Python is a versatile and widely used programming language that has become a favorite among developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals. In this write-up, we will explore the basics of Python, its practical applications, and its modes of operation.
What is Python?
Python is a general-purpose programming language that was invented by Guido Van Rossum in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its readability and simplicity, making it an ideal language for beginners and experts alike. Python is an interpreted high-level programming language, which means that code is created using a human-readable syntax and then converted into machine code, line by line, on the fly.
Why Learn Python?
Python is a versatile language that has many practical applications in various fields, including:
- Web development
- Data science
- AI/Machine learning
- Cybersecurity
In this write-up, we will briefly review some of the fundamental concepts of Python, including variables, types, operators, functions, methods, loops, and if/else conditions. We will also explore the different modes of operation in Python, including script and interactive modes.
Lab Questions and Answers: 1.1 Core Concepts
1. Python was inspired by which of the following programming languages?
A. Java
B. JavaScript
C. C++
D. ABC
Answer: D
2. Which of the following allow a program to repeat a task until a certain condition is met?
A. Functions
B. Variables
C. Loops
D. Operators
Answer: C
3. What is the purpose of operators?
A. To control program flow
B. To perform actions on variables
C. To define functions
D. To create loops
Answer: B
4. Which of the following are practical applications of Python?
(select all that apply)
A. Visualizing data
B. Manipulating massive data sets
C. Automating reconnaissance
D. Web crawling
Answer: A, B, C, D
Lab Questions and Answers: 1.2 Guided Exercise
1. What version of Python is running on the lab workstation?
2. What is the value of my_string[10]?
3. What is the value of var4?
Answer: 123
4. There is one additional name in the Names.txt file that your script reads from in Part 2. What is the name?
Lab Questions and Answers: 1.3 Challenge Exercise
1. What is the flag for this challenge?
Answer: PYTHONTASTIC#
Conclusion
This lab offered a practical introduction to essential Python concepts, including basic arithmetic, data types, string manipulation, and list operations. By using the REPL for interactive coding and transitioning to script-based development in Visual Studio Code, participants gained valuable experience in both environments. The exercises covered variable assignment, arithmetic operations, string slicing, list handling, and file management. Overall, the lab equipped participants with foundational Python skills and demonstrated how to apply these concepts to real-world coding tasks.
