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Introduction to Python

What is Python and why should you learn it?​

Python is a high-level, versatile, and interpreted programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Python has gained immense popularity among developers due to its simplicity, readability, and extensive support for various domains like web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.

Here are a few reasons why learning Python is beneficial:

  1. Easy to learn: Python emphasizes readability and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its syntax is clean and straightforward, resembling pseudo-code, which makes it easier to understand and write.

  2. Versatile: Python can be used for a wide range of applications, including web development, scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, automation, and more. It provides extensive libraries and frameworks for these domains, empowering developers to build robust and scalable solutions.

  3. Large community and rich ecosystem: Python has a vibrant and supportive community. You can find an abundance of resources, tutorials, and libraries, making it easier to learn and solve problems. The Python Package Index (PyPI) hosts thousands of open-source libraries that extend Python's capabilities.

  4. Career opportunities: Python's popularity has led to an increasing demand for Python developers. Many companies and organizations use Python for their projects, making it a valuable skill in the job market.

Installing Python and setting up the development environment​

To get started with Python, you'll need to install it on your computer and set up your development environment. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Download Python: Visit the official Python website at python.org and go to the downloads section. Choose the version of Python appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download the installer.

  2. Run the installer: Once the installer is downloaded, run it and follow the installation wizard. Make sure to check the option to add Python to your system's PATH, as it will make it easier to run Python from the command line.

  3. Verify the installation: After the installation is complete, open a command prompt or terminal and type python --version. This command will display the installed Python version. Additionally, you can type python to open the Python interactive shell, where you can execute Python code directly.

  4. Choose an Integrated Development Environment (IDE): While you can write Python code in any text editor, using an IDE can enhance your productivity. Some popular Python IDEs include PyCharm, Visual Studio Code with Python extensions, and IDLE (included with the Python installation).

With Python installed and your development environment set up, you're ready to start writing Python code.

Running your first Python program (Hello, World!)​

Traditionally, when learning a new programming language, the "Hello, World!" program is the first step. It's a simple program that prints the text "Hello, World!" to the console. Here's how you can write and execute the "Hello, World!" program in Python:

print("Hello, World!")

To run this program, follow these steps:

  1. Open a text editor or your chosen IDE and type the code above.

  2. Save the file with a .py extension, for example, hello.py.

  3. Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the file.

  4. Type python hello.py and press Enter.

You should see the output Hello, World! displayed on the console.

Congratulations! You've successfully written and executed your first Python program.

In the next section, we'll dive into Python basics.

Github Repo​

info

You can refer to and clone the code samples for this tutorial from the GitHub repository.

To clone the repository, you can use the following command:

git clone https://github.com/certifysphere/python-code-samples.git

You can then navigate to the /src directory to access all the code samples given in this tutorial.