Getting Started With Python

Problem and Problem Solving

In computer science, "problem" refers to a task or challenge that
requires a solution. The process of identifying a problem, developing
an algorithm, and implementing an algorithm to develop a computer
program is called Problem Solving. Computers may be used to solve
various daily life problems such as Train Ticket Booking, Online
Shopping and Net-Banking etc.

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 Steps required for solving a problem
- Analyzing the problem

- Developing an Algorithm

- Coding

- Testing and Debugging

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 Analyzing the Problem
This stage focuses on understanding the problem. If we do not have a
clear understanding of the problem, we may develop a computer
program that cannot solve the problem correctly. In this stage, we
figure out the inputs, the outputs and the processing required to
convert the input into the output.

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 Developing Algorithm
This stage focuses on creating a logical sequence of instructions, called
an Algorithm. The algorithm can be executed by a computer to
generate the desired output. An algorithm has a distinct start and end
point, as well as a defined number of steps. For a given problem, more
than one algorithm may be possible and the most suitable algorithm
may be chosen.

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Algorithm for finding whether a number is Even or Odd

START
Step 1 → Take an integer number A
Step 2 → Divide A by 2 , and store the remainder as r
Step 3 → If r is equal to 0, A is an Even Number
Step 4 → Else it is an Odd Number
STOP

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 Algorithm for finding whether a number is a Prime
number or Not
START
Step 1 → Take an integer number A
Step 2 → Set divisor as 2
Step 3 → Set flag_value as True

Step 4 → Repeat from divisor to A-1

4a. divide A by divisor and store the remainder as r

4b. If 𝑟 is zero, set flag_value to False
4c. Increment divisor by 1
Step 3 → If flag_value is False, A is not prime
Step 4 → Else A is prime
STOP

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 Coding
Coding is the process of creating computer programs.

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 Testing
Testing is a process to check if an application is working as expected
(and not working abnormally). The main objective of Testing is to find
errors.

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 Debugging
Debugging is the activity to fix the errors found in the application
during the testing phase.

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 Representation of Algorithms
There are two common methods of representing an algorithm —
flowchart and pseudocode.

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 Flowchart
- A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm.

- A flowchart contains various shapes which are connected by arrows,

which shows the flow of control.

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Shapes used in Flowchart

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Draw a flow-chart to identify whether a number taken as the input
from the user is an even number or an odd number?
 Pseudocode
- Pseudocode is a way of representing an algorithm in readable and
easy language.

- Pseudocode is not an actual program. So, it cannot be executed.

- Some of the frequently used keywords while writing pseudocode are

INPUT, COMPUTE, PRINT IF/ELSE, START, STOP

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 Advantages of Pseudo-Code:
1. Easily convertible to a Programming Language

2. Easy to understand and read

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Write a pseudocode for identifying if a number is even or odd?

INPUT number A
COMPUTE remainder as r = A%2
IF r == 0 PRINT 'Even'
ELSE PRINT 'Odd'
 Decomposition
Decomposition is the process of breaking a complex computer problem
into smaller parts that are easily manageable and solvable.

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 Familiarization with the basics of Python
programming
Computer Program:

A computer program is a set of instructions that can be executed by the computer to

perform and solve a certain task. These programs are written in a special language known
as Programming Language.

Computer Programming:

It is the process to create a computer program.

Python Programming Language:

Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language. It was developed by Guido van

Rossum. It is user-friendly and is most popular for its easy-to-use syntax and readable code.
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 Features of Python
• High-level Programming language.

• Interpreted language (as Python programs are executed by an interpreter)

• Easy to use

• Simple Syntax

• Python programs are generally written with fewer Lines of Code as compared to other
programming languages.

• Case-sensitive. For example, 'NUMBER' and 'number' are treated differently in Python.

• Portable programming language - has ability run programs on many computer architectures and
operating systems.

Syntax: Set of rules for framing a valid statement in a programming language. 20

 Working in Python
• Install Python on the computer
([Link] Refer Appendix for
installation instructions.

• Use Python IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning

Environment) for developing python Programs.

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 How to Display Data
print( ) function is used to print a message on the screen.

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 A Simple Hello World Program
print("Hello World")

>>> print("Hello World")

Hello World

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 Modes of working in Python
- Interactive Mode

- Script Mode

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 Interactive Mode

In Interactive Mode, a python statement is executed in a command-

line shell. It provides instant feedback for each statement while
keeping prior statements in memory.

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 Script Mode
In script mode, the instructions are saved in a file with a '.py' extension
and executed from the beginning of the file. This mode is suitable for
creating and running large programs. In script mode, all commands
are stored in the form of a program or a script.

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