Introduction to Python Using Jupyter Notebook
Dr. Joseph Dadzie
Department of Computer Science
Accra Technical University
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Course Objectives
At the end of this lecture, students should be able to:
1 Explain the meaning of Python programming.
2 Understand the importance of Jupyter Notebook.
3 Install Python and Jupyter Notebook.
4 Execute Python programs in Jupyter Notebook.
5 Perform simple computations using Python.
6 Use variables and data types.
7 Accept user input and display output.
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Introduction to Python
Python is a high-level programming language.
Python is simple, readable, and beginner-friendly.
It is widely used in:
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Web Development
Scientific Computing
Automation
Python was developed by Guido van Rossum in 1991.
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Why Learn Python?
Advantages of Python
Easy syntax and readability
Large community support
Portable across operating systems
Large collection of libraries
Suitable for research and industry
Industrial Applications
Python is heavily used in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Finance, Healthcare, and Engineering.
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What is Jupyter Notebook?
Jupyter Notebook is an interactive programming environment.
It allows users to combine:
1 Program codes
2 Text explanations
3 Mathematical equations
4 Graphs and charts
Jupyter Notebook is popular in:
Data Science
Machine Learning
Academic Research
Teaching and Learning
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Features of Jupyter Notebook
1 Interactive execution of programs
2 Supports multiple programming languages
3 Easy visualization of results
4 Supports Markdown documentation
5 Excellent for scientific computing
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Installing Python and Jupyter
Step 1: Download Python
Visit: [Link]
Download the latest version.
Step 2: Install Python
Run the installer.
Tick: Add Python to PATH
Step 3: Install Jupyter Notebook
1 pip install notebook
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Starting Jupyter Notebook
Using Command Prompt
1 jupyter notebook
Alternative Method
Open Anaconda Navigator
Click on Jupyter Notebook
Outcome
Jupyter opens in a browser window.
Users can create notebooks and execute programs.
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Structure of Jupyter Notebook
A Jupyter Notebook contains:
1 Code Cells
2 Markdown Cells
Code Cells
Used for writing and executing Python programs.
Markdown Cells
Used for writing notes, headings, and explanations.
Shortcut to Execute a Cell:
Shift + Enter
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First Python Program
1 print ( " Welcome to Python Programming " )
Output
Welcome to Python Programming
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Python as a Calculator
Python can perform arithmetic operations.
1 2 + 3
2 10 - 4
3 5 * 6
4 20 / 5
5 2 ** 3
Operator Meaning
+ Addition
- Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division
** Power
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Variables in Python
Variables are used to store data values.
1 x = 10
2 y = 5
3
4 sum = x + y
5
6 print ( sum )
Output
15
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Rules for Naming Variables
1 Variable names must start with a letter or underscore.
2 Variable names cannot start with a number.
3 Spaces are not allowed.
4 Python distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters.
Valid Names Invalid Names
age 2age
student name student name
score1 score@
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Data Types in Python
Data Type Example
Integer 10
Float 3.14
String ”Python”
Boolean True
1 x = 10
2 y = 3.14
3 name = " Joseph "
4 status = True
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Input and Output
Python can accept user input.
1 name = input ( " Enter your name : " )
2
3 print ( " Welcome " , name )
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Simple Example: Area of Rectangle
1 length = float ( input ( " Enter length : " ) )
2 width = float ( input ( " Enter width : " ) )
3
4 area = length * width
5
6 print ( " Area = " , area )
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Common Jupyter Shortcuts
Shortcut Function
Shift + Enter Run current cell
A Insert cell above
B Insert cell below
DD Delete cell
M Convert to Markdown
Y Convert to Code
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Applications of Python
1 Data Science
2 Artificial Intelligence
3 Machine Learning
4 Engineering Simulations
5 Financial Analysis
6 Scientific Research
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Advantages of Jupyter Notebook
Interactive learning environment
Easy experimentation
Supports visualization
Combines text and codes
Excellent for teaching and research
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Summary
Python is easy to learn and widely used.
Jupyter Notebook provides an interactive coding environment.
Python supports calculations, variables, and user interaction.
Jupyter Notebook is important in Data Science and AI.
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Exercises
1 Write a program to add two numbers.
2 Write a program to calculate the area of a circle.
3 Create variables for your name, age, and department.
4 Write a Python program to convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
5 Execute all programs using Jupyter Notebook.
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Main Components of the Notebook Interface
The Jupyter Notebook interface consists of:
Notebook name: identifies the current notebook;
Menu bar: provides commands such as File, Edit, View and Run;
Toolbar: provides quick access to common commands;
Cell area: the working space for code and text;
Kernel: the computational engine that executes Python code.
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Cells in Jupyter Notebook
A cell is the basic unit of work in Jupyter Notebook.
Code Cell
A Code cell is used to write and execute Python commands.
Markdown Cell
A Markdown cell is used to write explanations, headings, lists and formatted notes.
To run a cell, press:
Shift + Enter
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Executing Python Code
Example of a simple Python command:
1 print ( " Welcome to Jupyter Notebook " )
Expected output:
1 Welcome to Jupyter Notebook
This demonstrates how Python instructions are entered and executed in a notebook cell.
