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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
171 views71 pagesLinux Tricks and Tips - 12th Ed 2022
linux
Uploaded by
Manoj Kumar GautamCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 71
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Linux Coding Tricks & Tips is the perfect
digital publication for the user that wants to take their skill
set to the next level. Do you want to enhance your user
experience? Or wish to gain insider knowledge? Do you
want to learn directly from experts in their field? Learn the
numerous short cuts that the professionals use? Over the
pages of the new advanced user guide you will learn
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“There's more to Linux than simply being a free to use operating system. Its
unique configuration allows the user to customise and personalise the OS
into any form they wish. A Linux user can change their OS look and feel from
one day to the next, install thousands of freely available apps and programs
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Python out of all the rest?
ic work, others for mobile platforms and such. So why choose
PYTHON POWER
Ever:
ce the earliest home computers were available, enthusiasts, users and professionals have toiled away until the wee
hours, slaving over an overheating heap of circuitry to create something akin to magic.
“These pioneers of programming carved their way into anew
Frontier, Forging small routines that enabled the letter 'N'to scroll
across the screen. Itmay not sound terribly exciting toa generation
that's used to ultra high-definition graphics and open world, multi-
player online gaming. However, Fortysomething years agoit was,
blindinaly briliant.
Naturally these bedroom coders helped form the Foundations for
‘every piece of digital technology we use today. Some went on to,
become chief developers for top software companies, whereas
‘thers pushed the available hardware to its limits and Founded the
billion pound gaming empire that continually amazes us.
Regardless of whether you use an Android device, iOS device, PC,
Mac, Linux, Smart TV, games console, MP3 player, GPS device builtin
toa car, set-top box or athousand other connected and ‘smart’
appliances, behind them allis programming.
Allthose aforementioned digital devices need instructions to tell
them what to do, and allow them to be interacted with. These
instructions Form the programming core of the device and that core
canbe built using a variety of programming languages.
‘The languagesin use today differ depending on the situation, the
platform, the device's use and how the device will interact with its
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‘and such are usually a combination of C++, CH, assembly and some
Form of visual-based language. Games generally use C++ whilst web
pages can use a plethora of available languages such as HTML, Java,
Python and so.on,
More general-purpose programming is used to create programs,
‘apps, software or whatever else you wanttto cal them. They/re
‘widely used across al hardware platforms and suit vitually every
‘conceivable application. Some operate Faster than others and some
are easierto learn and use than others. Python isone such general-
purpose language.
Python is what's known asa High-Level Language, in thatit ‘talks!
to the hardware and operating system using a variety of arrays,
variables, objects, arithmetic, subroutines, loops and countless
‘move interactions, Whilst t's nat as streamlined as a Low-Level
Language, which can deal directly with memory addresses, call
stacks and registers, its benefits that i's universally accessible
and easy to learn,
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(why Python:
Python was created over twenty six years ago and has evolved to,
become an ideal beginner's language for learning how to program 2
computer. ts perfect forthe hobbyist, enthusiast, student, teacher
and those who simply need to create their own unique interaction
between either themselves or apiece of external hardware and the
computer itself.
Python i free to download, install and use and is avallable for Linux,
Windows, macOS, MS-D05, 05/2, 8e0S, IBM series machines, and
even RISC OS. Ithas been voted one ofthe top five programming
languages n the world andis continually evolving ahead of the
hardware and internet development curve.
So to answer the question: why python? Simply put, is Free, easy to
learn, exceptionally powerful, universally accepted, effective and 2
superb learning and educational tool.
BASIC was once the starter language that early
‘-bit home computer users learned.
ea
Python isa more modern take on BASIC, it's easy to learn
‘and makes for an ideal beginner's programming language.5
Python on Linux
How to Set Up
Python in Linux
PYTHON PENGUIN
Linux is such a versatile operating system that it's often difficult to nail down just one way of doing something. Different
distributions go about installing software in different ways, so we're sticking with Linux Mint for this particular tutorial.
