Python Basics

Introduction

Learn the fundamental concepts of Python programming.

Python is a high-level, interpreted language with dynamic typing and automatic memory management. It supports multiple paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming.

print("Hello, World!")

Python Syntax

Python uses indentation to define blocks instead of braces. Comments start with # and can be single-line or multi-line inside triple quotes.

Indentation: 4 spaces per level is standard.
Comments: # This is a comment.
Multi-line comments: """This is a docstring""".

def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}")

Variables & Data Types

Variables are dynamically typed. Common data types:

int: integers, e.g., x = 10
float: floats, e.g., pi = 3.14
str: strings, e.g., name = "Python"
bool: booleans, True or False
list, tuple, dict, set

count = 5
items = [1, 2, 3]
config = {"debug": True}

Control Flow

Control flows guide program execution:

# if statement
if x > 0:
    print("Positive")
else:
    print("Non-positive")

# for loop
for i in range(5):
    print(i)

# while loop
while condition:
    do_something()

Functions

Functions are defined with def and can have default or keyword arguments:

def add(a, b=0):
    """Return the sum of a and b."""
    return a + b

# lambda expression
square = lambda x: x * x
print(square(5))