Home / Python / Day 1: Python Basics / Introduction to Python

Introduction to Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language known for its simplicity and readability.

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. It emphasizes code readability and allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than languages like C++ or Java.

Why Python?

Simple Syntax: Python reads almost like English
Versatile: Web dev, data science, AI, automation, scripting
Huge Community: Millions of libraries and tutorials
Cross-platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux
High Demand: One of the most in-demand skills

Python Version

This course uses Python 3.x (specifically 3.10+). Always use Python 3.

How Python Works

Python is an interpreted language. The Python interpreter reads your code line by line and executes it immediately. There is no compilation step.

Syntax

<pre><code># Your first Python program
print("Hello, World!")

# Python uses indentation (4 spaces) instead of braces
if True:
    print("This is indented")

# Single-line comment starts with #
"""
Multi-line comment
uses triple quotes
"""
</code></pre>

Revision Notes

• Python created by Guido van Rossum (1991)
• Interpreted, high-level, dynamically typed
• Indentation defines code blocks (4 spaces)
• print() outputs to screen
• # for comments, """ for multi-line
• .py file extension

Example 1: Hello World

# The classic first program
print("Hello, World!")
print("Welcome to Python!")

Every programmer starts here. print() outputs text to the console.

Example 2: Running Python

# Python code runs top to bottom
print("First line runs first")
print("Second line runs second")
print("Python is interpreted line by line")

Python executes statements sequentially from top to bottom.

Python Syntax