Python Ebook
Python Ebook
What is Python?
● Python is a popular high-level programming language used in various
applications
○ Python is an easy language to learn because of its simple syntax
○ Python can be used for simple tasks such as plotting or for more complex tasks like
machine learning
Variables, Objects, and Classes
● A variable is a reference to a value stored in a computer’s memory.
● Variables can be sorted into a variety of categories (or data types) such
as numbers (int/float etc), Boolean values (true/false), and
sequences (strings, lists etc).
● An object is a collection of data from a computer’s memory that can be
manipulated.
○ ALL VARIABLES ARE OBJECTS although some objects can be defined by data
referred to by multiple variables.
○ Methods are the functions used to act on/alter an object’s data. They describe
what your object can “do.”
Variables, Objects, and Classes (cont.)
● A class is a collection of objects
who share the same set of
Instance #1
variables/methods. Color: Pink
Name: Polo
○ The definition of the class provides a Instance #2
blueprint for all the objects within it Color: Red
Name: Mini
(instances).
Instance #3
Color: Blue
○ Instances may share the same Name: Beetle
variables (color, size, shape, etc.),
but they do NOT share the same
values for each variable
(blue/red/pink, small/large,
square/circular etc.)
Basic Syntax Rules
● The name of your variable (myInt etc.) is placed on the left of the “=“ operator.
○ Most variable names are in camel case where the first word begins with a lowercase letter and any subsequent words
are capitalized
○ Variable names may also appear in snake case where all words are lowercase, with underscores between words
● The assignment operator (“=“) sets the variable name equal to the memory location where your value is found.
● The value of your variable (“Hello, World”) is placed on the right of the “=“ operator.
○ The type of this value does NOT need to be stated but its format must abide by a given object type (as shown).
○ function() refers to the name of your function. By convention, this name is typically lowercase and represents a verb/action.
○ a,b refers to parameters (values or variables) that can be used within the statements of your function’s definition (......). If
your function has no parameters, an empty parenthetical () is used.
○ The return statement is an optional statement that will return a value for your function to your original call.
○ If you wish, you can set your function call equal to a variable (myValue). The value
returned by the function will be assigned to your variable name.
myValue = function(1, 2)
Common Data Types and Operators
● A data type is a means of classifying a value and determining what operations can
be performed on it. All objects have a data type.
● Operators are symbols used carry out specific functions/computations.
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5MR5JnKcZI
Input/Output