Python Language Features Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which feature of Python allows for the testing and debugging of snippets of code?

  • Broad standard library
  • Extendability
  • Scalability
  • Interactive Mode (correct)

    • What advantage does Python provide in terms of source code maintenance?

  • Easy-to-maintain (correct)
  • Difficult readability
  • High number of keywords
  • Complex structure

    • Which of the following is NOT a platform that Python can run on?

  • Solaris (correct)
  • Linux
  • Windows
  • Macintosh

    • What does the extendability feature of Python allow programmers to do?

    <p>Add low-level modules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a prerequisite for learning Python as mentioned in the content?

    <p>Basic understanding of computer programming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct command to start the Python interactive interpreter on Windows?

    <p>C:&gt; python</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When setting the path for Python on Windows, what should you ensure about the additional text in the Path variable?

    <p>It should not contain any spaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a way to run Python as mentioned?

    <p>From a web browser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for Python is true?

    <p>IDLE is the very first Unix IDE for Python.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the Python script be executed from the command line in UNIX/Linux?

    <p>$python script.py</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the line 'raw_input("\n\nPress the enter key to exit.")' in a Python program?

    <p>To display a prompt and keep the console open until the user exits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first Windows interface for Python mentioned in the content?

    <p>PythonWin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the use of a semicolon in Python?

    <p>It allows multiple statements to be placed on a single line.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which command correctly executes a Python script from the command line in Windows/DOS?

    <p>C:&gt; python script.py</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be ensured about the file permission mode when executing a Python script?

    <p>It allows execution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Python, what is the function of a suite in a compound statement?

    <p>To contain individual statements that make up a code block.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the command 'python -h' in command line usage?

    <p>It provides a list of available options and their meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes command line arguments in Python?

    <p>They can define options to enhance script functionality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about Python identifiers is incorrect?

    <p>Identifiers can include punctuation characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of improperly indented code in Python?

    <p>The code will generate a syntax error.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is a Python identifier considered strongly private?

    <p>When it starts with two leading underscores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the line continuation character ( ) signify in Python?

    <p>The following line is a continuation of the current statement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a valid Python identifier?

    <p>first_name</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Python, how can you indicate a block of code without using braces?

    <p>By indenting the lines consistently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the following code snippet? if True: print 'True' else: print 'False'

    <p>It will print 'True'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating systems have Python distributions available?

    <p>Linux, Windows, MacOS, and VMS/OpenVMS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the official website to download Python and its documentation?

    <p><a href="https://www.python.org/">https://www.python.org/</a></p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to compile Python source code manually for platforms lacking binary code?

    <p>A C compiler</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the installation of Python on Unix/Linux platforms, which command is used to install Python after configuring?

    <p>make install</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be checked regarding the Windows system before installing Python using the MSI installer?

    <p>If the system supports Microsoft Installer 2.0</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is Python typically installed on Unix/Linux systems after installation?

    <p>/usr/local/bin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following formats is NOT mentioned as a way to download Python documentation?

    <p>Sprint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action is taken to customize options in the Python installation on Unix/Linux?

    <p>Modify the Modules/Setup file</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Python Language Features

    • Python is easy to learn due to its simple structure, clear syntax, and few keywords.
    • Python code is readable and visually appealing.
    • Python code is well-structured which makes it easy to maintain.
    • Python's standard library is extensive and widely compatible across platforms including Unix, Windows, and Macintosh.
    • Python features an interactive mode allowing testing and debugging of code snippets.
    • Python is portable and runs on various hardware platforms while maintaining a consistent interface.
    • Python enables adding low-level modules to the interpreter, allowing programmers to customize tools.
    • Python provides interfaces to major commercial databases.
    • Python supports the creation of Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications, which can be ported to different systems.
    • Python offers better structure and support for large programs compared to shell scripting.

    Python Tutorial Audience and Prerequisites

    • The Python tutorial is designed for software programmers who are new to Python.
    • A basic understanding of Computer Programming terminologies is recommended.
    • Familiarity with any other programming languages is advantageous.

    Python Environment Setup

    • Python is available across platforms including Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.

