Python Programming - Complete Course Notes

Module 1: Introduction to Python Programming

1.1 Why Learn Programming?

Creative and Rewarding Activity: Programming allows you to build useful, elegant, and clever
programs.

Motivations: - Problem-solving for data analysis - Career opportunities (financially and personally
rewarding) - Helping others solve problems - Personal productivity in handling data

1.2 Computer Hardware Architecture

Core Components: - Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes instructions; measured in GHz (billions
of operations per second). - Main Memory (RAM): Fast, temporary storage for active data; volatile (data
lost when power is off). - Secondary Memory: Permanent storage like hard drives or flash memory;
non-volatile. - Input/Output Devices: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speaker, etc. - Network Connection:
Allows remote data transfer, often slower and less reliable.

1.3 Understanding Programming

Two Essential Skills: 1. Programming Language Knowledge: Vocabulary and syntax of Python. 2.
Problem-Solving Ability: Logical combination of instructions to achieve results.

Key Concepts: - Python has a small set of reserved words. - Variables are user-defined names for data. -
Programs are sequences of instructions that solve problems.

1.4 Getting Started with Python

Interactive Mode:

>>> print("Hello world!")

Hello world!

Running Scripts: Create a file [Link] :

print('Hello world!')

Run with: python [Link]

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1.5 Programming Terminology

• Interpreter: Executes code line-by-line (Python uses this).

• Compiler: Translates entire code before execution.
• High-Level Language: Human-readable programming languages (Python, C++, Java).
• Machine Language: Binary code understood by CPU.

1.6 Basic Building Blocks

• Input: Getting data from user or files.

• Output: Displaying results.
• Sequential Execution: Steps run in order.
• Conditional Execution: Executes code based on condition.
• Repeated Execution: Loops for repeated actions.
• Abstraction: Combining code into reusable functions.

1.7 Common Error Types

• Syntax Errors: Grammar mistakes in Python.

• Logic Errors: Wrong statement order.
• Semantic Errors: Code runs but gives wrong output.

1.8 Variables, Values and Types

Basic Data Types: - int: Integer numbers (2, -5) - float: Decimal numbers (3.14, -2.5) - str: String of
characters ('Hello')

Variable Assignment:

message = 'And now for something completely different'

n = 17
pi = 3.141592653589793

Variable Naming Rules: - Must contain letters, numbers, or underscores. - Cannot start with a number.
- Case-sensitive. - Cannot use keywords. - Use meaningful names.

1.9 Expressions and Operators

Arithmetic Operators:

20 + 32 # Addition
hour - 1 # Subtraction
hour * 60 # Multiplication

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 minute / 60 # Division
5 ** 2 # Exponentiation

Order of Operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses → Exponentiation → Multiplication/Division → Addition/

Subtraction.

Modulus Operator:

quotient = 7 // 3 # Integer division → 2

remainder = 7 % 3 # Modulus → 1

String Operations:

first = '100'
second = '150'
print(first + second) # '100150'

1.10 User Input and Comments

Getting Input:

inp = input('Enter Fahrenheit Temperature: ')

Adding Comments:

# Compute percentage of hour that has elapsed

percentage = (minute * 100) / 60 # Everything after # is ignored

1.11 Debugging Basics

• Syntax Errors: Illegal variable names, missing operators.

• Runtime Errors: Occur during program execution.
• Semantic Errors: Wrong logic or order of operations.

Module 2: Conditional Execution and Functions

2.1 Boolean Expressions and Operators

Boolean Values:

3
 >>> 5 == 5
True
>>> 5 == 6
False
>>> type(True)
<class 'bool'>

Comparison Operators: == , != , > , < , >= , <=

Logical Operators: and , or , not

2.2 Conditional Statements

Simple if Statement:

if x > 0:
print('x is positive')

Alternative Execution (if-else):

if x % 2 == 0:
print('x is even')
else:
print('x is odd')

Chained Conditionals (if-elif-else):

if x < y:
print('x is less than y')
elif x > y:
print('x is greater than y')
else:
print('x and y are equal')

Nested Conditionals:

if x == y:
print('x and y are equal')
else:
if x < y:
print('x is less than y')
else:
print('x is greater than y')

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2.3 Exception Handling

inp = input("Enter Fahrenheit Temperature: ")

try:
fahr = float(inp)
cel = (fahr - 32.0) * 5.0 / 9.0
print(cel)
except:
print('Please enter a number')

2.4 Short-Circuit Evaluation

Python stops evaluating expressions once the outcome is known.

Guardian Pattern: Prevents division by zero.

x >= 2 and y != 0 and (x/y) > 2

2.5 Functions

Built-in Functions: type() , max() , min() , len()

Type Conversion Functions: int() , float() , str()

Math Functions:

import math
[Link](5)
math.log10(100)
[Link](45)

Random Numbers:

import random
[Link]()
[Link]([1, 2, 3])

2.6 Defining New Functions

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 def print_lyrics():
print("I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay")
print("I sleep all night and I work all day")

Function Calls:

def repeat_lyrics():
print_lyrics()
print_lyrics()

repeat_lyrics()

2.7 Parameters and Arguments

def print_twice(bruce):
print(bruce)
print(bruce)

print_twice('Spam')
print_twice([Link])

2.8 Fruitful vs Void Functions

Fruitful (Return values):

x = [Link](radians)
golden = ([Link](5) + 1) / 2

Void (No return value):

result = print_twice('Bing') # result is None

Creating Fruitful Function:

def addtwo(a, b):

added = a + b
return added

x = addtwo(3, 5) # x becomes 8

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2.9 Why Use Functions?

• Organization: Improves readability.

• Reusability: Reduces repetition.
• Maintainability: Easy updates.
• Debugging: Test independently.
• Modularity: Portable across programs.

2.10 Debugging Tips

• Tracebacks: Identify error type and location.

• Whitespace Errors: Check indentation.
• Incremental Testing: Test code frequently.
• Error Messages: Indicate where the issue was found, not necessarily where it occurred.

Key Concepts Covered: - Python fundamentals and syntax - Conditional logic and flow control -
Function creation and usage - Error handling techniques - Problem-solving strategies

[Continued in Next Part - Modules 3–5]

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