Python
Introduction
This is a reference handout for the Python elements covered in this unit. The sheets include short
explanations, brief notes, syntax, and selected examples.
The content has been grouped into categories:
● Variables, assignments, operators, and expressions
● Output and input
Output
The print function displays literals (e.g. numbers, text) and
the values of variables and expressions.
Syntax
print(comma-separated literals, variables, expressions)
Examples
Display the string literal
print("Hello world") "Hello world"
Display a string literal and the value of
print("Hello", user) the user variable
Display, among others, the value of
print(x, "times two is”, 2*x) the expression 2*x
Input
The input function reads a line of text from the keyboard and
returns it.
Syntax
input()
Notes
Assign the value returned by input to a variable, if you need to
refer to that value later in your program.
Use the int function to convert the text returned by input to an
integer.
Use the float function to convert the text returned by input to a
floating-point number.
Examples
Read text from the keyboard and
name = input() assign it to the name variable
Read text from the keyboard, convert
years = int(input()) it to an integer, and assign it to the
years variable
Read text from the keyboard and
input() discard it (useful for pausing execution
until Enter is pressed)
Assignment
An assignment statement evaluates an expression and
associates its value with the name of a variable (an identifier).
Syntax
variable name = expression
Notes
Do not interpret the = sign as an equation. Assignments are actions
to be performed.
Read assignments from right to left, i.e. evaluate the expression
and then assign the value to the variable.
A variable name can only refer to a single value. A new
assignment to a variable replaces the previous value of the
variable.
Examples
Assign the string literal "Ada" to the
name = "Ada" name variable
Evaluate the expression 365*years and
days = 365*years assign the value to the days variable
Call the randint function and assign
dice = randint(1,6) the value it returns to the dice variable
Evaluate the expression count+1 and
count = count+1 assign the value to count,
i.e. increase count by 1
Evaluate the expression 2*a and assign
a = 2*a the value to a,
i.e. double the value of a
Operators and expressions
Arithmetic Relational (comparisons)
Perform calculations with numbers. The Compare the values of expressions. The
result of these operations is also a number. result of these operations is either True or
False (so relational operators form logical
Addition: + expressions).
Subtraction: -
Multiplication: * Equal to:
==
Division: /
Not equal to:
Integer division: // !=
Remainder: % Less than:
Exponent: ** <
Less than or equal to: <=
Greater than: >
Notes
Greater than or equal to: >=
Logical expressions evaluate to either True or
False.
Logical
‘Logical expression’ is a synonym for
condition. To evaluate a logical expression is Negate or combine logical expressions. The
to check a condition. result of these operations is either True or
False.
Negation:
not
Examples Conjunction:
and
3 + 13 * 3 Disjunction: An arithmetic expression involving
operators and literals
or
An arithmetic expression involving
2**8 - letters - numbers - symbols operators, literals, and variables
A logical expression, comparing the
applications <= positions values of two variables
A logical expression, checking if the
a + b == c - d values of two expressions are equal
A logical expression, which is the
user != "Ada" and logins < 3 conjunction of two simpler logical
expressions
