====== Introduction to Python ====== === What is Python? === Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It was created by Guido van Rossum and was first released in 1991. Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. === Key Features of Python:=== * **Easy to Learn:** Python has a simple syntax which is easy to read and write, making it an ideal choice for beginners. * **Extensive Libraries:** Python comes with a vast standard library and community-contributed packages for diverse fields like web development, data analysis, and machine learning. * **Cross-Platform:** Python is available for all major operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. * **Dynamic Typing:** Python dynamically determines the data type of variables during runtime. * **Open Source:** Python is free to use and has a strong, active community. === Installing Python === To install Python: * Visit python.org and download the latest version for your operating system. * During installation, ensure that the option "Add Python to PATH" is selected. Verify the installation by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing: python --version === Running Python Code === You can run Python code in two modes: * **Interactive Mode:** Open the Python shell by typing python in the terminal. * **Script Mode:** Write Python code in a .py file and execute it using the command python filename.py. **Example: Hello World** # A simple Python program print("Hello, World!") **Output**: Hello, World!