Overview

Python is an interpreted high-level programming language for general-purpose programming. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python has a design philosophy that emphasizes code readability, notably using significant whitespace. It provides constructs that enable clear programming on both small and large scales.^[1]

Python is one of the most popular current programming languages^[2], is frequently recommended as a first programming language, and often used in information systems and data science courses.

Example

Hello World

# This program displays "Hello world!"
#
# References:
# https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Non-Programmer%27s_Tutorial_for_Python_3/Hello,_World

print("Hello world!")

Output

Hello world!

Discussion

Each code element represents:^[3]

• # begins a comment
• print() calls the print function
• "Hello world!" is the literal string to be displayed

Python IDEs

There are many free cloud-based and local IDEs available to begin coding in Python. Check with your instructor or do your own research for recommendations.

Cloud-Based IDEs

• CodeChef
• GDB Online
• Ideone
• paiza.IO
• Python Fiddle
• PythonTutor
• repl.it
• TutorialsPoint

Local IDEs

• IDLE
• Thonny

References

• Wikiversity: Computer Programming