Section 1: Basics of Python

Lesson 1: Python Syntax and Structure

1.1 Understanding Indentation and Code Blocks

In Python, indentation is used to define code blocks. Proper indentation (4 spaces) is crucial for the interpreter to understand the structure of the code.

Example:

# Correct indentation

if True:

    print("This is indented correctly")

# Incorrect indentation (will result in an error)

if True:

print("This will cause an error")

1.2 Basic Structure of a Python Script

A Python script typically starts with the shebang line (on Unix-based systems) and includes statements and functions.

Example:

#!/usr/bin/env python3

# This is a simple Python script

print("Hello, World!")

Lesson 2: Variables and Data Types

2.1 Creating and Assigning Variables

Variables are used to store data in Python. You can create and assign values to variables.

Example:

# Creating and assigning variables

name = "John"

age = 25

# Printing variables

print("Name:", name)

print("Age:", age)

2.2 Different Data Types in Python

Python supports various data types, including integers (int), floating-point numbers (float), and strings (str).

Example:

# Different data types

integer_variable = 42

float_variable = 3.14

string_variable = "Hello, Python!"

# Displaying data types

print("Integer Variable:", type(integer_variable))

print("Float Variable:", type(float_variable))

print("String Variable:", type(string_variable))

Lesson 3: Control Flow and Decision Making

3.1 Conditional Statements (if, elif, else)

Conditional statements allow you to make decisions in your code based on certain conditions.

Example:

# Conditional statements

x = 10

if x > 0:

    print("Positive number")

elif x == 0:

    print("Zero")

else:

    print("Negative number")

3.2 Logical Operators

Logical operators (and, or, not) help combine multiple conditions in conditional statements.

Example:

# Logical operators

age = 25

if age >= 18 and age <= 65:

    print("Eligible for work")

else:

    print("Not eligible for work")

Lesson 4: Loops and Iteration

4.1 For Loops, While Loops

Loops allow you to repeat a block of code multiple times. for loops iterate over a sequence, and while loops continue until a condition is no longer true.

Example: 

# For loop

for i in range(5):

    print(i)

# While loop

counter = 0

while counter < 5:

    print(counter)

    counter += 1

4.2 Loop Control Statements (break, continue)

Loop control statements alter the flow of a loop. break terminates the loop, and continue skips the rest of the code in the loop and moves to the next iteration.

Example:

# Loop control statements

for i in range(10):

    if i == 5:

        break  # Terminate the loop when i is 5

    elif i % 2 == 0:

        continue  # Skip even numbers

    print(i)

In this section, we covered the basics of Python programming, including syntax, structure, variables, data types, control flow, and loops. The provided code examples illustrate fundamental concepts, helping you grasp the essentials of Python programming. As you continue your journey in Python, these foundational skills will serve as building blocks for more advanced programming concepts and projects.