Introduction to Python
Python is a high-level, interpreted, object-oriented programming language developed by Guido
van Rossum in 1989 and released in 1991.
It is popular because of its simplicity, readability, and versatility.
Python is used for web development, data science, AI/ML, automation, and more.
1. Features of Python
- Simple and easy to learn
- Interpreted (line-by-line execution)
- Open-source and free
- Portable
- Object-oriented
- Rich library support
2. Python Interpreter and Execution
Python code is executed line by line by the interpreter. You can use the interactive shell or save
code in a .py file.
3. Structure of a Python Program
A Python program may include comments, statements, expressions, input/output statements, and
indentation.
4. Comments
- Single-line comment: starts with #
- Multi-line comment: triple quotes (''' ... ''' or """ ... """)
5. Variables and Data Types
Variables are names that store values.
Common data types: int, float, str, bool, complex
6. Input and Output
- Input: input()
- Output: print()
7. Operators
Arithmetic, relational, logical, assignment, membership, and identity operators.
8. Indentation
Python uses spaces for indentation instead of braces.
9. Keywords and Identifiers
Keywords are reserved words. Identifiers are names for variables, functions, or classes.
10. Type Conversion
You can convert data types using int(), float(), str(), etc.
11. Advantages
Easy to learn, portable, extensible, huge libraries, beginner-friendly.
12. Limitations
Slower than C/C++, not ideal for mobile apps, high memory usage.
Summary:
Python is a simple, powerful, and widely used language perfect for beginners and professionals.
Introduction to Python – Full Chapter Notes with Examples
1. Introduction
Python is a high-level, interpreted, object-oriented programming language developed by Guido
van Rossum in 1989 and released in 1991.
It is simple, readable, and versatile, making it one of the most popular languages today.
Uses of Python:
- Web development
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Automation
- Game and App Development
2. Features of Python
- Simple and easy to learn
- Interpreted: executes code line by line
- Open-source and free
- Portable: runs on different platforms
- Object-oriented
- Extensive libraries
Example:
print('Python is easy to learn!')
3. Python Interpreter and Execution
Python programs can be run in two modes:
1. Interactive Mode – directly on the Python shell
2. Script Mode – save code in a .py file and run it
Example (Interactive Mode):
>>> print('Hello, World!')
Hello, World!
Example (Script Mode):
# [Link]
print('Hello, World!')
4. Structure of a Python Program
A Python program usually includes:
- Comments
- Statements
- Expressions
- Input/Output statements
- Indentation
Example:
# This program greets the user
name = input('Enter your name: ')
print('Hello', name)
5. Comments in Python
Comments help explain code.
- Single-line comment: starts with #
- Multi-line comment: enclosed in triple quotes.
Example:
# This is a single-line comment
'''
This is a
multi-line comment
'''
6. Variables and Data Types
Variables store data values.
Example:
x = 10
y = 5.5
name = 'Vishvak'
Common Data Types:
int, float, str, bool, complex
7. Input and Output Functions
Input is taken using input() and output is shown using print().
Example:
name = input('Enter your name: ')
print('Welcome', name)
8. Operators in Python
Types of Operators:
- Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, %, //, **
- Relational: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
- Logical: and, or, not
- Assignment: =, +=, -=, *=, /=
- Membership: in, not in
- Identity: is, is not
Example:
a = 10
b=3
print(a + b) # 13
print(a ** b) # 1000
9. Indentation in Python
Python uses indentation instead of braces to define code blocks.
Example:
if 5 > 3:
print('Five is greater than Three')
else:
print('This will not print')
10. Keywords and Identifiers
Keywords are reserved words (like if, else, for, while, class, def, etc.).
Identifiers are names for variables, functions, or classes.
Rules:
- Must begin with a letter or underscore
- Case sensitive
- Cannot be a keyword
Example:
name = 'Python'
_Name = 'Code'
# 2name = 'Error' # invalid
11. Type Conversion
Converting one data type into another.
Example:
x = 10
y = float(x)
z = str(x)
print(y)
print(z)
12. Expressions and Statements
Expression: combination of variables and operators (e.g., a + b)
Statement: a complete instruction (e.g., x = a + b)
Example:
a=5
b = 10
x = a + b # statement containing an expression
13. Advantages of Python
✅ Easy to learn and code
✅ Portable and extensible
✅ Large library support
✅ Object-oriented and interactive
✅ Great for beginners and experts alike
14. Limitations of Python
❌ Slower than compiled languages like C++
❌ Not ideal for mobile app development
❌ High memory usage
15. Summary
Python is a simple yet powerful language suitable for almost any application domain. Its
readability, simplicity, and rich libraries make it the perfect choice for beginners.