Python Basic Syntax Introduction
Python is an easy and powerful programming language, and thanks to its concise and intuitive syntax, many people choose it as their first programming language. Additionally, with a variety of libraries and robust community support, it is suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. In this article, we’ll explore the basic syntax of Python.
1. Variables and Data Types
In Python, when declaring variables, no additional keywords are needed. Simply assign a name and value to the variable.
The name of a variable must start with a letter or underscore and is case-sensitive. For example, x and X are considered different variables.
x = 5 # Integer variable
name = “Alice” # String variable
pi = 3.14 # Float variable
is_valid = True # Boolean variable
Python is a dynamic typed language, so you don’t need to specify the type of a variable as it is determined automatically. This allows for flexible programming, where the value of a variable can change as needed.
2. Basic Operators
In Python, you can perform calculations using basic arithmetic operators. In addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, you can also use modulus (%) and exponentiation (**) operators.
· Addition: +
· Subtraction: –
· Multiplication: *
· Division: /
· Modulus: %
· Exponentiation: **
a = 10
b = 3
print(a + b) # 13
print(a – b) # 7
print(a * b) # 30
print(a / b) # 3.333…
print(a % b) # 1
print(a ** b) # 1000
3. Conditional Statements
Conditional statements are used to control the flow of the program. Using the keywords if, elif, and else, you can specify conditions, and indentation is used to define code blocks. Python’s conditional statements are more concise and intuitive.
age = 18
if age >= 20:
print(“Adult..”)
elif age >= 13:
print(“Teenager..”)
else:
print(“Child..”)
In Python, you can use comparison operators and logical operators to create complex conditions.
is_student = True
if age >= 13 and is_student:
print(“Student..”)
4. Loops
Loops are used to repeat specific tasks. In Python, there are for and while loops. The for loop is generally used to iterate over lists or ranges, while the while loop continues as long as the condition is true.
# for loop example
for i in range(5):
print(i) # 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
# List iteration
fruits = [“apple”, “banana”, “cherry”]
for fruit in fruits:
print(fruit) # apple, banana, cherry
# while loop example
count = 0
while count < 3:
print(count) # 0, 1, 2
count += 1
Loops can be controlled using the break and continue keywords. break completely exits the loop, while continue skips the current iteration and moves to the next iteration.
for i in range(5):
if i == 3:
break
print(i) # 0, 1, 2
for i in range(5):
if i == 3:
continue
print(i) # 0, 1, 2, 4
5. Functions
Functions are used to increase code reusability and to divide logic into logical units. Use the keyword def to define a function, and you can pass arguments to it. A function can also return values , allowing for the implementation of more complex logic.
def greet(name):
print(f”Hello, {name}!”)
greet(“Alice”) # Hello, Alice!
def add(a, b):
return a + b
result = add(3, 5)
print(result) # 8
Functions can also have default arguments.
def greet(name=“Guest”):
print(f”Hello, {name}!”)
greet() # Hello, Guest!
greet(“Bob”) # Hello, Bob!
6. Lists and Dictionaries
· List: A list is a data structure that stores multiple values in one variable. Lists are ordered, and each element can be accessed through its index. Lists are also mutable, which means they can be modified, added , or deleted.