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    Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1: A Guide to Programming for Students With No Prior Experience (Learn Coding Basics With Python)
    Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1: A Guide to Programming for Students With No Prior Experience (Learn Coding Basics With Python)
    Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1: A Guide to Programming for Students With No Prior Experience (Learn Coding Basics With Python)
    Ebook130 pages1 hour

    Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1: A Guide to Programming for Students With No Prior Experience (Learn Coding Basics With Python)

    By Jack C. Stanely and Erik Gross

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Welcome to the first book in the Learn Coding Basics With Python book series!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherProsper Consulting
    Release dateDec 15, 2024
    ISBN9798348510015
    Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1: A Guide to Programming for Students With No Prior Experience (Learn Coding Basics With Python)

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      Book preview

      Introduction to Coding in Hours With Python Level 1 - Jack C. Stanely

      CHAPTER 1

      CODING TERMS

      In order to write code, we need a computer . So, let’s briefly discuss what a computer is. As you know, it is a machine (equipment with a purpose; a tool).

      Computers were created to do a simple thing: they take in data (information), change the data in some way, and send out data. That’s all.

      (computer)

      As machines, some of the characteristics of computers include the following:

      ● They handle data . Again, data is information – such as words, symbols

      (something written that represents an amount, idea, or word), pictures, etc.

      ● They obey instructions (commands entered into them that perform certain

      tasks).

      ● They automate (perform actions without human interaction) tasks that would

      either take too long for a person to do or be too boring or repetitive.

      ● They process data. Process means to handle something through use of an

      established (and usually routine) set of procedures. When a computer displays

      the word processing, it is simply saying, "Hold on while I perform some

      pre-established procedures. Processing refers to taking actions with data."

      Searching through words to locate typos would be an example of processing

      data.

      When computers perform actions, it is referred to as executing or running . For example, you can run a search on the internet by clicking the search button or you could execute an instruction by pressing enter on your keyboard.

      THE PURPOSE OF COMPUTERS IS TO TAKE IN DATA, PROCESS IT AND SEND IT OUT.

      The point where computers really started to become valuable to people was when it was worked out how to install programs on them.

      Install means to put something inside a computer that the computer can then use.

      Programs are sets of written instructions, entered into a computer by people, that make it execute specific tasks. Installing a program means to put it into a computer so that the program can execute. For example, you could install a program by transferring the data that makes up the program from the internet to your computer.

      Behind every action you perform on a computer, there is a program. Common programs you have probably used before include:

      ● Microsoft Word (a program that allows you to type documents)

      ● Google Chrome (a program that helps you search the internet)

      ● iTunes (a program used to organize and listen to music)

      Programs are written in a programming language . A programming language is an organized system of words, phrases, and symbols that lets you create programs. Just as there are many languages used by people across the world, there are different types of programming languages. In fact, there are over a thousand programming languages (though only about ten account for the majority of languages used).

      In the same way that hammers and ladders have specialized utilizations, each programming language has different uses. For example, some programming languages were designed mainly to improve websites, while others were made for creating computer games.

      The instructions inside these programs are referred to as code . Most code originally looks similar to English and is then translated down to instructions composed of the 1s and 0s that computers understand (called machine language ).

      For example, to have a computer display the words Hello! on your screen using Python (the popular computer programming language covered in this book that can be used to create programs and websites), the code is written as:

      print(Hello!)

      When someone says program a computer or do some coding, they are just saying, Write a set of instructions into a computer, using a programming language, that will result in specific actions being performed when that set of instructions is called for.

      A computer programmer is one who engages in computer programming (writing code that results in programs). Programmers are also referred to as coders , software developers , and software engineers .

      Coders create software , which is just another word for program or application. These terms are all interchangeable – though app (abbreviation of application) is usually used to refer to programs (applications; software) on a mobile device (like a cell phone).

      Computer programs are saved as files . As you may already know, files are collections of data stored on a computer. Files each have their own name and contain their own data, and they often are collected together in a folder . Folders are used to organize files on a computer and are given their own name. Another word for folder is directory . For example, an application could consist of multiple files all saved in the same directory (folder).

      WHAT IS PYTHON?

      Python is one of the most-used programming languages in the world. It was designed to look similar to English so that it is easier to read and write than some other overly technical languages.

      Python is often used to create websites, analyze data, and automate tasks, but it can also be used for many other tasks, like building apps or controlling robots.

      One of Python’s key strengths is that it is versatile and flexible, meaning it can be used in a wide range of fields, from science to web development. It also has a large community of users who share tools, making it easier for new learners to find help and resources.

      Here are some real-world uses of Python:

      ● Spotify: Python helps the service recommend songs and podcasts based on

      listening habits, while also keeping streams smooth for millions of users.

      ● NASA: uses Python to process and visualize data from space missions, aiding

      scientific research and analysis. ● Netflix: Python helps suggest shows and

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