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# 1.1 Python
### What is Python?
Python is an interpreted high level programming language. It is often classified as a
["scripting language"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_language) and
is considered similar to languages such as Perl, Tcl, or Ruby. The syntax
of Python is loosely inspired by elements of C programming.
Python was created by Guido van Rossum around 1990 who named it in honor of Monty Python.
### Where to get Python?
[Python.org](https://www.python.org/) is where you obtain Python. For the purposes of this course, you
only need a basic installation. I recommend installing Python 3.6 or newer. Python 3.6 is used in the notes
and solutions.
### Why was Python created?
In the words of Python's creator:
> My original motivation for creating Python was the perceived need
> for a higher level language in the Amoeba [Operating Systems]
> project. I realized that the development of system administration
> utilities in C was taking too long. Moreover, doing these things in
> the Bourne shell wouldn't work for a variety of reasons. ... So,
> there was a need for a language that would bridge the gap between C
> and the shell.
>
> - Guido van Rossum
### Where is Python on my Machine?
Although there are many environments in which you might run Python,
Python is typically installed on your machine as a program that runs
from the terminal or command shell. From the terminal, you should be
able to type `python` like this:
```
bash $ python
Python 3.8.1 (default, Feb 20 2020, 09:29:22)
[Clang 10.0.0 (clang-1000.10.44.4)] on darwin
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> print("hello world")
hello world
>>>
```
If you are new to using the shell or a terminal, you should probably
stop, finish a short tutorial on that first, and then return here.
Although there are many non-shell environments where you can code
Python, you will be a stronger Python programmer if you are able to
run, debug, and interact with Python at the terminal. This is
Python's native environment. If you are able to use Python here, you
will be able to use it everywhere else.
## Exercises
### Exercise 1.1: Using Python as a Calculator
On your machine, start Python and use it as a calulator to solve the
following problem.
Lucky Larry bought 75 shares of Google stock at a price of $235.14 per
share. Today, shares of Google are priced at $711.25. Using Python’s
interactive mode as a calculator, figure out how much profit Larry would
make if he sold all of his shares.
```python
>>> (711.25 - 235.14) * 75
35708.25
>>>
```
Pro-tip: Use the underscore (\_) variable to use the result of the last
calculation. For example, how much profit does Larry make after his evil
broker takes their 20% cut?
```python
>>> _ * 0.80
28566.600000000002
>>>
```
### Exercise 1.2: Getting help
Use the `help()` command to get help on the `abs()` function. Then use
`help()` to get help on the `round()` function. Type `help()` just by
itself with no value to enter the interactive help viewer.
One caution with `help()` is that it doesn’t work for basic Python
statements such as `for`, `if`, `while`, and so forth (i.e., if you type
`help(for)` you’ll get a syntax error). You can try putting the help
topic in quotes such as `help("for")` instead. If that doesn’t work,
you’ll have to turn to an internet search.
Followup: Go to