Lesson 1 of 8
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Welcome to Python

Understand what Python is, why it matters, and get your first program running in the editor.

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. It's designed to be readable and expressive — Python code often reads almost like plain English.

It's used everywhere: web backends (Instagram, Pinterest), data science (pandas, numpy), AI/ML (TensorFlow, PyTorch), automation scripts, APIs, and more.

Why learn Python first?

  • Clean, minimal syntax — less noise, more logic
  • Massive ecosystem of libraries for almost anything
  • Huge demand in the job market
  • Works for scripting, web, data, AI, and system automation

Your first Python program

Every programmer's first program is printing "Hello, World!" — it's tradition. In Python, it's just one line:

hello.py
print("Hello, World!")

The print() function outputs text to the console. The text "Hello, World!" is a string — text wrapped in quotes.

💡 TIP

Python uses print() to show output. Everything inside the parentheses gets displayed. You can print numbers, text, variables — almost anything.

Comments

Comments start with # and are ignored by Python. Use them to explain your code:

comments.py
# This is a comment — Python ignores it
print("This line runs")  # inline comment
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Try it yourself
The editor on the right has starter code. Press Run to execute it, then try changing the message inside the quotes.
fundamentals.py
Output ready
# Press Run to execute your code
✓ Great work! Lesson complete.
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