The Complete Manual Series C++ & Python a > The essential coding manual for ey a) » C++ and Python programming PAGEs!Want to master your Code? Then don’t miss our NEW Coding magazine on =: Readly now!The Complete Manual Series Unleash the power of Python and C++ Having a basic knowledge of programming can open many different doors for the newcomer to explore. You can gain a better understanding of how hardware and software work together, how your computer or device functions and how incredible open-world gaming environments are converted from ones and zeros to what's on your monitor or TV. Technology is everywhere and it's all connected through programming. Your TV, microwave, in-car entertainment and the Internet itself are all reliant on good programming to make them work the way you want them to. Within these pages are the building blocks to help you take your first steps into the world of programming. We've taken two of the most powerful and versatile programming languages available, Python and C++ and broken them down into bite-sized tutorials and guides to help you learn how they work, and how to make them work for you Learn how to install them, print simple messages to the screen, ask for user input and manipulate the data to produce amazing results. By the end of this book you will understand how Python and C++ work and what potential lies beyond. Ready? Let's get programming!@ contents a ontents oe Say Hello to Python Cet EC est ena rn eae) Pada Tin cr less ee ed ST lea aa eI SCM sa oar ara Een RUC esa igi tS CN i Cerny a Pen tages eet aie G))_Using Modules eer encom tae ea ain EC seen ee Cee aera Ere et EP Meer eho Lense Ee sg Leet Eee nea Leer Creo ensene hes) ern iRoner es Cre ed Say Hello to C++ (44) Working withData ats Equipment Needed ca ey EA ta hee AUR oy Ee Eee Ea nese Pea ee Gord reece How to Set Up C++ in Linux. Other C++ IDEs to Install Onccy cro) 102 rT) Your First C++ Pr atte eerie omen Using Comments veo Peay Sans ar (C++ Input/Output esate erie mera Defining Constants File Input/Output 138 or ord cr) (contents @ Rae For Loop Do... While Loop IF Statement assent Working with Code Common Coding Mistakes een ene Eee Renn eels Where Next? oe ce}Say Hello | toPython ~Say Hello to Python CH ‘There are many different programming languages available to learn and use. Some are complex and incredibly powerful and some are extremely basic and used as minor utilities for operating systems. Python sits somewhere in the middle, combining ease of use with a generous helping of power that allows the user to create minor utilities, a range of excellent games and performance heavy computational tasks. However, there’s more to Python than simply being another programming language. It has a vibrant and lively community behind it that shares knowledge, code and project ideas; as well as bug Fixes for Future releases. It’s thanks to this community that the language has grown and thrived and now it's your turn to take the plunge and learn how to program in Python. The first half of this book helps you get started with the latest version of Python and from there guide you on how to use some of the most common and interesting Functions and features of the language. Before long, you will be able to code your own helpful system tools, text adventures and even control a character as they move around the screen. 8 Why Python? 10 Equipment You will Need 12 Getting to Know Python 14 How to Set Up Python in Windows 16 How to Set Up Python on a Mac How to Set Up Python in Linux wmbiniaiosonED) stron) Why Python? Der usc ened eee selcims keene PI eee eee cach ccmlcrcmsouct ams eurle ss are designed for scientific work, others for mobile platforms and such. So why choose Lav ane let aol i-l Muara siecg PYTHON POWER Ever since the earliest home computers were available, enthusiasts, users and professionals have toiled away untilthe wee hours, saving over an overheating heap of circuitry to create something akin to magic. ‘These pioneers of programming carved their way nto a new Regardless of whether you use an Android device, 10S device, PC, Frontier, Forging smal routines that enabled the letter’ toscroll_ Mac, Linux, Smart TV, games console, MP3 player, GPS device builtin ‘across the screen. It may not sound terribly exciting toa generation toa car, settop box or a thousand other connected and ‘smart’ that’s used to ultra-high definition graphics and open world, multi appliances, behind them alls programming. player online gaming. However, Forty-something years ago it was blindingly brillant. All those aforementioned digital devices need instructions to tell, them what to-do, and allow them to be interacted with. These Naturally these bedroom coders helped form the Foundations for _instructions Form the programming care ofthe device and that core ‘every piece oF digital technology we use today. Some went on to _can be built using a variety of programming languages. become chief developers for top software companies, whereas ‘thers pushed the avalable hardware to itslimits and founded the The languages in use today differ depending on the situation, the billion pound gaming empire that continually amazes us platform, the device's use and how the device wil interact with its eee ee ee ee) Setcursor(p.y): certsschitsentrocus(; >em void Arraycerts:chitéLostrocue() it(ecursor >= 0} sieteeeioe area void seraycertsspaant{oraus w) ( ‘IMENT Paine Getsiz00s cb): header. cetserotL) 1 < colum.catcount|) Tbe oadsr sea abai dito APT age ews veregrad * breaks jo coum, cetceunt() = 10) >= 0) Gator fe = Blendiscoloroisabled, ScolorPaper): sitet) ree Mists ntcome) ¢ fitop crestuiner() ~ sbp Ti(teop o stne.6)) besa apt cettinscy i); Cave Ge treacun i sass coh Sitters Gono 1S frenesters> Seo Hi Sewer Oger Somme Stan co 1 canmian — Greaveonnsce C++ i usually reserved for more complex programs, operating systems, games and s0.0n. EE «serestcnonson J jes 4 < colum.cetcount(; is4) { Int by header eerapengthO)senvironment or users, Operating systems, such as Windows, macOS ‘and such are usually a combination of C++, C#, assembly and some Form of visual based language. Games generally use C++ whilst web pages can use a plethora of available languages such as HTML, Java, Python and so on. More general-purpose programming is used to create programs, ‘apps, software or whatever else you want to cal them. They're ‘widely sed across all hardware platforms and suit virtually every conceivable application. Some operate Faster than others and some {are easier to learn and use than others, Python is one such general- purpose language. Python is what's known as a High-Level Language, in that it ‘tals’ to the hardware and operating system using a variety of arrays, variables, objects, arithmetic, subroutines, loops and countless ‘more interactions. Whilst it’s not as streamlined as a Low-Level Language, which can deal rectly with memory adresses, cal stacks and registers its benefitis that it's universally accessible and easy to lear, Five: Tvoke Jai finport java. lang.reflect.*; ‘lass_ Invoke public static void main¢ string (args ) ¢ Class. fornane( args{ol ); = Tigectethodt atgSlA0 én class beck tee = mciovokeC null, nu 93 Syatgn.out printing yetstivokee. state method: ” + args (2) 2 MGfcrass: © Sargs{o] T+ Michio aras\neesetes: * » ret 5 » catch ¢ Classhortoundexception e ) f Glass torname cD can't Fond the class } Garch'C hosuchtethodexeeption e2 3 thas method doesn't exist > Gacch'( ETtegensccessexception 3) ( Fre Son'e have permission to invoke that » Eaten c i jon ef ) Eaten ( anvocationrargetexception Fan exception ocurred white invoking that System. out prinein¢ Shethod threw an: * 64. gettargettxeeption( “)°3! Javaisa powerful language that’s used in web pages, set-top boxes, TVs and even cars. - (Why Python? Cl Python was created over twenty sixyears ago and has evolved to become an ideal beginners language for learning how to programa ‘computer. ts perfect forthe hobbyist, enthusiast, student, teacher and those who simply need to create their own unique interaction between either themselves ora piece of extemal hardware and the computer itself Python is free to download, install and use ands available for Linux, ‘Windows, macOS, MS-DOS, 05/2, BeOS, IBM iseries machines, and ‘even RISC OS. ithas been voted one ofthe top five programming languagesin the world and is continually evolving ahead of the hardware and internet development curve. So to answer the question: why python? Simply put. its Free, easy to learn, exceptionally powerful, universally accepted, effective and a superb learning and educational tool BASIC was once the starter language that early ‘s-bit home computer users learned. riot, me ap eH Python s a more madern take on BASIC, it's easy tolearn and makes for an ideal beginner's programming language. vombineiceon CIEz= Say Hello to Python) Equipment You Will Need You can learn Python with very little hardware or initial Financial investment. You don’t need an incredibly powerful computer and any software that’s required is LTE 9) WHAT WE'RE USING ‘Thankfully, Python is a multi-platform programming language available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi and more. IF you have one of those systems, then you can easily start using Python. |_| COMPUTER Cbvioudy you're going to needa