Welcome to the Python Basics Tutorial! This guide will help you get started with one of the most popular programming languages. Python is known for its simplicity and readability, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Installation

Before you start coding, you need to install Python on your computer. You can download the latest version from the official Python website. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Basic Syntax

Python uses indentation to define the scope of code blocks. Here's an example of a simple Python program:

print("Hello, World!")

This program will output "Hello, World!" to the console.

Variables

Variables are used to store data in Python. You can create a variable by assigning a value to it:

name = "John"
age = 30

You can access the value of a variable using its name:

print(name)  # Output: John
print(age)   # Output: 30

Data Types

Python has several built-in data types, such as strings, numbers, and lists. Here's an example of some common data types:

  • String: A sequence of characters, enclosed in quotes. Example: "Hello, World!"
  • Number: An integer or a floating-point number. Example: 42 or 3.14
  • List: A collection of items, enclosed in square brackets. Example: [1, 2, 3]

Control Structures

Python uses control structures to control the flow of execution. Here are some common control structures:

  • If-else statements: Used to make decisions based on conditions.

    if age > 18:
    print("You are an adult.")
else:
    print("You are not an adult.")

  • Loops: Used to repeat a block of code multiple times.

    for i in range(5):
    print(i)

Functions

Functions are reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task. You can define a function using the def keyword:

def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}!")

greet("Alice")  # Output: Hello, Alice!

Next Steps

To learn more about Python, check out our Advanced Python Tutorial.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just completed the Python Basics Tutorial. Now that you have a solid foundation, you can start building your own Python programs. Happy coding!