Python Tutorial

Today, Python is one of the most popular programming languages. Although it is a general-purpose language, it’s used in areas such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, web development, IoT, automation, and more.

This tutorial is written for beginners and progresses from basic to advanced concepts. After completing it, you’ll be well-equipped to move toward becoming a world-class software engineer.

Version note: This Python tutorial is based on the latest Python 3.13 release.

What is Python?

Python is a popular general-purpose, interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, high-level programming language. It is dynamically typed and garbage-collected. Python was created by Guido van Rossum during 1985–1990. Like Perl, Python source code is available under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Python “Hello, World!”

The classic first program prints Hello, World! using the print() function.

# Python code to print "Hello, World!"
print("Hello, World!")
# This is my first Python program.
# This will print 'Hello, World!' as the output

print("Hello, World!")

Characteristics of Python

  • Supports functional, structured, and object-oriented programming.
  • Usable as a scripting language or compiled to byte-code for large applications.
  • Rich dynamic data types and dynamic type checking.
  • Automatic garbage collection.
  • Easy integration with C, C++, COM, ActiveX, CORBA, and Java.

Applications of Python

Python’s readability and versatility power many domains:

  • Data Science: Libraries like NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib for analysis and visualization.
  • Web Development: Frameworks such as Django and Pyramid speed building and deployment.
  • Computer Vision & Image Processing: Broad ecosystem for perception tasks.
  • Automation & Scripting: Job scheduling, GUIs, DevOps workflows, and more.

Features of Python

  • Easy to learn: Few keywords and clear syntax.
  • Easy to read: Highly readable code.
  • Easy to maintain: Clean source with strong conventions.
  • Broad standard library: Portable across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Interactive mode: Great for testing and debugging snippets.
  • Portable: Runs consistently on many platforms.
  • Extendable: Add low-level modules for performance or customization.
  • Databases: Interfaces for all major commercial and open-source databases.
  • GUI programming: Build desktop apps with multiple toolkits.
  • Scalable: Solid structure for large programs.

Python Database Handling

Learn to work with popular databases:

  • Python MongoDB Tutorial
  • Python MySQL Tutorial
  • Python PostgreSQL Tutorial
  • Python SQLite Tutorial

Python Reference

  • Python Complete Reference
  • Python Built-in Functions Reference
  • Python Modules Reference
  • Python Keywords Reference
  • Python Cheatsheet

Python Practice

Practice with these resources:

  • Python Quick Guide
  • Python Online Quiz
  • Python Interview Questions & Answers
  • Python Exercises:
    • String Exercises
    • List Exercises
    • Tuple Exercises
    • Set Exercises
    • Dictionary Exercises
    • Array Exercises

Python Jobs

Python developers remain in high demand worldwide for roles spanning web development, back-end services, data science, AI/ML, and more. Salaries vary by location, experience, and domain. Many major companies use Python, including:

  • Google
  • Intel
  • NASA
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • IBM
  • Amazon
  • Netflix
  • Pinterest
  • Uber
  • and many more…

Use this tutorial to prepare for technical interviews and certification exams at your own pace.

Why Learn Python?

Python ranks among the world’s most popular languages and is beginner-friendly. It’s taught widely in schools and universities and offers clear advantages:

  • Open-source and free.
  • Simple and easy to learn.
  • Versatile—web, data, AI/ML, automation, games, and more.
  • Powerful libraries across domains.
  • Strong market demand and competitive salaries.

Key Advantages

  • Interpreted: No separate compilation step—execute directly.
  • Interactive: Use the REPL to test ideas quickly.
  • Object-Oriented: Encapsulate code in classes and objects.
  • Beginner-friendly: Great for first-time programmers; supports everything from simple scripts to full applications.

Careers with Python

  • Game Developer
  • Web Designer / Developer
  • Python Developer
  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Software Engineer

Download Python

Get Python from the official website: https://www.python.org/downloads/

Python Updates & New Features

The current stable version is Python 3.13 (released October 7, 2024). Python 3.14 is under active development with notable items such as:

  • PEP 649: Deferred evaluation of annotations.
  • PEP 741: Python configuration C API.
  • PEP 761: Sigstore replaces PGP signatures for verification.
  • Improved error messages.

Target Audience

This tutorial is for beginners aiming to master Python fundamentals and advance to intermediate and advanced topics.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with programming concepts—variables, commands, syntax—will help you move faster through the material.

Python Questions & Answers

Explore curated Q&A to test your understanding: Python Questions & Answers.

Quick Guide

Toggle Quick Guide
  • Variables & Types
  • Control Flow (if/for/while)
  • Functions & Modules
  • Data Structures (list/tuple/set/dict)
  • Files & Exceptions
  • OOP Basics
  • Virtual Environments & Packaging

Resources

Toggle Resources

Discussion

Questions, feedback, or tips? Drop a comment below and share what you’re building with Python!