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Unit 1: Basic Python Programs, Functions

This document introduces Python by providing information about its history, uses, and installation. It explains that Python is an interpreted language where code is executed directly without compilation. The basics of Python syntax are demonstrated including print statements, comments, functions, and whitespace significance. An exercise is provided to rewrite a figures drawing program in Python.

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Punganuru Swathi
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63 views

Unit 1: Basic Python Programs, Functions

This document introduces Python by providing information about its history, uses, and installation. It explains that Python is an interpreted language where code is executed directly without compilation. The basics of Python syntax are demonstrated including print statements, comments, functions, and whitespace significance. An exercise is provided to rewrite a figures drawing program in Python.

Uploaded by

Punganuru Swathi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 1

Basic Python programs, functions


Special thanks to Roy McElmurry, John Kurkowski, Scott Shawcroft, Ryan Tucker, Paul Beck for their work.
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0
Python!
• Created in 1991 by Guido van Rossum (now at Google)
 Named for Monty Python

• Useful as a scripting language


 script: A small program meant for one-time use
 Targeted towards small to medium sized projects

• Used by:
 Google, Yahoo!, Youtube
 Many Linux distributions
 Games and apps (e.g. Eve Online)

2
Installing Python
Windows: Mac OS X:
• Download Python from • Python is already installed.
http://www.python.org • Open a terminal and run python
• Install Python. or run Idle from Finder.
• Run Idle from the Start Menu.
Linux:
• Chances are you already have
Python installed. To check, run
python from the terminal.
• If not, install from your
distribution's package system.
Note: For step by step installation
instructions, see the course web site.

3
Interpreted Languages
• interpreted
 Not compiled like Java
 Code is written and then directly executed by an interpreter
 Type commands into interpreter and see immediate results

Java: Runtime
Code Compiler Computer
Environment

Python: Code Interpreter Computer

4
The Python Interpreter
• Allows you to type commands one-at-a-time and see results
• A great way to explore Python's syntax
 Repeat previous command: Alt+P

5
Our First Python Program
• Python does not have a main method like Java
 The program's main code is just written directly in the file
• Python statements do not end with semicolons

hello.py
1 print("Hello, world!")

6
The print Statement
print("text")
print() (a blank line)
 Escape sequences such as \" are the same as in Java
 Strings can also start/end with '

swallows.py
1 print("Hello, world!")
2 print()
3 print("Suppose two swallows \"carry\" it together.")
4 print('African or "European" swallows?')

7
Comments
• Syntax:
# comment text (one line)

swallows2.py
1 # Suzy Student, CSE 142, Fall 2097
2 # This program prints important messages.
3 print("Hello, world!")
4 print() # blank line
5 print("Suppose two swallows \"carry\" it together.")
6 print('African or "European" swallows?')

8
Functions
• Function: Equivalent to a static method in Java.

hello2.py
• Syntax:
1 # Prints a helpful message.
def name(): 2 def hello():
statement 3 print("Hello, world!")
4
statement 5 # main (calls hello twice)
... 6 hello()
7 hello()
statement

 Must be declared above the 'main' code


 Statements inside the function must be indented

9
Whitespace Significance
• Python uses indentation to indicate blocks, instead of {}
 Makes the code simpler and more readable
 In Java, indenting is optional. In Python, you must indent.

hello3.py
1 # Prints a helpful message.
2 def hello():
3 print("Hello, world!")
4 print("How are you?")
5
6 # main (calls hello twice)
7 hello()
8 hello()

10
Exercise
• Rewrite the Figures lecture program in Python. Its output:
______
/ \
/ \
\ /
\______/
\ /
\______/
+--------+
______
/ \
/ \
| STOP |
\ /
\______/
______
/ \
/ \
+--------+

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Exercise Solution
def egg(): def top():
top() print(" ______")
bottom() print(" / \\")
print() print("/ \\")

def cup(): def bottom():


bottom() print("\\ /")
line() print(" \\______/")
print()
def line():
def stop(): print("+--------+")
top()
print("| STOP |") # main
bottom() egg()
print() cup()
stop()
def hat(): hat()
top()
line()
print()

12

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