The Basics of Python Programming: A Comprehensive Summary

Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn, yet powerful enough to be used in web development, automation, data science, AI, and more. In this article, we’ll cover the essential building blocks of Python, helping you kickstart your programming journey.

1. Writing Your First Python Program

Python programs are simple to write. Open any Python environment (such as an online compiler or your terminal) and type:

print("Hello, World!")        

When you run this, it will display:

Hello, World!        

This is the traditional first program in any language. The print() function outputs text to the screen.

2. Variables and Data Types

Variables store data in Python. You don’t need to declare the type explicitly—Python automatically assigns it based on the value.

Common Data Types in Python

x = 10        # Integer
y = 3.14      # Float
name = "John" # String
is_python_fun = True # Boolean
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4] # List        

You can check the type of any variable using type():

print(type(x))  # Output: <class 'int'>        

3. Operators in Python

Python supports various operators:

• Arithmetic Operators (+, -, *, /, %, **, //)
• Comparison Operators (==, !=, >, <, >=, <=)
• Logical Operators (and, or, not)
• Assignment Operators (=, +=, -=, *=, etc.)

Example:

a = 5
b = 2
print(a + b)   # 7
print(a ** b)  # 5^2 = 25
print(a > b)   # True        

4. Conditional Statements (if-elif-else)

Python allows decision-making with if, elif, and else.

age = 18

if age >= 18:
    print("You are eligible to vote.")
elif age == 17:
    print("Wait for a year.")
else:
    print("You are too young to vote.")        

5. Loops (for and while)

Loops allow repeating a block of code multiple times.

For Loop

Used to iterate over a sequence like lists or ranges.

for i in range(1, 6):  
    print(i)          

Output:

1  
2  
3  
4  
5          

While Loop

Runs as long as a condition is true.

count = 1  
while count <= 5:  
    print(count)  
    count += 1          

6. Functions in Python

Functions help organize code into reusable blocks.

def greet(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}!"

print(greet("Alice"))        

Output:

Hello, Alice!        

7. Lists and Tuples

Lists (Mutable)

A list is an ordered collection of items that can be changed.

fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"]
fruits.append("Mango")  
print(fruits)          

Output:

['Apple', 'Banana', 'Cherry', 'Mango']
        

Tuples (Immutable)

Similar to lists, but they cannot be changed after creation.

colors = ("Red", "Green", "Blue")
print(colors[0])  # Output: Red        

8. Dictionaries (Key-Value Pairs)

Dictionaries store data as key-value pairs.

student = {"name": "John", "age": 21, "course": "Python"}
print(student["name"])  # Output: John        

You can also add new key-value pairs:

student["grade"] = "A"        

9. Exception Handling (try-except)

Python handles errors using try-except blocks.

try:
    result = 10 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
    print("Cannot divide by zero!")        

Output:

Cannot divide by zero!        

10. File Handling in Python

Python allows reading and writing files easily.

Writing to a File

with open("test.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello, Python!")        

Reading a File

with open("test.txt", "r") as file:
    content = file.read()
    print(content)        

Conclusion

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Python is vast, and mastering it requires practice. Start experimenting with these basics, and soon, you’ll be building your own projects.

Want to dive deeper? Stay tuned for more articles in Code Chronicles By Nidhi!