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Basic Arithmetic Operations
Jupyter Notebook may also be used for numerical computation.
1 5 + 3
2 10 - 4
3 6 * 7
4 20 / 5
5 2 ** 3
These commands illustrate addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation.
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Variables in Python
Variables are used to store values for later use.
1 name = " Joseph "
2 age = 25
3
4 print ( name )
5 print ( age )
In Data Science, variables are used to store data values, labels, models and results.
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Markdown for Academic Documentation
Markdown cells allow users to document computational work.
1 # My First Jupyter Notebook
2
3 This notebook introduces basic Python commands .
4
5 # # Learning Points
6 - Creating a notebook
7 - Running Python code
8 - Writing Markdown notes
Good documentation improves clarity, interpretation and reproducibility.
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Python Libraries: Conceptual Introduction
A Python library is a collection of pre-written functions, classes and modules designed to
perform specific tasks.
Libraries help users to:
reduce programming effort;
perform complex computations efficiently;
analyse and visualise data;
build statistical and machine learning models;
support reproducible computational workflows.
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Importance of Libraries in Data Science
Python libraries are central to modern Data Science because they support:
data collection and importation;
data cleaning and transformation;
exploratory data analysis;
statistical analysis;
data visualisation;
machine learning and prediction.
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Selected Python Libraries for Data Science
Library Primary Function
NumPy Numerical computation
Pandas Data manipulation and analysis
Matplotlib Graphical visualisation
Seaborn Statistical visualisation
SciPy Scientific computing
Scikit-learn Machine learning
Statsmodels Statistical modelling
TensorFlow Deep learning
Keras Neural network modelling
OpenCV Image processing
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NumPy: Numerical Python
NumPy provides support for arrays, matrices and numerical operations.
1 import numpy as np
2
3 values = np . array ([2 , 4 , 6 , 8])
4
5 print ( values . mean () )
6 print ( values . sum () )
NumPy is useful in numerical analysis, simulation and matrix-based computation.
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Pandas: Data Analysis
Pandas is used for handling structured data.
1 import pandas as pd
2
3 data = {
4 " Name " : [ " Ama " , " Kojo " , " Yaw " ] ,
5 " Score " : [75 , 82 , 69]
6 }
7
8 df = pd . DataFrame ( data )
9 print ( df )
Pandas is commonly used for tables, spreadsheets and dataset analysis.
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Matplotlib: Data Visualisation
Matplotlib is used to produce graphs and charts.
1 import matplotlib . pyplot as plt
2
3 x = [1 , 2 , 3 , 4]
4 y = [2 , 4 , 6 , 8]
5
6 plt . plot (x , y )
7 plt . title ( " Simple Line Graph " )
8 plt . show ()
Visualisation helps reveal patterns, trends and relationships in data.
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Seaborn: Statistical Visualisation
Seaborn is built on Matplotlib and is useful for statistical graphics.
1 import seaborn as sns
It supports:
distribution plots;
correlation heatmaps;
regression plots;
categorical data visualisation.
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Scikit-learn: Machine Learning
Scikit-learn provides tools for machine learning.
It supports:
classification;
regression;
clustering;
dimensionality reduction;
model evaluation.
1 from sklearn . linear_model import LinearRegression
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SciPy: Scientific Computing
SciPy extends Python for scientific and technical computing.
1 import scipy
It is useful for:
optimisation;
integration;
statistical functions;
signal processing.
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Statsmodels: Statistical Modelling
Statsmodels is used for formal statistical analysis.
1 import statsmodels . api as sm
Applications include:
regression analysis;
analysis of variance;
hypothesis testing;
time series modelling.
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Deep Learning Libraries
TensorFlow and Keras are widely used for deep learning.
They are applied in:
neural networks;
image recognition;
natural language processing;
speech recognition;
recommendation systems.
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Installing Python Packages
Python packages may be installed using pip.
1 pip install numpy
2 pip install pandas
3 pip install matplotlib
Within Jupyter Notebook, the command may be written as:
1 ! pip install numpy
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Data Science Workflow
A standard Data Science workflow involves:
1 Problem definition;
2 Data collection;
3 Data cleaning;
4 Exploratory data analysis;
5 Data visualisation;
6 Model development;
7 Model evaluation;
8 Interpretation and decision-making.
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Practical Exercise
Students should complete the following in Jupyter Notebook:
1 Create a new Python notebook.
2 Import NumPy, Pandas and Matplotlib.
3 Create a simple Pandas DataFrame.
4 Compute the mean of a numerical variable.
5 Produce a simple line graph.
1 import numpy as np
2 import pandas as pd
3 import matplotlib . pyplot as plt
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Common Beginner Errors
Common errors include:
forgetting to run a cell;
writing Python code in a Markdown cell;
misspelling library names;
forgetting quotation marks around text;
using a package before importing it;
failing to save the notebook.
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Example of an Import Error
Incorrect command:
1 import panda
Correct command:
1 import pandas as pd
The correct library name is pandas, not panda.
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Questions and Discussion
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