Python Programming 101

INTRODUCTORY COURSE TO
PRACTICAL PYTHON PROGRAMMING
Engku Ahmad Faisal

eafaisal@gmail.com
github.com/efaisal
twitter.com/efaisal
facebook.com/eafaisal
plus.google.com/100085338667833364551
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fundamental course on programming and Python
3 days
Format:
Lectures
Hands-on exercises
Handout
Feel free to ask question anytime

Always use the official Python documentation
(https://docs.python.org/2/ or https://docs.python.org/3/)
INTRODUCING PROGRAMMING
What is Programming?
Instruction to do something to achieve a

desired result
Using series of steps or actions that a
programmer defines (procedure)
Each action works on certain object(s) or data
in order to attain a well defined goal
REAL WORLD EXAMPLE OF

PROGRAMMING
Shampoo Instruction
Wash
Rinse
Repeat
Do you notice the problem with the
instruction?
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Computer is a dumb device that cannot understand human

language
You, as a programmer, need to tell the computer precisely what
to do
Use programming language which helps to translate your
instruction so that computer can understand
WHAT IS PYTHON?
An Overview
A high level, general purpose

programming language
High level: don't need to know the
details of hardware
General purpose: can be used to build
many kind of applications (vs domain
specific language such as HTML,
SQL, MATLAB)
WHAT IS PYTHON? (cont)

A little history:
Designed by Guido van Rossum
First release in 1991
Has many implementation: CPython,

PyPy, Jython, IronPython
We'll be using the reference
implementation: CPython

Why learn Python?
Low learning curve
Enforce good programming practice
Multi-platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac
Batteries included

Examples of applications that
can be built using Python:
Desktop applications/games
Web-based applications
System administrator tasks

automation
Scientific & engineering data analysis

Who uses Python?
Giant companies & government

agencies:
Google, Dropbox, Instagram
CERN, NASA
In Malaysia:
TUDM, INCEIF, Star Newspaper
You!
Download from www.python.org
INTRODUCING IDLE
IDLE is an integrated development environment
Part of Python standard library using Tkinter as GUI toolkit
Provides Python shell and a text editor
Not great but good enough for our purpose
VALUE & EXPRESSION
Type on the Python shell:

>>> 1 + 2
As expected the result is 3
The number 1 and 2 are
called values
The symbol + is an operator
1 + 2 together forms an
expression
STORING VALUE
Store into variable
Using the = sign
Examples:
>>> var = 2
>>> var
2
>>> a = 1
>>> var + a
3
>>> result = var + a
>>> result
3
DATATYPES: NUMBERS
Integers
>>> a = 2
>>> type(a)
<class 'int'>
>>>
>>> import fractions

>>> # Simulate 1/3
>>> c = fractions.Fraction(1, 3)
>>> c
Fraction(1, 3)
>>>
Floats
>>> b = 2.5
>>> type(b)
<class 'float'>
>>>
Fractions
Complex numbers
DATATYPES: NUMBERS (cont)

Common Operators for Numbers
+
*
/
%
Addition
Substraction
Multiplication
Division
Modulus (calculate remainder)
>
>=
<
<=
Greater than
Greater than or equal to
Lesser than
Lesser than or equal to
PRIMITIVE
DATATYPES
DATATYPES: STRINGS
Enclosed by single quotes

>>> 'this is a string'
'this is a string'
>>>
Enclosed by double quotes

>>> this is also a string
'this is also a string'
>>>
Enclosed by triple single or

double quotes for multilines
string
>>> '''first multi
line string'''
'first multi\nline string'
>>> second multi
line string
'second multi\nline string'
>>>
DATATYPES: STRINGS
Concatenate
>>> a = 'my '
>>> a + 'string'
'my string'
>>>
Repeat
>>> b = 'ha '
>>> b * 3
'ha ha ha '
>>>
Long string
>>> mystr = ('put in bracket '
'to handle long string')
>>> mystr
'put in bracket to handle '
DATATYPES: STRING
String is a sequence of characters & can be

indexed/subscripted
>>> mystr = 'Python'
>>> mystr[0]
'P'
>>> mystr[5]
'n'
>>> mystr[-1]
'n'
>>> mystr[-6]
'P'
DATATYPE: STRINGS
String is a sequence of characters & can be sliced