    Installing Python

    • The latest Python source code, binaries, documentation, and news are available on the official website: https://www.python.org/
    • Python documentation is available in HTML, PDF, and PostScript formats on: https://www.python.org/doc/
    • Python distributions are available for many platforms.
    • Download the appropriate binary code for your platform and install Python.
    • If the binary code is unavailable, you can compile the source code manually using a C compiler.
    • Compiling allows customization of features in your Python installation.

    Unix and Linux Installation

    • Download the zipped source code for Unix/Linux from the official website.
    • Extract the downloaded files.
    • Run the following commands in your terminal:
      • ./configure
      • make
      • make install
    • Python will be installed at /usr/local/bin and its libraries at /usr/local/lib/pythonXX where XX is the Python version.

    Windows Installation

    • Navigate to the download page on the official website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
    • Download the Windows installer file, python-XYZ.msi, where XYZ is the version you need to install.
    • The Windows system should support Microsoft Installer 2.0 to use the python-XYZ.msi installer.

    Setting Path on Windows

    • Select "Computer" from the Start menu.
    • Choose "System Properties" from the menu.
    • Click "Advanced system settings" (on the left), then click the "Advanced" tab.
    • Click on "Environment Variables", under "System Variables", find "Path", and click on it.
    • Click "Edit…", and add ;C:\Python27 to the end of the Path in the "Variable value" box.
    • Click "OK".

    Running Python

    • There are three ways to start Python:
      • Interactive Interpreter:
        • Start Python from a command-line interpreter or shell window.
        • Type python in the command line.
      • Script from Command-line:
        • Execute a Python script from the command line.
        • Type python script.py where script.py is the name of your Python file. Ensure file permissions allow execution.
      • Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
        • Use a graphical user interface (GUI) application that supports Python.
        • Unix: IDLE is the first Unix IDE for Python.
        • Windows: PythonWin is the first Windows IDE for Python.
        • Macintosh: The Macintosh version of Python and the IDLE IDE are available from the main website.

    Hello, Python!

    • Create a file named test.py with the following code: 
      #!/usr/bin/python 
print "Hello, Python!“
    • Make the file executable with: chmod +x test.py
    • Run the program with: ./test.py

    Python Identifiers

    • An identifier is a name used to identify variables, functions, classes, modules, or other objects.
    • Identifiers start with a letter (A-Z or a-z) or an underscore (_) followed by zero or more letters, underscores, and digits (0-9).
    • Punctuation characters such as @, $, and % are not allowed within identifiers.
    • Python is case-sensitive: Manpower and manpower are distinct identifiers.

    Python Identifier Naming Conventions

    • Class names begin with an uppercase letter.
    • All other identifiers start with a lowercase letter.
    • A single leading underscore (_) indicates a private identifier.
    • Two leading underscores (__) indicate a strongly private identifier.
    • An identifier that starts and ends with two underscores (__) is a language-defined name.

    Reserved Words

    • Python keywords are reserved words and cannot be used as identifiers (constants, variables, etc.).
    • All Python keywords are lowercase.

    Lines and Indentation

    • Python uses indentation to define blocks of code for classes, functions, and flow control.
    • Indentation is strictly enforced.
    • The number of spaces in the indentation can vary, but all statements within a block must have the same indentation.
    • For example: 
      if True:
    print "True"
else:
    print "False"

    Multi-Line Statements

    • Python statements usually end with a new line.
    • Use the line continuation character (\) to indicate that a statement continues on the next line.

    Waiting for User Input

    • Use raw_input() to display a prompt and wait for user input.
    • For example: 
      #!/usr/bin/python
raw_input("\n\nPress the enter key to exit.")

    Multiple Statements on a Single Line

    • Use the semicolon (;) to place multiple statements on a single line provided neither statement starts a new code block.
    • Example: 
      import sys; x = 'foo'; sys.stdout.write(x + '\n')

    Suites

    • Suites are groups of individual statements that form a single code block.
    • Compound statements like if, while, def, and class require a header line and a suite.
    • Header lines start with the keyword, end with a colon (:), and are followed by one or more lines that make up the suite.
    • Example: 
      if expression :
    suite
elif expression :
    suite
else :
    suite

    Command Line Arguments

    • Use command-line arguments to provide input to your Python script.
    • To access arguments, use the sys.argv list in your script.
    • You can also specify options and arguments to Python itself.
    • For example: python -h will display the help message.

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