Python Crash Course -Introduction to programming

What's a computer program?

• A file that gets copied to all machines in the network

• A process for getting duplicate values removed from a list

• A list of instructions that the computer has to follow to reach a goal

• A set of languages available in the computer

Answer explanation

Here's a simple example of a computer program written in Python that prints the phrase "Hello, World!" on the screen:

print("Hello, World!")

[Console]:

Hello, World!

This is often the first program beginners write when learning a new programming language, as it introduces the basic syntax and structure. When you run this program, the computer will display the text "Hello, World!" on the screen.

As for a fun fact, the first computer programmer is widely considered to be Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer. In the mid-19th century, she worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, an early mechanical general-purpose computer. Ada Lovelace wrote detailed notes about the machine and created a method for it to calculate Bernoulli numbers, making her the world's first programmer. She is often regarded as a pioneer in the field of computer science.

What are semantics when applied to programming code?

• The difference in number values in one instance of a script compared to another

• The intended meaning or logic of coded statements

• The rules for how a programming instruction is written

• The end result of a programming instruction

Answer explanation

In programming, semantics refers to the meaning or interpretation of code. While syntax focuses on the correct structure and grammar of code, semantics deals with the intended behavior and logic behind the code.

For example, consider the following code snippet in Python:

a = 5

b = 3

c = a + b

The syntax of this code is correct, but to understand its semantics, we need to analyze what it does. In this case, the code assigns the value 5 to the variable 'a', the value 3 to the variable 'b', and then adds the values of 'a' and 'b' together, storing the result in the variable 'c'. The semantics of this code indicate that 'c' will hold the value 8 after the execution.

Understanding the semantics of code is essential for writing programs that achieve the desired results. It involves reasoning about the intended behavior of the code and ensuring that it aligns with the problem being solved.

What's the syntax of a language?

• The difference between one language and another

• The rules of how to express things in that language

• The meaning of the words

• The subject of a sentence

Answer explanation

The syntax varies from one programming language to another, as each language has its own unique set of rules.

For example, here are some syntax rules in Python:

1. Statements are typically written on separate lines.

2. Indentation is important for defining code blocks (such as loops or functions).

3. Comments start with the '#' character and are ignored by the interpreter.

4. Variables are assigned using the '=' operator.

5. Parentheses are used for function calls and grouping expressions.

Here's an example of Python code that demonstrates some of these syntax rules:

# This is a comment

name = "John" # Assigning a value to the variable 'name'

def greet(person):

# A function definition starts with 'def' and ends with a colon

print("Hello, " + person + "!")

greet(name) # Function call

Understanding and following the syntax rules of a programming language is crucial for writing correct and functional programs.

Which of these scenarios are good candidates for automation? Select all that apply.

• Creating your own startup company

• Copying a file to all computers in a company

• Interviewing a candidate for a job

• Generating a sales report, split by region and product type

• Investigating the root cause of a machine failing to boot

Answer explanation

Python is well-suited for automating tasks involving file manipulation, data processing, and extraction. It excels in web scraping, allowing you to extract structured data from websites. Python's libraries enable task scheduling and system automation, making it useful for repetitive tasks like data backups and maintenance. It is an excellent choice for automating testing and quality assurance processes, including unit testing and web application testing. Additionally, Python's capabilities in text processing, natural language processing, database operations, and GUI automation make it versatile for automation in various domains.

There are no difference between a script and a program besides the fact that

scripts are ______

Answer explanation

While the distinction between scripts and programs can be blurry, scripts are commonly associated with shorter, simpler tasks, while programs are often associated with larger, more complex software systems. However, the specific usage and interpretation of these terms may vary depending on the context and the preferences of individuals or development teams.