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Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners [Tutorial]

freeCodeCamp.org・255 minutes read

Python is a popular programming language known for simplicity, power, and beginner-friendliness. The course teaches Python concepts, installation, coding in PyCharm, working with strings, numbers, functions, lists, and more Python fundamentals.

Insights

Python is a highly popular programming language known for its simplicity and power, making it beginner-friendly with minimal syntax.
Installing Python involves choosing between Python 2 and Python 3 versions, with Python 3 being recommended for active maintenance and support.
Utilizing a text editor like PyCharm is essential for efficient Python coding, offering features like error detection and code execution.
Variables in Python act as containers for data values, allowing for easy management and modification, enhancing program flexibility.
Strings in Python are crucial data types created using quotation marks, with various functions for manipulation like indexing, slicing, and replacement.
Numbers in Python include whole numbers, decimal numbers, and Boolean values, essential for mathematical operations and logical comparisons.
Functions in Python are collections of code performing specific tasks, allowing for personalized greetings, parameter passing, and data processing.
Python modules offer pre-written code pieces for program enhancement, with built-in and external modules accessible via 'pip' for installation and usage.

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What is Python known for?
Simplicity and power.

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Summary

00:00

Master Python Programming with PyCharm IDE

Python is a highly popular programming language, sought after for jobs and various applications.
Python is known for its simplicity and power, making it beginner-friendly with minimal syntax.
The course aims to teach all necessary Python concepts and skills for programming confidently.
To install Python, visit www.python.org/downloads and choose between Python 2 and Python 3 versions.
Python 3 is recommended as it is actively maintained and supported, with minor syntax differences from Python 2.
Download Python 3 from the website and install it on your computer following the installation process.
A text editor, such as PyCharm, is essential for writing and executing Python code efficiently.
PyCharm is an IDE designed for Python coding, offering features like error detection and code execution.
Download PyCharm from jetbrains.com/pycharm, selecting the free Community version for Python programming.
Create a new Python project in PyCharm, select Python version 3 as the interpreter, and start writing your first Python program, like a simple "Hello World" script.

12:19

Python: Shapes, Variables, and Program Execution

Creating shapes in Python involves using specific characters and symbols like forward slashes, spaces, vertical bars, and underscores.
Running Python code can be done by clicking the run button or using the play button in PyCharm, which displays output in the console.
The console in Python is where output information is displayed, and the print statement is used to show what the program is doing.
The order of instructions in Python code matters significantly as Python executes them sequentially.
Variables in Python act as containers to store data values, making it easier to manage and work with different types of information.
Using variables allows for easy updating and modification of data values, enhancing program flexibility and efficiency.
Variables can store different types of data, such as strings for text and numbers for numerical values.
Modifying variable values during program execution is simple by reassigning new values to the variables.
Understanding and utilizing variables in Python is essential for effective programming and data management.
Python programs can be enhanced by using variables to store and manipulate various types of data, improving code readability and efficiency.

25:00

Python Basics: Data Types and String Manipulation

In Python, data can be stored as numbers or Boolean values, with numbers including whole numbers and decimal numbers.
Boolean values represent true or false data, crucial for programming tasks like determining gender.
The three basic data types in Python are strings (plain text), numbers (whole or decimal), and true or false values.
Strings are created using quotation marks and can be manipulated with special characters like backslash n for new lines or backslash quotation mark for including quotation marks.
Strings can be stored in variables, concatenated by adding strings together, and modified using functions like lower() and upper() to change case or isupper() to check if entirely uppercase.
The length of a string can be determined using the len() function, and individual characters accessed using square brackets with indexing starting at zero.
The index() function can locate specific characters or strings within a string, returning their position.
The replace() function can substitute specific words or characters within a string with new ones, offering flexibility in string manipulation.
Understanding these basic string operations is essential for Python programming, providing a foundation for more complex tasks.
Practicing with these functions and techniques will enhance proficiency in working with strings in Python.

38:05

Python Basics: Strings, Numbers, and Math Operations

Strings are common in Python and can be manipulated using various functions.
Working with numbers in Python is essential as numbers are a common data type.
Basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can be performed easily in Python.
Parentheses can be used to specify the order of operations in mathematical equations.
The modulus operator (%) can be used to find the remainder of a division operation.
Numbers can be stored in variables for easy access and manipulation.
Converting numbers to strings is necessary when printing them alongside strings.
Python offers various math functions like ABS, POW, MAX, MIN, and ROUND for number manipulation.
Importing the math module in Python provides access to more advanced math functions like FLOOR, CEIL, and SQRT.
Getting user input in Python involves using the input() function to prompt the user for information and store it in variables for further processing.

