Overview of Python Programming Language
What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language.
It is known for its simple syntax, which makes it easy to learn and use.
History
Created by Guido van Rossum.
First released in 1991.
The name "Python" comes from the British comedy show "Monty Python’s Flying
Circus" – not the snake!
Key Features of Python
Feature Description
Easy to Learn Simple and clean syntax
Interpreted Code runs line-by-line, no need to compile
Cross-platform Works on Windows, macOS, Linux
Free and Open Source Anyone can use and contribute
Object-Oriented Supports classes and objects
Extensive Libraries Many built-in and third-party modules (like NumPy, Pandas)
Dynamically Typed No need to declare variable types
Where is Python Used?
Web Development – Django, Flask
Data Science & Machine Learning – NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn
Artificial Intelligence – TensorFlow, PyTorch
Desktop Applications – Tkinter, PyQt
Automation/Scripting – Automate daily tasks
Game Development – Pygame
Networking & IoT
Education – Used in schools and colleges to teach programming
Advantages
Beginner-friendly
Huge community support
Code readability
Scalable and versatile
Disadvantages
Slower than C/C++ (because it's interpreted)
Not ideal for mobile app development
Setting Up Python Environment
Step 1: Install Python
Go to: [Link]
Click “Download Python 3.x”
Run the installer and check the box “ Add Python to PATH”
Click “Install Now”
Done! Python is now install
Using IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment)
What is IDLE?
IDLE is the default Python editor that comes with Python installation.
How to Open IDLE:
Windows: Search "IDLE" in the Start Menu
Features:
Built-in text editor and shell
Write, save, and run Python code
Good for beginners
2. Using Jupyter Notebook
What is Jupyter Notebook?
Jupyter Notebook is a web-based interactive environment. You can:
Write and run code in cells
Add notes with Markdown
Visualize data using graphs
Ideal for:
Data science
Machine learning
Teaching & learning
How to Install Jupyter Notebook:
Option 1: Install via Anaconda (Recommended for beginners)
1. Download from: [Link]
2. Install and open Anaconda Navigator
3. Click Launch on Jupyter Notebook
Option 2: Install using pip
pip install notebook
To start Jupyter:
jupyter notebook
IDLE vs Jupyter Notebook
Feature IDLE Jupyter Notebook
Interface Basic Web-based
Code Style Script-based Cell-based
Best For Beginners Data science, visualization
Markdown Support ❌ No ✅ Yes
Output Basic Rich (Graphs, Tables, Images)
Variables and Data Types in Python
What is a Variable?
A variable is a name that stores a value.
It acts like a container to hold data in memory.
Real-life example:
Think of a school bag holding books.
Rules for Naming Variables
Must start with a letter (a-z, A-Z) or underscore (_)
Cannot start with a number
No spaces or special characters
Case-sensitive (age ≠ Age)
Valid: name, age1, _score
Invalid: 1age, my name, @value
Python Variable Examples:
3edcxx1: Storing Student Details
name = "Akila"
age = 23
grade = 'A'
passed = True
Examples
[Link] Shop
[Link] Details
[Link] of Subjects
Data Types in Python
What is a Data Type?
A data type tells what kind of data a variable can hold.
Basic Data Types in Python
Data Type Example Description
Int 5, -10 Whole numbers
Float 3.14, 0.5 Decimal numbers
Str "Hello", 'A' Text or characters
Bool True, False Boolean values (Yes/No, 1/0)
List [1, 2, 3] Ordered, changeable collection
Tuple (4, 5, 6) Ordered but unchangeable collection
Dict {"name": "Akila"} Key-value pair
Set {1, 2, 3} Unordered and unique items
Examples of Each Data Type
int → Integer
age = 25
marks = -10
float → Decimal
str → String
price = 99.99
weight = 2.5
name = "Akila"
grade = 'A'
bool → Boolean
is_passed = True
is_late = False
list → List
colors = ["red", "green", "blue"]
tuple → Tuple (unchangeable list)
months = ("Jan", "Feb", "Mar")
dict → Dictionary (key-value pair)
student = {"name": "Karthik", "age": 23}
set → Set (unique values, no duplicates)
numbers = {1, 2, 3, 3, 2}
print(numbers) # Output: {1, 2, 3}
Use type() to check Data Type
x = "Hello"
print(type(x)) # Output: <class 'str'>
Practice Tasks
1: Identify the Data Type
a = 10
b = 3.14
c = "Python"
d = True
e = [1, 2, 3]
f = (4, 5, 6)
g = {"name": "Akila", "age": 23}, h = {1, 2, 2, 3}
Task 2: Match the Following
Value Data Type
"Hello" A. list
Value Data Type
42 B. str
[1, 2, 3] C. dict
(10, 20) D. set
{"x": 10, "y": 20} E. int
{5, 6, 7} F. tuple
Task 3: Find the Mistake
x = [1, 2, 3
y = {"name" = "Karthik"}
z = (4, 5, 6)
print(x + y)
Task 4: Your Own Data
Ask students to create variables for their:
Name (string)
Age (int)
Marks (float)
Subjects (list)
Address (dictionary)