Python Coding Introduction Glossary

Quick reference for terms used in this workshop.

Python: A popular programming language known for being easy to read and used in web development, science, AI, and more.

variable: A named container that stores a value; like a labeled box for information.

string: Text data wrapped in quotes, like "Hello" or 'World'.

integer: A whole number without a decimal point, like 42 or -5. Also called int.

float: A number with a decimal point, like 3.14 or 72.5.

boolean: True or False values (capitalized in Python): True or False.

print(): A Python function that displays information in the terminal.

input(): A Python function that shows a prompt and waits for the user to type a response.

f-string: A formatted string that starts with f and lets you put variables inside {}, like f"Hello, {name}".

if: A keyword that runs code only when a condition is true.

else: A keyword that runs code when the if condition is false.

elif: Short for “else if”; checks another condition when the first if is false.

condition: An expression that evaluates to True or False, like age == 13.

== (equals operator): Checks if two values are the same. Different from = which assigns a value.

= (assignment operator): Gives a value to a variable, like name = "Alex".

indentation: Spaces at the beginning of a line that tell Python which code belongs together.

snake_case: Python’s naming style where words are lowercase and separated by underscores: my_variable_name.

syntax: The rules for writing valid Python code.

error: A message telling you something is wrong in your code (helpful!).

terminal: A text-based interface to control your computer using commands.

comment: A note in code that Python ignores, starting with #.