computer inorder to eam how to programin Python and to test your code. You can use Windows (from XP onward) on either a 32 or 64 processor an Apple Macor Linux installed PC. {J AN IDE An IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) is used to enter and execute Python: code. tenables you to inspect your program code andthe values within the code 35 tla offering advanced features. There ae mary dfferent IDEs avalble, sind the one that works foryou and gues the best ests {_] PYTHON SOFTWARE ‘macOS and Linux already come with Python preinstalled as part of the operating system, as does the Raspberry Pi, However, you need to ensure that you're running the latest version of Python, Windows users need to download and install Python, which we'l caver shorty (-) TEXT EDITOR Whilst a text editoris an ideal environment to enter code into, i'snotan absolute necessity. You can enter and execute code directly from the IDLE but atext editor, such as Sublime Text or Notepads, offers more advanced features and colour coding when entering code, {_] INTERNET ACCESS Python isan ever evolving environment and as such new versions often introduce ‘new concepts or change existing commands and code structure to makeita more efficient language. Having access to the Internet will keep you up-to-date, help you ‘out when you get stuck and give access to Python's immense number of modules. {_| TIME AND PATIENCE Despite what other books may lead you to believe, you won't become a programmer in24-hours. Leaning to code in Python takes time, and patience. You may become stuckattimes and other times the code wil flow tke water. Understand you're learning something entirely new, and youwill get there.THE RASPBERRY PI ( Equipment You Will Need cl Why use a Raspberry Pi? The Raspberry Piis a tiny computer that’s very cheap to purchase but offers the user a Fantastic learning platform. its main operating system, Raspbian, comes preinstalled with the latest Python along with many Modules and extras Ss aa] The Raspberry P3is the latest version, incorporating a more powerful CPU, more memory, Wii and Bluetooth support. You can pick up Pifor around €32 or asa part of kt For €50+, depending on the kityou'e interested in, “The Raspberry P's main operating system Isa Debian-based Linux distribution that comes with everything you need in a simple to use package. I's streamlined for the Pi and isan ideal platform for hardware and software projects, Python. programming and even as a desktop computer. FUZE PROJECT The FUZEis learning environment built on the latest model ‘of the Raspberry P. You can purchase the workstations that ‘come with an electronics kit and even a robot arm For you to build and program. You can find more information on the FUZE at wwvwrfuze.co.uk. Es a Odin webmesevertgreatcocing for Begg 9g titles available via www. inetz= Say Hello to Python ) Getting to Know Python VeRO iccnceda cates miu | cs ee kerr ceM eel NoMa UNM en Lem Ke CEN late Te (ear eke UC to understand. WHAT IS PROGRAMMING? Ithelps to understand what a programmi look at how Python came about and how ‘A programming language IsalistoFinstructions that 2 computer follows. These instructions can be as simple as dsplaying yourname cr playing a music file, or as complexas building a whole virtual world. Python language is before you try to learn one, and Python is no different. Let’s take a relates to other languages. PROGRAMMING RECIPES "cS ut 200 grass of eelf-raising flour in # boul. fd 100 grams of butter to the bod. Programs are like recipes for computers. A recipe to bake a cake could go lke this: Put 100 grams of selfaising Flour in bow. ‘Add 100 grams of butter to the bowl. ‘Add 100 mililtres of milk. Bake for half an hour. ‘sa programming angvage : CODE Peateueanosean | Juste a recipe program consists ofnstructions that you fallow 2 ikeoreveies inorder. A program that describes acake might un ike this si Informatica (Cw) in the pn cea Netherlands as a successor to ‘se the ABC language. ise’: Ye Bite = 100 Fat eSacinor tetera) Guido van Rossum, the ont. append flour butter mitk}) abt father of Python. ‘cake. cook(bowL) PROGRAM COMMANDS ‘You might not understand some of the Python commands, like bowLappend and cake.cook(bow). “he first isa list, the second an object; well look at both in this book. The main thing to know is that it’s easy to read commands in Python. Once you learn what the commands do, it’s easy to Figure out how a program works. ED wruddmpubtationscamHIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES Computer languages that are easy to read are known as high-level” This is because they fiy high above the hardware (also referred to as “the metat’. Languages that “fly close to the metal” ike Assembly, are known as towdevel". Lowsievel languages commands read a bit like this msg db ,0xa len equ $ ~ msg. PYTHON 3 VS PYTHON 2 Getting to Know Python E L ZEN OF PYTHON Python lets you access allthe power of a computer in a language that humans can understand. Behind this is an ethos called “The Zen of Python." Ths isa collection of 20 software principles that influences the design of the language. Principles include “Beautiul is better than ugly’ and "Simple s better than complex." Type ‘import this into Python and twill display all the principles. Dee sew eau ee aetna ur Drees t) WORLD OF PYTHON Ji a eee nr) oer Sieearals Sete cust ata) DC ct eas ee Te Tu ed ERATED 50 why tw07 Well, Python 2 was originally Pte Inee einen mite pin eee ie a) cor eee eerea eee ete etre pene PYTHON 3.X er eer vu mpatib Petes Creech Sean) ones See ets ME eros as ee forecast tor etd eat: Many development companies, such as SpaceX and NASA use ogden Ts woradmpubicstionscom Eyz= Say Hello to Python How to Set Up Python in Windows Windows users can easily install the latest version of Python via the main Python Downloads page. Whilst most seasoned Python developers may shun Windows as the platform of choice for building their code, it’s still an ideal starting point for beginners. INSTALLING PYTHON 3.X Microsoft Windows doesn’t come with Python preinstalled as standard, so you're going to have to install it yourself manually. ‘Thankfully, it's an easy process to follow. BETESERD St2*tby opening your web browser to www.python, [EEE choosing the Customise option allows you to ‘rg/downtoads/. Look for the button detaling the specify certain parameters, and whist you may ‘download link For Python 32.x (in our case this's Python 3.62 butas stay with the defaults, it's a good habit to adopt as sometimes (not mentioned you may see later versions of 3). \with Python thankfully) installers can include unwanted additional Features. On the frst screen available, ensure all boxes are ticked, and click the Next button, J Optional Features ea es ca yf oocrr a marta wind wa a (ea BASE ickthe download button for version 3.x, and EETEEPD The next page of options include some interesting save the file to your Downloads folder When the adeltions to Python. Ensure the Associate file with File is downloaded, double-click the executable and the Python __—Python, Create Shorteuts, Add Python to Environment Variables, installation wizard wil launch, From here youhave two choices: _—Precompile Standard Library and instal fr All Users options are instal Now and Customise instalation. We recommend opting for ticked, These make using Python later much easier. CckInstall when the Customise Installation link you're ready to continue. J Install Python 3.6.2 (32-bit) | Advanced Options | [ itepes coe —— puth a puth windows Dasreaiecnn ee} wind me Great [ena senseiESTES You may need to confirm the installation with the Windows authentication notification. Simply click ‘Yes and Python wil begin to install, Once the installation is complete the final Python wizard page will alow youto view the latest release notes, and follow some online tutorials. Setup was successful python wind ws Before you cose the ntl wizard window SUES however, it’s best to click on the link next to the ‘held etal sable Path Length int. Ths willow Python tobypass the Windows 260 character Imitation, enabling youto execte Python programs stored in dep folders rangement gan cick Yes to authentcatethe proces then you can lose the Istaltion window path length imi ese Windows 10 users will now Find the installed Python 3.x within the Start button Recently Added section. The First link, Python 3.6 32-bit) will launch the command line version of Python when clicked (more¢on that in a moment). To open the IDLE, type IDLE into Windows start How to Set Up Python in Windows E mm Clicking on the IDLE (Python 3.6 32-bit link wil launch the Python Shell, where you can begin your Python programming journey. Don't worry iFyour version is newer, as ong asit's Python 3.x our code will work inside your Python 3 interface. STEP 8 you now lek onthe Windows Start button agi, su) and this time type: CMD, you'll be presented with the Command Prompt nk Ck to getto the Windows command tne tnronment,Toente Python win the conmand ine, au need totyperpython and press Enter The commandline version af Python works in much the same way as the Shell you opened in ‘Step 8; note the three left Facing arrows (>>>). Whilst it’s a perfectly Fine environment, i's not too user friendly, so leave the command ine for now. Enter: Exit) to leave