>>> mystr[1:]
'ython'
>>> mystr[1:5]
'ytho'
>>>
To get the length of characters, use the built-in function len()
>>> len(mystr)
6
>>>
BASIC
DATA STRUCTURE
DATA STRUCTURE: LIST
Mutable (changeable), compound (group of values) data type

Blank lists
>>> a = []
>>> b = list()
Lists with default values
>>> a = [1, 2, 3, 4]
>>> b = ['x', 'y', 'z']
Look at the available methods to manipulate list
List comprehension: a more advance topic on list will be
covered later
DATA STRUCTURE: TUPLE
Immutable (unchangeable), compound (group of values) data

type
Blank tuples
>>> a = ()
>>> b = tuple()
Tuples with values
>>> a = (1, 2, 3, 4)
>>> b = ('x', 'y', 'z')
Look at the available methods for tuple datatype
DATA STRUCTURE: DICTIONARY
Mapping datatype (key-value); similar to associative array in

some languages
Blank dictionaries
>>> a = {}
>>> b = dict()
Dictionaries with values
>>> a = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
>>> b = dict((('a', 1), ('b', 2)))
CONTROL
FLOWS
CONTROL FLOW: IF
Conditional control flow

Example (Note: identation is 4 spaces):
>>> x = 5
>>> if x < 0:
print('Negative value')
elif x == 0:
print('Zero')
elif x > 0 and x < 11:
print('Between 1 and 10')
else:
print('More than 10')
'Between 1 and 10'
>>>
CONTROL FLOW: FOR
Iterates over items in iterables (e.g. list, tuple)

Example:
>>> for n in range(2, 10):
for x in range(2, n):
if n % x == 0:
break
else:
print(n, 'is a prime number') # Python 3
print n, 'is a prime number') # Python 2
break is used to terminate iteration
else is executed if no break occurs in the for iteration
CONTROL FLOW: FOR
Another example:
>>> for i in range(2, 10):
if i % 2 == 0:
print(i, ' is an even number') # Python 3
print i, ' is an even number' # Python 2
continue
print(i, ' is an odd number') # Python 3
print i, ' is an odd number' # Python 2
continue keyword means continues with next iteration
CONTROL FLOW: WHILE
Used to loop or repeat a section of code for as long as the

condition (expression) defined in the statement is true
Example, to loop forever:
>>> while True:
pass
pass keyword means do no action or do nothing
FUNCTIONS
WHAT IS A FUNCTION?
A named section of a
program that performs
specific task
Allow to organize code block
which repeatedly used into a
reusable procedure or
routine
Python comes with a lot of
built-in functions which we
already seen some of them
FUNCTION: DEFINING
Using the keyword def

Followed by a name,
patentheses (for possible
arguments) and a colon
Body of a function must be
indented
Variables defined in a
function is stored in the local
symbol table
May return a value using
return keyword
Example: Fibonacci series

>>> def fib(n):
Doc string
a, b = 0, 1
while a < n:
print a,
# Py2
print(a, end=' ') # Py3
a, b = b, a+b
print()
# Py3
>>> fib(2000)
FUNCTION: DEFAULT ARGUMENT
Sometimes it's useful to define default value to argument of a

function
Example:
>>> def calculate(arg, val=1):
Default value is evaluated at the point of function definition and

evaluated on once
Example:
>>> i = 2
>>> def f(arg=i):
>>> i = 5
FUNCTION: KEYWORD ARGUMENT
Function can be called using keyword argument

