1. Python Intro

Python can be used for: AI and machine learning, Data analytics, Data visualisation, Programming applications, Game development, Web development and system scripting.

Python has syntax that allows developers to write programs with fewer lines than most other programming languages.

Mu editor is useful for microbit programming, as well as python, but lacks file management. Thonny, PyCharm and VSCode are popular IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) used to manage files.

1.1. Python Indentation

Python uses indentation to indicate a block of code for selection and iteration and definition.

Indentation refers to the spaces at the beginning of a code line.

The number of spaces is flexible, but is usually 4 spaces for each indentation.

A tab press can be used instead of 4 spaces, with editors converting the tab to 4 spaces.

Errors results from not using the same number of spaces in the same block of code or for not applying indentation in blocks after a colon (:).

Indentation is required in any block of code where the header line starts with a keyword: (if, elif, else, for, while, def, class, try, except, finally, with) and ends with a colon (:).

Code examples showing indentation:

dice = "5"
if dice == "6":
    print("Win")
elif dice == "1":
    print("Loose")
else:
    print("Roll again.")

for x in "banana":
    print(x)

i = 10
while i > 0:
    print(i)
    i -= 1
print("Go.")

def my_function():
    print("Hello from a function")

Blocks of code nested within other blocks of code need to be indented to the same level of nesting.

num = 3
if num < 0:
    print("Negative number")
else:
    if num == 0:
        print("Zero")
    else:
        print("Positive number")

for x in "ABC":
    for y in "123":
        print(x, y)