and close the Command Prompt window,z= Say Hello to Python _) How to Set Up Python on a Mac Te ME Neca ne tten La nanan Ns ae ta version of Python is already installed. However, you should make sure you're running ute cia Tol INSTALLING PYTHON Apple's operating system comes with Python installed, so you don't need to install it separately. However, Apple doesn’t update Python very often and you're probably running an older version. So it makes sense to check and update first. FSTESEID 220 2 new Terminal window by clicking Go> ESTED ickonthe latest version of Python 3. in our Utilities, then double-click the Terminal icon, Now case thisis the download button For Python 3.6.2 enter: python’ =-version. You should see “Python2.5.1" and _This will automaticaly download the latest version of Python and even later, iF Apple has updated the OS and Python installation depending on how you've got your Mac configured, it automatically Either way, it's bestto check forthe latest version starts the installation wizard Faeeem ben Sefari and head over to www.python.ora/ FETE With the Python installation wizard open, clickon, downloads. Just as withthe Windows setup the Continue button to bein the installation. I's procedure on the previous pages, you can see two yellow download worth taking a moment to read through the Important Information buttons: one for Python 3.6.2, and the other For Python 2.7.13, section, in case it references something that applies to your version Note, that version numbers may be different due tothe frequent of macOS. When ready, click Continue again, releases of Python. Pr Re Uae(" How to Set Up Python ona Mac Cl BETTE The next section details the Software License ‘Agreement, and whilst not particularly interesting tomost folks, t's probably worth a read. When you're ready, click on the Continue button once again. Finally you're be presented with the amount of space Python wil take up on your systern and an Install button, which you need to click to start the actual installation ‘oF Python 3.xon to your Mac. You may need to enter your password to-authenticatethe installation process. BEPED) The instalation shouldn't take too long; the older ‘Mac Mini we used in this section isa ite slower than more modern Mac machines and it only took around thirty ‘seconds forthe instalation Successful prompt to be displayed. ‘There's nothing much ee left to dointhe Python SHED installation wizard so you can click the Close button. Ifyou now dra backinto Terminal session andreenter the command: python3 —-version, you cansee the new versions now listed To enter the command ine version of Python, you need toenter:python3. Tox, ts exitO You need to search in Finder forthe Python 1OLE: when you've Found it, clickit to launch andit should look similar to that ofthe Windows IDLE version shown on the previous page. The only ifference being the Mac detected hardware platform t's running on, Doane See AigFMBeAL, dee 27-26, 17:23:19) Dy] on ercin CES) in use ny be esta ae Python 3-6. 60.6 PEPTSET ER) Older Mac versions may have trouble with the newer versions of Python, in which case you will, eed to revert to a previous Python 3.x bull; slong as you're using Python 3x. the code inthis book will work For you. ‘Python 3.1.2 (£312:79360M Mar 24 2010, 01:33:18) [écc 4.0/1" (apple Ine. build 5493)] on’ darwin Type "copyright", “credits” or "license()" for mo Ee incormation. sebagaiSay Hello to Python _) How to Set Up Python in Linux PYTHON PENGUIN Linux is such a versatile operating system that i's often difficult to nail down just one way of doing something. Different distributions go about installing software in different ways, so we will stick to Linux Mint 18.1 for this particular tutorial. FSTESEDD fist youncedtto ascertain which version of Python iscurrenty installed in your Linuxsystem; as we ‘mentioned, we're going to be using Linux Mint 18.1 For this section, ‘As with macOS, drop into a Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Atle. david davidemint Fle Ede View Search Terminal Help version 2.x of Python in the display. Ours inthis particular case is Python 2.7.12. david@david-mint File Edit View Search Terminal Help D wera dmpublications com FeeeED Next enter: python =-version into the Terminal screen. You should have the autput relating to ESSER Some Linux distros will automaticaly update the installation of Python to the latest versions whenever the system is updated, To check, ist doa system update and upgrade with sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade Enter your password and let the system do any updates. ESTEEM Orce the update and upgrade is complete, you may need to answer’ to authorise any uparades, center: python3 =-version to see if Python 3.xis updated or even Installed. In the case of Linux Mint, the version we have is Python 3.52, whichis Fine For our purposes.How to Set Up Python in Linux (c EEED reece tettetsesions62sece EERE went ron tt ote tha Puhon websee ath ine of win, seu oeed -/configure to build Python From source, Start by entering these commands into SS inl the Terminal: sudo opt-get install build-essential checkinstall sudo apt-get install Libreadline-gplv2-dev Libncursesn5-dev Libssl-dev Libsqlite3-dev tk-dev Libgdbm-dev Libc6-dev libbz2-dev This could alittle while depending on the speed of your computer (Once finished, enter: python3.6.=-version to check the Installed latest version. BRP D o5en vp yourtinxweb browser and goto Forthe GUIDE you needto enter the Following downloads Clk on the Download Python 362 (0 whichever version it's on when you look) to download the source Python- sudoTaptsget-installatales Se2toreie TheIDLE can then be started withthe command: ide Note, that IDLErunea ferent version fromthe one you tad rom source ED creas netoors ey ERR Yc scnecne prt an Ryon-3-6-2:tor a Nowentethe rey epee ptr tac chck forthe et unde wh pip3 install: =-upgrade pip When complete close the Terminal and Python 3 willbe available via the Programming section in your distro’s menu. wmtinosictincn QlY indexGetting Started with Python Cl Getting started with Python may seema little daunting at First but the language has been designed with simplicity in mind. Like most things, you need to start slowly, learn how to get a result and how to get what you want From the code. In this section, we cover variables, numbers and expressions, user input, conditions and loops; and the types of errors you may well come across in your time with Python, Starting Python for the First Time Your First Code Saving and Executing Your Code Executing Code from the Command Line Numbers and Expressions Using Comments Working with Variables User Input Creating Functions Conditions and Loops Python Modulesz= Getting Started with Python Starting Python for the First Time eS enemcssiNiaceteCh EME crest um latest version of Raspbian comes preinstalled with Python 3, version 3.4.2 to be exact, Orolo R eee Ul Gel esol (RVG Tolg STARTING PYTHON ‘We're not going to go into the details of getting the Raspberry Pi up and running, there's plenty of material already available on that subject. However, once you're ready, fire up your Pi and get ready for coding. STEERED With the Raspbian desktop loaded, click on the ESEEERD for example, in the Shellenter: 242 ‘Menu button Followed by Programming > Python After pressing Enter, the next ine displays the 3 (DLE). This opens the Python 3 Shell Windows and Mac users can answer: 4 Bascal, Python has taken the ‘code’ and produced the Find the Python 3 IDLE Shell From within the Windows Start button relevant output. menu and via Finder, BR TeeE AD The Shelliswhere you canentercodeandseethe — ERTESWAIB The Python Shel acts very much ike a calculator, responses and output of code you've programmed since code is basically a series of mathematical into Python. This isa kind of sandbox, where you're able totry out interactions with the system. Integers, which ae the infinite some simple code and processes. sequence of whole numbers can easily be added, subtracted, ‘multiplied and so on.(Starting Python for the First Time E mm While that’s very interesting i's not particularly The Python IDLEis a configurable environment. iF UEP exciting. Instead, try this: SEAS you don't ike the way the colours are represented, 7 1 then you can always change them via Options» Configure IDLE and FARSI dlicking on the Highlighting tab. However, we dont recommend ustlike the code we enteredin Sublime inthe Installing Text _that,asyouwon't be seeing the same as our screenshots. Editor section ofthis book. Thisis alittle more lke it, since you've just produced ust tke most programs available, egardless ofthe Your First bie of code. The Prine command is Fairly ‘operating system, there are numerous shortcut self-explanatory t prints things. Python 3 requiresthe brackets as __ keys available. We don't have room for them allhere but within the ‘well as quote marks in order to output content to the screen, in this Options > Configure IDLE and under the Keys tab, you can see alist case the ‘Hello everyone! bit. (of the current bindings. >>> print(“Hello everyone!) fe everyone! Breer You may have noticed the colour coding within BEPESET) The Python IDLE isa powerinterface and one the Python IDLE. The colours represent different that’s actually been written in Python using one elements of Python code. They are: of the avallable GUI toolkits. Ifyou want to know the many ins and ‘outs ofthe Shell we recommend you take a few moments to view Black Data and Variables Ble User Functions 7 f Geto ease ane ereterepsieneralthecrteen whchotseoreneet Purple— Functions Light Red ~ Error Messages * Orange Commands asee IDLE Colour Coding [eoteur [vse tor] Exampies | a ie wena crate Fetons | ian) print eS ark aired [Enormesseges | syntanneeae Commins | Proseaber Wi worahdmpubisions. cmED) ctor) Your First Code eee cuN gs kgs ae alae) everyone!")’ function from the previous tutorial. However, let's expand that and look at Scie euch outa on easels PLAYING WITH PYTHON ‘With most languages, computer or human, it's all about remembering and applying the right words to the right situation. ‘You're not born knowing these words, so you need to learn them. BITE ERED youve closed Python 3 IDLE, reopen itn ESTISEM You can see that instead ofthe number 4, the whichever operating system version you prefer. In ‘output is the 2+2 you asked to be printed to the the Shell, enter the Familiar following: screen. The quotation marks are defining what's being outputted cnt ctletom tothe IDLE Shell to print the total of 2+2 you need to remove print*Hello") asics print(2+2) SR meas icwadreionposnne REED soon san ening nese BED sive wiceneactaecearee tees ST eee ee mr ee coors nowt ane printc*242") a=2(Your First Code CH Whatyou have done here is assign the letters a and b two values: 2 and 2. These are now variables, which can be called upon by Python to output, add, subtract, divide and 50 0n For as ong as their numbers stay the same. Try this print¢a) printcb) (eS Sol ap Sta reo 7 ERD essncccvantair en them tobe printed separately. F you want to add them up, you can. use the following: printCasb) ‘This code simply takes the values of a and b, adds them together ‘and outputs the result ef Sot boop Sas tran He eee You can play around with diferent kinds of variables isd RD sec ce a assign variables for someone's name: name="David” print(name) le Gat teh abn deere Meson 1 FS ae oe TT is tet aie PEPE Nowletsaddasumame: ‘surname="Hayward” print(surname) ‘You now have two variables containing a firstname and a surname and you can print them independently IF we were to apply the same routine as before, using the + symbol, the name wouldn't appear correctly in the output in the Shel. Try it: print (name+surname) You need a space between the two, defining them as two separate values and not something you mathematically play around with. In Python 3 you can separate the two variables with a space using @ comma: printCname, surname) Alternatively, you can add the space yourself: print(name+” “+surname) ‘The use of the comma fs much neater, as you can see. Congratulations, you've just taken your first steps into the wide world of Python. ombinesiaiocon CEC7) Getting Started with Python Saving and Executing Your Code Whilst working in the IDLE Shell is perfectly fine for small code snippets, it’s not Ces om a cuneLOus ksc cl tM aes tend |code eter fa eal MN RRO eM EDITING CODE ‘You will eventually reach a point where you have to move on from inputting single lines of code into the Shell. Instead, the IDLE Editor will allow you to save and execute your Python code. STEERED ist open the Python DLE Shell andwhenit’sup, ESTES You can see thatthe same colour coding is in place lick on File> New File. Ths will opena new window in the IDLE Editor asitisin the Shell, enabling you “with Untitled as its name, This isthe Python IDLE Editor and withinit to better understand what's going on with your code. However, to you can enter the code needed to create your Future programs. execute the code you need to first save it. Press FS and you get 2 Save...Check box open. ETE Tie OLE Editor's, for allintents and purposes, a ETRE Save As from within the Editor to create abackup. BEF vv ccons noun docinetacs aes ED vinci concn Enter the following and save tas hello.py: a="Python” boris” c="cool!” print(a, b, ¢) You willuse this code in the next tutorial ombinesiaioon CIGetting Started with Python Executing Code from the Command Line COMMAND THE CODE Using the code we created in the previous tutorial, the one we named hello.py, let's see how you can run code that was made in the GUI at the command line level. wasiswithPython zwilsttie ther usesthe Python 3irares command python ar pes Ener This put outa the and soon. First though, drop into the commat Terminalon command ine version of the Shell, withthe your operating system facing arrows as the cursor (>>>), EB —: - ED Raspberry P: Windows users will need to click the Start button and a search For CMD, then dick the ond print(a) Youcan see that actly the same to their command line by click o> Utlities > Terminal vwvnubémpublctionscomExecuting Code From the Command Line ESTES ow enter: exit to leave the command tie Python session and return you backto the command prompt. Enter the Folder where you saved the code from the previous tutorial and lst the available files within; hopefully you should see the hello.py file command ine: python3 hello. py From within the same Folder as the code you're ‘ing to run, enter the Following into the This will execute the code we created, a="Python” ee ca"cool!™ print(a, b, ¢) toremind you's: Naturally, since this s Python 3 code, using the usar syntax and layout that’s unique to Python 3, it only works when you use the python3 command, IFyou tke try the same with Python 2 by entering: python hello.py The result of running Python 3 code from the Python 2 command tine s quite obvious. Whitt ces between the doesn't error aut in any way, due to the if ‘way Python 3 handles the Print command over Python 2, the result isn't as we expected, Using Sublime for the moment, open the hallo.py file Since at me Text isn't available for the Raspberry Pi, you're going to temporarily leave the Pi forthe moment and use Sublime as an example that you don't necessarily need to use the Python IDLE. With the hello.py file open, alter itto include the Following nane=input (“What is your name? “) print(‘Hello,”, name) Dy -- = The result willbe the original Python is cool! statement, together with the added input command asking you for your name, and displaying it in the command window.CJ) Getting Started with Python Numbers and Expressions Mee cee reer eure ote neue leas like. Let's expand on that now and see just how powerful Python is as a calculator. You elena len amano |e) osha) Kole ann ae) Koln an eLUN Uc IT’S ALL MATHS, MAN ‘You can get some really i languages, maths is the driving force behind the code. FR ovens tncresonct wn mene EEE ore catescieees ree coerce remeranae muscle, which we believe isa small gland located at the back ofthe brain or no) ESTER the shell enter the following 242 54396134553245 99867344*27344484221 ‘You can see that Python can handle some quite large numbers. essive results with the mathematical powers of Python; as with most, if not all, programming ‘You can use all the usual mathematical operations: Jamaica onasaara nets few, For example: we or 24283 (e244) You've no doubt noticed, division produces 2 SMD oot umber inytnon these are sled fot ‘or floating point arithmetic. However, Fyou need an integer as ‘opposed toa decimal answer, then you can use a double slash:Numbers and Expressions CH You can also use an operation to see the remainder left over From division, For example: 10/3 will isplay 3333333333, which sof course 3.3-ecuring. IF you owenter: 103, This will display 1, which isthe remainder left over From dividing 10 into 3 TER ioxv we hve the power operator or exponentiation if you want tobe technical. To work ‘ut the power of something you can use a double multiplication ‘symbol or double-star on the keyboard: 2083 10*10 Essentially, i's 2x2x2 but we'e sure you already know the basics behind maths operators. This show you would work tout in Python, BETTE umbersand expressions don't stop there. Python has numerous builtin functions to work out ets ‘of numbers, absolute values, complex numbers and a host of ‘mathematical expressions and Pythagorean tongue twisters. For ‘example, to convert a number to binary, use bina) Tis ibe deployed 0611, commetng the BAS integer into binary and adding the prefix Ob to the Front. you want to remove the 0b prefix, then you can use: format(3, ‘b?) ‘The Format command converts a value, the number 3,02 formatted representation as controlled by the Format specification, the b’ part, FETED) 4 00lean Expression sa logical statement that will ‘either be true or false. We can use these to compare data and test to see ifi’s equal to, less than or greater than. Try this ina New le: o-6 b=7 print(l, a == 6) print(2, a == 7) print(3, a == 6 and b == 7) print(4, a == 7 and b == 7) print(5, not a == 7 and b == 7) print(6, a = 7 or b print(7, a = 7 or b print(8, not (a == 7 and b = 6)) print(9, not a == 7 and b = 6) Execute the cade from Step 9, and you can see a series of True or False statements, depending on the result ofthe two defining values: 6 and 7.’ an extension of what you've looked at, and an important part of programming. entiation QECJ) Getting Started with Python Using Comments When writing your code, the Flow of it, what each variable does, how the overall program will operate and so onis all inside your head. Another programmer could follow the code line by line but over time, it can become difficult to read. #COMMENTS! Programmers use a method of keeping their code readable by commenting on certain sections. Ifa variable is used, the programmer comments on what it’s supposed to do, for example. I's just good practise. ESTED starchy creating anewinstance ofthe OLE Editor RINE resave the code and executeit. You can see that the (ile > New File) and create a simple variable and ‘output inthe IDLE Shells stil the same as before, print command: despite the extra ines being added. Simply put, the hash symbol (#) an denotes line of text the programmer can insert to inform them, Drtne CETERVALIISTORIARLSNETOD {and others, of what's going on without the user being aware, ‘Save the fileand execute the code, Tyoend 2 oe 6a 8 a en BETeEE Running the code willretumn the ine: The value of A ENTESWAIM Let's assume that the variable A that we've created Is, 10 nto the IDLE Shell windaw, which s what we isthe number of lvesin a game. Every time the ‘expected. Now, add some ofthe typesof comments you'd normally player dies, the value is decreased by 1. The programmer could see within code: insert.a routine along the lines of # Set the start value of A to 10 osa-1 1-10 print(*You've just lost a tife!”) # Print the current value of A print(*You now have”, a, “lives left!”) print("The value of A is,”, a)Using Comments CH BEG) ite BRB was hee that the player has just lost one, a casual viewer or of code. Take our examples From above, instead of tentang esis” ug sat the star vol of. t010 print(“The value of A is,”, a) # Print the current aa a concen print(“You’ve just lost a life! a player, and display current value of A (lives) Rapa E-Ee Essentially, the new code together with comments Eypaekemm The comment, the hash symbol, can also be used to ao mer sosenecfeictootent venta ‘executed in your program. For instance, if you wanted to remove: # Set the stort vole of A to 10 Satecwtcisbor etna # Print the current value of A # print(“The value of A is,”, a) print(*The value of A is,”, a) # Inform player, and display current value of A nee an See ee Gives) fF sat the Sew vale GFA print “You've just lost a life!” Fic a ct he BA printc*You now have", a, “Lives left!" prantthe value oF A fas. 0] # Biapet Tose's tite! F Fafor otayer. and display current value of A (Lives) Frint(tpoune just test a Titel) Print(-You towhavets a, olives deft") | BEPTSEMD Youcanuse comments in different ways, For PEP ET MD) You also use three single quotes to comment ‘example, Block Comments area large section of ‘outa Block Comment or multiline section of text that details what's going on in the code such as telling the code comments. Place them before and after the areas you want to ‘reader what variables you're planning on using: ‘comment for them to work: # This is the best gane ever, and has been i developed by a crack squad of Python experts This is the best game ever, and has been developed # who haven’t slept or washed in weeks. Despite by a crack squad of Python experts who haven’t being very smelly, the code at least slept or washed in weeks. Despite being very # works really well. smelly, the code at least works really well. wmbineiaiocon QECJ) Getting Started with Python Working with Variables We've seen some examples of variables in our Python code already but it’s always Meron eer cu neue eu eee nse ae iy Ne UT-sa CoE NUT-1o1(3 VARIOUS VARIABLES ‘You'll be working with the Python 3 IDLE Shell in this tutorial. If you haven't already, open Python 3 or close down the previous IDLE Shelt to clear up any old code. Insome programming languages you're required Pee aeunirracreereeiet variable made up of multiple characters, such as a name of a person. In Python tis isn't necessary. For example, inthe Shell enter name="David Hayward” (or use your own name, unless you're also called David Hayward) [Be ESS tn Grr som Hep You can check the type of variable in use by issuing the type Q command, placing the name of the variable inside the brackets. In our example, this would be: ‘type (name). Add a new string variable: title="Descended from Vikings”. You've seen previously that variables can be ‘concatenated using the plus symbol between the variable names. in our example we can use: print (name + ‘2 + title). The middle part between the quotations allows us to ‘adda colon and a space, as variables are connected without spaces, so we need to add them manually. Youcanalso combine variables within another variable. For ‘example, to combine both name and title variablesinto anew variable we use: character=name +“: + title ‘Then output the content of the new variable as: print (character) Numbers are stored as different variables: age=44 Type Cage) Which, as we know, are integers SiarBETTI However, you can't combine both strings and integer type variables in the same command, as you ‘would a set of similar variables. You need to either turn one into the ‘other or vice versa. When you do try to combine both, you get an ‘error message: print (name + age) BRTESEERD Thisis a process known as TypeCasting, The Python code's print character + “is “+ strCage) + “ years old." ‘or you can use: print (character, “is*, age, “years old.”) Notice again that in the last example, you don't need the spaces between the words in quotes as the commas treat each argument to print separately >>> print (name + age) Traceback (gost recent call last): File " ‘print! (none " age) Typetrror: Can't convert “int’ object to str implicitly 20S"prine (character +." is" + str(age) * "years old.) David Hayward: Descended from Vikings 15 44 years old. So>lprane (character, "is", age, “years old.") David Hayward: Descended from Vikings 1s 48 years old. BEPED) Ancther example of Typecasting is when you ask For input from the user, such asa name. for example, center: ‘age= input C*How old are you? “) ‘All data stored from the Input commands stored asa string variable. le Shed Debug opto widows Hap Pymben 34.2 Caefoule Ok 19 014, TTT chage see at Working with Variables BETTS This presents a bit ofa problem when you want to ‘work with a number that's been inputted by the ser, as age + 10 won't work due to being a string variable and an integer. Instead, you need to enter: ‘intCage) + 10 This ill TypeCast the age string into an integer that can be worked with. BETESEDD The use of Typecastingis also important when ~ for wore information embiiaiocon QECJ) Getting Started with Python User Input CRY ET Teel oy tea nee AVL Reele Ace Keen CI} Smee la artes cular nck camel ay From the user then store and present it. USER FRIENDLY ‘The type of input you want from the user will depend greatly on the type of program you're coding. For example, a game may ‘ask For a character's name, whereas a database can ask for personal del PEPER icsnotatready, open the Python 3 IDLE Shell, and start a New File in the Editor. Let’s begin with ‘something realy simple, enter: print¢*Hello") firstname=input “What is your first nane? “) printC*Thanks.") surnane=inputC*And what is your surname? “) ESTEE DD Seve and execute the code, and as you already no doubt suspected, nthe IDLE Shell the program wil ask or your firstname, string it as the variable firstname, flowed by your surname; also stored ints cwn variable (surname). Now that we have the user's name stored ina ‘couple of variables we can call them up whenever we want: print(‘Welcome”, firstname, surnane, “. T hope youre well today.”) Run the code and you can see a slight issue, the suare full stop after the surname follows a blank space. To-lmiate that we cn ad alu sgn instead ofthe commain the code: printC‘Welcome”, firstnane, surnanes*. T hope you’re well today.”)User Input ‘You don't always have toinclude quoted text within the input command. For example, you can ask the User their name, and have the input in the tine below print(“Hello. What’s your name?") rame= input) userinput py - horne/pi/Documents/Python Code/us\ Edt Format Bun Options windows Help [print(-Hello. what's your name?) | Bowes input) ‘The code from the previous step is often regarded as being little neater than having a lenathy ‘amount of textn the input command, but it’s not arule that’s set in ‘stone, so do as you lke in these situations. Expanding on the code, try this: printC*Halt! Who goes there?”) nane=input() eat Fama Ban Stns roe BPTI i's 2 good start toa text adventure game, perhaps? Now you can expand on it and use the raw input From the user to fesh out the game a litle: if name=—"David": print(Welcone, good sir. You may pass.”) else: printC*I know you not. Prepare for battl m0! BEPESEDD What youve createdhere isa condition, which we will over soon. In short, we're using the input From the user and measuring t against a condition, So, iFthe user enters David as their name, the guard willaliow them to pass unhindered. Else, iFthey enter a name other than Davi, the guard challenges them toafight. ESTER) ust 25900 learned previously, any input from a user is automatically a string, so you need to apply a ‘TypeCast in order to turn it into something else. Thiscreates some Interesting additions to the input command. For example: # Code to calculate rate and distance print(“Input a rate and a distance”) floatCinput(“Rate: “)) Fate's