Example:
>>> def func(arg1=1, say='hello', arg3=5):
print(say)
print(arg1)
print(arg3)
>>> func(say='world') # Using keyword argument
>>> func(1, 'world') # Using positional arguments
>>> func()
# Using default arguments
>>>
FUNCTION: ARBITRARY ARGUMENT
Though seldomly used, but handy when defining a function

without knowing the possible argument upfront
Example:
>>> def myfunc(name='test', *args, **kwargs):
print(name)
print(args)
print(kwargs)
>>> myfunc()
>>> myfunc('test2', 1, 2, 3)
>>> myfunc('test3', 1, 2, arg3='hello', arg4='world')
FUNCTION: ANONYMOUS
Anonymous function can be created using the keyword lambda

Example:
>>> is_even = lambda n: False if n == 0 or n % 2 else True
>>> is_even(0)
>>> is_even(1)
>>> is_even(2)
>>>
Typically used when you need a function object
OBJECT ORIENTED
PROGRAMMING (OOP)
OOP: INTRODUCTION
Programming paradigm based on the concept of data structure

revolving around objects rather than actions
Object contain attributes (variable within the scope of the
object) and methods (functions within the object)
The definition of object data structure is by using classes
In Python, everything is an object
Example:
>>> a = 1
>>> type(a)
OOP: DEFINING A CLASS
Using class keyword

Example:
>>> class MyClass:
def __init__(self, say='what'):
self.say = say
def shout(self):
print(self.say)
>>> a = MyClass('Hello, world!')

>>> a.shout()
>>> a.say = 'What say you?'
>>> a.shout()
OOP: ARBITRARY DATA STRUCTURE
Python allow you to create a new data structure

Example:
>>> class Point:
def __init__(self, x, y):
self.x, self.y = x, y
def __add__(self, pt):
return Point(self.x+pt.x, self.y+pt.y)

def __sub__(self, pt):
return Point(self.x-pt.x, self.y-pt.y)

def __eq__(self, pt):
return self.x == pt.x and self.y == pt.y
OOP: INHERITANCE
Derive a class from a base

class
Example:
>>> class Tyre:
def __init__(self, n=4):
self.numtyre = num
>>> class Color:

def __init__(self,
c='red'):
self.color = c
Example (cont):
>>> class Car(Tyre):
def __init__(self):
super(Car,
self).__init__()
>>> a = Car()
>>> a.numtyre
Show multiple inheritance
quirks
ERRORS & EXCEPTIONS
ERRORS & EXCEPTIONS
Two type of error messages
Syntax error
Exceptions
Syntax error example:

>>> if a ok
Exceptions examples:
>>> z
>>> 4 + 1
Exception happens when the syntax is correct during execution
but error is detected
EXCEPTION HANDLING
Unlike syntax error, exception can be handle by your code

Example:
>>> try:
z/0
except NameError:
print(Don't know what z is!!)
except ZeroDivisionError:
print(Can't divide z with 0!)
except:
print(Some other error)
>>>
EXCEPTION HANDLING (CONT)
Another example:
>>> try:
z/0
except (NameError, ZeroDivisionError) as e:
print(Error: {0}.format(e.args[0]))
except:
print('some other error')
There is also try-except-else and try-except-else-finally

statement
The else block will be evaluated after successful run of try block
while the finally block will always executed
RAISING EXCEPTION
Exception can be manually raised using the keyword raise

Example:
>>> raise NameError('duh! Var is not defined')
Another example using custom error:
>>> class MyCustomError(Exception):
pass
>>> raise MyCustomError('wow! my own error')
MODULES
MODULE: INTRODUCTION
A module is a file (with .py extension) containing Python

definitions and statements.
The file name will become the module name and can be
imported from your main program
Technically, your main program is also a (special) module
called __main__ module.
Python searches for modules in the current directory follows by
the path defined in PYTHONPATH then in installation
dependent default.
Python comes with a lot of standard modules
MODULE: EXAMPLE
Create a file called mymod.py (this will be your module)

def func1():
print ('func1 from mymod')
def func2():
print('func2 from mymod')
Open Python shell from the same directory

