Python Programming

Lecture 1: Introduction to Python

Ms Samb
ML Engineer
 Table of content
Module 1: Introduction to Python
What is Python?
Advantages of Python
Setting up the Python environment

Module 2: Python Basics

Hello, World! - Your First Python Program
Variables and Data Types
Basic Operators
Comments and Code Structure

Module 3: Control Flow

Conditional Statements (if, elif, else)
Loops (for, while)
Nested Loops and Loop Control 2
List Comprehensions
Table of content

Module 7: File Handling

Reading and Writing Text Files
Handling Different File Formats (CSV, JSON)
Exception Handling with Files

Module 8: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Introduction to OOP
Classes and Objects
Inheritance and Polymorphism
Encapsulation and Abstraction

Module 9: Advanced Topics

Generators and Iterators
Decorators: Function Enhancements
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Context Managers: with Statements
Threading and Multiprocessing Basics
Table of content

Module 4: Functions and Modules

Functions: Definition and Syntax
Function Parameters and Return Values
Scope and Lifetime of Variables
Importing and Using Modules

Module 5: Data Structures

Lists: Creation, Indexing, Slicing, and Methods
Tuples and Sets
Dictionaries: Key-Value Pairs and Methods
Working with Multidimensional Data

Module 6: String Manipulation

String Basics and Operations
String Methods: Formatting and Manipulation 4
Regular Expressions
Table of content

Module 10: Introduction to Libraries

Using External Libraries with pip
Exploring Standard Libraries (math, datetime, random)
Introduction to Third-Party Libraries (NumPy, pandas)

Module 11: Working with Data

Data Manipulation with pandas
Data Visualization with Matplotlib
Data Analysis Basics

Module 12: Introduction to Web Development

Basics of HTML and CSS
Creating a Simple Web Page
Introduction to Flask: Building Web Applications
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Table of content
Module 13: Introduction to Databases
Basics of Relational Databases
SQL Fundamentals
Connecting Python to Databases

Module 14: Introduction to Automation

Automating Repetitive Tasks
Working with Files and Directories
Sending Emails with Python

Module 15: Introduction to Testing

Importance of Testing
Writing and Running Unit Tests
Test Frameworks: unittest and pytest
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Table of content

Module 16: Real-World Projects

Building a To-Do List Application
Analyzing and Visualizing Data
Creating a Web-Based Calculator

Module 17: Next Steps and Further Learning

Exploring Advanced Libraries (SciPy, scikit-learn)
Web Development Frameworks (Django, React)
Continuing Your Python Journey

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Assessment:

● Weekly assignments and coding exercises

● Midterm examination
● Final examination

Textbooks and Resources:

python book https://static.realpython.com/python-basics-sample-chapters.pdf

Online coding platforms and tutorials(leetcode, HackerRank, … )

Grading:

● attendance: 10%
● Assignments: 30%
● Midterm Examination: 20%
● Final Examination: 40% 8
What is programming
Programming is the art of giving instructions to computers to perform specific tasks. Computers operate
using a language of their own a language of ones and zeros called binary code. As programmers, we
bridge the gap between human language and binary code by using programming languages.

Programming languages are structured languages that humans can understand and use to communicate
with computers. They provide a way to write instructions that computers can interpret and execute. These
languages range from simple and beginner-friendly languages, like Python, to more complex ones, like C++
or Java.

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Why Learn Programming?
Programming empowers you to create, innovate, and solve problems using technology. Here are a few
reasons why learning programming is so valuable:

◼ Problem Solving: Programming is all about breaking down complex problems into smaller,
manageable steps that a computer can execute. This skill extends beyond computers and becomes a
valuable approach to solving real-world challenges.
◼ Creativity: Programming lets you bring your ideas to life. Whether it's designing a game, building a
website, or automating a task, programming is a medium for your creativity.
◼ Career Opportunities: In today's digital world, programming skills are in high demand. From software
development to data analysis, web development to artificial intelligence, programming is a skill that
opens doors to a wide range of career paths.
◼ Automation: Programming allows you to automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort. It's like
having a digital assistant that can perform tasks exactly as you specify.

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Key Concepts in Programming
Before we dive into writing code, let's cover some fundamental concepts that are essential for any
programmer to understand:

Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem. Think of it as a recipe

that a computer can follow.
Data Types: Different types of data, like numbers, text, and boolean values, are used in programming.
Understanding how to work with these data types is crucial.
Variables: Variables are like containers that hold data. They allow you to store and manipulate values in
your programs.
Control Structures: These are tools for managing the flow of your program. They include conditions (if
statements) and loops (for and while loops).
Functions: Functions are blocks of reusable code. They take inputs, perform actions, and often return
outputs.
Debugging: Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors in your code. It's a skill that every
programmer develops over time.
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Getting Started

As we progress through this course, we'll be using Python as our programming language. Python is known
for its readability, simplicity, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Remember that programming is both an art and a science. It's about problem-solving, creativity, and
continuous learning. Don't worry if things seem challenging at first that's completely normal. With practice
and perseverance, you'll become more comfortable with coding and gain the confidence to create amazing
things.