PSTISPDD Fist younced to ascertain which version of Python
's currently installed in your Linux system. To begin
‘ith, drop into a Terminal session from your dstro's menu or hit the
CUrisalteTkeys.
davidedavid-Mint:~
Fle Edit View Search Terminal Help
FSTEeED Next enter python =-version into the Terminal
screen, You should have the output relating to
version 2.x of Python in the display. By default, most Linux distros,
come with both Python 2 and 3, as there's plenty of code out there
stil available for Python 2. Now enter: python3 --version.
davidedavid nine: ~
bore
eer |
PEPIIED) |: ou: case we have both Python 2 and 3 installed,
‘as long as Python 3.xxisinstalled, then the code in
ourtutorials will work. I's always worth checking to see if the distro
has been updated with the latest versions, so enter: sudo apt-get
update && sudo apt-get upgrade to update the system,
Once the update and upgrade completes, enter
SAD pythons version aganto seit Python 3x
is updated or even installed; as long as you have Python 3.x you're
running the most recent major version, The numbers ater the 3,
indicate patches and further updates. Often they're unnecessary
but can contain vital new elements,How to Set Up Python in Linux a
FER owevestyouantthe ites, cting edge ERB warn re ryenon der enter
version you ned to bul Python om source, Stat ventions
by entering these commands into the Terminal: 5 ~
do nate oltinstalt
do opt-get install build-essential checkinstall
ST SETTER Ths cold tale awhile cepecng onthe sped ofyourcomuter
libncursesw5-dev libssl-dev Libsqlite3-dev tk-dev Once fleshed, enter: PIERO REEVES TON to check the
Hinisre se inaled bes verson Younow hae Phan 2 stale alongside
older Python 3.xx and Python 2.
BETTE open up your Linux web browser and go to FETEEERD Fo" the GUIIDLE, you need to enter the following
the Python download page: www.python.org/
‘downloads. Click on Downloads Followed by the button under
the Python Source window. This opens.a download dialogue box, SUd0 apt-get install idle3
‘choose a location and start the dawnload process,
command into the Terminal
The IDLE can then be started with the command idle3, Note that
IDLE runsa different version from the one you installed from source.
inthe Terminal goth Downloads flderby FE outs need AP Pp instals Packages whchisa
tntering ed Domtoads/ Thenuralp the contents tooltohepyouhstalimore odulsand extras
ofthe downioaced thon sous code th A £5
SL. -¥-tar-x2reoucing he Y's ith the version numbers noe echas hannah acento
you've downloaded. Now enter the newly unzipped Folder with ed ee a ie ed rac, oe cae ace a
Python-3.Y.¥/, pip3 install --upgrade pip
When complete, close the Terminal and Python 3.x will be available
via the Programming section in your distro's menu.my Python on Linux )
/
Starting Python for
the First Time
IF you're using the new Raspberry Pi together with its latest release of the Pi OS, then
l
SOUR UO eteh eMule] Mire] Gare aero PAM MaKe coda Mone MEeUiANe}
the core Python IDLE in favour of their own coding text editor.
STARTING PYTHON
For those using the Pi4 and new Raspbian, drop into a Terminal and enter: sudo apt-get install idle3. Older versions of
Raspbian already have the official Python IDLE pre-installed.
ERTeG RED With the Raspbian desktop loaded, click on the
FR carci nnentence 22
Str, Paeoms eben el nacre
After pressing Enter, the next line displays the
answer: 4. Basically, Python has taken the ‘code’ and produced the
Find the Python 3 IDLE Shel from within the Windows Start button relevant output.
menu and via Finder
ee
ESTeeE RD The Shellis where you can enter code and see the
into Python. Tiss kind of sandbox, where you're able to try out
‘some simple code and processes.
‘The Python Shell acts very much lke a calculator,
since code is basically a series of mathematical,
interactions with the system. Integers, which ae the infinite
sequence of whole numbers can easly be added, subtracted,
rmultipied and so on,
Siar
responses and output of code you've programmedSiar)
While that's very interesting, i's not particularly
‘exciting, Instead, try this:
print(*Hello everyone!”)
Just enteritinto the IDLE as you've done in the previous steps.
Tsisaite more the since you've st prodiced
ida your First bit of code. The Print command is fairly.
ssFemlnatin,npontthings than regure teak ss
welasquote mars moder toot contet tothe sren nth
Sethe ne erenone! bt
>>> print("Hello everyone!)
Hello everyone!
