Introduction to Python

Learn the fundamentals of Python programming language - the essential tool for AI and machine learning development

📘 What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It's widely used in AI, data science, web development, and automation.

🔧 Installing Python

Windows:

1. Download from python.org
2. Run the installer
3. Check "Add Python to PATH"

macOS:

# Using Homebrew
brew install python

# Or download from python.org

Linux:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3

# CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install python3

🏃 Running Python Scripts

Interactive Mode:

python3
>>> print("Hello, World!")
Hello, World!

Script Mode

Create a Python file and run it:

# hello.py
print("Hello, World!")
print("Welcome to Python programming!")

# Expected output:
# Hello, World!
# Welcome to Python programming!

python3 hello.py

💻 Python IDEs

IDLE (Built-in)

• Comes with Python installation
• Good for beginners
• Basic features

VS Code

• Free and powerful
• Great extensions
• Popular choice

PyCharm

• Professional IDE
• Advanced features
• Free Community Edition

Jupyter Notebooks

• Interactive coding
• Great for data science
• Web-based interface

🎯 Why Python for AI?

• Simple syntax - Easy to learn and read
• Rich libraries - NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, PyTorch
• Community support - Large, active community
• Versatility - Web development, automation, data analysis
• Integration - Works well with other languages

🚀 Next Steps

Ready to start coding? Let's learn about Python's basic syntax in the next lesson!

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Continue to: Basic Syntax →