feature	Python	Other Languages
Readability	Looks like English with math symbols	Often harder to read
Commands	New lines separate commands	Use semicolons ; or parentheses ()
Code blocks	Use indentation (tabs)	Use curly brackets {}

:bulb: Python's simple syntax makes it easier to focus on solving problems instead of memorizing complex rules!

:emoji: Making Python Talk with Print()

The print() function makes Python display text on your screen. It's one of the most important tools you'll use!

How to use print():

1. Type print()
2. Put your text inside the parentheses
3. Wrap your text in "double quotes"

python

print("Hello World!")

• Click on the run button to see the text.

Hello World!

Creating New Lines

To move text to the next line, use \n (which stands for "new line"):

python

print("Hello\nWorld!")

Hello
World!

Joining Text Together

You can combine text in two ways:

Method 1: Using the + sign

python

print("Hello " + "World!")

Hello World!

Method 2: Using commas

:memo: Note Using commas automatically adds a space between your text!

python

print("Hello", "World!")

Hello World!

:emoji: Getting User Input with Input()

The input() function lets Python ask questions and wait for answers. This makes your programs interactive!

How to use input():

1. Type input()
2. Put your question inside the parentheses
3. Wrap your question in "double quotes"

python

input("What is your name? ")

• Click on the run button to ask the question and wait for an answer.

csharp

What is your name?

When you type an answer, Python shows it but doesn't remember it:

csharp

What is your name? John

Saving Answers with Variables

To save the answer for later use, store it in a variable:

python

name = input("What is your name? ")

Now you can use the saved answer anywhere in your program! For example, to greet someone personally:

python

name = input("What is your name? ")
print("Hi,", name)

csharp

What is your name? John
Hi, John

:memo: Summary

In this lesson, you learned:

• Python is a beginner-friendly programming language
• print() displays text on the screen
• input() asks questions and gets answers
• Variables store information for later use

:emoji: Video Tutorial

:emoji: Practice with AI

Code with AI: Try using AI to work with variables and data types.

Prompts to try:

• "Write a Python program that prints 'Hello, world!'"
• "Write a Python program that asks for my name and greets me personally."
• "Create a Python program that asks for my favorite color and responds with a compliment about it."
• "Write a program that asks for two numbers and prints their sum." tip Don't be afraid to experiment! Change the code AI gives you and see what happens.