>>> import mymod
>>> mymod.func1()
>>> mymod.func2()
Module is accessed using dot notation
MODULE: PACKAGE
Package is a way to structuring or organising modules into a

more logical collection as you see fit
BATTERIES INCLUDED
BATTERIES INCLUDED
Standard installation of Python comes with lots of built-in

functions and an array of standard libraries.
In some cases, these functions and libraries are all you need to
build your application.
These functions and libraries in most cases are well
documented.
While there are a lot to cover, we'll only walkthrough a subset.
The focus for this section will be the ones you'll (probably) often
use.
BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS
enumerate([seq, start=0])
raw_input([prompt])
len(s)
range([start,] stop[, step]), xrange()
open(name[, mode])
set([iterable])
int(), oct(), hex(), bin()
STANDARD LIBRARIES
sys
os
time
datetime
math
decimal
logging
doctest & unittest
Introductory Course: Practical Python Programming
INTRODUCTORY COURSE TO
PRACTICAL PYTHON PROGRAMMING
Engku Ahmad Faisal

eafaisal@gmail.com
github.com/efaisal
twitter.com/efaisal
facebook.com/eafaisal
plus.google.com/100085338667833364551
Instructor: E A Faisal
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fundamental course on programming and Python
3 days
Format:
Lectures
Hands-on exercises
Handout
Feel free to ask question anytime

Always use the official Python documentation
(https://docs.python.org/2/ or https://docs.python.org/3/)
INTRODUCING PROGRAMMING
What is Programming?
Instruction to do something to achieve a

desired result
Using series of steps or actions that a
programmer defines (procedure)
Each action works on certain object(s) or data
in order to attain a well defined goal
REAL WORLD EXAMPLE OF

PROGRAMMING
Shampoo Instruction
Wash
Rinse
Repeat
Do you notice the problem with the
instruction?
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Computer is a dumb device that cannot understand human

language
You, as a programmer, need to tell the computer precisely what
to do
Use programming language which helps to translate your
instruction so that computer can understand
WHAT IS PYTHON?
An Overview
A high level, general purpose

programming language
High level: don't need to know the
details of hardware
General purpose: can be used to build
many kind of applications (vs domain
specific language such as HTML,
SQL, MATLAB)

A little history:
Designed by Guido van Rossum
First release in 1991
Has many implementation: CPython,

PyPy, Jython, IronPython
We'll be using the reference
implementation: CPython

Why learn Python?
Low learning curve
Enforce good programming practice
Multi-platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac
Batteries included

Examples of applications that
can be built using Python:
Desktop applications/games
Web-based applications
System administrator tasks

automation
Scientific & engineering data analysis

Who uses Python?
Giant companies & government

agencies:
Google, Dropbox, Instagram
CERN, NASA
In Malaysia:
TUDM, INCEIF, Star Newspaper
You!
Download from www.python.org
Show demo:
1. Game
2. Facial recognition
10
INTRODUCING IDLE
IDLE is an integrated development environment
Part of Python standard library using Tkinter as GUI toolkit
Provides Python shell and a text editor
Not great but good enough for our purpose
11
VALUE & EXPRESSION
Type on the Python shell:

>>> 1 + 2
As expected the result is 3
The number 1 and 2 are
called values
The symbol + is an operator
1 + 2 together forms an
expression
12
STORING VALUE
Store into variable
Using the = sign
Examples:
>>> var = 2
>>> var
2
>>> a = 1
>>> var + a
3
>>> result = var + a
>>> result
3
13
DATATYPES: NUMBERS
Integers
>>> a = 2
>>> type(a)
<class 'int'>
>>>
>>> import fractions

>>> # Simulate 1/3
>>> c = fractions.Fraction(1, 3)
>>> c
Fraction(1, 3)
>>>
Floats
>>> b = 2.5
>>> type(b)
<class 'float'>
>>>
Fractions
Complex numbers
14
DATATYPES: NUMBERS (cont)

Common Operators for Numbers
+
*
/
%
Addition
Substraction
Multiplication
Division
>
>=
<
<=
Greater than
Greater than or equal to
Lesser than
Lesser than or equal to
Modulus (calculate remainder)
15
PRIMITIVE
DATATYPES
16
DATATYPES: STRINGS
Enclosed by single quotes

