Python is a popular programming language known for its simplicity and readability. Even if you have no coding background, you can start learning Python easily.

This tutorial covers the basics:

  1. Assignment: Storing data in variables.
  2. Expressions: Performing calculations or evaluating logic.
  3. Print Statements: Displaying information on the screen.

1. Assignment in Python

An assignment means giving a value to a variable. A variable is like a container where you can store data, such as numbers or text.

Syntax:

variable_name = value

Examples:

# Assigning numbers to variables
x = 10
y = 20

# Assigning text (called a string) to a variable
name = "Alice"

# Assigning a decimal number
price = 99.99

# Assigning a calculation (expression)
total = x + y

Explanation:

  • x now holds the value 10.
  • name holds the text "Alice".
  • total is calculated as 10 + 20, so its value is 30.

2. Expressions in Python

An expression is anything that evaluates to a value. It can involve numbers, text, or even logical conditions.

Mathematical Expressions:

a = 5
b = 3

# Addition
sum_result = a + b  # 8

# Subtraction
difference = a - b  # 2

# Multiplication
product = a * b  # 15

# Division
quotient = a / b  # 1.6667

Logical Expressions:

Logical expressions compare values and return True or False.

x = 10
y = 20

is_equal = (x == y)  # False
is_greater = (x > y)  # False
is_smaller = (x < y)  # True

Combining Expressions:

You can mix expressions together.

final_value = (x + y) * 2 - 5  # 55

3. Print Statements in Python

The print() function is used to display information on the screen. This is how your program communicates with you!

Basic Printing:

print("Hello, World!")  # Displays: Hello, World!

Printing Variables:

name = "Alice"
age = 25
print("Name:", name)  # Displays: Name: Alice
print("Age:", age)    # Displays: Age: 25

Combining Text and Variables:

price = 99.99
print("The price is:", price)  # Displays: The price is: 99.99

Using f-strings for Better Formatting:

An f-string allows you to insert variables directly into text.

name = "Alice"
age = 25
print(f"My name is {name} and I am {age} years old.")
# Displays: My name is Alice and I am 25 years old.

Putting It All Together

Let’s combine assignment, expressions, and print statements into a full example.

# Assign values
x = 10
y = 5

# Perform calculations
sum_result = x + y
product_result = x * y

# Print results
print("Sum of x and y is:", sum_result)         # Displays: Sum of x and y is: 15
print("Product of x and y is:", product_result) # Displays: Product of x and y is: 50

# Combine with f-strings
print(f"The sum of {x} and {y} is {sum_result}, and their product is {product_result}.")
# Displays: The sum of 10 and 5 is 15, and their product is 50.

Sample Outputs

Here’s what you’d see on your screen if you ran the above code:

Sum of x and y is: 15
Product of x and y is: 50
The sum of 10 and 5 is 15, and their product is 50.

Practice Problems

Try these on your own to solidify your understanding:

  1. Assign your favorite food to a variable and print it.
  2. Assign two numbers, calculate their difference, and print it.
  3. Use f-strings to create a message like: “I scored 90% in math.”