>>]
BETED You may have noticed the colour coding within
the Python IDLE, The colours represent different
‘elements of Python code. They are:
Bleck Data and Variables
Green-Strings
Purple—Functions
‘Orange -Commands
‘Blue User Functions
Dark Red —Comments
Light Red Error Messages
IDLE Colour Coding
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(Starting Python for the First Time ow
FETTER) The Python IDLEis a configurable environment. IF
you don't lke the way the colours are represented,
then you can always change them via Options > Configure IDLE and
clicking on the Highlighting tab. However, we don't recommend
that, as you won't be seeing the same as our screenshots,
ETE ust like most programs available, regardless of the
‘operating system, there are numerous shortcut
keys available. We don't have room for them all here but within the
‘Options > Configure IDLE and under the Keys tab, you can see a list
of the current bindings.
cite Gel
Steamers cents =|
Teenie al
BETTIE BD) the Python DLE isa powerinterface andone
that’s actually been written in Python using one
of the available GU! toolkits. If you want to know the many ins and
‘outs ofthe Shel, we recommend you take 3 few moments to view
‘wwnw.docs.python.org/3/library/idle.html, which details many of
the IDLE's Features.Your First Code
ecu AT ACr ec RecN assets Meee iar)
Sen Matic eure t em ed erat reels es
entering your code and playing around with some other Python examples.
PLAYING WITH PYTHON
‘With most languages, computer or human, it’s all about remembering and applying the right words to the right situation.
You're not born knowing these words, so you need to learn them.
EETEGEDD "youve closed Python 3 IDLE, reopenit in FETED) ou can see that instead ofthe number 4, the
Whichever operating system version you prefer. In ‘output is the 2+2 you asked to be printed tothe
the Shell enter the Familiar Following: screen. The quotation marks are defining what's being outputted
print¢“Hetlo") Rpt AE Shel tte tal c)2 Youre! arenes
print(2+2)
Ere 21st2s predicted, the word Hello appearsin the Eee ou can continue as such, printing 2+2, 46442343
Shell as blue text, indicating output from a string, and so on to the Shel. An easier wayisto use a
Its fairly straightforward and doesn't require too much explanation. variable, which is something we will cover in mace depth later. For
Now try now, enter:
print(“2+2")
aeSiar
What you have done here's assign the letters 8
and b two values: 2 and 2. These are now variables,
‘hich can be called upon by Python to output, add, subtract, divide
‘and s0.0n for as ong as their numbers stay the same. Try this:
printCa)
print(b)
The output ofthe last step displays the current
SUG values of both a and b individually, as you've asked
them tobe printed separately. you want to add them up, you can
Use the following:
print(arb)
‘This code simply takes the values of a and b, adds them together,
and outputs the result.
oe oe es oe et
a or tmnt tae iin
BSP You can play around with different kinds of variables
and the Print function. For example, you could
assign variables For someone's name:
name="Davia”
printCname)
Your First Code
FETT) Nowlet’s adda surname:
ssurname="Hayward”
print(surname)
‘You now have two variables containing a first name anda sumame
and you can print them independently
IF we were to apply the same routine 3s before,
using the + symbol, the name wouldn't appear
correctly in the output in the Shel. Try it:
print Cname+surnane)
‘You need a space between the two, defining them as two separate
values and not something you mathematically play around with
print(name, surname)
‘Alternatively, you can add the space yourself:
print(name+” “+surname)
“The use of the comma is much neater, as you can see.
Congratulations, you've just taken your First stepsinto the wide
‘world of Python,
InPython 3 you can separate the two variables
with a space using a comma’my Python on Linux
Saving and Executing
Your Code
AW CRWCel Leite RAR tat-M 1B) M8 la1-1 eel ee Cole ecole Ea) ee eel
designed for entering longer program listings. In this section you're going to be
introduced to the IDLE Editor, where you will be working from now on.
EDITING CODE
‘You will eventually reach a point where you have to move on from inputting single lines of code into the Shell. Instead, the
IDLE Editor will allow you to save and execute your Python code.
PEPIIEDD it, open the Python IDLE Shell and when i's up,
ick on Fle> New Fle, This will open a new window
‘with Untitled as its name. This isthe Python IOLE Editor and within it
you can enter the code needed to create your future programs.
The IDLE Editor is, for allintents and purposes, @
Siar
simple text editor with Python Features, colour
‘coding and so on; much inthe same vein as Sublime. You enter
‘code 2s you would within the Shel, so taking an example From the
previous tutorial, enter:
print (“Hello everyone!”)
ee ee
‘lick on the OK button in the Save box and select a
destination where you'l save all your Python code.