flsstciopartate! PPT SETR %o finalise the ate and distance cade, we can ad¢: distance = floatCinput(“Distance: “)) print(Time:”, (distance / rate)) Save and execute the code and enter some numbers. Using the Roat{input element, we've told Python that anything entered is 2 Fating point number rather than a string. wmbingiaicon QECJ) Getting Started with Python Creating Functions Nana ta reer ate cig cir Caen ean aac Telete cs ne oR cee tate nearer icedracl acer) enables you to define your own Functions. FUNKY FUNCTIONS ‘Afunction is a command that you enter into Python to do something. It's a little piece of self-contained code that takes data, ‘works on it and then returns the result. Its notjust data thata function works on. They can do all manner of useful things in Python, such as ‘sort data, change items from one format to another and check the length or type of items Basically, a Function isa short word that’s, Followed by brackets. For example len), ist) or type(. ‘Afunction takes data, usualy a variable, works on Tdepending on what the function is programmed todo and returnsthe end value. The data being worked on goes inside the brackets, sof you wanted to know how mary letters are in the word antidisestablishmentarianism, then you'd enter: Len¢“antidisestabl ishmentariani sn”) and the number 28 ‘would return, ‘You can pass variables through functions in much BALD tree manner Lets assume you wont the ‘numberof letters in a person's surname, you could use the Following code (enter the text editor For this example): nane=input (“Enter your surname: “) ‘count=Len(name) print ("Your surname has", count, “Letters in i ress FS and save the code to executelt ESTED Python hastens of functions built nti, Fartoo many to get into inthe limited space available here. However, to view the lst of builtin Functions available to Python 3, navigate to wwwdocs python.ora/3/ibrary/functions html. These are the predefined functions, but since usershave created many ‘more, theyre notthe only ones available,(_ Creating Functions CH sionitncerscandessisrorsiee ESTEE) Toor function tomamedi et the net EPS through modules. Python has a vast range of EHO the madule Followed by afullstop, then the name modules available that can cover numerous programming duties. _of the Function. For instance, using the math module, since you've ‘They add functions and canbe imported as and when required. For _ustimportedit into Python, you can ulise the square root Function example, to se advanced mathematics Functions enter: Todo so, enter: import math math.sqrt(16) Once entered, you have accesstoall the math module Functions. You can se that the code is presented as madule.function(data) aimee . set = ' eI FORGING FUNCTIONS There are many different functions you can import created by other Python programmers and you will undoubtedly come across some excellent examples in the future; you can also create your own with the def command. ster 1 Feenteetecemsceeseiee 1ST? 2 tee neues Ee a Premera e Hef HeltoO:] Gomi print Hel 1o™)) ifron Hello import Hello} Hel Loc) Hel LoC*David” )} Press F5to save and run the tet Reece er terns) PD what you'velust done an eer ets a From the: a to say hello to David. Thi retio import the module then use the Function. Try this ong, Rarer: preipernaete an now pas variabCJ) Getting Started with Python Conditions and Loops Conditions and loops are what makes a program interesting; they can be simple or Pemeucme trate caer ean ardiel ee ta atc) achieve; they could be the number of lives left in a game or just displaying a countdown, TRUE CONDITIONS Keeping conditions simple to begin with makes learning to program a more enjoyable experience. Let's start then by checking 1g is TRUE, then doing something else rt. FE ccsccncnroncenmbacutah RRB noua serene step 1 Eeersiant ales Pectstees teense ton sec word=input (“Please enter a four-letter word: ) nord=input(“PLease enter a four-letter word: “) _word_Length=Len(word) if word_tength == 4: print (word, “is a four-letter word. Well done.) The double equal sign (==) means check if something is equal to something else BEPSPR) Nowwecancreate anewvariable, then use the len [EFM the colon at the end of tells Python thatif this Function and pass the word variable through it to statement true do everything after the colon ‘get the total numberof letters the user has just entered: that's indented. Next, move the cursor back to the beginning of wordzinput(*Please enter a four-letter word: «) Se Ector vword_length=Len(word) wordeinput(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_Length=LenCword) if word_length == 4: print word, “is @ four-letter word. WeLL done”) else: print (word, “is not @ four-letter word. ree ord st 9 tr ter sr) 1Press 5 and save the codeto execute. enter UH a four-letter word in the Shell to begin with, you should have the retuned mesage thats the word our eters Now press FS agar and rerun te program butts time entra fheletter word The Sell dapay hat t's nto fourier word LOOPS ( Conditions and Loops Cl Now expand the code to include another conditions. Eventually it could become quite complex. We've added a condition for three-letter words: word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_length=Len(word) ‘if word_length print Grord, done”) elif word_length = 3: print (word, “is a three-letter word. Try again.”) else: print (word, “is not @ four-letter word.) ‘sa four-letter word. Well eer ache ae ue ue Te od feed cam = print eee ee ees Ree ee while sTeP2 gets to the end of the indented code, it goes back Seems of code a number of times, usually with the support of a condition. STEP 3 Wicdbules desdeebaceuineai act ee brords=[Cat™, Dog", "Unicorn™| for word in words: inside square bra he For 0 be used in the eas STEP 4 for x in range (1, 10):) print Gy co eee et ee eee nthe First and last numbers used,Getting Started with Python Python Modules MASTERING MODULES. Think of modules as an extension that's imported into your Python code to enhance and extend its capabilities. There are countless modules available and as we've seen, you can even make your own: BETTER thouoh good, the builtin functions within Python [REI the result isan errorinthe 1OLE Shell asthe are limited, The use of modules, however, allows us ygame module isnt recognised or installed in to make more sophisticated programs. Asyou are aware, modules Python. Toinstall a module we can use PIP (Pip Installs Packages) are Python scripts that are imported, such asimport math, Close down the IDLE Shell and drop into a command prompt or Terminal session. At an elevated admin command prompt, enter pip instal pygane somenodierczecstyone Raver SEEM ter stlston eis encode SUENe are included by default, the math module being a SUarS due it installing components at different locations. prime example. Sach oter modules aren aways avalable.A good Windows uses can sare for CMO vite tare button and ‘example on non-Pi platforms is the pygame module, which contains click the result then click Run as Administrator. Linux and many Functions to help create games. Try: import pygame. ‘an use the Sudo command, with sudo pip instal package, vwvmubémpublcationscom(Python Modules Cl Clos the command prompt Terminal and Sue5 relaunch the IDLE Shell. When you now enter: ‘import: pygame, the module will be imported into the code without any problems. Yul find that mest cade downloaded or Copied from thenteret wllontine module, mantream of Unique, these are usual the source of erors mn evecton due to them being missing Siar ‘The modules contain the extra code needed to achieve a certain result within your own code, as ‘we've previously experimented with. For example: ‘import random Brings in the code from the random number generator module. You ‘ean then use this module to create something ike: for i in range(10): print(random.randint(1, 25)) BEPTSED This code, when saved and executed, will display ten random numbers From 1 to 25. You can play around vith the code to display more or less, and from a great or lesser range. For example: ‘import random for i in range(2s): printCrandom.randint(1, 100)) Multiple modules can be imported within your code, SES ‘To extend our example, use: ‘import random ‘import math for I in range(S) print(random.randint(1, 25)) print(math.pi) ‘The result isa string of random numbers Followed by the value ofPias pulled from the math module sing the print(math pi function, You can aso pul in certain Functions From a module by using the From and import commands, suchas: from random import randint for i in range(S): print(randint(1, 25) PEP har cones svins apse ED ee eset ‘which willimpost everything defined within the named module. However, ts often regarded as a waste of resources butit works. nonetheless. Finally, modules can be imported as aliases: ‘import math as m print(m.pi) OF course, adding comments helps to tell others what's going on D tette:cihesinidOnimenentd tine DER =a R sembobetisonBE) veterrttctonconWorking with Data Data is everything. With it you can display, control, add, remove, create and manipulate Python to your every demand, Over these coming pages we look at how you can create lists, tuples, dictionaries and multi-dimensional lists; and see how to use them to forge exciting and useful programs. ‘Then, you can learn how to use date and time Functions, write to files in your system and even create graphical user interfaces that take your coding skills to new levels and into new project ideas. 