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Module 1Lesson 1•15 minutes

Introduction to Python

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. It's designed to be easy to read and write, making it perfect for beginners while being powerful enough for professionals.

Key Characteristics

  • Easy to Read: Python code looks almost like English
  • Interpreted: No compilation needed; run code immediately
  • Versatile: Used for web, data science, AI, automation, and more
  • Large Community: Millions of developers worldwide
  • Extensive Libraries: Pre-built tools for almost anything

Why Learn Python?

1. Beginner-Friendly

Python has simple, clean syntax that's easy to understand:

# Python
print("Hello, World!")

Compare to Java:

// Java
public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

2. High Demand in Job Market

  • Data Science: #1 language for data analysis
  • Web Development: Powers Instagram, YouTube, Spotify
  • Automation: Save hours with scripts
  • AI/Machine Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch
  • Average Salary: $95,000+ for Python developers

3. Versatile Applications

  • Web apps (Django, Flask)
  • Data analysis (Pandas, NumPy)
  • Machine learning (scikit-learn)
  • Game development (Pygame)
  • Desktop apps (Tkinter, PyQt)
  • Scripting and automation

Your First Program: Hello, World!

Every programmer's journey starts here. Let's write your first Python program!

Step 1: Create a File

  1. Open your code editor
  2. Create a new file called hello.py
  3. Save it in your workspace folder

Step 2: Write the Code

Type this exactly:

print("Hello, World!")

Step 3: Run the Program

In VS Code:

  • Click the "Run" button (▶️ top right), or
  • Press F5, or
  • Right-click → "Run Python File in Terminal"

In Terminal/Command Prompt:

python hello.py      # Windows
python3 hello.py     # macOS/Linux

Expected Output

Hello, World!

🎉 Congratulations! You're officially a Python programmer!

Understanding the Code

print("Hello, World!")

Let's break it down:

  • print: A built-in function that displays output
  • (): Parentheses contain what to print
  • "Hello, World!": A string (text) in quotes
  • No semicolon: Unlike many languages, Python doesn't require ; at line ends

Try These Variations

Multiple Messages

print("Hello, World!")
print("I am learning Python!")
print("This is exciting!")

Output:

Hello, World!
I am learning Python!
This is exciting!

Print Numbers

print(42)
print(3.14159)
print(100 + 50)

Output:

42
3.14159
150

Print Multiple Items

print("The answer is", 42)
print("Pi is approximately", 3.14159)
print("I am", 25, "years old")

Output:

The answer is 42
Pi is approximately 3.14159
I am 25 years old

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting Quotes

# ❌ Wrong
print(Hello, World!)

# ✅ Correct
print("Hello, World!")

2. Mixing Quote Types

# ❌ Wrong
print("Hello, World!')

# ✅ Correct
print("Hello, World!")
# or
print('Hello, World!')

3. Typos in Function Name

# ❌ Wrong
Print("Hello")  # Capital P

# ✅ Correct
print("Hello")  # lowercase p

Practice Exercises

  1. Print your name
  2. Print your age
  3. Print your favorite hobby
  4. Print a message with both text and numbers
  5. Print multiple lines to create a simple pattern

Example Solution:

print("My name is Alice")
print("I am 25 years old")
print("I love programming")
print("I have", 3, "pets")
print("*****")
print("*****")
print("*****")

Key Takeaways

✅ Python is easy to learn and powerful
✅ print() displays output to the screen
✅ Strings go in quotes (" or ')
✅ Python is case-sensitive
✅ No semicolons needed at line ends

Next Lesson: Variables and Data Types

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