‘The destination can be a deviated folder called Python or you
can ust dump it wherever you like, Remember to keep a tidy drive
though, tohelp you outiin the FutureEntera name for your code, ‘print hello! For
example, and click on the Save button. Once the
Python code is saved it's executed and the output wll be detailed in
the IDLE Shell In this cas, the wards Hello everyone!.
Tiss how the vst maory of your Python ode
EMD ive conics tera te Eaton ners
savethe code andlook atthe output nthe Shel Sometimes things
will differ, depending on whether you've requested a separate
Window but essential thas the process. the proces we wil
Use throughout ths book unless otherwise stated.
ie £6 Se) Sein Sto ror Se
\F you open the file location ofthe saved Python
code, you can see that itendsin a.py extension,
‘Thisis the default Python file name. Any code you create willbe
\whateverpy and any code downloaded from the many internet
Python resource sites willbe py. Just ensure that the code is written
For Python 3.
TT
Saving and Executing Your Code
Bisa)
Let's extend the code and enter afew examples
From the previous tutorial:
‘surname="Hayward”
print(name, surname)
print Ca+b)
IFyou press 5 now you'llbe asked to save the file, again, as t's been
modified from before.
BBD you cick the ok button, thei wilbe
Suze ‘overwritten with the new code entries, and
execute, wth the outoutin the Shel es nota problem uth ist
these Few lines but if you were to edit a larger file, overwriting can
become an issue. Instead, use File > Save As From within the Editor
to-create abackup.
Now create anew file. Close the Eaitor, and open
Sra
anew instance (Fle > New File from the Shel),
Enter the following and save itas hello py:
a="Python”
be"is”
c="cool!”
print(a, b, ¢)
‘Youwill use this code in the next tutorial
Thlopy. hanalpiDoamanaiiynon crop O47)ty Python on Linux
Executing Code
From the Terminal
COMMAND THE CODE
Using the code we created in the previous tutorial, the one we named hello.py, et’s see how you can run code that was made
inthe GUI at the command line level.
IR hon inno comes vith two posible waysof Now yeu'eat the command tne we cantar
waysiswith Python 2 whisethe ther usesthe Python Srares command pythan3 an press Emer Ths wl puryouinto
rs on Fratthough drop into the Commandine gr Terminolon command ive version ofthe Shel, wth the famlr te ight
{your operating system Facing arrows as the cursor (>>)
wm BEEED forrrerreatetooneroe cote
looked at previously, such as
BED Just a before,
reusing a
Raspberry Pi: Windows users wil
a=2
need to click the Start button and
search For CMD, then click the nas
Command Line returned search " You can see that it works exactly the same.
and macOS users can get a
totheir command tine by clicking
Go > Utities > Terminal eeExecuting Code from the Terminal tv
Nowetec ent oletieconnard ine ESEE te est uming ton cater he
SIEPE session and return you back to t suas Python 2 command line is quite obvious. Whilst it
prompt. Enter the Folder where you saved th doesn't error out in any way, due to the differences between the
previous tutorial and list the available files within; hopefully you way Pythan 3 handles the Print command over Python 2, the result
should see the hellopy file. isn’t as we expected, Using Sublime for the moment, open the
hellopy fie
FTTD Fromwithin the same folder as the code you're PEED Since Sublime Text isnt available forthe Raspberry
going to run, enter the Following into the Pi, you're going to temporarily leave the Pi for the
command tine: ‘moment and use Sublime as an example that you dor't necessarily
need to use the Python IDLE. With the hello py file open, alteritto
include the Following:
python3 hello.py
Thiswill execute the code we created, which to remind yous
Bs naw
nputC“What is your name? “)
a="Python” printC*Hello,”, name)
=
ce"cool!” r
print(a, b, ¢)
or v
Beara 2tually since thisis Python 3 code, using the BETe RTO Seve the hellopy file and drop backto the
syntax and layout that's unique to Python 3, It only ‘command line. Now execute the newly saved
‘works when you use the python3 command. IF you tke try thesame code with:
with Python 2 by entering
python3 hello.py
CREEL The result willbe the original Python is cool statement, together
with the added input command asking you Far your name, and
displaying it in the command window.ee
SCORE 1,357
ae. lala
iach
ack cae tae
eee
artamy Python on Linux
Numbers and Expressions
We've seen some basic mathematical expressions with Python, simple addition and the
Rees en nate Meee enue nice eee ct ccm cl
can work within the IDLE Shell or in the Editor, whichever you like.
