1
Python Objects, Types,and
Expressions
Python is the language of choice for many advanced data tasks for a very good reason.Python
is one of the easiest advanced programming languages to learn. Intuitive structures and
semantics mean that for people who are not computer scientists, but maybe
biologists,statisticians, or the directors of a start-up, Python is a straightforward way to perform a
wide variety of data tasks. It is not just a scripting language, but a full-featured object-oriented
programming language.
In Python, there are many useful data structures and algorithms built in to the language.Also,
because Python is an object-based language, it is relatively easy to create custom dataobjects.
In this book, we will examine both Python internal libraries, some of the external libraries, as
well as learning how to build your own data objects from first principles.
This book does assume that you know Python. However, if you are a bit rusty, coming from
another language, or do not know Python at all, don't worry, this first chapter should get you
quickly up to speed.
In this chapter, we will look at the following topics:
•Obtaining a general working knowledge of data structures and algorithms
•Understanding core data types and their functions
•Exploring the object-oriented aspects of the Python programming language
Understanding data structures and algorithms:-
Algorithms and data structures are the most fundamental concepts in computing. They are the
building blocks from which complex software is built. Having an understanding of these
foundation concepts is hugely important in software design and this involves the following three
characteristics:
Python Objects, Types,and
Expressions
Python is the language of choice for many advanced data tasks for a very good reason.Python
is one of the easiest advanced programming languages to learn. Intuitive structures and
semantics mean that for people who are not computer scientists, but maybe
biologists,statisticians, or the directors of a start-up, Python is a straightforward way to perform a
wide variety of data tasks. It is not just a scripting language, but a full-featured object-oriented
programming language.
In Python, there are many useful data structures and algorithms built in to the language.Also,
because Python is an object-based language, it is relatively easy to create custom dataobjects.
In this book, we will examine both Python internal libraries, some of the external libraries, as
well as learning how to build your own data objects from first principles.
This book does assume that you know Python. However, if you are a bit rusty, coming from
another language, or do not know Python at all, don't worry, this first chapter should get you
quickly up to speed.
In this chapter, we will look at the following topics:
•Obtaining a general working knowledge of data structures and algorithms
•Understanding core data types and their functions
•Exploring the object-oriented aspects of the Python programming language
Understanding data structures and algorithms:-
Algorithms and data structures are the most fundamental concepts in computing. They are the
building blocks from which complex software is built. Having an understanding of these
foundation concepts is hugely important in software design and this involves the following three
characteristics:
