Python Tutorial for Beginners: Syntax, Variables, and Data Types

Python is a very easy and useful programming language that is widely used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and much more. It is quite easy to learn, and you don't need any prior experience or programming knowledge. However, if you have even a little programming background, you can learn it very quickly.

Origin and Development of Python

Python programming was created by Guido van Rossum in the 1980s, but it didn't gain much traction at the time. Guido wanted to create a language that was easy to read and write, a successor to the ABC language. Therefore, work on it resumed in 1989, and it was officially released in 1991. Interestingly, its name doesn't come from a snake, but from the comedy group Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Development in Python

Python 1.0 (1991)

It was designed to be simple and easy to read, with basic features like functions, modules, and core data types. It also had automatic memory management capabilities.

Python 2.0 (2000)

This version received considerable acclaim and was launched with several improved features, including list comprehensions, garbage collection, and support for a limited Unicode format.

Python 3.0 (2008 to present)

This is an enhanced version of the previous 2.0, with support for all Unicode formats, improved integer handling, and enhanced input-output capabilities. This version is currently used extensively in all fields.

How to Use and Start Programming with Python?

There are several ways to get started as a beginner in Python.

Option A: Start using an online editor

If you don't want to go through the entire setup process, you can use an online editor to write and run your programs. This is the easiest and free way to learn Python. Some applications that are helpful to use are:

• Replit
• Programiz - Python Online Compiler
• Google Colab

etc.

Option B: Install on your computer

To set up Python on your local system, go to the official Python website and download it.

Official Python website. 

This is also my recommendation because it will allow you to save the file locally, which you can then access, edit, reuse the code, etc., at any time in offline mode.

During installation, you should select the "Add Python to PATH" option to set up the environment for running Python programs.

Once your setup is complete, open CMD (command prompt) as an Administrator and run the following command.

python --version

If it shows the version name that means it is properly installed.

Now you need an editor to write and run your programs. For this, you can use IDLE (which comes with Python) or VS Code. However, VS Code might be a little difficult for beginners.

How to Write the First Program in Python?

If you truly want to learn, create a separate folder on your local system where you can store all the Python files and projects you're working on. This way, you won't have to search for any files whenever you sit down to study or practice.

• Once you are ready to start it, search and open IDLE or VS in your local system.

• Go to "File" and click on "New file"
• Type: print("Quillix Blogspot") and save it in your Python folder.

• Click on "Run" button and choose "Run Module".

Congrats! you have successfully launch your first program.

What is "print" function?

First i would like to tell you that Python is a case-senstive lang. means "Print" and "print" both are diffent so the right way to write a function is in small case (print). It is used to display messages or values in Python shell or Output screen.

Always use parentheses "()" and quote " " for text with print function to display output.

Note: In Python 3, print is used as a function, but in Python 2 it is used as a statement.

What is Syntax?

In Python or any programming language, syntax is a set of rules that helps the user write code in a way that the computer can understand and execute.

How to pass comment in Python?

Comment is the most important part of code because it helps the coder quickly understand the lines of code. Also, it is not read by the Python interpreter. For that we use Hash tag (#) to write comment.

To write multi-line comments, we can use triple quotes ("""). Generally, they are used for multi-line text, but the hash symbol (#) is the most reliable way to write comments.

What is Variable?

A variable is like a container that stores a value. The value can be text, a number, a symbol, or an alphanumeric value.

Example

Note: Quotes are used only with text. If we add quotes to an integer, it is treated as text (a string). This is a Python inbuilt feature that allows Python to understand data types.

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What is Data Types and How many use in Python?

Data type is the type used to treat a value and define how it can be used. In Python, explicit data type declaration is not required. Python automatically processes values internally to understand whether they are text, numbers, true/false, lists, etc. This is also called dynamic typing that understand automatically.

Data Types in Python

It has various data types but mainly used 8.

Number (Integer)

Number data types include positive numbers, negative numbers, decimal numbers, and complex numbers.

Users can use these numeric data types to represent values and write computationally heavy programs.

Int.: Whole numbers like 5, 9, -10, -30

Float: Numbers with decimal points like 3.2, 6.5, 3.02

Complex: Numbers with real and imaginary parts like 3+2i

Text (String)

We already talk about sting that write with double or single quotes.

X = "Quillix Blogspot"

Boolean Type

Values expressed as True and False belong to the Boolean data type.

is_blog = True

Sequence Types

This is the mostly used in programming to wright multiple value at once.

List: List: Lists are very similar to arrays and can contain multiple values or variables. Lists can also be iterated over in a very simple manner.

my_list = [1, 2, 3]

Tuple: A tuple is similar to a list, but it is immutable, which means you cannot change its values after it is created. It can still be iterated like lists, but you cannot add, remove, or modify elements.

my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)

Range: It is a built-in function used to generate a sequence of numbers. It’s commonly used with loops to repeat an action a specific number of times.

range(stop) - By default start from 0.

range(start, stop)

range(start, stop, step) By default difference 1.

Set Types

There are two types of set: set and frozenset

Set: A set is a collection of unique elements (no duplicates). Sets are unordered, meaning items do not have an index position. You can also change it and defined using {} or set().

A = {1, 2, 3}

Frozenset: It is immutable and unordered, and it does not allow duplicate items. Also, you cannot add, remove, or change its elements after it is created.

f = frozenset([1, 2, 3, 4])

Mapping Type

Mapping type stores data in key–value pairs.

Dictionary: A dictionary maps keys to values and it has various features:

• Keys must be unique
  
• Keys must be immutable (e.g., string, number, tuple)
• Values can be of any data type
  
• Defined using {}

Example

student = {

    "name": "Somit",

    "age": 20,

    "course": "Computer Science"

}

print(student["name"])  # Output: Somit

Dictionary Methods:

• dict.keys(): Returns all keys
• dict.values(): Returns all values
• dict.items(): Returns key-value pairs
• dict.get(key): Safely get a value

Binary Types

If you have ever learned about computers, then you are familiar with binary numbers. Binary numbers are written using 0s and 1s to store data in digital form.

• byte: write using "b" and it is immutable (cannot be changed) like x = b"Hello"
• bytearray: similar to byte but editable. x = bytearray(5)
• memoryview: provide a view of binary data.

None Types

It represent No value or Null value or store None, used to indicate absence of value.

x = None

print(x)  # Output: None

Use cases:

• Default function return value
• Placeholder for variables
• Optional parameters

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Conclusion

I have tried to present this Python tutorial through my blog in a way that is helpful and easy to understand for all beginners. However, this is neither the beginning nor the end of learning Python.

We will continue this tutorial and move toward more advanced topics in the future. I will also do my best to answer all your questions and comments. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others as well.