Programming Languages Academy - Python for Beginners: The Biggest Python Programming Crash Course for Beginners

Programming has come a long way. The world of programming may have started quite some time ago; it was only a couple of decades ago that it gained attention from computer experts from across the globe. This sudden shift saw some great minds who contributed to the entire age of programming far more significant than most. We saw the great GNU project take shape during this era. We came across the rather brilliant Linux. New programming languages were born as well, and people certainly enjoyed these to the utmost.

While most of these programming languages worked, there was something that was missing. Surely, something could be done to make coding a less tedious task to do and carry out. That is precisely what a revolutionary new language, named after Monty Pythons Flying Circus, did for the world. Immediately, coding became so much easier for programmers. The use of this language started gaining momentum, and today, it is set to overtake the only language that stands before it to claim the prestigious spot of being the worlds most favored language.

This language was the brainchild of Guido Van Rossum. Created in the year 1991, Python has become a byword for efficient and user-friendly programming. This language is what connected the dots and gave programmers the much-needed ease of coding that they have since been yearning for. Naturally, the language was received well by the programming community. Today, it is one of the most critical languages for both professionals and students who aim to excel in fields like Machine Learning, automation, artificial intelligence, and so much more.

With real-life examples showing a wide variety of use, Python is now living and breathing in almost every major social platform, web application, and website. All of this sounds interesting and exciting at the same time, but what if you have no prior knowledge about programming? What if you have no understanding of basic concepts and you wish to learn Python?

I am happy to report that this book will provide you with every possible chance to learn Python and allow you to jump-start your journey into the world of programming. This book is ideally meant for people who have zero understanding of programming and/or may have never coded a single line of programs before.

I will walk you through all the basic steps from installation to application. We will look into various aspects of the language and hopefully provide you with real-life examples to further explain the importance of such aspects. The idea of this book is to prepare you as you learn the core concepts of Python. After this book, you should have no problem choosing your path ahead. The basics will always remain the same, and this book ensures that each one of those basic elements is covered in the most productive way possible. I will try to keep the learning process as fun as I can without deviating from the learning itself.

Wait. Did you not say I dont need to know anything about programming? Well, yes! You do not have to worry about programming or their concepts at the moment, and when the time comes, I will do my best to explain those. What is needed of you is something a little more obvious.

Computer: Like I said, obvious! You need a machine of your own to download and practice the material and matter you learn from here. To make the most out of the book, practice as you read. This greatly increases your confidence and allows you to keep a steady pace. The specifications do not matter much. Most modern machines (2012 and above) should be able to run each of the components without posing any problem.

An internet connection: You will be required to download a few files from the internet.

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE): If, for some reason, you felt intimidated by this terminology, relax! I will be guiding you through each and every step to ensure you have all of these and know what they are all about. For now, just imagine this as a text editor.

A fresh mind: There is no point in learning if your mind is not there with you. Be fresh, be comfortable. This may take a little practice and a little time, but it will all be worth it.

That is quite literally all that you need. Before we go on into our very first chapter of the book and start learning the essentials, there is but one more thing I would like to clarify right away.

Suppose you picked up a copy of this book or are considering it, under the impression that the book will teach you all the basics about Python, a good choice! However, if you are of the idea that by the end of the book, you will turn out to be a fully trained professional with an understanding of things like machine learning and other advanced Python fields, please understand that this would fall outside the scope of this book.

This book is to serve as a guide, a crash course of a sort. To learn more advanced methods and skills, you will first need to establish command over all the basic elements and components of the language. Once done, it is highly recommended to seek out books that are for advanced learning.

What I can recommend you to do is to continue practicing your codes after you have completed the book. Unlike driving and swimming, which you will remember for the rest of your life, even if you stop doing them, Python continues to update itself. It is essential that you keep yourself in practice and continue to code small programs like simple calculators, number predictors, and so on. There are quite a few exercises you can come across online.

For advanced courses, refer to Udemy.com. It is one of the finest sources to gain access to some exceptional courses and learn new dimensions of programming, amongst many other fields.

Phew! Now that this is out of the way, I shall give you a minute to flex your muscles, adjust your seat, and have a glass of water; we are ready to begin our journey into the world of Python.