>>> 'this is a string'
'this is a string'
>>>
Enclosed by double quotes

>>> this is also a string
'this is also a string'
>>>
Enclosed by triple single or

double quotes for multilines
string
>>> '''first multi
line string'''
'first multi\nline string'
>>> second multi
line string
'second multi\nline string'
>>>
17
DATATYPES: STRINGS
Concatenate
>>> a = 'my '
>>> a + 'string'
'my string'
>>>
Long string
>>> mystr = ('put in bracket '
'to handle long string')
>>> mystr
'put in bracket to handle '
Repeat
>>> b = 'ha '
>>> b * 3
'ha ha ha '
>>>
18
DATATYPES: STRING
String is a sequence of characters & can be

indexed/subscripted
>>> mystr[0]
'P'
>>> mystr[5]
'n'
>>> mystr[-1]
'n'
>>> mystr[-6]
'P'
19
DATATYPE: STRINGS
String is a sequence of characters & can be sliced

>>> mystr[1:]
'ython'
>>> mystr[1:5]
'ytho'
>>>
To get the length of characters, use the built-in function len()
>>> len(mystr)
6
>>>
20
BASIC
DATA STRUCTURE
21
DATA STRUCTURE: LIST
Mutable (changeable), compound (group of values) data type

Blank lists
>>> a = []
>>> b = list()
Lists with default values
>>> a = [1, 2, 3, 4]
>>> b = ['x', 'y', 'z']
Look at the available methods to manipulate list
List comprehension: a more advance topic on list will be
covered later
22
DATA STRUCTURE: TUPLE
Immutable (unchangeable), compound (group of values) data

type
Blank tuples
>>> a = ()
>>> b = tuple()
Tuples with values
>>> a = (1, 2, 3, 4)
>>> b = ('x', 'y', 'z')
Look at the available methods for tuple datatype
23
DATA STRUCTURE: DICTIONARY
Mapping datatype (key-value); similar to associative array in

some languages
Blank dictionaries
>>> a = {}
>>> b = dict()
Dictionaries with values
>>> a = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
>>> b = dict((('a', 1), ('b', 2)))
24
CONTROL
FLOWS
25
CONTROL FLOW: IF
Conditional control flow

Example (Note: identation is 4 spaces):
>>> x = 5
>>> if x < 0:
print('Negative value')
elif x == 0:
print('Zero')
elif x > 0 and x < 11:
print('Between 1 and 10')
else:
print('More than 10')
'Between 1 and 10'
>>>
26
CONTROL FLOW: FOR
Iterates over items in iterables (e.g. list, tuple)

Example:
>>> for n in range(2, 10):
for x in range(2, n):
if n % x == 0:
break
else:
print(n, 'is a prime number') # Python 3
print n, 'is a prime number') # Python 2
break is used to terminate iteration
else is executed if no break occurs in the for iteration
27
CONTROL FLOW: FOR
Another example:
>>> for i in range(2, 10):
if i % 2 == 0:
print(i, ' is an even number') # Python 3
print i, ' is an even number' # Python 2
continue
print(i, ' is an odd number') # Python 3
print i, ' is an odd number' # Python 2
continue keyword means continues with next iteration
28
CONTROL FLOW: WHILE
Used to loop or repeat a section of code for as long as the

condition (expression) defined in the statement is true
Example, to loop forever:
>>> while True:
pass
pass keyword means do no action or do nothing
29
FUNCTIONS
30
WHAT IS A FUNCTION?
A named section of a
program that performs
specific task
Allow to organize code block
which repeatedly used into a
reusable procedure or
routine
Python comes with a lot of
built-in functions which we
already seen some of them
31
FUNCTION: DEFINING
Using the keyword def

Followed by a name,
patentheses (for possible
arguments) and a colon
Body of a function must be
indented
Variables defined in a
function is stored in the local
symbol table
Example: Fibonacci series

