Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners [Tutorial]

freeCodeCamp.org255 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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