IT’S ALL MATHS, MAN
‘You can get some really impressive results with the mathematical powers of Python; as with most, if not all, programming
languages, maths is the driving force behind the code.
STEER RD ren uo the GUI version of Python 3, mentioned
you can use either the Shell or the Editor. For the
time being, you're going to use the Shell ust to warm our maths
muscle, which we believe isa small gland located at the back of the
brain or not).
PEPER the shell enter the following:
22
54356+34553245
(99867344*27344484221
‘You can see that Python can handle some quite large numbers.
ESSER You can use all the usual mathematical operations:
New Fle) and create a simple variable and
Sia
print command:
a=10
print(‘The value of A is,”, a)
‘Save the file and execute the code.
BRTeED Rennina the code will return the ine: The value of A
's, 10 nto the IDLE Shell window, which is what we
‘expected. Now, add some ofthe types of comments you'd normally
‘see within code:
# Set the start value of A to 10
010
# Print the current value of A
print¢*The value of A is,”, a)
Resave the code and execute it You can see thatthe
‘output in the IDLE Shel isstil the same as before,
despite the extra lines being added, Simply put, the hash symbol (#)
denotes ane of text the programmer can insert to inform them,
and others, of what's going on without the user being aware.
PEPTSPDD ct's2ssume thatthe variable A that we've created
isthe number of tivesin a game. Everytime the
player des, the value is decreased by 1. The programmer could
insert a routine along the lines of:
a=a-1
print(*You’ve just lost a life!”)
print(*You now have”, a, “Lives left!”)Whilst we know that the variable is ves, and
that the player hasjust lost one, a casual viewer or
‘someone checking the code may not know. Imagine for a moment
that the code is twenty thousand lines long, instead of just our
‘seven. You can see how handy comments ae.
Siar)
# Set the start value of A to 10
a-10
# Print the current value of A
printC*The value of A is,”, a)
# Player lost a life!
n0-1
# Inform player, and display current value of A
cr)
print(*You've just lost a life!)
print(*You now have”, a, “Lives Left!”)
Essentially, the new code together with comments
could look ike:
You can use comments in different ways. For
‘example, Block Comments are a large section of
text that detalls what's going on inthe code, suchas telling the code
reader what variables you're planning on using:
# This is the best gane ever, and has been
developed by a crack squad of Python experts
# who haven’t slept or washed in weeks. Despite
being very smelly, the code at Least
# works really well.
Using Comments ow
FETED ine comments are comments that follow section
(of code. Take our examples from above, instead of
inserting the code on a separate line, we could use:
a=10 # Set the start value of A to 10
print(“The value of A is,”, a) # Print the current
value of A
a=a-1 # Player lost a life!
printCYou’ve just lost a
printC“You now have”, a, “Lives left!”) # Inform
player, and display current value of A (lives)
STEP 9
‘The comment, the hash symbol, can also be used to
‘comment out sections of code you don't want to be
executed in your program. For instance, if you wanted to remove
the first print statement, you would use
# print¢“The value of A is,”, a)
F printc"the value of A is,", a)
= Player lost'a life!
Inform player. and display current value of A (lives)
prancc“Tou've just lost a, Life!”
Print(-You non have", 8, “Lives left!)
| Forint currnt salve of 4
PEPPER) You also use three single quotes to comment
‘outa Block Comment or multitine section of
comments. lace them before and after the areas you want to
‘comment For them to work
This is the best game ever, and has been developed
by a crack squad of Python experts who haven’t
slept or washed in weeks. Despite being very
smelly, the code at least works really well.
Esa seemsmy Python on Linux
Working with Variables
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Merete Meee ea he area berces uss urte cil
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VARIOUS VARIABLES.
‘You'll be working with the Python 3 IDLE Shell inthis tutorial. F you haven't already, open Python 3 or close down the previous
IDLE Shell to clear up any old code.
in some programming anguages you're required
touse a dollar signto denote string, which isa
‘variable made up of multiple characters, such asa name ofa person.
InPython tis isnt necessary For example, inthe Shell enter:
rname=”David Hayward” (or use your own name, unless you're
aso called David Hayward).
[ie Es Oot Don Ge ro
BETTER You can check the type of variable inuse by
[ssuing the type () command, placing the name of
the variable inside the brackets. In our example, this would be:
‘type name). Add a new string variable: title="Descended
from Vikings”.
FETED Youve seen previously that variables can be
concatenated using the plus symbol between the
variable names. In our example we can use: print (name + *:
4 title). The middle part between the quotations allows us to
adda colon and a space, as variables are connected without spaces,
so we need to add them manually
Youcan aso
SUaPS) combine variables
within another variable. For
‘example, to combine both name
and title variables into a new
variable we use
charactersname +“: “ +
title
“Then output the content of the
new variable as:
print (character)
Numbers are stored as different
variables:
age=44
Type Cage)
Which, as we know, are integersHowever, you can’t combine both strings and
integer type variablesin the same command, as you
‘woulda set of similar variables. ou need to either turn one into the
‘other or vice versa, When you do try to combine both, you get. an
error message:
print Crane + age)
This a process known as TypeCasting. The Python
BED
print (character +“ is “+ str(age) + “ years
old.”)
‘or you can use:
print (character, “is, age, “years old.”)
Notice again that in the last example, you don't need the spaces
between the words in quotes as the commas treat each argument
to print separately
>>> print (nane + age)
Traceback (most recent call Last):
Pile S
rine’ (name + age)
Typetrror: Can't convert “int* object to str inplicitly
Se rane (character #32"! + str(age) +" years eld
years ole.
>
David haynoras Descended tron*Vikines is 41 years el.
PEPER) srother example of TypeCasting is when you ask For
Input From the user, such as a name. for example,
center
‘age= input C“How old are you? “)
All data stored from the Input command i stored as string variable.
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‘This presents abit ofa problem when you want to
‘work with a number that's been inputted by the
User, as age + 10 won't work due to being a string variable and an
integer. Instead, you need to enter:
intCage) + 10
‘This wil TypeCast the age string into an integer that can be
worked wit.
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The se of ToeCatng also portant when
dealing with Floating point arithmetic; eemember:
‘numbers that have a decimal point in them. For example, enter:
shirt=19.99
Now enter typeCshirrt) and you'l see that Python has allocated
the number 3s a float, because the value contains 8 decimal point.
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usually converts the integer to a float, but should
the reverse ever be appliedit's worth remembering that Python
doesn't return the exact value. When corwerting a loatto an
integer, Python will always round down to the nearest integer,
called truncating; in our case instead of 19.99 t becomes 19.
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User Input
We've seen some basic user interaction with the code from a few of the examples
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‘The type of input you want from the user will depend greatly on the type of program you're coding. For example, a game may
‘ask For a character's name, whereas a database can ask For personal det
ETT fitsnotalready, open the Python 31OLE shell FETeAE DD Now that ve have the user's name stored ina
andstart aNew Fin the Editor. Let's begin with couple of variables we can call them up whenever
something realy simple, enter: we want:
print¢*Hetlo”) print¢‘Welcone”, firstname, surname, “. I hope:
firstnamesinput(“What is your first name? “) you're well today.”)
print*Thanks.”)
surnane=input (“And what is your surname? “)
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= printC‘Welcome”, firstname, surnanet. I hope
you're well today.)‘You don't always have to include quoted text within,
the input command, For example, you can ask the
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print(“Hello. What"s your name?)
nane=inputQ
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print“Halt! Who goes there?”)
name=input()
PPD 2 good start toa text adventure game, pechaps?
[Now you can expand on it and use the raw input
From the user to flesh out the game alittle:
if name-—"Dovid”:
print¢*Welcone, good sir. You may pass.”)
else:
print(*I know you not. Prepare for battle!”
User Input ow
‘What you've created here is aconeition, which we
will cover soon. In short, we're using the input from
the user and measuring itagainsta condition. So, ifthe user enters
David as their name, the guard wil allow them to pass unhindered,
Else if they enter a name other than David, the guard challenges
them to fight.
FERED ust2s you learned previously, any input froma
user is automaticaly a string, so you need to apply a
‘TypeCastin order to turn itinto something else. This creates some
interesting additions to the input command. For example:
# Code to calculate rate and distance
printC*Input a rate and a distance”)
rate = floatCinput(“Rate: “))
‘Tofinalise the rate and distance code, we can add:
distance = floatCinput(“Distance: “))
print(*Time:”, distance / rate))
Save and execute the code and enter some numbers. Using the
Float(input element, we've told Python that anything enteredis a
floating point number rather than a string
Ssemy Python on Linux
Creating Functions
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FUNKY FUNCTIONS
‘Afunction is a command that you enter into Python to do somethi
‘works on it and then returns the result.
