Control Flow in Python: A Beginner's Guide
Welcome to this session on Control Flow in Python! This guide will help you understand and
apply control structures in your Python programs, focusing on if-else statements and loops.
What Are Control Structures?
Control structures allow programs to make decisions and execute different paths based on
conditions. In Python, the main control structures are:
1. Conditional Statements (if-else)
2. Loops (for, while)
1. Conditional Statements (If-Else)
What is an If-Else Statement?
An if-else statement allows the program to execute certain code only if a specific condition is
met. If the condition is not met, the program can execute a different set of instructions.
Syntax of If-Else in Python
Python
if condition:
# Code to execute if the condition is True
else:
# Code to execute if the condition is False
Examples:
1. Voting Eligibility Check
Python
age = 18
if age >= 18:
print("You are eligible to vote.")
else:
print("You are not eligible to vote.")
2. Temperature Check
Python
temperature = 30
if temperature > 25:
print("It's warm outside.")
else:
print("It's cold outside.")
3. Number Comparison
Python
a = 10
b = 20
if a > b:
print("a is greater than b")
else:
print("a is not greater than b")
2. Loops
What is a Loop?
A loop allows you to repeat a block of code multiple times. There are two main types of loops in
Python:
1. For Loop
2. While Loop
2.1 For Loop
A for loop is used when you know in advance how many times you want to repeat a block of
code.
Syntax of For Loop:
Python
for item in sequence:
# Code to execute for each item
Examples:
1. Iterating Over a List
Python
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
for fruit in fruits:
print(fruit)
2. Range Loop
Python
for i in range(5):
print(i)
3. String Iteration
Python
word = "Python"
for letter in word:
print(letter)
2.2 While Loop
A while loop is used when you want to repeat a block of code as long as a certain condition is
true.
Syntax of While Loop:
Python
while condition:
# Code to execute while the condition is True
Examples:
1. Counting with While Loop
Python
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print(count)
count += 1
2. User Input Loop
Python
user_input = ""
while user_input != "exit":
user_input = input("Type 'exit' to stop: ")
3. Decrementing Loop
Python
n = 5
while n > 0:
print(n)
n -= 1
Using If-Else and Loops Together
You can combine if-else statements and loops to create more complex programs.
Example:
Python
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
for number in numbers:
if number % 2 == 0:
print(f"{number} is even")
else:
print(f"{number} is odd")
Activity: Create a Python Program Using If-Else and Loops
Task:
Write a Python program that asks the user to input a number. The program should then print
whether the number is positive, negative, or zero. After that, the program should print all the
numbers from 1 to the input number using a loop.
Solution:
Python
# Get user input
number = int(input("Enter a number: "))
# Check if the number is positive, negative, or zero
if number > 0:
print("The number is positive.")
elif number < 0:
print("The number is negative.")
else:
print("The number is zero.")
# Print numbers from 1 to the input number
if number > 0:
for i in range(1, number + 1):
print(i)
Conclusion
In this session, we covered the basics of control structures in Python, focusing on if-else
statements and loops. These tools allow you to control the flow of your program, making it
more dynamic and responsive to different conditions.
- If-else statements help your program make decisions.
- Loops allow your program to repeat actions multiple times.
By mastering these concepts, you’ll be well on your way to writing more complex and efficient
Python programs.
Time Required to Read:
- Introduction to Control Structures: 2 minutes
- If-Else Statements: 3 minutes
- For Loops: 3 minutes
- While Loops: 3 minutes
- Combining If-Else and Loops: 2 minutes
- Activity: 5 minutes
Total: 18 minutes
Happy coding! 😊
