The Python Basics Cheat Sheet for Beginners

Python reads almost like English, which is exactly why it is the most recommended first language. There is very little punctuation to fight, the rules are consistent, and it is used everywhere - from automating small tasks to data work to full web apps. Learn the handful of ideas below and you can start building real things.

• A variable is a named box for a value: name = "Sam"
• String - text, in quotes: greeting = "hello"
• Integer - a whole number: age = 30
• Float - a decimal number: price = 9.99
• Boolean - true or false: is_ready = True
• You do not declare the type - Python figures it out from the value.

pythonname = "Sam"
age = 30
print("Hello,", name)   # Hello, Sam
print(age + 1)          # 31

python# if / else
if age >= 18:
    print("adult")
else:
    print("minor")

# for loop
for n in range(3):
    print(n)   # 0, 1, 2

pythondef greet(name):
    return "Hello, " + name

message = greet("Sam")
print(message)   # Hello, Sam

• A list is an ordered collection: fruits = ["apple", "pear"]. Get the first with fruits[0].
• A dictionary is labeled data - keys and values: user = {"name": "Sam", "age": 30}. Get a value with user["name"].
• Loop over a list with 'for fruit in fruits:' and over a dictionary's items with 'for key, value in user.items():'.

pythonfruits = ["apple", "pear", "plum"]
for fruit in fruits:
    print(fruit)

user = {"name": "Sam", "age": 30}
print(user["name"])   # Sam

Save your code in a file ending in .py, then run it from the terminal with 'python filename.py' (or 'python3 filename.py' on some systems). That is the whole loop: write, save, run, see the output, adjust.