46 Lists 48 Tuples 50 Dictionaries 52 Splitting and Joining Strings 54 — Formatting Strings 56 Date and Time 58 Opening Files 60 Writing to Files, 62 Exceptions Python Graphics woradmpublistions. cmED) wring wot) Lists Mee LN Tue OM kee Reiter TMU eon cerca) Python. A list is simply a collection of items, or data if you prefer, that can be accessed as a whole, or individually if wanted. WORKING WITH LISTS Lists are extremely handy in Python. A list can be strings, integers and also variables. You can even include Functions in lists, ‘and lists within lists. BRTISEDD Alistisasequence of data values called tems. You [ENB vou can also access, or index, the lastiteminalistby create the name of your lst followed by an equals using the minus sign before the item number [1], ‘sign, then square brackets and the tes separated by commas; __or the second tolast item with [2] and so on. Trying to reference an ote that strings use quotes: item that sot inthe lst, such 3s [10] wil return an error: numbers = [1, 4, 7, 21, 98, 156] ‘unbers[=1) mythical_creatures - [“Unicorn”, “Balrog”, mythical_creatures[=4] ‘“Varpire”, “Dragon”, *Minotaur™] ED ox piecineseutasovcncatean — EEPB singin toindengnayoucn rie SHER ‘by referencing its name, followed by a number. Lists. suare multiple items in a list by separating item numbers. startthefirstitem entry as 0, Followed by 1,2, 3 and soon. witha colan. Far example: For example: unbers[1:3] unbers \Willoutput the 4 and 7, being item numbers 1 and 2. Note that the ‘Tocall up the entire contents ofthe lst. returned values don't include the second index position (asyou amen would numbers{1:3] to return 4, 7 and 21). ‘Tocall the third from zero iterin the lst (21 in this case). EE putiobessYou can update items within an existing list, remove items and even join lists together. For example, to join two lists you can use: everything = nunbers + mythical_creatures ‘Then view the combined list with: everything Items can be added to alist by entering: nunbers=nunbbers+[202] Or Forstrings: mythical_creatres-nythical_creatures+{“Griffin”] Orby using the append function: mythical creatures. append(“Nessie” numbers -append(278) fe se ne Removal of items can be done in two ways. The Fist isby the tem number: del nunbers{7] Alternatively, by item name: mythical _creatures. renove(“Nessie”, X BETESEBD You con view what canbe done with ists by entering ist) into the Shell. The output isthe available Functions, for example, inset and pop are used to add and remove items at certain positions. To insert the number 62 at item index 4: numbers insert (4, 62) Toremave it: ‘nunbers .popC4) You also use thelist function to breaka string down Into its components. For example: ListC*Davia") \'v,T, 4. This can then be passed nane=List*David Hayward”) name age= [44] user = name + age BEPIED) 82:e3onthar youcancreatea program tore someone's name and age 28 at name=inputC“What’s your name? “) ‘[name=ListCname) age=intCinputC*How old are you: “)) lage=Lege] user = Inone + Lage Thecombined name and age ist ical ser, which canbe called by entering usr ins the Snel. Expermentandse what you cn do. semubobetnsonEwen innons Tuples Tuples are very much identical to lists. However, where lists can be updated, deleted or changed in some way, a tuple remains constant. This is called immutable and they're Peucedeceulincekec en cues THE IMMUTABLE TUPLE. Reasons for having tuples vary dependin special but they're also used for exampl: ‘what the program is intended to do. Normally, a tuple is reserved for something in an adventure game, where non-playing character names are stored. PEPE Atupleiscreated the sameway asalistbutin this ERRIBB You can create grouped tuples into lists that contain instance you use curved brackets instead of square multiple sets of data. For instance, here isa tuple brackets. For example: called NPC (Non-Playable Characters) containing the character name ionths=C*January", February"; “March; aprit%y) andtheir combat rating Foran adventure game: “way”, “June”) NPC=[C“Conan”, 100), (*Belit”, 80), CValeria”, months 95)) OE. aay a a. me FTTeGED usteswith lists theitems within anamedtuple can [ESTESWAIM Each ofthese data items can be accessed as a be indexed according to their position in the data ‘whole by entering NPC into the Shell or they can be range, ie. Indexed according to their position NPC[O). You can also indexthe ruse Individual tuples within the NPC lst: months [5] NPCce} (1) However any attempt at deleting or adding to the tuple willesuit will display 100. in an errorin the Shel. ‘It's worth noting that when referencing multiple tuples within alist, the indexing f slightly diferent From the norm. You would expect the 95 combat rating ofthe ‘character Valeria to be NPC(4I[S], but i’ not. It’ actually: NPCE2IE1] ee em BETESEE) This means of course thatthe indexing follows thus ua ‘Which as you can imagine, getsa little confusing when you've got a lot of tuple data to deal with, ete Ss Be corn iestonanclusipns ED ees tre cease set Phscenuthtcosad nee ated ‘combat rating): NPC=¢*Conan”, 100) Now unpack the tuple into two corresponding variables: Chane, conbat_rating)=NPC ‘You can now check the values by entering name and combat_rating.. Sis} BETESERD Remember, as with lists, you can also indextuples using negative numbers which count backwards From the end ofthe data it. For our example, using the tuple with ‘multiple data items, you would reference the Valera character with: Npc[2][-0] PEEP von rosacea ae BERD sccitinwnceeenet ‘numbers. For example: runbers-C10.3, 23, 45.2, 109.3, 6.1, 56.7, 99) ‘The numbers can be integers and floats. To output the highest and lowest, use: print (maxCnumbers)) print (minCnumbers)) a;Ewen innons Dictionaries Meee ecu ites eee iru arene ua actu eae ey of dealing with data items. They can be tricky to get to grips with at first but you'll soon Peel Leen te ners KEY PAIRS A dictionary is lke a list but instead each data item comes as a pair, these are known as Key and Value. The Key part must be unique and can either be a number or string whereas the Value can be any data item you like. Let's say you want to create ¢ phonebook in Python, ‘As with ists and tuples, you can check the contents You would create the dictionary name and enter of a dictionary by giving the dictionary a name: the data in curly brackets, separating the key and value by colon phonebook, inthis example. This will display the data items you've Key:Vallue. For example: entered ina similar Fashion to alist, which you're no doubt familiar phonebooke={“Emna”: 1234, “Daniel”: 3456, “Hannah”; th bynow 6789} ED evinmattsn sisson tine — EIB reteset wings dctonsysttyou SuER need be enclosed in quotes (single or double), SUF -canenter the key to index the value. Using the wh ntagers can bee open Remember thatthe valecanbe phonebook example framthe predates you can ener tthe asingoraninteger you jst need encose he reevant eokttnea") one gues phonebook[*Haanah") phonebook2={"David": “0987 654 321”)ictionaries ( cH [Adding toa dictionary is easy too. You can include ’ new data item entry by adding the new key and value items tke: honebook[“David"] = “0987 654 321” phonebook | ESTESEED Youcanalso remove items froma dictionary by Issuing the del command followed by the item's key; the value willbe removed as well, since both work as a pair of, data items: del. phonebook [“David”) FER cis cuptrne towsin cea aD er ereieeblay lesan econ Poa sa codingin a new, blank dictionary: phonebook={} Next, you need to define the user inputs and SALE oats one for the person's are, the other for their phone number (let's keep it simple to avoid lengthy Python code): nane=input Center name: “) nunber=intCinputC“Enter phone number: “)) Note we've kept the number as an integer instead ‘of astrina, even though the value can be both {aninteger or a string. Now you need to add the users inputted variables to the newly created blank dictionary. Using the same process asin Step 5, you can enter: phonebook[name] = number | ponsmaine = mane r BER sour rsssaindeoam dacaie rte ERD viecerccereme nee those entries into the phonebook dictionary, which you can test by entering nto the Shell: phonebook phonebook[“David") \Fthe number needs to contain spaces you need to make it string, so remove the int partof the input. ombinesiaicon QEz= Working with Data Splitting and Joining Strings Meas celae Ree V Means steel roe Le eri enon tole 07 come across long sets of strings. A useful skill to learn in Python programming is being able to split those long strings For better readability. STRING THEORIES ‘You've already looked at some list functions, using .insert, remove, and .pop but there are also Functions that can be applied tostrings. The maintoolinthe sng function arsenals soto. RRM note tra tne texts part asthe brackets, ‘With it you're able to split apart a string of data, quotes, then a space followed by closing quotes based onthe arqumert within the rockets Forexarple,herésa_andbractets The paces the separator, nag tha echt ‘string with three items, each separated bya space: ‘item entry is separated by a space. Likewise, CSV (Comma Separated ‘texte"Dantel! Honnab