>>> def fib(n):
Doc string
a, b = 0, 1
while a < n:
print a,
# Py2
print(a, end=' ') # Py3
a, b = b, a+b
print()
# Py3
>>> fib(2000)
May return a value using

return keyword
32
FUNCTION: DEFAULT ARGUMENT
Sometimes it's useful to define default value to argument of a

function
Example:
>>> def calculate(arg, val=1):
Default value is evaluated at the point of function definition and

evaluated on once
Example:
>>> i = 2
>>> def f(arg=i):
>>> i = 5
33
FUNCTION: KEYWORD ARGUMENT
Function can be called using keyword argument

Example:
>>> def func(arg1=1, say='hello', arg3=5):
print(say)
print(arg1)
print(arg3)
>>> func(say='world') # Using keyword argument
>>> func(1, 'world') # Using positional arguments
>>> func()
# Using default arguments
>>>
34
FUNCTION: ARBITRARY ARGUMENT
Though seldomly used, but handy when defining a function

without knowing the possible argument upfront
Example:
>>> def myfunc(name='test', *args, **kwargs):
print(name)
print(args)
print(kwargs)
>>> myfunc()
>>> myfunc('test2', 1, 2, 3)
>>> myfunc('test3', 1, 2, arg3='hello', arg4='world')
35
FUNCTION: ANONYMOUS
Anonymous function can be created using the keyword lambda

Example:
>>> is_even = lambda n: False if n == 0 or n % 2 else True
>>> is_even(0)
>>> is_even(1)
>>> is_even(2)
>>>
Typically used when you need a function object
36
OBJECT ORIENTED
PROGRAMMING (OOP)
37
OOP: INTRODUCTION
Object contain attributes (variable within the scope of the

object) and methods (functions within the object)
The definition of object data structure is by using classes
In Python, everything is an object
Programming paradigm based on the concept of data structure

revolving around objects rather than actions
Example:
>>> a = 1
>>> type(a)
38
OOP: DEFINING A CLASS
Using class keyword

Example:
>>> class MyClass:
def __init__(self, say='what'):
self.say = say
def shout(self):
print(self.say)
>>> a = MyClass('Hello, world!')

>>> a.shout()
>>> a.say = 'What say you?'
>>> a.shout()
39
OOP: ARBITRARY DATA STRUCTURE
Python allow you to create a new data structure

Example:
>>> class Point:
def __init__(self, x, y):
self.x, self.y = x, y
def __add__(self, pt):
return Point(self.x+pt.x, self.y+pt.y)

def __sub__(self, pt):
return Point(self.x-pt.x, self.y-pt.y)

def __eq__(self, pt):
return self.x == pt.x and self.y == pt.y
40
OOP: INHERITANCE
Derive a class from a base

class
Example:
>>> class Tyre:
def __init__(self, n=4):
self.numtyre = num
>>> class Color:

def __init__(self,
c='red'):
self.color = c
Example (cont):
>>> class Car(Tyre):
def __init__(self):
super(Car,
self).__init__()
>>> a = Car()
>>> a.numtyre
Show multiple inheritance
quirks
41
ERRORS & EXCEPTIONS
42
ERRORS & EXCEPTIONS
Two type of error messages
Syntax error
Exceptions
Syntax error example:

>>> if a ok
Exceptions examples:
>>> z
>>> 4 + 1
Exception happens when the syntax is correct during execution
but error is detected
43
EXCEPTION HANDLING
Unlike syntax error, exception can be handle by your code

Example:
>>> try:
z/0
except NameError:
print(Don't know what z is!!)
except ZeroDivisionError:
print(Can't divide z with 0!)
except:
print(Some other error)
>>>
44
EXCEPTION HANDLING (CONT)
Another example:
>>> try:
z/0
except (NameError, ZeroDivisionError) as e:
print(Error: {0}.format(e.args[0]))
except:
print('some other error')
There is also try-except-else and try-except-else-finally

statement
The else block will be evaluated after successful run of try block
while the finally block will always executed
45
RAISING EXCEPTION
Exception can be manually raised using the keyword raise