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What is Python?

Python's History and Popularity

Python is an incredibly popular and versatile programming language that has a fascinating history.
Understanding its origins and evolution can provide valuable insights into why Python has become one of
the most widely used languages in the world of technology.

Origins and Guido van Rossum

Python was conceived in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum, a Dutch programmer. Guido was inspired by
the ABC programming language, which was designed for teaching and simplicity. He aimed to create a
language that would emphasize code readability and reduce the complexity associated with other
programming languages of the time.

Guido released the first version of Python, Python 0.9.0, in February 1991. The name "Python" was chosen
as a tribute to the British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus," showcasing Guido's sense of
humor. From the outset, Python's design philosophy focused on clarity, simplicity, and a strong emphasis
on elegant code. 13
What is Python?

Python has had several major updates in the past. Python 2.7 was widely used for a very long time, even
after the release of newer versions.
However, Python 2.7 has been deprecated as of January 01 2020, and replaced completely by 3.xx
versions, known as Python 3. The differences between Python 2.7 and Python 3 are minute, but important
nonetheless.
To keep up with the latest technologies, we’ll be dealing with Python 3 for the entirety of this course.

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What is Python?

Key Features and Design Philosophy

Python's design philosophy is encapsulated in its guiding principles, known as "The Zen of Python." This
collection of aphorisms captures the essence of what makes Python unique. Some of the key features and
principles include:

● Readability Counts: Python's syntax is designed to be clear and easy to read, which makes the code
more understandable and maintainable.
● Explicit is Better than Implicit: Python emphasizes clear code that explicitly states its intentions,
reducing ambiguity.
● Simple is Better than Complex: Python encourages simplicity in both code and design, promoting
straightforward solutions over convoluted ones.
● The Python Community: Python's community is known for its inclusivity and helpfulness. This
welcoming atmosphere has contributed to the language's popularity.
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What is Python?

Popularity and Use Cases

Python's simplicity, versatility, and strong community support have propelled it to the forefront of
programming languages. It's used in a wide range of fields and applications:

Web Development: Python is used to create web applications using frameworks like Django and Flask,
enabling developers to build robust and scalable web services.
Data Science and Analytics: Libraries like NumPy, pandas, and matplotlib make Python a powerhouse for
data manipulation, analysis, and visualization.
Machine Learning and AI: Libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn empower developers to
create machine learning models and artificial intelligence applications.
Automation and Scripting: Python's ease of use and cross-platform compatibility make it ideal for
automating repetitive tasks and scripting.
Scientific Computing: Python is widely used in scientific research and simulations due to its
mathematical libraries and ease of integration.
Education: Python's clear syntax and readability make it a popular choice for teaching programming to 16
beginners.
Application

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Advantages of Python
Python is an incredibly popular programming language that has gained widespread adoption across

various industries and domains. Its versatility, ease of use, and powerful features contribute to its many

advantages. Let's explore some of the key benefits of using Python:

1. Readability and Simplicity:

Python's clean and straightforward syntax emphasizes code readability. This makes it easier for developers

to write and understand code, reducing the chances of errors and making collaboration more efficient.

2. Versatility:
Python is a general-purpose programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications.

From web development to data analysis, scientific computing to artificial intelligence, Python is capable of

handling diverse tasks. 18

Advantages of Python

3. Vast Ecosystem of Libraries:

Python boasts a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks that can significantly speed up development.

Libraries like NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow, and Django provide ready-made solutions for complex tasks,

saving developers time and effort.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility:
Python is platform-independent, meaning code written on one operating system can be easily run on

another without modification. This makes it particularly useful for projects that need to run on multiple

platforms.

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Advantages of Python

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility:
Python is platform-independent, meaning code written on one operating system can be easily run on
another without modification. This makes it particularly useful for projects that need to run on multiple
platforms.

5. Community and Support:

Python has a large and active community of developers who contribute to its growth and development.
This community support means that finding solutions to problems, seeking advice, and sharing knowledge
is readily available.

6. Open Source and Free:

Python is an open-source language, which means that its source code is available to the public. This not
only fosters collaboration but also eliminates the need for costly licensing fees, making it accessible to all.

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Advantages of Python

7. Rapid Development:
Python's concise syntax and built-in features allow developers to write code more quickly, reducing
development time. This is particularly advantageous for prototyping, proof of concept, and time-sensitive
projects.

8. Great for Beginners:

Python's readability and simplicity make it an excellent choice for beginners. Its syntax is easy to grasp,
allowing newcomers to focus on programming concepts rather than getting bogged down by complex
syntax rules.

9. Extensive Documentation:
Python offers comprehensive and well-maintained documentation, making it easier for developers to learn
the language, use libraries, and troubleshoot issues.

