Python Basics · Lesson 1

Introduction to Python

Start learning Python by understanding what Python is, how Python code works, how print() displays information, and how to predict and write simple Python programs.

What you will learn

• What Python is and why it is widely used
• Basic Python syntax
• How print() works
• Numbers and strings
• Basic arithmetic operators
• How to predict Python output
• How to identify simple errors
• How to write your first Python programs

Part 1

What is Python?

Python is a high-level programming language used to give instructions to a computer. Python is known for readable syntax and is used in areas such as web development, automation, data analysis, artificial intelligence and scientific computing.

Example

print("Hello, Python!")

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is Python?

Part 2

What is Python mainly used for?

Python can be used for many different types of programming. Beginners often encounter Python in automation, data analysis, web development and artificial intelligence.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Which is a common use of Python?

Part 3

Your first Python command

The print() function displays information as output. Text is normally written inside quotation marks.

print("Hello")
print("Vista Academy")

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What does print() do?

Predict the output

Think before you run the code

A useful programming skill is predicting what code will do before executing it.

print("Hello")

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What will print("Hello") display?

print(10)

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What will print(10) display?

Experiment

Python can calculate

Python can perform arithmetic calculations using operators such as +, -, * and /.

print(10 + 5)

print(20 - 8)

print(5 * 4)

print(20 / 5)

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is the output of print(10 + 5)?

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is the output of print(20 - 8)?

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is the output of print(5 * 4)?

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is the output of print(20 / 5)?

Python operators

Operator	Purpose	Example
+	Addition	10 + 5
-	Subtraction	10 - 5
*	Multiplication	10 * 5
/	Division	10 / 5

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Which symbol performs multiplication in Python?

Important concept

Numbers vs strings

The value 10 and the text "10" look similar, but Python treats them differently. The first is a number. The second is a string.

10

Number

"10"

String

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is the difference between 10 and "10"?

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What will print("10") display?

Joining strings

The + operator can also join strings together.

print("Python" + " Course")

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What will print("Python" + " Course") display?

Your turn

Complete the code

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: _____("Hello")

Fill in the Blank

Write the function needed to display your name: _____("Your Name")

Debug this code

Programming is not only about writing code. A programmer also needs to identify and fix mistakes.

print("Hello)

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What is wrong with the code above?

Predict multiple lines of output

print("Python")
print("Data")
print("Analytics")

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

How many lines will this program display?

Coding challenges

Write your first programs

Challenge 1 — Print Vista Academy

Write Python code that displays:

Vista Academy

Expected idea: use print() with a string.

Challenge 2 — Calculate 25 + 15

Write one Python statement that calculates and displays the result of 25 + 15.

print(25 + 15)

Mini Challenge

Create your introduction

Write three print() statements that display your name, age and city on separate lines.

print("Your Name")
print(20)
print("Dehradun")

Final Challenge

Build your first Python introduction program

Create a small Python program that prints a three-line introduction. Include your name, your city and one thing you want to learn with Python.

Example structure

print("My name is ...")
print("I live in ...")
print("I want to learn ...")

Don't copy the example exactly. Replace the values with your own information.

Lesson recap

✓ Python is a programming language.
✓ print() displays information.
✓ Python can perform arithmetic calculations.
✓ Operators perform different operations.
✓ Numbers and strings are different data types.
✓ Predicting output is an important programming skill.
✓ Debugging is part of programming.