Advanced Python Coding Glossary

Quick reference for terms used in this workshop.

list: An ordered collection of items stored in a single variable. Items are wrapped in [] and separated by commas: inventory = ["torch", "map"].

index: The position of an item in a list, starting at 0. inventory[0] gets the first item.

append(): A list method that adds an item to the end: inventory.append("key").

dictionary: A collection of key-value pairs wrapped in {}. Used to group related data: room = {"name": "Cave", "exits": ["north"]}.

key: The label used to look up a value in a dictionary, like "name" in room["name"].

value: The data stored at a key in a dictionary. Values can be strings, numbers, lists, or other dicts.

function: A named, reusable block of code that performs a specific job. Defined with def.

parameter: A variable in a function definition that receives a value when the function is called: def describe_room(room): — room is the parameter.

argument: The actual value passed into a function when you call it: describe_room(rooms["cave"]) — rooms["cave"] is the argument.

return: A keyword that sends a value back from a function to wherever it was called.

call: Running a function by writing its name followed by ().

class: A blueprint for creating objects. Defines what data (attributes) and actions (methods) those objects have.

object: A specific instance created from a class. player = Player("Alex") creates one Player object.

attribute: A variable that belongs to an object, like player.name or player.health.

method: A function that belongs to a class, like player.take_damage(10).

self: Inside a class method, self refers to the specific object the method is acting on.

__init__: A special method called automatically when you create a new object. Sets up starting values.

module: A Python file that contains code you can import and use in another file.

import: A keyword that loads code from another file or library: from player import Player.

JSON: JavaScript Object Notation — a text format for storing data. Python’s json module reads and writes it.

file I/O: Reading from and writing to files. open("file.json", "w") opens for writing; "r" opens for reading.

event loop: A loop that waits for input, handles it, and repeats — the pattern driving the game’s command system.

lambda: A short, one-line function written without def: lambda p, r: show_inventory(p).