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Advantages of Python

10. Integration Capabilities:

Python can be easily integrated with other programming languages and technologies. This makes it
valuable for projects that require interoperability with existing systems.

11. Scalability:
While Python is often associated with small and medium-sized projects, it's also used in large-scale
applications and websites. With proper architecture and optimization, Python can handle significant
workloads.

12. Career Opportunities:

Python's widespread use across industries has led to a high demand for Python developers. Learning
Python can open up various career opportunities, including software development, data analysis, machine
learning, web development, and more.

In conclusion, Python's advantages stem from its simplicity, versatility, strong community, and vast 22

ecosystem of libraries. Whether you're a beginner learning to code or an experienced developer looking for
a flexible language, Python offers a multitude of benefits that can enhance your programming journey.
Setting up the Python Environment

Before you start writing Python code, you'll need to set up your development environment. This involves
installing Python itself and optionally using a code editor or integrated development environment (IDE) to
make your coding experience smoother.

Let's walk through the steps of setting up your Python environment:

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Setting up the Python Environment

1. Installing Python:
Python is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux
distributions. Follow these steps to install Python:

● Visit the official Python website: python.org.

● Click on the "Downloads" tab.
● Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system and version (Python 3.x is recommended as
it's the most recent stable version).
● Run the installer and follow the installation prompts.
● During installation, make sure to check the box that adds Python to your system's PATH. This allows
you to run Python from the command line easily.

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Setting up the Python Environment
2. Choosing a Code Editor or IDE:
While you can write Python code in any text editor, using a specialized code editor or integrated
development environment (IDE) can enhance your productivity. Here are a few popular options:

● Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A lightweight, open-source code editor with excellent Python support
through extensions.
● PyCharm: A full-featured Python IDE with a range of professional tools for coding, debugging, and
testing.
● IDLE: Python's built-in IDE, which comes bundled with the Python installation. It's simple and great for
beginners.

To ensure that Python and your development environment are set up correctly, try the following:

● Open your code editor or IDE and create a new Python file.
● Write a simple Python program, like the classic "Hello, World!" example:

print("Hello, World!") 25
Python shell vs python IDE
Python is an interpreted language, which means it executes the code line by line. Python provides a Python
Shell, also known as a REPL (Read, Evaluate, Print, Loop), which allows you to interactively enter and
execute Python commands. It reads your command, evaluates it, prints the result, and then waits for the
next command.
Python can be use in two way:
Using Python Shell (REPL):
Starting Python Shell: To start the Python Shell, you can open the command prompt (Windows) or a
terminal window (mac) and type python. This opens the Python REPL, and you'll see the >>> prompt,
indicating that you can enter Python commands.
Executing Single Statements: In the Python Shell, you can execute single Python statements and
immediately see their results. This is helpful for quick tests and experimentation.

Using Python Scripts:

While the Python Shell is excellent for quick testing and experimentation, you'll often want to create and run
more extensive Python programs. This is where Python scripts and Integrated Development Environments
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(IDEs) come in
Python shell vs IDE

1. Running Python Scripts: To execute multiple Python statements or scripts, you can create a Python
file with a .py extension. You can write your Python code in this file, save it, and then run it using the
Python interpreter. This is suitable for writing longer scripts and programs.

# Example script saved as myfirstPythonScript.py

print("This is a Python script.")
print("Welcome to the Python programming course")

2. Using Python IDEs: Python Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) provide a feature-rich
environment for writing, debugging, and managing Python code. Some popular Python IDEs include:

● PyCharm: A powerful and widely-used IDE by JetBrains.

● Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A free and highly customizable code editor with Python
extensions.
● Jupyter Notebook: An interactive environment for data science and experimentation.
● Spyder: A Python IDE specifically designed for scientific computing and data analysis. 27
Python shell vs IDE
An IDE (or Integrated Development Environment) is a program dedicated to software development. As the
name implies, IDEs integrate several tools specifically designed for software development. These tools
usually include:
● An editor designed to handle code (with, for example, syntax highlighting and auto-completion)
● Build, execution, and debugging tools
● Some form of source control
Most IDEs support many different programming languages and contain many more features. They can,
therefore, be large and take time to download and install. You may also need advanced knowledge to use
them properly.
In contrast, a dedicated code editor can be as simple as a text editor with syntax highlighting and code
formatting capabilities. Most good code editors can execute code and control a debugger. The very best
ones interact with source control systems as well. Compared to an IDE, a good dedicated code editor is
usually smaller and quicker, but often less feature rich.

Using a Python IDE offers several advantages:

● Code organization and project management.

● Advanced code editing features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking.
● Integrated debugging tools with breakpoints and variable inspection. 28

● Testing and unit testing support.

Install Vs code

1. Go to https://code.visualstudio.com/download
2. Download the version corresponding to your system
3. Run the .exe file

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