Chapter 1 - Introduction (Python)

What will print() create if entered into the console

" " (a blank space)

What are the two most important benefits of Python?

- Simple and easy to use - Portable between computer systems and various OSs -Easy to test in an interactive environment

What are the two types of storage?

-Primary -Secondary

function

A collection of programming instructions that carry out a particular task

terminal window

A place to execute a program

Integrated development environment

A place to write and test programs

text editor

A program that functions like a word processor to enter Python/coding instructions

run-time error

Any error that occurs when the program compiles and runs, but produces unexpected results

argument

Any value the function needs to carry out its task. Always enclosed in parentheses

What are computers good for?

For repetitive tasks

Who invented Python?

Guido van Possum in the early 1990s

high-level programming languages

Languages that allow a programmer to specify the desired program actions at a high level that are automatically translated into the more detailed instructions required by the CPU.

Primary storage

Made from memory chips to store data when supplied with electric power

logic error

Program runs, but does the wrong thing

Secondary storage (hard disk)

Provides slower and less expensive storage that persists without electricity.

compiler

Reads the file containing the source code and translates them into byte code

What does a hard disk consist of?

Rotating platters coated in a magnetic material and read/write heads, which can detect and change the magnetic flux on the platters.

What is an interpreter?

Something that reads a program and executes all of its steps

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The "heart" of a computer that performs program control and data processing. Carries out arithmetic operations and fetches data from external memory.

hardware

The physical computer and peripheral devices

exception

When an instruction is syntactically correct, but is impossible to perform.

compile-time/syntax error(s)

When something is wrong based on the rules of the language.

comment

a piece of writing not to be executed by the machine. In python these are noted with "#"

virtual machine

a separate program that is similar to the CPU of a computer

string

a sequence of characters enclosed in quotation marks.

Network

an interconnected set of computers

statements

line of code (ex. print() )

How to print something in Python 3?

print("text")

folder/directory

something that can contain files as well as other folders/directories

Computer program

tells a computer a sequence of steps needed to fulfill a task

programming

the act of designing and implementing computer programs

source code

the instructions written by the programmer

Python shell

the interface for working in an interactive mode

software

the programs the computer executes

>>>

the prompt. (Indicates that you can enter instructions)

Where are data and programs saved on a computer?

the secondary storage. This is then loaded into memory when the program is started and modified data sent back to secondary storage.

byte code

very simple instructions that are understood by the virtual machine

How do you separate values in Python?

with commas