If you have ever written code in any other language, there is a good chance you will be able to pick up Python pretty quickly. The Python syntax is quite similar to that of Java or C++. For example, you declare a variable using the âvarâ keyword. You can use the âifâ, âwhileâ or âforâ statements to execute code based on a condition. And you can use functions to group code together.
Make your code easy to read.
Python is a multi-line language with curly braces {} denoting the beginning and end of a code block. There are no line breaks in Python. Everything is written as a single line. This makes Python code easy to read. When you run your code, Python prints its output to the Python interpreterâs standard output, which is usually the standard output window of the Command Prompt.
Write short, concise statements.
Python is an interpreted language, which means that the code you write is executed in a step-by-step process. The Python interpreter reads each line of code from top to bottom, one line at a time, and executes the statements as it sees fit. This means that you can write your own flow of commands, as long as you keep your code simple and easy to understand.
Use whitespace.
Python code is written using an editor program. The most common one is called âIDLEâ and it is provided with the Python installation. There are many other options available as well, including some that are web-based.
Use descriptive variable and function names.
For a large part, Python code is written in a similar way to the way we write in natural languages. Most of the time, all you need to do to write a line of code is to type the instructions. If you want to write a line of code that adds two numbers, you just type âaddâ, â5â, and â9â. If you want to add the first two numbers in a list, you just type âlistâ, â+â, and the two numbers. In some cases, you can use keywords instead of variables (e.g., to check if something is âgreater than 0â, you can type âifâ, â>â, and the value you want to check). Other times, you need to use special characters and punctuation (e.g., to capitalize a string, you need to type âstrâ, â.capitalize()â, and the variable you want to capitalize).
Write clear, concise comments.
It depends on the framework you are using. It was easier to write code in Python before the set of classes and functions were defined. For example, to write a function, you would use a list as an argument and return a list as a result. If you wanted to write a function that adds two numbers together, you'd use a list for the first argument and return a list as a result. Nowadays, most people use the built-in list class and the for-loop to accomplish the same thing. If you're looking at code that has been created using the older method, it can be confusing and harder to read.
Use an IDE.
Python is an interpreted language. This means that when you write Python code, itâs not actually pre-compiled into machine code. Instead, the Python interpreter reads your code and executes it line by line, one step at a time. This means that Python doesnât need to compile to machine code to run. Instead, it reads each line of code as it is given and executes it as it sees fit.
Practice self-discipline.
If youâre learning how to code in Python, you can look at any number of online tutorials and examples. However, if you want to learn how to write code step-by-step, you can practice writing code in Python by using a tool called Pycharm. Pycharm is a free IDE (Integrated Development Environment) created by JetBrains. This program is designed to help you write, edit, compile, and debug your Python code. You can practice writing code in Python with Pycharm by following a tutorial or developing your own project.
Conclusion
It is not an easy task to write good code in Python, but with the right mindset, it is possible. One of the most important things you need to bear in mind is the Zen of Python. This concept was inspired by the ancient Chinese philosopher Zen Buddhism that promotes simplicity, clear thinking, and a calm approach towards solving problems. And indeed, the Zen of Python is all about simplicity, i.e., the simplest possible solution to any problem.