Ema” Value) content has 8 comma, so you'd use: exes anory February March ae aye months=text.split(“,”) ETE Now lets tum the string into alist and spitthe TEED You've previously seen how you can spit astring content accordingly into individual letters asa list, using a name: nanes=text split “) nane=List(*David”) rane ‘Then enter the name of the new list, names, to see the three items. The returned values‘, av, 7,‘ Whilst it may seem alittle useless under ordinary circumstances, it could be handy For creating spelling game for example.Splitting and Joining Strings Cl BETTER) The opposite ofthe spit functionis join, where BETTER) with the split Function, the separator doesn't you will have separate items inastring and can join have tobea space, itcan also be acomma, a full themall together to Form a word or just a combination of tems, _stop, a hyphen or whatever you like: depending on the program you're writing. For instance: ‘alphabet="”.join(["a”,"b","c","a”,”e"}) alphabet ‘This wil display ‘abcde’ in the Shel colours=(“Red”, “Green”, “Blue join(colours) EETISEED Youcentherefore apply join to the separated name EIEN there's some interesting Functions you apply toa you made in Step 4, combining the letters again to string, such as capitalize and title. For example: Form the name: titLee"conan the cimmerian” name="". joinCname) title.copitalize) ame title.titleQ |We've joined the string back together, and retained the list called name, passing it through the Join Function. SW ccccocscwcrcsciancy rca SAMOS vcr cexssuscchuna ED crac cca mesenee sentence: youto check Fastring contain or does not contain asequence Tist=[“Conan”, “raised”, “his”, “mighty”, “sworar, Fcharactes “and”, “struck”, “the”, “demon”] message="Have a nice day” texte” “.joinCList) “nice” in message text bad” not in message Note the space between the quotes before the join function (where “day” not in message there were no spaces inthe Step sin) “night” in message 1 Ea Soh Dr in sep sesh met ae mma — B | sembanbletosonz= Working with Data Formatting Strings Wee Me ce Rec Tsetelecurn ener cch Mr ce cun cis RePee ag acen Mere aneen ake eit once Aeron Cm tamara hehe lettuces STRING FORMATTING ‘Since Python 3, string Formatting has become a much neater process, using the format function combined with curly brackets. It’s a more logical and better Formed approach than previous versions. FE icctarcunncwon stckces RBBB oconcrcxsecso nase mesesmotens ERD occ ccciie nuniber=10000 ‘nane="Conan”” print(*{} of {} was a skilled mercenary, print*The barbarian hero of the Hyborian Age is: and thief too. He once stole {} gold from a {}”. FormatCname)) merchant..”.format(name, place, nunber)) BEPTIPR Remember to close the print function with twosets [FAVA there are mary different ways to apply string of brackets, as you've encased the variable in one, Formatting, some are quite simple, as we've shown ‘and the prin Function in another. You can include multiple cases of you here; thers can be significantly mare complex. all depends string formatting ina single print Function: ‘on what you want from your program. A good place to reference: a Frequentiy regarding string formatting i the Python Docs webpage, place=*chaierta® Found at www.docs.python.org/3./ibrary/string.html, Here, you printC"{} hailed from the North; ina'cotd tang“ finétons helo, known as {}".Format(nane, place))> (Fe tting Stri (_ Formatting Strings cl BEI terestinaly you can reference alist using the string FIM) vou can also print out the content of a user'sinput Formatting Function. You need to place an asteriskin inthe same Fashion: Front ofthe lst name: nput(*What's your name? *) runbers=1, 3, 45, 567546, 3425346345 print(*Hello {}.".formatname) printC*Sone numbers: {}, t, th, Oh, O- format(*nunbers)) ESTEE) Withindexing in ists, the same applies to calling a Uist using string formatting, You can index each tem ‘according to its postion (rom 0 to however many are present): You can extend this simple code example to display the Fist letter ina person's entered name: nane=inputC“What”s your name? *) runbers=1, 4, 7,9 printC*Hello {}.”.Format(name)) print(“More numbers: {3}, {0}, {2}, ‘Uname=List name) {i}.”. Format numbers), printC*The first letter of your nane is a {0}". format(*Lnane)) 1 Ea So py ers nes Hp BR ysensyansec ovcnmaoa” RREBIPR ocansonano paras once ED oceans Set itn coestc es format function: Looking back the code from Step 7, you can alter it with: characters=[“Conan”, “Belit”, “Valeria”, 19, 27, “Conan”, “Belit”, “Valeria”) 20) ‘ages=[25, 21, 22] print C“{0} is {3} years old. Whereas {1} is {4} Creating two lists. Now you can cal each lst and individual tems: print({O[01} is {1[]} years old. Whereas {O17} is {1[1]} years old.”.formatCnanes, ages)) format(*characters)) ombinpsiaiocon QEEwen innons Date and Time WAM Mere Nee MMM eel Ty Meee cme ROME Museums Mca cece nt) Rem M eee nn ccu Meco meh elaine cs TIME LORDS ‘The time module contains Functions that help you retrieve the current system time, reads the date from strings, Formats the time and date and much more. ERTeGEED rst you need to import the time module. t's one that’s builtin to Python 3 so you shouldn't need to {drop into a command prompt and pip install. Once i’simported, you can call the current time and date with a simple command: ‘import time ‘time.asctimeQ) The time Function is split. nto nine tuples, these are divided up into indexed itere, as with any other tuple, and shown in the screen shot below. Index Feld values 0 age year ans 1 oe tw : seona (01061 (60 or 61 areeap-sconts) 5 aver vee 6 206 (0 Hondoy) 7 Baya yae 1 to 36 (an dy) 8 Davghtsamngs 1, 0,2, -t means rary determines OST wera dmpublieations com ‘You can see the structure of how time's presented was time. local timed) ‘The outputis displayed as such: “time .struct_timeCtm. year=2017, tmmon-9, tmmday=7, tm.hour=9, ‘mmine6, tmsec=13, tmnday=3, tmyday=250, tm ‘isdst=0)'; obviously dependent on your current time as opposed to the time shown above, “There are numerous functions built nto the time LEED otc. One of te most common cf these le strftime(). With i, you're able to present a wide range of arguments asit converts the time tuple into a string. For example, to display the current day of the week you can use: ‘time. strftimeC‘A’)Date and Time ( cH ESTEE This naturally means you can incorporate various ESTED Yousswatthe end ofthe previous section, in the Functions into your own code, such as code to calculate Pi to however many decimal places - the users wanted, you can time a particular event in Python. Take ‘time. strftime“Ka") time. str#timeC*%B") the code from above and alter itslightly by including: ‘time. strftime“%b”) start_time=time .time() time. strftimeC“sH”) ‘time. strFtime “si” Then there's: endtime=time.timeC)-start_time Ge Fam tre in tp SOC cata aa eS Man BETISEE) ote the last two entries, with %H and %H94M, 2s ETI the output will look similar tothe screenshot below. you can see these are the hours and minutes and as. ‘The timer Function needs to be either side ofthe the last entry indicates, entering them as %6H%M doesn't display the input statement, as that’s when the variable name's being created, time correctly inthe Shell, You can easy rectify this with: depending on how long the user took to login, The length of time is ‘Speen then displayed on the last line ofthe code asthe endtime variable. ere Fora ae ee ‘ungettncoe eS SSP ath ce tonto te aco. Settimca Ea FREE icmessresiraioechecossiy RPEREPR, hows: nce serene ste 7 inane atatetie oluenntengamoeate ahs A enters helpCtime) to display the current Python version help file nane=inputC“Enter Login name: “) printc*welcone”, nane, “\d”) print(*User:", nate, “logged in at”, tine. strftimeC"H:900°)) ‘Try to extend it Further to include day, month, year and so on. ip Ea mee sembanblatoionz= Working with Data Opening Files Tavira CANO ls em ole Cone Tol CH Pe eouCenntn Mer ela tetsu ee h rey obi tures) Ciena eceorer Moule re Teee OPEN, READ AND WRITE In Python you create a File object, similar to creating a variable, only passin the file using the open() Function. Files are usually ‘categorised as text or binary. EERE St2tby entering some text into yoursystemstext ESTEEM IF younow enter poem nto the Shell, you will et euitor. The text editors best, not aword processor, some information regarding the text file you've just ‘as word processors include background Formatting and other acked to be opened, You can now use the paem variable to read the ‘elements, n our example, we have the poem The Cimmerian, by contents ofthe fie: Robert E Howard, You need to save the file as poem.txt. poem. readC) "Note than a/n entryin the text represents a newline as you used previously. f ay ie ED ieectecomancientonmte sino ERE Souci roenend asd tine youl Suze variable as an object. You can name the file object Sere notice that the text has been removed from the file. anything you like, but you will eed to tell Python the name and You willneed to enter: poem=open(“/home/pi/Documents/ location of the textile you're opening: Poem. txt”) again to recreate the file. This time, however, enter: poem=open("/home/pi/Documents/Poem. txt”) print(poem.read()) ‘Thistime, the /n entries are removed in Favour of newlines and readable text. 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