Example:
>>> raise NameError('duh! Var is not defined')
Another example using custom error:
>>> class MyCustomError(Exception):
pass
>>> raise MyCustomError('wow! my own error')
46
MODULES
47
MODULE: INTRODUCTION
A module is a file (with .py extension) containing Python

definitions and statements.
The file name will become the module name and can be
imported from your main program
Technically, your main program is also a (special) module
called __main__ module.
Python searches for modules in the current directory follows by
the path defined in PYTHONPATH then in installation
dependent default.
Python comes with a lot of standard modules
48
MODULE: EXAMPLE
Create a file called mymod.py (this will be your module)

def func1():
print ('func1 from mymod')
def func2():
print('func2 from mymod')
Open Python shell from the same directory

>>> import mymod
>>> mymod.func1()
>>> mymod.func2()
Module is accessed using dot notation
49
MODULE: PACKAGE
Package is a way to structuring or organising modules into a

more logical collection as you see fit
50
BATTERIES INCLUDED
51
BATTERIES INCLUDED
Standard installation of Python comes with lots of built-in

functions and an array of standard libraries.
In some cases, these functions and libraries are all you need to
build your application.
These functions and libraries in most cases are well
documented.
While there are a lot to cover, we'll only walkthrough a subset.
The focus for this section will be the ones you'll (probably) often
use.
52
BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS
enumerate([seq, start=0])
raw_input([prompt])
len(s)
range([start,] stop[, step]), xrange()
open(name[, mode])
set([iterable])
int(), oct(), hex(), bin()
53
STANDARD LIBRARIES
sys
os
time
datetime
math
decimal
logging
doctest & unittest
54

Python Programming 101

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Python Programming 101

Uploaded by

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INTRODUCTORY COURSE TO

PRACTICAL PYTHON PROGRAMMING

Engku Ahmad Faisal

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Fundamental course on programming and Python

Feel free to ask question anytime

Instruction to do something to achieve a

REAL WORLD EXAMPLE OF

Computer is a dumb device that cannot understand human

A high level, general purpose

WHAT IS PYTHON? (cont)

Designed by Guido van Rossum

First release in 1991

Has many implementation: CPython,

WHAT IS PYTHON? (cont)

Low learning curve

Enforce good programming practice

Multi-platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac

WHAT IS PYTHON? (cont)

System administrator tasks

WHAT IS PYTHON? (cont)

Giant companies & government

Google, Dropbox, Instagram

TUDM, INCEIF, Star Newspaper

IDLE is an integrated development environment

Part of Python standard library using Tkinter as GUI toolkit

Provides Python shell and a text editor

Not great but good enough for our purpose

VALUE & EXPRESSION

Type on the Python shell:

Store into variable

Using the = sign

>>> import fractions

DATATYPES: NUMBERS (cont)

Enclosed by single quotes

Enclosed by double quotes

Enclosed by triple single or

String is a sequence of characters & can be

String is a sequence of characters & can be sliced

DATA STRUCTURE: LIST

Mutable (changeable), compound (group of values) data type

DATA STRUCTURE: TUPLE

Immutable (unchangeable), compound (group of values) data

DATA STRUCTURE: DICTIONARY

Mapping datatype (key-value); similar to associative array in

Conditional control flow

CONTROL FLOW: FOR

Iterates over items in iterables (e.g. list, tuple)

print(n, 'is a prime number') # Python 3

print n, 'is a prime number') # Python 2

break is used to terminate iteration

else is executed if no break occurs in the for iteration

CONTROL FLOW: FOR

print(i, ' is an even number') # Python 3

print i, ' is an even number' # Python 2

CONTROL FLOW: WHILE

Used to loop or repeat a section of code for as long as the

Using the keyword def

Example: Fibonacci series

print(a, end=' ') # Py3

FUNCTION: DEFAULT ARGUMENT

Sometimes it's useful to define default value to argument of a

Default value is evaluated at the point of function definition and

FUNCTION: KEYWORD ARGUMENT

Function can be called using keyword argument

FUNCTION: ARBITRARY ARGUMENT

Though seldomly used, but handy when defining a function

Anonymous function can be created using the keyword lambda

Programming paradigm based on the concept of data structure

The definition of object data structure is by using classes

In Python, everything is an object

OOP: DEFINING A CLASS