Python As Fast as Possible - Learn Python in ~75 Minutes

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of Python fundamentals, based on the fast-paced tutorial by Tech With Tim. Whether you're new to programming or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will equip you with essential Python skills in a concise and structured manner.

Step 1: Setup and Installation

• Download Python from the official website python.org.
• Follow the installation prompts and ensure that you check the box to add Python to your system PATH.
• Optionally, install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as PyCharm or Visual Studio Code for easier coding.

Step 2: Understanding Python's Applications

Python is versatile and can be used for

• Web development
• Data analysis
• Artificial intelligence
• Automation scripts
• Game development

Step 3: Learning Data Types

Familiarize yourself with Python's core data types

• Integers (int)
• Floats (float)
• Strings (str)
• Booleans (bool)
• Example:

  age = 30        # int
  height = 5.9   # float
  name = "Alice" # str
  is_student = True # bool
  

Step 4: Output and Printing

• Use the print() function to display output:

  print("Hello, World!")
  

Step 5: Working with Variables

• Assign values to variables:

  x = 10
  y = 5
  

• Remember to choose meaningful variable names.

Step 6: User Input

• Capture user input using the input() function:

  name = input("Enter your name: ")
  

Step 7: Arithmetic Operators

Perform calculations using Python’s arithmetic operators

• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)
• Example:

  result = x + y
  

Step 8: String Methods

Manipulate strings with built-in methods

• upper(), lower(), strip(), replace()
• Example:

  greeting = " hello ".strip().upper()  # "HELLO"
  

Step 9: Conditional Operators

Use conditional statements to control the flow of your program:

if x > y

print("x is greater than y")

Step 10: Chained Conditionals

Chain multiple conditions using elif:

if x > y

print("x is greater")

elif x < y

print("x is less")

else

print("x and y are equal")

Step 11: Lists and Tuples

Understand the difference between lists and tuples

• Lists are mutable (can change), while tuples are immutable.
• Example of a list and a tuple:

  my_list = [1, 2, 3]
  my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
  

Step 12: For Loops

Use for loops to iterate through a sequence:

for number in my_list

print(number)

Step 13: While Loops

• Create loops that run while a condition is true:

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

Step 14: Slicing Strings and Lists

• Access parts of strings or lists using slicing:

  my_string = "Hello"
  print(my_string[1:4])  # "ell"
  

Step 15: Sets

• Learn about sets, which are unordered collections of unique items:

  my_set = {1, 2, 3, 3}  # {1, 2, 3}
  

Step 16: Dictionaries

• Use dictionaries for key-value pairs:

  my_dict = {"name": "Alice", "age": 30}
  

Step 17: Comprehensions

• Simplify code with list comprehensions:

  squares = [x**2 for x in range(10)]
  

Step 18: Functions

Define functions for reusable code:

def greet(name)

return f"Hello, {name}!"

Step 19: Variable Arguments

Use *args and **kwargs to handle variable numbers of arguments:

def my_function(*args, **kwargs)

print(args) print(kwargs)

Step 20: Scope and Globals

Understand variable scope

• Local variables: defined inside a function.
• Global variables: defined outside any function and accessible everywhere.

Step 21: Exception Handling

Use try and except to handle errors gracefully:

try

result = 10 / 0

except ZeroDivisionError

print("Cannot divide by zero.")

Step 22: Lambda Functions

• Create anonymous functions using lambda:

  add = lambda x, y: x + y
  

Step 23: Map and Filter

• Utilize map() and filter() for functional programming:

  squares = list(map(lambda x: x**2, range(10)))
  even_numbers = list(filter(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, range(10)))
  

Step 24: F Strings

• Use f-strings for formatted string literals:

  name = "Alice"
  message = f"Hello, {name}!"
  

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have covered the essential elements of Python programming, from setup to advanced features. Continue practicing by building small projects or solving coding challenges to reinforce your learning. Happy coding!