Introduction to Python Programming: What is Python, History, Features, Installation & First Program

1. What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from web development to data science.

Key Characteristics:

Use Case: Building web applications, automating tasks, or analyzing data.

2. What is the history and key features of Python?

History:

Key Features:

Use Case: Data analysis with Pandas, web development with Flask, or machine learning with TensorFlow.

3. How do you install Python and set up the environment?

Installing Python:

Setting Up Environment:

Use Case: Setting up a project-specific environment for a Flask web app.

4. Can you give an example of setting up a Python environment?

# Install Python (Ubuntu example)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv -y

# Verify installation
python3 --version
pip3 --version

# Create and activate virtual environment
python3 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate  # Linux/macOS
# myenv\Scripts\activate     # Windows

# Install a package
pip install requests

# Verify package
pip list

# Deactivate environment
deactivate

Output (Sample):

Python 3.12.4
pip 24.2
...
Package    Version
---------- -------
requests   2.31.0
...

Note:

5. How do you write and run your first Python program?

Writing: Create a .py file with Python code using a text editor or IDE.

Running: Execute the file via the command line (python3 script.py) or within an IDE.

Steps:

Use Case: Printing a welcome message or performing basic calculations.

6. Can you give an example of a first Python program?

# Simple Python program
def greet(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}! Welcome to Python."

# Get user input
user_name = input("Enter your name: ")

# Call function and print result
print(greet(user_name))

# Basic calculation
number = int(input("Enter a number to square: "))
print(f"Square of {number} is {number ** 2}")

Output (Sample):

Enter your name: Krishna
Hello, Krishna! Welcome to Python.
Enter a number to square: 5
Square of 5 is 25

Note:

7. What are the popular Python IDEs, and how do they work?

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) enhance Python development with features like code completion, debugging, and version control integration. Below are three popular options:

PyCharm IDE:

Visual Studio Code (VS Code):

Jupyter Notebook: