A programming language is a rule-based way to communicate instructions to a computer. Python is a high-level language: it is easier to read than assembly language, while remaining different from natural English. section 1.1.1 section 1.2.1
Programming languages help people:
- Write data-analysis tools, games, websites, visualizations, file organizers, and routine-task automation. section 1.2.1
- Choose readable instructions instead of writing assembly or machine code directly. section 1.2.1
- Express instructions that software converts into machine code before the computer runs them. section 1.2.1
A small Python rule
The loop `for num in range(0, 9):` prints 0 through 8, not 9. Python's range function stops before its second number; producing 0 through 9 requires `range(0, 10)`. section 1.1.1
for num in range(0, 9):
print(num)
Inspect the short Python loop that demonstrates readable syntax and the range rule. section 1.1.1
