Python Course Overview, Installation, and Basics

Study Notes

Python Course Overview and Installation

Python is a popular programming language used for automation, AI, and developing applications and websites like Instagram and Dropbox.
The course instructor, Mosh, is a software engineer with two decades of experience and has taught over 3 million people how to code.
The course covers core Python concepts and includes building three Python projects, including a website using Django and a machine learning program.
Python can be used to automate tasks and process large amounts of data quickly.
Python is designed for beginners and is easy to learn, with exercises provided to build confidence.
The course includes guidance on downloading and installing Python, with the latest version at the time being Python 3.7.2.
PyCharm, a popular code editor for Python, is recommended and is available in a free community edition.
The tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for downloading and installing PyCharm on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
The instructor demonstrates writing and running a simple Python program to print a name and draws an imaginary dog using basic Python code.
Python code is executed line by line, and expressions, such as multiplication of strings, are explained.
The course emphasizes the importance of specialization in a specific area, such as web development or machine learning, to become job-ready.
The instructor encourages a commitment of two hours per day for practicing Python and invites learners to share their goals and aspirations with Python.Python Basics: Storing and Manipulating Data
Python stores data in the computer's memory in binary representation (0's and 1's).
Variables in Python can store different types of data, including integers, floating point numbers, strings, and booleans.
Integers are whole numbers, while floating point numbers have a decimal point.
Strings are sequences of characters, and booleans can be true or false.
Python is case sensitive, and boolean values should be spelled with a capital T or F.
Python can also store complex values like lists and tuples.
An exercise involves defining variables for a hospital patient's name, age, and new/existing status using Python.
Python has built-in functions for common tasks, such as printing messages and receiving input from users.
The input function in Python prompts the user to input a value and returns the entered value.
Variables are used to store the result of the input function and can be used in subsequent code.
Python supports string concatenation using the plus sign, allowing for dynamic message generation.
An exercise involves extending a program to ask for the user's favorite color and print a message based on the input.