Python

incomplete

Introduction to Python Programming Language

Python is a high-level, versatile programming language acclaimed for its readability and straightforward syntax. Ideal for beginners and powerful enough for seasoned programmers, Python is widely used in diverse fields.

What is Python?

High-Level Language: Python abstracts many details of the computer's operation, focusing on readability and simplicity.
Interpreted Language: Python code is executed line by line, making debugging easier and suitable for rapid prototyping.
Dynamically Typed: Python does not require explicit declaration of variables before using them.

Why Choose Python?

Readability and Simplicity

Python emphasizes readability, which makes the code easier to understand and maintain.
Its syntax is simple and concise, often requiring fewer lines of code than other languages.

Versatility

Python is used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and automation.
It's a general-purpose language, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Large Community and Libraries

Python has a robust and active community, offering extensive support and resources.
A vast array of libraries and frameworks are available, enhancing Python's functionality in various domains.

Getting Started with Python

Installation

Python can be installed from the official website: python.org.
It comes with a built-in IDE (Integrated Development Environment) called IDLE.

Writing Your First Python Program

# This is a simple Python script

print("Hello, World!")

This script uses the print function to output "Hello, World!" – a traditional way to start learning a new programming language.

Key Python Concepts

Variables: Store data values.
Data Types: Include integers, floats, strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries.
Control Structures: if statements, for and while loops.
Functions: Blocks of reusable code.
Classes/Objects: Python is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language.

Python Resources

Official Documentation: Comprehensive guide to Python's features and libraries.
Online Tutorials and Courses: Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer Python programming courses.
Community Forums: Platforms like Stack Overflow provide a place to discuss and solve programming issues.

Misc

Create a virtual environment

python -m venv venv    # create
source venv/bin/activate    # linux/macos
source venv/scripts/activate    # windows
pip freeze > requirements.txt    # create
pip install -r requirements.txt # install
deactivate    # stop

if you do not want to use venv, you can do this:

python -m venv /path/to_folder/<env_name>
source /path/to_folder/<env_name>/bin[source]/activate

Setup pyenv for a project

Steps to install pyenv
commands

pyenv install --list    # see which are available
pyenv install <version>
pyenv global <version>    # to change the global version
cd <project-folder>
pyenv local <python-version>    # change the local version
python --version    # check version
python -m venv <env-name>
source venv/bin/activate    # for macos and Linux
source venv\scripts\activate    # for windows
venv\scripts\activate        # for powersehll

Packages

API Requests - pip install requests
BCrypt - pip install bcrypt
Bootstrap Flask - pip install bootstrap-flask
Flask = pip install flask
Flask BCrypt - pip install flask_bcrypt
Flask Debug Toolbar = pip install flask-debugtoolbar
- then flask.debugtoolbar import DebugToolbarExtensions
Flask SQLAlchemy - pip install flask-sqlalchemy
Flask WTForms - pip install flask-wtf
- then from flask_wtf import FlaskForm
- also from wtforms.validators import [validator]
Gunicorn - pip install gunicorn
Interactive Python - pip install ipython
Jinja2¹ - pip install jinja2
SQLAlchemy - `pip install psycopg2-binary

Conclusion

Python stands out as a language that is easy to learn yet powerful enough to handle complex tasks. Its simplicity, along with its powerful libraries and supportive community, makes Python an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers.

Last modified: 10 March 2024