Introduction to Data Science and Statistics
1. Introduction & Context
This session introduces Python and its applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The focus is on leveraging Python’s simplicity and power to improve efficiency in AI
development. The lecture covers Python basics, data types, control flow,
functions, file operations, and the role of AI in Python programming.
2. Main Content
2.1 Why Python?
Python is widely used in AI due to its simplicity, versatility, and strong ecosystem.
Below are the key advantages:
2.1.1 Simplicity
Python is designed to be easy to read and write, resembling the English language.
It reduces the learning curve for beginners and speeds up development.
2.1.2 High-Level Language
Abstracts away low-level details like memory management so developers can
focus on solving problems.
2.1.3 Interpreted Language
No compilation step is required; code execution happens line-by-line, enabling
quick testing and debugging.
2.1.4 Object-Oriented and Functional
Supports both programming paradigms, allowing developers to choose the best
approach for each problem.
2.1.5 Portability
Python code runs on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux) without
modification.
2.1.6 Vast Libraries
Libraries for AI, data science, and machine learning include:
NumPy: Numerical computing
Pandas: Data manipulation
TensorFlow/PyTorch: Machine learning
Scikit-Learn: Data science and ML algorithms
2.1.7 Strong Community
Extensive documentation and online support with an active developer community
contributing to new packages and frameworks.
2.2 Real-World Applications of Python
Python is used in various industries for:
AI and Machine Learning: Predictive modeling, NLP, recommendation
systems.
Web Development: Frameworks like Django and Flask.
Game Development: Libraries such as Pygame.
Embedded Systems: Projects using Raspberry Pi.
Scientific Applications: Data analysis and visualization.
Enterprise Software: Business process automation.
Web Scraping: Tools like BeautifulSoup and Scrapy.
2.3 Python Basics Recap
This section reviews the fundamental building blocks of Python programming.
2.3.1 Variables
No explicit command for declaring variables; types are inferred automatically.
x = 5 # Integer
y = "John" # String
z = 3.0 # Float
2.3.2 Data Types
Python has several built-in data types:
Data Type Description Example
Integer Whole numbers 10, -5
Float Decimal numbers 3.14
Complex Real and imaginary parts 4 + 3j
String Sequence of characters "Hello"
List Ordered collection (mutable) [1, 2, 3]
Tuple Ordered collection (immutable) (1, 2, 3)
Data Type Description Example
Dictionary Key-value pairs {'name': 'John'}
Set Unordered collection (unique values) {1, 2, 3}
2.3.3 String Operations
Convert text to uppercase, lowercase, or slice portions of a string.
s = "apple"
print(s[2:4]) # Output: "pl"
print(s[:3]) # Output: "app"
2.3.4 List Operations
Appending elements and slicing lists.
fruits = ['apple', 'banana']
fruits.append('cherry')
print(fruits) # Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
print(fruits[1:]) # Output: ['banana', 'cherry']
2.3.5 Tuple
Tuples are similar to lists but immutable.
coordinates = (10, 20, 30)
2.3.6 Dictionary
Dictionaries store key-value pairs.
profile = {'name': 'John', 'age': 30}
print(profile['name']) # Output: John
2.3.7 Set
Sets store unique elements only.
unique_numbers = {1, 2, 2, 3}
print(unique_numbers) # Output: {1, 2, 3}
2.4 Operators
Operators in Python include arithmetic (+, -, *, /), assignment (=, +=, -=), and
comparison (==, !=, <, >) operators.
2.5 Control Flow
Python supports structured decision-making and repetition.
2.5.1 Conditional Statements
If-Else:
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
else:
print("Less than or equal to 5")
Elif Example:
if x > 10:
print("Greater than 10")
elif x == 10:
print("Equal to 10")
else:
print("Less than 10")
2.5.2 Looping
For Loop:
for i in range(5):
print(i)
While Loop:
i = 0
while i < 5:
print(i)
i += 1
2.6 Functions
Definition: Functions allow you to group code into reusable blocks.
def add(a, b):
return a + b
Usage:
print(add(3, 5)) # Output: 8
2.7 Exception Handling
Try-Except Block:
try:
x = int("abc")
except ValueError:
print("Invalid value")
2.8 File Operations
CSV Files: Example code to read a CSV file using Python's csv module.
import csv
with open('data.csv', mode='r') as file:
reader = csv.reader(file)
for row in reader:
print(row)
3. Key Insights & Takeaways
✅ Python’s simplicity and power make it ideal for AI and ML.
✅ Strong libraries and community support enhance development.
✅ Python’s versatility allows it to handle diverse tasks from data analysis to AI.
4. Conclusion & Summary
The session covered Python basics and how they integrate into AI development.
The goal was to build a strong foundation in Python and explore its real-world AI
applications.
5. Additional Resources
Python File 1: File link
Python File 2: File link
CSV File 1: File link
CSV File 2: File link
Python Official Documentation: Python Docs
Python Tutorial: Python Tutorial
Real Python: Real Python
PyPI: PyPI
