Basics of Programming

What is Programming?

Programming is the process of writing instructions that a computer can understand and execute to perform tasks.

Examples of Programming

• Calculator app
• Games
• Websites
• AI & Machine Learning
• Mobile Apps

What is a Program?

A program is a set of instructions written in a programming language to solve a problem.

# Example (Python):
print("Hello World")

Why Python?

• Simple English-like syntax
• Used in AI, ML, Data Science, Web, Automation
• Huge community support
• Less code, more work

Types of Python Modes

Python works in two primary modes depending on how you want to execute your code.

1. Interactive Mode

In this mode, Python executes code line by line immediately. Best for testing and learning.

• Where: Python Shell, Terminal, PyCharm Console.
• Feature: Immediate output, no file needed.

>>> 5 + 3
8
>>> print("Hello")
Hello

2. Script Mode

In this mode, you write the full program in a file (.py) and then run it. Used for real-world projects.

• Feature: Code can be saved, easy to debug and maintain.

Structure of a Python Program

A Python program follows a logical structure using the following components:

Core Components

• Comments: Used to explain code (# This is a comment).
• Statements: Instructions like print("Hello").
• Variables: Store data like age = 15.
• Indentation: Python uses spaces instead of brackets to define blocks of code.

# My first program
name = input("Enter name: ")
if name:
    print("Welcome", name) # Note the indentation

Installing Python

Follow these steps to set up Python on your system (Complete Setup).

Step 1: Download

• Open python.org and click Download Python.
• IMPORTANT: Tick the box that says "Add Python to PATH" during installation.
• Click "Install Now".

Step 2: Verify Installation

Open your Command Prompt and type the following command:

python --version

If the version number appears, Python is installed successfully!

Setting up IDEs (PyCharm & VS Code)

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) makes coding easier with tools for debugging and auto-completion.

1. Python in PyCharm

• Download Community Edition from jetbrains.com/pycharm.
• Create a New Project and select your Python interpreter.
• Right-click -> New -> Python File to start coding.

2. Python in VS Code

• Download VS Code from code.visualstudio.com.
• Go to Extensions and search for "Python" by Microsoft and install it.
• Create a file ending in .py and click the Play button to run.

Quick Comparison Table

Comparing the two most popular environments for Python development.

Recommendation:

For students just starting their journey, PyCharm is highly recommended due to its specialized Python support.