51:06

Interactive Python Program with User Input

The program prints out "hello, Mike" after prompting the user to enter information.
Users can input multiple pieces of information, such as their name and age.
The program can store and display both the user's name and age.
By running the program, users can input their name and age, receiving a personalized message.
User input enhances program interactivity and can be utilized for various purposes in Python.
A basic calculator program is demonstrated, where users input two numbers to be added together.
The program initially converts user input into strings, requiring conversion to integers for accurate calculations.
The int function converts strings to whole numbers, while the float function allows for decimal numbers.
The calculator program is refined to handle decimal numbers by using the float function.
A Madlibs game is created, where users input words to fill in a pre-written story, showcasing interactive text manipulation in Python.

01:04:18

"Mastering Python Lists: Basics and Manipulation"

Lists in Python are created by using square brackets to store multiple values.
Lists can contain various types of data such as strings, numbers, or booleans.
Elements in a list can be accessed using their index, starting from zero.
Negative indexes can be used to access elements from the end of the list.
Specific elements or ranges of elements can be accessed by specifying their indexes.
Elements in a list can be modified by assigning new values to their indexes.
Functions like extend, append, insert, remove, clear, and pop can be used to manipulate lists.
The index function can be used to find the index of a specific element in the list.
The count function can determine the number of occurrences of a specific element in the list.
Sorting a list can be done using the sort function, arranging elements in ascending order.

01:17:20

Python Functions, Lists, and Tuples Explained

Lists can be sorted alphabetically using the sort function.
The sort function can also arrange lucky numbers in ascending order.
Reversing a list can be done using the reverse function.
Copying lists can be achieved with the copy function.
Tuples in Python are similar to lists but immutable.
Tuples are created using parentheses and store multiple values.
Tuples cannot be modified once created.
Lists can be mutated, unlike tuples.
Functions in Python are collections of code that perform specific tasks.
Functions are called using their name followed by parentheses to execute the code inside them.

01:31:02

Function Parameters and Return Statements in Python

When calling a function, parameters need to be provided, with the parameter name specified in the function definition.
The function can be instructed by the calling code on what name to greet, allowing for customization.
Parameters passed to the function can be accessed within the function, enabling personalized greetings based on the input.
Multiple parameters can be included in a function, with each parameter requiring specific values when calling the function.
Different data types, such as strings, numbers, booleans, and arrays, can be passed as parameters to a function.
Functions can be utilized to perform specific tasks, with the ability to receive and process various types of data.
The return statement in Python functions allows for the retrieval of information from the function after execution.
The return statement enables the function to communicate back with the caller, providing values or feedback.
The return statement concludes the function's execution, preventing any code after it from being executed.
If statements in Python are used to make decisions based on conditions, allowing programs to respond to different scenarios.

01:44:07

Boolean Variables and Conditional Statements Explained

A Boolean variable named "is_mail" is created to store the user's gender, set initially to true for male.
An if statement is used to check the value of the "is_mail" variable, executing code based on whether it's true or false.
The "if" statement requires a condition that can be true or false, like checking if the person is male.
The "else" keyword is introduced to handle the case when the condition in the "if" statement is false.
The "or" keyword is used to check if the person is male, tall, or both, executing code accordingly.
The "and" keyword is introduced to ensure that both conditions must be true for the code to execute.
An "else if" statement is utilized to check for additional conditions, like being a short male or not being male but tall.
The function "max_num" is created to determine the largest number among three input parameters using comparisons.
Comparison operators like greater than or equal to are used to compare the input numbers and determine the largest one within the function.

01:58:28

"Python Program: Max Number, Calculator, Dictionaries"

A new function is created to determine the maximum number among three, four, or five inputs.
The program is run to display the largest number among the inputs.
The function can handle any input as the largest number, showcasing its versatility.
Comparisons using different operators are explained, including equal, not equal, greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, and less than or equal to.
Comparison operators are crucial in Python for comparing numbers, strings, and booleans.
The tutorial transitions to building a more advanced calculator in Python, allowing users to perform basic arithmetic operations.
User input is obtained for the first number, operator, and second number, converting them to numerical data types.
If statements are utilized to determine the operation based on the operator input by the user.
The program successfully executes the desired arithmetic operations based on user input.
The tutorial then introduces dictionaries in Python, explaining their function as key-value pairs for storing information.

