python-basic-syntax

Contents

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Basic Syntax

Setup the environment for python and get started with the basics.

Visit the following resources to learn more:

• @article@W3Schools - Python
• @video@Python for Beginners - Learn Python in 1 Hour
• @article@Python Basics
• @article@Learn X in Y Minutes / Python

Characteristics of Python syntax

1. Whitespace and Indentation

• Significant Whitespace: Python uses indentation to define code blocks, unlike many other languages that use braces {} or keywords.
• Consistent Indentation: All lines in a block must be indented the same amount.

2. Dynamic Typing

• No Need for Explicit Type Declaration: Variables do not require an explicit declaration of data type. The type is inferred at runtime.
• Type Flexibility: Variables can be reassigned to different types.

3. Simple and Clean Syntax

• No Semicolons: Statements end with a newline rather than a semicolon.
• Minimal Boilerplate: Python code tends to be concise and requires less boilerplate compared to other languages.

4. Use of Colons

• Colon for Code Blocks: Colons : are used to start a new block of code (e.g., after if, for, while, def, class).

5. Readable Function Definitions

• def Keyword: Functions are defined using the def keyword followed by the function name and parameters in parentheses.
• Optional Annotations: Function parameters and return types can optionally have type annotations, but they are not enforced.

6. Flexible and Intuitive Looping

• for Loops Over Iterables: Python’s for loop is designed to iterate directly over items of any sequence (like lists, strings, or ranges).
• else Clause in Loops: for and while loops can have an else block that executes if the loop completes normally (not interrupted by break).

7. Built-in Data Structures

• Native Support for Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, and Sets: Python has a wide range of built-in data structures that are easy to use.
• List Comprehensions: Python supports a concise syntax for creating lists based on existing lists.

8. First-Class Functions

• Functions as Objects: Functions in Python are first-class objects, meaning they can be passed as arguments to other functions, returned from functions, and assigned to variables.

9. Lambda Functions

• Anonymous Functions: Python supports the creation of small anonymous functions using the lambda keyword.

10. Exception Handling

• try-except Blocks: Python uses try-except blocks for exception handling, with an optional else clause for code that runs if no exceptions occur, and a finally clause for code that runs no matter what.

11. Concise Input and Output

• print Function: Python uses a simple print() function for output.
• input Function: Input from the user is handled with the input() function.

12. Modules and Imports

• Simple Import Syntax: Modules are imported using the import statement, and you can also import specific functions or variables using from module import name.
• Alias Support: You can alias imported modules or components using as.

13. Pythonic Idioms

• with Statement for Resource Management: The with statement is used for resource management, such as opening files. It ensures proper acquisition and release of resources.
• in Operator for Membership Testing: The in keyword is used to check membership in sequences like lists, strings, or dictionaries.

14. Rich Standard Library

• Batteries Included: Python comes with a rich standard library that includes modules and functions for handling a wide variety of tasks, making it easy to implement complex functionality with minimal code.