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Python Fundamentals Overview and Features

Python is a free and open-source programming language developed by Guido Van Rossum, released in 1991, known for its simplicity and flexibility. It features an easy-to-learn syntax, platform independence, and a rich library, but has limitations in execution speed and mobile development. Users can interact with Python in shell mode for immediate execution or script mode for saving commands, and various shortcut keys enhance usability.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views5 pages

Python Fundamentals Overview and Features

Python is a free and open-source programming language developed by Guido Van Rossum, released in 1991, known for its simplicity and flexibility. It features an easy-to-learn syntax, platform independence, and a rich library, but has limitations in execution speed and mobile development. Users can interact with Python in shell mode for immediate execution or script mode for saving commands, and various shortcut keys enhance usability.

Uploaded by

HARPREET KAUR
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PYTHON FUNDAMENTALS AT A GLANCE

INTRODUCTION
 Python is a free and open-source programming language.
 It was developed by Guido Van Rossum in the year 1989 and was
released in the market in the year 1991.
 Open-Source Programming Language are those categories of
freeware languages where we can download the source code and
can make required changes as per specified standards . Either we can
keep those changes with ourselves or can share them with
community .Sharing the changes with internet community is known
as redistribution .
 This language was inspired by the famous BBC comedy show i.e.
“Monty Python Flying Circus”. It is based on or influenced by two
programming languages i.e.
 ABC language which was developed to replace BASIC language
 Modula-3
 The Python was named so because just like reptile Python, this
language is also very flexible, simple and easy to develop programs.
 Thus, Python is easy to learn , powerful, interpreter based object-
oriented programming language. Though it is powerful high-level
language as many other mid-level languages but not so powerful like
C,C++,Java etc.

FEATURES OF PYTHON
1. It is very simple and expressive as its coding is very simple with
simpler syntax.
2. It is very easy to learn language.
3. It is platform Independent.
4. It is free, open-source language.
5. It is an interpreter-based language.
6. It has rich source of libraries.
7. It has less Interaction with hardware.
8. It is easily extensible object-oriented language.
9. It supports GUI (Graphical User Interface) programming.
10. Python is powerful ,complete and useful language ; therefore, it finds
its application in diverse areas such as scientific and non-scientific
programming.
11. It is Interactive and programs takes very less time to develop.
12. It is case sensitive language. (ASCII- American Standard code for
Information and Interchange-0-48, A-65,a-97,Carriage Return -13)

LIMITATIONS(Drawbacks)
1) Python offers faster development times but execution time are not
that much fast as compared to other compiled languages.
2) It consists of less libraries as compared to other counterpart
languages such as C,C++,Java, Perl etc.
3) Its interpreter is not as strong on catching “Type mismatch’ issues.
4) Mobile Development is at primitive stage.
5) Memory Consumption is on higher side.
6) Database Interaction is at primitive stage.
7) It is not easily convertible , i.e. though it is easy language to code but
difficult to translate in other programming language. It is so because
most other languages have defined syntax.

Installing Python- Official website to install Python is:


[Link]/downloads
It is default installation of Python, also known as CPython installation
and comes with Python Interpreter, Python IDLE(Python GUI) and
pip(Package installer)

Interaction With Python:


TUser can interact with Python in two ways:

1) Shell mode/Python shell/IDLE (Interactive Development Learning


Environment) mode-This is the interactive mode of python. The
commands are typed on python prompt(>>>).The moment, enter key is
pressed after typing , the command is executed. The only drawback of
this mode is that commands of the session cannot be saved for later
reference.
2) Script Mode: If we want to save our commands for later reference in
the form of a program file, then script mode is used. To create and save
a script, we need to follow following steps:
a) In IDLE mode- Click file New--Type the commands- Click
on File--Save As.
b) This file is saved with the extension .py /. pyw
c) To execute this program click on Run menu-- Run module.
d) The program will be executed.
e) Alternatively we can press F5 shortcut key also.
POINTS TO PONDER
1) >>> on the application screen of python is known as Python prompt
2) Python file is saved with extension .py/.pyw.
SOME SHORTUT KEYS TO FOCUS UPON:
1) To execute Python program, the shortcut key is F5.
2) To repeat last command, short cut key is Alt+P
3) Quit() function or Ctrl+Q is press to exit from python.
4) Exit() function is also used to exit from python but for that
following commands needs to be written:
import sys
[Link]()
It can also be used in the program to terminate the program
midway ,if the given condition is satisfied.

Terms to Focus Upon:

1) Syntax - Syntax refers to the general way of writing any command.


