Introduction to Python Syntax

Python is celebrated for its easy-to-read syntax, making it an excellent language for beginners. It shares some similarities with languages like Perl, C, and Java but has unique features that set it apart. Let’s explore the basics of Python syntax and understand how to write a simple Python program.

Your First Python Program

Python allows you to write and execute programs in two modes: Interactive Mode and Script Mode. Here’s how you can get started with both:

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

$ python3 test.py
Hello, World!
        

Understanding Python Identifiers

Python identifiers are used to name variables, functions, classes, and more. Here are the key rules:

• Identifiers can contain letters (A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9), and underscores (_).
• They must start with a letter or underscore.
• Python is case-sensitive, so manpower and Manpower are different.

Python Lines and Indentation

Python uses indentation to define code blocks, instead of braces ({ }). Indentation is mandatory and ensures code readability. Example:

if True:
    print("True")
else:
    print("False")
    

Python Comments

Comments in Python help make the code more readable. Use a hash (#) for single-line comments or triple quotes (''') for multi-line comments.

# Single-line comment
print("Hello, World!")  # Inline comment

'''
This is a multi-line
comment.
'''