W'S notust data that a Function works on, They can
{do all manner of useful things in Python, such as
sort data, change items From one Format to anather and check the
length or type of items. Basically, a Function is ashort word that's
Followed by brackets. For example, lent), ist() or type().
FETTER 4 function takes data, usually variable, works on
depending on what the Function is programmed
to do and,eturns the end value. The data being worked on goes
inside the brackets, so if you wanted to know how many letters
‘aren the word antidisestablishmentarianism, then you'd enter:
‘Ten(“antidisestablishnentarianism™) and the number 28
‘would return,
It's alittle piece of self-contained code that takes data,
FTE EER You can pass variables through Functions in much,
the same manner Let's assume you want the
numberof letters in a person's surname, you could use the Following
code (enter the text editor For this example)
nanesinput (“Enter your surname: “)
count=Len(name)
print (“Your surname has“, count, “letters in
it.")
Press F5 and save the code to executelt.
BEEP cron has tens offunctionsbultintot, far too
many to getintoin the imited space avaiable here.
However, to view thelist of builtin functions avaabe to Python 3,
navigate to wor docs python ora/braryifunctions nem. These
are the predefined functions, but since usershave created many
more, they're not the only ones available.Ational functions canbe added to Phen
SIEPE through modules. Python has a vast range of
tdules valle tht can cover numerous proaramning utes
“hey ad funcionandcan be ported andvhen eae Fos
trample, to use avenced Mathematics functors ete
import math
‘nce entered, you have access to all the Math module Functions,
Creating Functions QT
justimported it into Python, you can utilise the square root function,
Todo so, enter:
math. sqrt(16)
You can see that the code is presented as module function(data)
FORGING FUNCTIONS
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Conditions and Loops
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they could be the number of lives left in a game or just displaying a countdown.
TRUE CONDITIONS
Keeping conditions simple to be
if something is TRUE, then doing something else i
STEER {2tscreate anew Python program that wil ask
the usertoinputa word, then checkt to see it’s
2 fourletter word or not. Start with File > New Fil, and begin with
the input variable:
wordsinput(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
n't.
PRTISE RD Now wecan create a new variable, then use the len
function and pass the word variable through tto
‘get the total number of letters the user has just entered:
word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
word_length=Len(word)
with makes learning to program a more enjoyable experience. Let's start then by checking
Now you can use an if statement to check ifthe
‘word length variable is equal to four and print a
Friendly conformation ifit applies to the rule:
wordsinput(“Please enter a four-letter nord: “)
word_length=Len(nord)
if nord_Length ==
print (word, “is a four-letter word. Well done.”)
“The double equal sign >ch;
7 switch (ch)
8 jo {
9 cai case’
10 cout Save As. Now name the cade helloworld.cpp and
click the Save button,
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main window and is numbered to help you keep track of your code. 3. Enter the following
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(C++ has a very defined structure and way of doing things. Miss something out, even
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Many a professional programmer has fallen foul of sloppy structure.
#INCLUDE
Learning the basics of programming, you begin to understand the structure of a program. The commands may be different.
From one language to the next but you can start to see how the code works.
PTS nt maind inites the declaration of a
under the name’main.llC++ code begins at the main Function,
regardless of where it actualy ies within the code.
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] #include . The directive instructs the pre-processor toinclude a you're used to Python. The open brace indicates the beginning of the
section ofthe standard C++ code. For example: include main Function and containsall the code that belongs to that Function.
includes the iosream header to support input/output operations,
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You cantleave the stdz: part out of the code but it must be
declared atthe start with: using namespace std; not both. For
‘example:
#include
using namespace std;
helloworld.cpp
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int main()
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"Hello, world’ which are tobe displayed on the screen when you
compile and execute the code.
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2 using namespace std;
3
4 int main()
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When you click the Build icon, the pane at the
bottom ofthe Geany interface displays some
results. Fall is well, you wil see a successful compilation, not then
Geany isues an error along withthe line the error was found on,
a2
IF your codes ready, look to the menubar along
the top of the Geany window. Notice that midway
STEP
‘along the tine of icons there's red brickicon. This is Bull, which
‘when clicked runs through the code, checking it against the C++
standards to see if there are any errors that stop it From running,
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