2) Semantics- Semantics are the grammatical rules of that language.
3) Commands- Individual instructions given to the computer in
Interactive mode is known as command.
4) Program- Set of Instructions given to a computer in logical order is
known as program.
5) Logic- Writing the steps to solve a problem through computer is
known as logic/logic development.
print() Function

print () function in python is used to display the output.

Syntax- print(value1,value2,……..[, sep=” “,end=” “][,file=[Link]])

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION:
1) When was Python released?
2) Who developed Python and which two languages contributed to
Python as programming language?
3) What are the advantages of Python?
4) Write few limitations of Python language.
5) Compare and contrast the features of two modes of interaction in
python.
6) Define the following terms:
a. Syntax
b. Semantics
c. Command
d. BUG
e. GIGO
f. Debugging
g. Command
h. Program
i. Logic
7) Briefly discuss the syntax of print() function with the help of an
example.
8) What is the significance of exit() function in Python.
9) Write the shortcut key for the following tasks:
a. To quit from Python
b. To execute any program
c. To repeat the last command

Common questions

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The print function is fundamental in Python because it provides the primary way to output data, essential for debugging and user interaction. Beyond basic string outputs, the print function includes advanced features like optional separator ('sep') and end character ('end') parameters, allowing formatted output. It supports multiple arguments output simultaneously and custom output streams, enhancing its utility in sophisticated application development .

Python's simplicity and expressive syntax make it easy to learn and write, contributing to its popularity. It is platform-independent, allowing programs to run across different operating systems without modification. Python is also open-source, allowing users to download, modify, and redistribute the source code. Its interpreter-based execution makes it suitable for rapid application development. Additionally, its extensive library support and object-oriented features enhance its versatility and flexibility for scientific and non-scientific programming .

Python's primitive stage in database interaction limits its efficiency in high-demand enterprise environments where robust database performance and scalability are crucial. While Python provides libraries like SQLite, the limited native support for complex database interactions can result in bottlenecks in transactions and data processing. Enterprises often rely on languages with mature database integration, such as Java or SQL-embedded environments, thus restricting Python's application in scenarios demanding high-throughput, transaction-heavy systems .

Python's interactive mode, or Python shell, supports quick testing and debugging by executing commands immediately; however, it cannot save sessions for future reference. In contrast, script mode allows for writing, saving, and executing complete programs, enabling long-term code maintenance and more structured development. Thus, the interactive mode is ideal for experimentation, while script mode suits stable, reusable codebases, complementing each other based on task requirements .

Python's development was influenced by ABC and Modula-3 languages, emphasizing clarity and simplicity in syntax, which remain core principles today. Named after 'Monty Python,' the language emphasizes flexibility and simplicity similar to its namesake's comedic style. Its design was intended to replace more complex languages, targeting ease of use and readability, which made it one of the first easy-to-learn yet powerful high-level languages for object-oriented programming .

Given Python's limitations in mobile development, a development team must strategize on workarounds or supplement Python with other languages. Critical considerations include assessing Python frameworks like Kivy that support mobile development, and weighing their maturity and support against project needs. Teams should evaluate performance trade-offs, as Python's high memory usage might affect application responsiveness. Additionally, they might need to plan for integration with stronger mobile-oriented languages like Kotlin or Swift to mitigate Python's limitations, ensuring performative and robust application delivery .

Python's slower execution times compared to compiled languages like C, C++, and Java impact its suitability for time-critical applications. Its fewer libraries compared to counterparts might limit functionality in some specialized domains. Python's high memory consumption and primitive mobile development stage might deter its use in resource-constrained environments. Moreover, its weak type-checking hampers error detection. These limitations suggest Python is more suitable for rapid prototyping and data analysis rather than performance-critical applications .

Syntax in Python determines the correct format of instructions, ensuring consistency and readability across programs. Semantics involve the logical interpretation of syntax, which dictates proper usage and functionality in executing commands. Commands represent individual instructions that the interpreter processes, while programs are structured collections of commands forming sequences or loops to perform tasks. Together, these elements establish a foundation for writing well-organized and maintainable code, supporting Python's role in structured programming approaches .

Python's open-source nature allows unrestricted access to its source code, fostering innovation and customization within the programming community. Developers can tailor functionality to specific needs, contributing enhancements back to the community, which drives collective growth and evolution of the language. This openness democratizes programming, supports diverse application development, and encourages shared learning, enhancing Python's versatility and widespread adoption in academia, industry, and hobbyist projects .

Python's support for GUI programming through libraries such as Tkinter and PyQt allows developers to build visually-oriented applications effectively. This capability expands Python's applicability beyond console applications to user-friendly software, suitable for user engagement and interaction. The ease of integrating these libraries with Python’s simple syntax aids rapid development and prototyping of cross-platform GUI-based applications, contributing to Python's appeal in educational tools, lightweight enterprise applications, and multimedia software .

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