Python Syntax Basics

Python, a high-level, interpreted programming language, is known for its clear syntax and readability, which makes it a great choice for beginners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the basics of Python syntax with plenty of examples to help you get started.

Understanding Python Syntax

Python syntax refers to the set of rules that defines how a Python program will be written and interpreted (by both the runtime system and by human readers). Python’s syntax is designed to be readable and straightforward, which makes Python a great language for beginners.

Case Sensitivity

In Python, case matters. For example, myVariable and myvariable are two different variables. This is something to keep in mind when naming your variables.

myVariable = 10
myvariable = 20
print(myVariable)  # Outputs: 10
print(myvariable)  # Outputs: 20
Python

Statements and Line Continuation

In Python, each logical line of code is termed a statement. Python interprets each statement line by line, which is why Python is referred to as an interpreted language.

print("Hello, World!")  # This is a simple Python statement
Python

Python supports line continuation, which allows you to spread a statement over multiple lines using the backslash (\).

sum = 1 + 2 + 3 + \
      4 + 5 + 6 + \
      7 + 8 + 9
print(sum)  # Outputs: 45
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Comments in Python

Comments in Python start with the hash character (#) and extend to the end of the physical line. Comments are used to explain Python code and are not interpreted by Python.

# This is a comment in Python
print("Hello, World!")  # This prints "Hello, World!"
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Indentation

Python uses indentation to define a block of code. Other programming languages often use curly-brackets for this purpose.

if 5 > 2:
    print("Five is greater than two!")  # This is an indented block
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Python Variables

In Python, variables are created when you assign a value to it. Python has no command for declaring a variable.

x = 5
y = "Hello, World!"
print(x)  # Outputs: 5
print(y)  # Outputs: Hello, World!
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Python Strings

Strings in Python can be created using single quotes or double quotes or even triple quotes for multiline strings.

# Using single quotes
str1 = 'hello'
print(str1)  # Outputs: hello

# Using double quotes
str2 = "world"
print(str2)  # Outputs: world

# Using triple quotes
str3 = '''This is a multiline string. 
And it spans multiple lines'''
print(str3)
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Python Data Types

Python supports various data types. These include:

  • Numeric Types: int, float, complex
  • Sequence Types: list, tuple, range
  • Text Type: str
  • Mapping Type: dict
  • Set Types: set, frozenset
  • Boolean Type: bool
  • Binary Types: bytes, bytearray, memoryview
x = 5  # int
y = 0.5  # float
z = 1j  # complex
print(type(x))  # Outputs: <class 'int'>
print(type(y))  # Outputs: <class 'float'></code>
print(type(z))  # Outputs: <class 'complex'>
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Know how to run a python program in different ways.

Python Syntax Basics: A Summary

To summarize, Python syntax is the set of rules that dictate how programs written in Python language should be written and interpreted. Python’s syntax is designed to be easy to read and write, which makes Python a great language for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the basic syntax of Python?

    The basic syntax of Python includes rules for writing statements and expressions, defining and calling functions, and structuring your code with indentation.

  2. How many basic syntax are there in Python?

    Python syntax is vast and flexible, allowing for a variety of programming styles. However, the basics include rules for writing statements and expressions, defining and calling functions, and structuring your code with indentation.

  3. What is the structure of Python syntax?

    Python syntax is structured around indentation. Code blocks are defined by their indentation level, and this structure allows Python to have very clear, readable syntax.

  4. Does Python have easy syntax?

    Yes, Python is known for its clear, readable syntax that is easy to learn for beginners.

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Dr. Mehedi Hasan is a seasoned semiconductor professional, academic and web-designer with over a decade of experience in digital system design and verification as well as web development. Currently a Senior Engineer at AMD in Markham, Ontario, he plays a key role in the development and verification of cutting-edge chip technologies, earning multiple Spotlight Awards for his contributions.

Dr. Hasan holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and has served in both academia and industry across Canada, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. His expertise spans web-development, UVM-based SystemVerilog verification, static timing analysis (STA), RTL design, and scripting in multiple languages including Python, TCL, Shell as well as web-development tools including HTML, CSS, Javascript.

Passionate about knowledge sharing and education, Dr. Hasan has also worked as an Assistant Professor in Ontario, Canada (at Lakehead University) and Bangladesh University. He is committed to building accessible learning environments and is the founder of SkillSeminary, a platform focused on simplifying complex tech concepts for learners worldwide.

When he's not immersed in chip verification or educational projects, Dr. Hasan enjoys mentoring, researching system development, and promoting open tech education.

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