02:12:47

Python Dictionaries, Loops, and Guessing Game

Dictionaries in Python are key-value pairs where keys must map to a value; using an invalid key results in a default value being returned.
Keys in dictionaries can be numbers or strings, as long as they are unique, allowing for easy access to values using functions like `get` or square brackets.
While loops in Python allow for the repeated execution of a block of code until a specified condition is false.
While loops require a loop condition or guard to determine when to stop looping, with code inside the loop executing as long as the condition remains true.
Incrementing variables within a while loop, like `i`, allows for controlled iteration through the loop until the condition is no longer met.
A basic guessing game in Python involves storing a secret word and prompting the user to guess it, using a while loop to continue prompting until the correct word is guessed.
Adding a limit to the number of guesses in the game involves tracking the number of guesses made by the user and setting a limit on the total number of guesses allowed.
By incrementing the guess count within the loop and setting a guess limit, the game can be enhanced to provide a challenge for the user.
The game prompts the user to input guesses until the correct word is guessed or the guess limit is reached, providing feedback on whether the user wins or loses.
Implementing a guess limit adds an element of challenge and strategy to the guessing game, enhancing the user experience and gameplay.

02:26:08

"Guessing Game with Three Strikes Limit"

User has three tries to guess a word; three strikes result in losing the game.
A variable named "out of guesses" is introduced, initially set to false, indicating if the user is out of guesses.
"Out of guesses" is a Boolean variable determining if the user has no more guesses (true) or still has guesses left (false).
Program functionality is enhanced using these variables to ensure the user has remaining guesses before allowing input.
An if statement checks if the guess count is less than the guess limit before permitting further guesses.
If the user reaches the guess limit, "out of guesses" is set to true, indicating no more guesses.
Additional condition added to the loop guard ensures the user stops guessing if they are out of guesses.
Two possible outcomes when the loop ends: user guessed the word correctly or ran out of guesses.
An if statement distinguishes between the outcomes, printing "you lose" if out of guesses and "you win" if not.
The use of while loops, if statements, and variables is demonstrated to create a functional guessing game with a guess limit.

02:39:46

Python For Loop Power Function With Two-Dimensional Lists

Passing in a three to loop through elements in an array, ranging from zero to the specified number.
For loops commonly used to iterate through arrays or strings in Python.
Demonstrating printing a range up to five using a for loop with logic for the first iteration.
Creating an exponent function using a for loop to raise a number to a specific power.
Defining a function named "raise to power" with base and power number parameters.
Utilizing a for loop to calculate the result by multiplying the base number by itself based on the power number.
Returning the result to achieve the desired exponentiation.
Explaining the process of building a power function using a for loop for mathematical operations.
Introducing two-dimensional lists in Python to create a grid-like structure.
Accessing individual elements within a two-dimensional list using row and column indices.
Implementing a nested for loop to iterate through all elements in a two-dimensional list for parsing and printing.

02:53:23

Translate Vowels to G in Python

The draft language translates vowels to G: dog becomes DGG, cat becomes CGT.
To create a translator in Python, define a translate function taking a phrase as input.
The translation variable stores the final result, initially set as an empty string.
Loop through each letter in the phrase, checking if it's a vowel to convert to G or leave unchanged.
Return the translation after looping through all letters.
Use if statements to differentiate between vowels and non-vowels for accurate translation.
Implement a more efficient check for vowels by using letter.lower() instead of uppercase and lowercase vowels.
Address the issue of capital vowels by checking if the letter is uppercase and adjusting the translation accordingly.
Comments in Python are lines ignored by the program, used for explanations or notes for developers.
Comments can be single-line using a hashtag or multi-line using triple quotation marks, also useful for commenting out code.

