Python Basics

EDITION MODE

Python provides a wide array of basic functions and commands that are essential for beginners in data analysis and science. These functions allow you to perform fundamental tasks like displaying output, handling user inputs, performing mathematical operations, and working with different types of data. By mastering these basic commands, you can efficiently manipulate data, automate repetitive tasks, and lay a solid foundation for more complex programming challenges. Whether you’re working with numerical data, text, or logical conditions, Python’s simple and intuitive syntax ensures that you can quickly grasp the essentials, making it a powerful tool for newcomers in data-driven fields. This page provides an overview of essential Python concepts and each section below links to a detailed entry covering the basic commands and functions in Python.

Hello World!

This entry is the introduction of Python logic and syntaxt. You will know how to output text and interact with the Python environment, and understand how the code executes. This is the beginning of your code journey. Go to the Hello World entry

Expression and Variables

Moreover, expressions in Python are used to perform operations and return values. Variables store data and can be assigned dynamically. In this entry, you will learn how to use the different data types by storing and manipulating data using expressions and variables. Go to the entry Variables and Expressions in Python

Data Types

As in any other programming language, understanding type of data you are working with is fundamental. Python has several built-in data types, such as:

• Integers (int): Whole numbers. • Floating-point numbers (float): Decimal-point numbers. • Strings (str): Sequences of characters. • Booleans (bool): True/False values. Data Types entry

String Operations

Strings are a key data type in Python, especially in data analysis, where working with text data is common. Python provides many built-in methods for manipulating and analyzing strings, such as concatenation, slicing, and formatting. Go to String Operations entry

Conditional statements and branching

Conditional statements and branching allow programs to make decisions. Python’s if-else structure is used to execute code based on certain conditions, a fundamental concept in controlling the flow of a program. In other words, conditional statements are key in telling Python what you want it to do if certain condition is met or not. Go to Conditional Statements and Branching entry

Iteration and Loops

Loops are an essential part of Python, enabling repeated execution of a block of code. They are frequently used in data processing tasks, making them indispensable for data science workflows.This entry covers the two primary types of loops in Python:

• For loops: Iterate over a sequence of items. • While loops: Continue execution while a condition is true. Go to the Iteration and Loops entry

Functions

Functions in Python are reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks, allowing for better code organization and reducing redundancy. They can take inputs (called parameters), process them, and return outputs, making them highly flexible for handling various data operations. By defining custom functions, you can streamline workflows, automate tasks, and improve the readability and maintainability of your programs. Go to the Functions entry

References

To be added soon

The author of this entry is Gustavo Rodriguez. I was used partially in the writing process.