Unit–1: Introduction to Python and Basic
Programming Concepts
1. Introduction to Python
What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted, object-oriented, and general-purpose programming language
created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991.
Why Python?
• Simple and readable syntax (close to English)
• Easy to learn for beginners
• Large standard library
• Platform independent
• Widely used in Web Development, Data Science, AI/ML, Automation, DevOps, IoT
Real-Time Example:
• Automation: Automating Excel reports
• Web Apps: Backend using Django/Flask
• AI: Chatbots, recommendation systems
2. Basic Programming Concepts
What is Programming?
Programming is the process of giving instructions to a computer to perform a specific task.
Algorithm
A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
Example: Algorithm to add two numbers: 1. Start 2. Read two numbers 3. Add them 4. Display result 5. Stop
Flowchart (Explanation)
• Oval → Start/Stop
• Parallelogram → Input/Output
• Rectangle → Process
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• Diamond → Decision
3. Python Program Structure
print("Hello, World!")
Explanation:
• print() is a built-in function
• Used to display output on the screen
4. Variables in Python
What is a Variable?
A variable is a name that refers to a value stored in memory.
x = 10
name = "Jeet"
Rules for Naming Variables:
• Must start with a letter or underscore
• Cannot start with a number
• Cannot use keywords
• Case-sensitive
Dynamic Typing
Python decides the data type at runtime.
x = 10
x = "Hello"
Real-Time Example:
• salary = 45000
• is_logged_in = True
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5. Data Types in Python
Built-in Data Types:
Numeric Types
• int → 10
• float → 10.5
• complex → 3+4j
age = 21
price = 99.99
Boolean
is_active = True
String
name = "Python"
Type Checking
type(age)
6. Input and Output
Taking Input
name = input("Enter your name: ")
Output
print("Welcome", name)
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Type Casting
age = int(input("Enter age: "))
7. Conditional Statements
What are Conditionals?
Used to make decisions based on conditions.
if Statement
age = 18
if age >= 18:
print("Eligible to vote")
if-else
if age >= 18:
print("Eligible")
else:
print("Not Eligible")
if-elif-else
marks = 85
if marks >= 90:
print("Grade A")
elif marks >= 75:
print("Grade B")
else:
print("Grade C")
Real-Time Example:
• Login validation
• ATM withdrawal conditions
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8. Loops in Python
Why Loops?
To execute a block of code repeatedly.
for Loop
for i in range(1, 6):
print(i)
Real-Time Example:
• Display student list
• Generate reports
while Loop
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print(count)
count += 1
Real-Time Example:
• Password retry system
• Menu-driven programs
9. Loop Control Statements
break
Stops the loop
for i in range(10):
if i == 5:
break
print(i)
5
continue
Skips current iteration
for i in range(5):
if i == 2:
continue
print(i)
10. Common Errors (Beginner Level)
• IndentationError
• TypeError
• NameError
11. Teaching Plan (Lecture View)
Lecture Duration: 3 Hours
Part 1 (45 min)
• Introduction to Python
• Programming basics
• Algorithm & flowchart
Part 2 (45 min)
• Variables
• Data types
• Input/Output
Part 3 (45 min)
• Conditional statements
• Real-time examples
Part 4 (45 min)
• Loops
• Control statements
• Practice problems
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12. Practice Questions (For Students)
1. Write a program to check even or odd number
2. Find largest of three numbers
3. Print numbers from 1 to 100
4. Create a simple login system
13. Interview & Exam Focus
• Difference between for and while loop
• Dynamic typing in Python
• Indentation significance
14. Summary
This unit covers the foundation of Python programming which is essential for all advanced topics like
OOP, File Handling, Web Development, and AI.