| Python course for beginners: Chapter 1 Getting Started with Python |
Welcome to the world of Python programming! In this first chapter, we'll lay the foundation for your journey into the exciting realm of coding.
1.1 Introduction to Python
Python is a powerful and versatile programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Since then, Python has grown in popularity and is now used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
1.2 Installing Python
Before we dive into coding, let's make sure you have Python installed on your computer. Python is available for all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and can be downloaded from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/). Follow the installation instructions for your specific operating system, and soon you'll be ready to start writing code.
1.3 Your First Python Program
Now that Python is installed, let's write your first Python program! Open a text editor (such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS) and type the following code:
```python
print("Hello, world!")
```
Save the file with a `.py` extension, such as `hello.py`. Open a terminal or command prompt, navigate to the directory where you saved the file, and run the following command:
```
python hello.py
```
You should see the message "Hello, world!" printed to the screen. Congratulations, you've just written and executed your first Python program!
1.4 Understanding Python Syntax
Python syntax is designed to be simple and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to learn. Let's break down the `print("Hello, world!")` statement from our first program:
- `print`: This is a built-in Python function used to display output.
- `"Hello, world!"`: This is a string literal, enclosed in double quotes, that represents the text we want to display.
In Python, statements are typically written one per line, and indentation is used to indicate blocks of code (such as loops or function definitions). We'll explore these concepts further as we progress through the course.
This concludes the first chapter of our Python course for beginners. Stay tuned for Chapter 2, where we'll dive deeper into Python syntax and data types. Happy coding!