Learn Python in 1 hour! 🐍 (2024)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to learning the basics of Python programming in just one hour. It covers essential components such as setting up your environment, understanding variables, using loops, and more. This is a perfect starting point for beginners who want to dive into coding with Python.

Step 1: Download Python Interpreter

• Visit the official Python website: python.org.
• Navigate to the Downloads section and choose the version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Follow the installation instructions provided on the website. Ensure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

Step 2: Download PyCharm IDE

• Go to the PyCharm official website: jetbrains.com/pycharm.
• Select the Community version (which is free) for your operating system.
• Download and install PyCharm following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Create a New Project

• Open PyCharm and select "New Project."
• Choose a location for your project and create a new directory.
• Click "Create" to set up the project environment.

Step 4: Create a New Python File

• Right-click on the project folder in the PyCharm sidebar.
• Select "New" and then "Python File."
• Name your file (e.g., main.py) and hit Enter.

Step 5: Use the Print Function

• In your newly created Python file, type the following code to print text to the console:

  print("Hello, World!")
  

• Run the file by clicking the green play button or right-clicking and selecting "Run."

Step 6: Understand Variables

• Variables are used to store data. Here’s how to create and use variables:

  name = "Alice"
  age = 30
  print(name, age)
  

• Avoid using spaces in variable names and start with a letter or underscore.

Step 7: Perform Arithmetic Operations

• Python can perform basic arithmetic:

  sum = 5 + 3
  product = 5 * 3
  print("Sum:", sum, "Product:", product)
  

Step 8: Typecasting

• Typecasting allows you to convert between data types:

  num = input("Enter a number: ")
  num = int(num)  # Converts string input to integer
  print("Your number is:", num)
  

Step 9: Get User Input

• Use the input() function to gather input from users:

  user_name = input("What is your name? ")
  print("Hello, " + user_name)
  

Step 10: Use If Statements

• Control the flow of your program using if statements:

  if age >= 18:
      print("You are an adult.")
  else:
      print("You are a minor.")
  

Step 11: Apply Logical Operators

• Use logical operators like and, or, and not in conditions:

  if age >= 18 and age <= 65:
      print("You are eligible for work.")
  

Step 12: Create While Loops

• While loops repeat a block of code as long as a condition is true:

  count = 0
  while count < 5:
      print(count)
      count += 1
  

Step 13: Implement For Loops

• For loops iterate over a sequence (like a list):

  for i in range(5):
      print(i)
  

Step 14: Build a Countdown Timer

• Create a simple countdown timer using a loop:

  import time
  
  countdown = 5
  while countdown:
      print(countdown)
      countdown -= 1
      time.sleep(1)
  print("Time's up!")
  

Step 15: Work with Lists, Tuples, and Sets

• Understand the differences between these data structures:
  • List: Mutable collection of items.

    fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
    

  • Tuple: Immutable collection of items.

    dimensions = (1920, 1080)
    

  • Set: Unordered collection of unique items.

    unique_numbers = {1, 2, 3, 3}
    

Conclusion

This tutorial has provided a quick yet thorough introduction to Python programming basics. You learned how to set up your environment, create variables, use loops, and manipulate data structures. For further learning, check out the free 12-hour course and additional resources available on Bro Code's YouTube channel. Happy coding!