Python Programming
Fundamentals
A clear introduction to syntax, variables, decisions, loops, and
functions
Document type: Original educational notes
Language: English
Purpose: Personal study and academic reference
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Original educational notes | Page 1
1. Introduction to Python
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language designed to make
programs easy to read and write. It is widely used in education, web development,
automation, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing. A Python
program is normally written as a sequence of statements. The interpreter reads those
statements and executes them.
Main Features
Simple syntax: Python uses clear words and fewer symbols than many languages.
Interpreted execution: programs can be run without a separate compilation step.
Portable: the same program can often run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Large standard library: built-in modules support files, mathematics, dates, text
processing, and more.
Multiple programming styles: Python supports procedural, object-oriented, and
functional programming.
2. Variables and Data Types
A variable is a name used to store a value. Python creates the variable when a value is
assigned. The data type tells us what kind of value is stored and what operations can be
performed on it.
Type Example Purpose
int 25 Whole numbers
float 12.5 Decimal numbers
str "Hello" Text
bool True Logical values
list [10, 20, 30] Ordered, changeable
collection
tuple (10, 20, 30) Ordered, unchangeable
collection
set {10, 20, 30} Unordered collection of
unique values
dict {"name": "Ravi"} Key-value pairs
name = "Anita"
age = 18
height = 1.62
is_student = True
print(name, age, height, is_student)
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3. Operators and Expressions
Operators are symbols or keywords used to perform calculations and comparisons. An
expression combines values, variables, and operators to produce a result.
Category Operators Example
Arithmetic +, -, *, /, //, %, ** a+b
Comparison ==, !=, >, <, >=, <= age >= 18
Logical and, or, not x > 0 and x < 10
Assignment =, +=, -=, *= score += 1
Membership in, not in "a" in word
Identity is, is not x is None
4. Decision Making
Decision statements allow a program to choose which block of code should run. Python
uses indentation to show which statements belong to a block.
marks = 72
if marks >= 75:
print("Distinction")
elif marks >= 50:
print("Pass")
else:
print("Needs improvement")
The conditions are checked from top to bottom. As soon as one condition is true, its block
executes and the remaining alternatives are skipped.
5. Loops
A loop repeats a group of statements. A for loop is suitable when iterating through a
sequence or a known range. A while loop is useful when repetition should continue as
long as a condition remains true.
for number in range(1, 6):
print(number)
count = 3
while count > 0:
print(count)
count -= 1
break immediately stops the nearest loop.
continue skips the remaining statements in the current iteration.
pass performs no action and can be used as a placeholder.
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6. Functions
A function is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task. Parameters receive
input values, and the return statement sends a result back to the caller.
def calculate_area(length, width):
area = length * width
return area
result = calculate_area(5, 3)
print("Area:", result)
Functions improve readability, reduce repeated code, and make testing easier. A lambda
function is a small anonymous function, usually used for a short single expression.
square = lambda x: x * x
print(square(6))
7. Practice Questions
1. Write a program to check whether a number is positive, negative, or zero.
2. Use a for loop to print the multiplication table of a given number.
3. Create a list of five marks and calculate the total and average.
4. Write a function that returns the largest of three numbers.
5. Explain the difference between a list, tuple, set, and dictionary.
Conclusion
Python fundamentals include variables, data types, operators, decisions, loops, and
functions. A strong understanding of these topics provides the foundation for file
handling, object-oriented programming, data analysis, and larger software projects.
Original educational notes | Page 4