Week 1 Notes: Introduction to Programming and Python

Course: Object-Oriented Programming Using Python

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

1. Define programming and explain its importance.

2. Identify applications of programming in everyday life.

3. Explain what Python is and its key features.

4. Install and run Python programs.

5. Write and execute simple Python programs.

6. Apply basic Python syntax rules.

7. Use comments to document programs.

1. Introduction to Programming

What is Programming?

Programming is the process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform
a task.

A computer cannot make decisions on its own. It relies on instructions written by programmers
using programming languages.

Definition

A program is a collection of instructions written to solve a specific problem or perform a

Examples of programs include:

 Student Management Systems

 Banking Systems

 Payroll Systems
  Mobile Applications

 Hospital Management Systems

 E-commerce Platforms

Why Do We Learn Programming?

Programming is important because it enables us to:

1. Solve Problems

Computers can be programmed to solve complex problems quickly and accurately.

Example:
A school can use a program to calculate student grades automatically.

2. Automate Tasks

Repetitive tasks can be performed automatically.

Example:
Generating report cards for hundreds of students.

3. Create Software Applications

Programming is used to build:

 Websites

 Mobile Apps

 Games

 Desktop Applications

4. Improve Career Opportunities

Programming skills are highly demanded in:

 Software Development

 Cybersecurity

 Data Science

 Artificial Intelligence

 Networking
5. Encourage Logical Thinking

Programming teaches problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

2. Programming Languages

A programming language is a language used to communicate instructions to a computer.

Examples include:

Language Common Use

Python General Purpose

Java Mobile and Enterprise Applications

C++ Systems Programming

JavaScript Web Development

PHP Web Applications

3. Introduction to Python

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose programming language.

It was created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world because it is easy to
learn and powerful.

Features of Python

1. Easy to Learn

Python uses simple English-like syntax.

Example:

print("Hello World")

2. Interpreted Language
Python executes code line by line.

This makes debugging easier.

3. Cross-Platform

Python programs can run on:

 Windows

 Linux

 macOS

4. Open Source

Python is free to download and use.

5. Large Community Support

Millions of developers contribute to Python resources and libraries.

Applications of Python

Python is used in many fields.

Web Development

Examples:

 Websites

 Online Portals

Artificial Intelligence

Examples:

 Chatbots

 Machine Learning Systems

Data Science

Examples:

 Data Analysis

 Data Visualization
Cybersecurity

Examples:

 Security Tools

 Penetration Testing Scripts

Automation

Examples:

 File Management

 Report Generation

4. Installing Python

Step 1: Download Python

Visit:

 Python Official Website ([Link]

Download the latest version suitable for your operating system.

Step 2: Install Python

During installation:

✓ Check Add Python to PATH

Click Install Now

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and type:

python --version

Example output:

Python 3.13.0
5. Development Environments

A Development Environment (IDE) is software used to write and run programs.

Popular Python IDEs include:

VS Code ([Link]

Advantages:

 Lightweight

 Popular

 Easy to use

IDLE

Advantages:

 Comes with Python

 Suitable for beginners

PyCharm

Advantages:

 Professional features

 Intelligent code completion

Jupyter Notebook

Advantages:

 Excellent for data analysis

6. Writing Your First Python Program

Traditionally, the first program written by beginners is called Hello World.

Example

print("Hello World")

Output

Hello World
Explanation

print()

The print() function displays information on the screen.

"Hello World"

Text enclosed in quotation marks is called a string.

Program Execution Process

Program Written

Python Interpreter

Program Executed

Output Displayed

7. Python Syntax

Syntax refers to the rules governing how Python code is written.

Rule 1: Statements are Written One Per Line

Correct:

print("John")

print("Mary")

Rule 2: Python is Case Sensitive

Correct:
name = "John"

Incorrect:

Name = "John"

print(name)

The variables Name and name are different.

Rule 3: Use Meaningful Names

Good:

student_name = "John"

Poor:

x = "John"

Rule 4: Use Proper Indentation

Example:

if 5 > 2:

print("Five is greater")

Indentation tells Python which statements belong together.

8. Comments in Python

Comments explain code.

Python ignores comments during execution.

Single-Line Comment

# This is a comment

print("Python")
Multiple Comments

# Student Name

# Student Age

# Student Course

Why Use Comments?

Comments help:

 Explain code

 Improve readability

 Assist future maintenance

9. Practical Activity 1: Personal Profile Program

Program

print("My Personal Profile")

name = "Mary"

age = 18

course = "ICT"

print("Name:", name)

print("Age:", age)

print("Course:", course)

Output

My Personal Profile

Name: Mary
Age: 18

Course: ICT

10. Practical Activity 2: School Information Program

print("School Information")

print("School Name: ABC College")

print("Location: Nairobi")

print("Course: ICT")

11. Practical Activity 3: Simple Calculator

Program

num1 = 10

num2 = 5

sum = num1 + num2

print("Sum =", sum)

Output

Sum = 15

12. Understanding Program Errors

Errors occur when Python cannot execute a program correctly.

Syntax Error
Example:

print("Hello World"

Problem:

Missing closing bracket.

Name Error

Example:

print(student)

Problem:

Variable not defined.

Indentation Error

Example:

if 5 > 2:

print("Hello")

Problem:

Missing indentation.

13. Best Practices for Beginners

Use Meaningful Variable Names

student_name = "John"

Comment Your Code

# Display student name

print("John")

Keep Programs Simple

Write and test small sections at a time.

Programming is learned through practice.

Class Discussion Questions

1. What is programming?

2. Why is programming important?

3. Name three applications of Python.

4. What is an IDE?

5. Why are comments useful in programming?

6. What is the purpose of the print() function?

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1

Write a program that displays:

Welcome to Python Programming

Exercise 2

Create a personal profile showing:

 Name

 Age

 Course

 Institution

Exercise 3

Write a program that displays your favourite:

 Food
  Sport

 Musician

Exercise 4

Create a simple calculator that adds two numbers.

Exercise 5

Research and list five organizations that use Python.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, we learned:

✓ Meaning of programming
✓ Importance of programming
✓ Programming languages
✓ Introduction to Python
✓ Features of Python
✓ Python applications
✓ Installing Python
✓ Writing the first Python program
✓ Python syntax rules
✓ Using comments
✓ Creating simple Python programs

Preparation for Week 2: Students should install Python and VS Code on their computers and
practice writing simple programs using the print() function.