Session 1 - Introduction to Python

Grade 6 Computer Science

Learning Objectives

Know what Python is.
Learn how to install Python.
Understand the Python IDLE.
Identify the parts of the IDLE window.
Write simple Python commands in Interactive Mode.

1. About Python

Python is a high-level programming language that is easy to learn and use. It was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. Python is popular because its commands are simple and easy to read.

Uses of Python

Making games
Creating websites
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Data Science
Robotics
Mobile applications

2. Installing Python

Follow these steps:

Visit the official Python website: https://www.python.org
Click Downloads.
Download the latest version.
Run the installer.
Tick Add Python to PATH.
Click Install Now.
Wait until installation finishes.

3. Getting Started with Python

After installing Python, open the program called IDLE. IDLE is the place where we write and run Python programs.

>>> print("Hello, World!")

This command displays:

Hello, World!

4. Components of IDLE

Component	Purpose
Title Bar	Shows the program name.
Menu Bar	Contains File, Edit, Run, Help, etc.
Shell Window	Where Python commands are typed.
Prompt (>>>)	Indicates Python is ready to accept commands.
Output Area	Displays the result of commands.

5. Working with Interactive Mode

Interactive Mode lets us type one command at a time and immediately see the result.

Examples

>>> 8 + 5 13

>>> print("Welcome") Welcome

>>> 15 * 4 60

Advantages

Easy for beginners.
Instant results.
Useful for testing small programs.
Helps in learning Python quickly.

Summary

Python is an easy programming language.
It was developed by Guido van Rossum.
IDLE is used to write and run Python programs.
The Shell Window contains the >>> prompt.
Interactive Mode executes one command at a time.

Practice Questions

Choose the Correct Answer

Who developed Python?
What is IDLE used for?
Which symbol is the Python prompt?
Which mode gives immediate output?
Name one use of Python.

Activity

Open Python IDLE and type the following commands:

>>> print("My Name") >>> 25 + 15 >>> 12 * 5