03:06:49

Handling User Input Errors and File Reading

The program demonstrates using try-except blocks to handle user input errors.
The try block is used to encapsulate code that may raise an error, with the except block catching and handling any errors that occur.
By using try-except blocks, the program can identify and respond to incorrect user inputs, such as entering a string instead of a number.
The program showcases how to specify different types of errors to be caught by separate except blocks.
Specific errors like zero division error and value error can be individually handled with distinct except blocks.
The program emphasizes the importance of catching specific errors rather than using a broad exception clause.
It illustrates how to store and print out the specific error that was caught, enhancing error handling and debugging capabilities.
The tutorial transitions to discussing reading from external files in Python, highlighting the need to access information from files outside the Python script.
The open function is introduced to open external files, with different modes like read, write, append, and read-write available for file manipulation.
The importance of closing files after reading or writing is emphasized, ensuring proper file management and preventing resource leaks.

03:19:36

File Handling in Python: Reading, Writing, and Appending

The process involves taking all lines from a file and placing them into an array.
Printing the array displays each line as an item in the array.
Accessing specific lines is possible by referring to their index in the array.
Utilizing the read lines function with a for loop allows looping through all employees in the file.
Various functions like read, read line, read lines, and readable can be used to extract information from a file.
Opening a file for reading involves using the open function with the file name and mode ('r').
It is essential to close the file after use as a good practice.
Writing and appending to files in Python involves specifying modes like 'a' for appending and 'w' for writing.
Appending adds text at the end of a file, while writing with 'w' overwrites the entire file or creates a new one.
Special characters like '\n' can be used to ensure new lines when appending to a file.

03:32:43

Exploring Python Modules for Program Enhancement

To access Python modules, search for a list of Python modules on Google, ensuring compatibility with your Python version.
Python modules are pre-written code pieces within Python, offering various functionalities for program enhancement.
Explore the extensive list of Python modules to find specific functionalities or tools for program improvement.
Visit the official Python docs page to browse through different modules and learn how to use them effectively.
The Python community offers numerous third-party modules beyond the official list, providing additional functionalities.
Python modules are categorized into built-in modules and external modules, with external modules often stored in the Python installation folder.
External modules are typically stored in the 'lib' folder within the Python installation directory.
Utilize 'pip' as a package manager to install external Python modules not included in the default Python installation.
Verify 'pip' installation by checking its version and use it to install desired external Python modules.
Installed external modules are stored in the 'site-packages' folder within the Python installation directory, enabling their usage in programs.

03:45:38

Python Classes: Templates for Object Creation

Python allows the creation of classes to define new data types.
Classes serve as templates for creating objects in Python.
Classes are essential in programming languages and are highly useful.
A class can be used to model real-world objects like students in a program.
To create a class in Python, use the "class" keyword followed by the class name.
Attributes of a class can be defined within the class using functions like "initialize."
The "initialize" function within a class sets attributes for objects of that class.
Objects are instances of classes and hold specific values for attributes.
Objects can be created from classes to represent real-world entities.
Classes and objects allow for the modeling of various entities with specific attributes in Python programs.

03:59:36

Creating Python Quiz App Using Classes

The process involves creating a Python file named question.py and defining a class named question with attributes for prompt and answer.
The class is initialized with a function to assign prompt and answer values to the class object.
An array of questions is created in the app.py file, with question objects containing prompts and answers.
Importing the question class is necessary before creating question objects to avoid reference errors.
A function named run test is created to loop through questions, ask users for answers, and check correctness, incrementing a score variable accordingly.
The function prints out the user's score at the end of the test.
The program successfully runs the test, asking questions, recording answers, and grading the user's performance.
The tutorial emphasizes using a class to model real-world entities like questions and tests, showcasing the practical application of classes in Python programming.
The concept of class functions is introduced, demonstrating how functions within a class can modify or provide information about objects of that class.
Inheritance in Python is explained as a way to inherit attributes and functions from one class to another, simplifying code and enhancing reusability.

04:13:21

Creating Specialized Chef Classes in Python

A class called chef is created with three functions: making chicken, making salad, and making a special dish.
The chef class is imported into the app.python file to create a new chef object.
A Chinese chef class is created in a separate file, inheriting all functions from the generic chef class.
The Chinese chef can make chicken, salad, and a special dish, in addition to a unique dish called fried rice.
The Chinese chef's special dish is orange chicken, different from the generic chef's barbecue ribs.
Inheritance is used to avoid copying and pasting functions from the generic chef class to the Chinese chef class.
The Python interpreter is explained as a sandbox environment for testing Python commands.
Opening the Python interpreter in the command prompt or terminal allows for quick Python code testing.
While useful for testing, the Python interpreter is not recommended for writing serious Python programs, which should be done in a text editor.

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