Understanding the various terms and concepts in Python is essential for beginners who want to navigate the language efficiently. This Python Reference Glossary aims to provide clear definitions and examples, making it easier for newcomers to grasp key programming terms and concepts foundational to Python.
I. Introduction
Purpose of the Glossary: This glossary serves as a quick reference for defining important Python keywords and concepts, facilitating better learning for novices.
Importance of Python references: Given the versatility and popularity of Python in various fields, having a reference point is crucial for understanding syntax, functions, and structure.
II. A
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
and | Logical operator that returns True if both operands are true. |
x = True y = False result = x and y # False |
as | Used to create an alias for a module when importing. |
import numpy as np |
assert | Used for debugging purposes to test if a condition is true. |
assert x > 0, "x must be positive" |
async | Defines a function as asynchronous, allowing it to be paused and resumed. |
async def my_coroutine(): await some_other_coroutine() |
await | Used to call an asynchronous function and wait for its result. |
result = await my_coroutine() |
III. B
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
break | Exits the nearest enclosing loop. |
for i in range(5): if i == 3: break # exits loop |
continue | Skips the current iteration of a loop and continues with the next. |
for i in range(5): if i == 2: continue # skips this iteration |
class | Defines a new user-defined class. |
class MyClass: pass |
def | Starts the definition of a function. |
def my_function(): print("Hello World") |
del | Deletes a reference to an object. |
x = 10 del x # x no longer exists |
IV. C
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
class | See above |
class Animal: pass |
continued | See above |
for i in range(5): if i == 2: continue |
complex | Defines a complex number. |
z = complex(1, 2) # 1 + 2i |
commons | Often used to refer to commonly used libraries. |
import json # common library for handling JSON data. |
V. D
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
def | See above |
def my_function() pass |
del | See above |
del my_variable |
dict | Creates a dictionary object for key-value pairs. |
my_dict = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25} |
dir | List the attributes and methods of an object. |
dir(my_dict) # lists keys and methods of the dict |
VI. E
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
elif | Allows checking multiple expressions for True. |
if x < 0: print("Negative") elif x == 0: print("Zero") else: print("Positive") |
else | Defines the block of code to run if conditions are false. |
if x < 0: print("Negative") else: print("Positive") |
except | Used to catch and handle exceptions. |
try: x = 1 / 0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Cannot divide by zero") |
exec | Executes dynamically created code in a string. |
exec("print('Hello World')") |
VII. F
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
for | Starts a for loop to iterate over a sequence. |
for i in range(5): print(i) |
from | Used in import statements to import specific parts of a module. |
from math import sqrt |
function | A block of reusable code that performs a specific task. |
def my_function(): return "This is a function" |
VIII. G
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
global | Declares a variable as global inside a function. |
global_var = 5 def my_function(): global global_var global_var = 10 |
if | Starts a conditional statement. |
if x > 0: print("Positive") |
import | Brings in modules to be used in the program. |
import random |
in | Checks for membership in a sequence. |
if 1 in [1, 2, 3]: print("1 is in the list") |
is | Tests for object identity. |
a = [1, 2] b = a print(a is b) # True |
IX. L
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
lambda | Creates an anonymous function. |
square = lambda x: x * x print(square(5)) # 25 |
length | Returns the number of items in an object. |
len([1, 2, 3]) # 3 |
X. N
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
None | Represents the absence of a value. |
x = None |
not | Logical operator that returns True if the operand is false. |
x = False result = not x # True |
XII. O
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
or | Logical operator that returns True if at least one operand is true. |
x = True y = False result = x or y # True |
open | Opens a file and returns a file object. |
with open("file.txt", "r") as f: content = f.read() |
XIII. P
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
pass | Null statement; a placeholder for future code. |
if x > 0: pass # TODO: Add code later |
raise | Raises an exception. |
raise ValueError("Invalid value") |
return | Exits a function and optionally passes back a value. |
def add(a, b): return a + b |
XIV. S
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
and | See above |
True and False # returns False |
class | See above |
class Person: pass |
def | See above |
def greet(): print("Hello!") |
import | See above |
import math |
XV. T
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
try | Encloses code that may throw an exception. |
try: x = 1 / 0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Error!") |
while | Starts a while loop that continues as long as a condition is true. |
while x < 5: x += 1 |
XVI. W
Term | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
with | Used to wrap the execution of a block with methods defined by a context manager. |
with open("file.txt", "r") as f: content = f.read() |
yield | Used in a function to make it a generator function. |
def generator_function(): yield 1 yield 2 |
XVII. Conclusion
Summary of Key Terms: This glossary introduced essential Python keywords and their definitions. Mastering these terms lays a solid foundation for further programming.
Encouragement for Further Learning: Keep practicing these concepts and explore additional resources, tutorials, and projects to enhance your understanding of Python and programming in general.
FAQ
- What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and versatility. - How can I run Python code?
You can run Python code in several ways, including through interactive prompt, scripting environments, or integrated development environments (IDEs) like PyCharm or VSCode. - Where can I learn Python?
Many online platforms, including Codecademy, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp, offer comprehensive courses on Python. - What are Python libraries?
Libraries are collections of pre-written code that make it easier to perform specific tasks, such as data manipulation and machine learning.
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