Python Introduction with AI

Imagine this: You're staring at a blank screen. You type one short line:

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print("Hello, World!")

You press run, and your screen replies. In that instant, something clicks. You've just told a machine to respond. You’ve created something from nothing. This isn’t just a line of code—it’s your first step into a world where ideas become reality, one command at a time.

“The first time a learner sees their own code run, they realize: I can build things. It’s a powerful shift—from consumer to creator.”
— Andrew Scott, Senior Author, DevsCall

Welcome to Your First Step in Python

Whether you're stepping into programming for the first time or returning to build stronger foundations, you're in the right place. Python is more than just a language—it’s a powerful tool to help you create, solve problems, and think logically.

In this lesson, we’ll help you feel right at home. You’ll understand not just what Python is, but also why it matters and how to make it work for you—on your own machine, in your own words.

Why Learn Python?

Let’s start with a simple question: Why Python?

Python is designed to be human-readable and intuitive, making it especially beginner-friendly. It allows you to express powerful logic with fewer lines of code compared to many other programming languages.

But Python’s appeal isn’t just about ease—it’s about reach. It powers everything from web apps and games to data science, machine learning, and automation.

“In all my years of teaching technology, I've never seen a language that levels the playing field quite like Python. It lets anyone build—quickly, confidently, and clearly.”
— Andrew Scott, Senior Author at DevsCall

Real-World Use Cases of Python

Python is not just an academic language. It's used every day by companies and creators to build tools that shape the world. Here are just a few ways Python shows up in real life:

• Google uses Python for internal tooling and APIs
• Netflix relies on Python for recommendation engines
• NASA uses Python in simulations and space exploration models
• YouTube was partially built in Python during its early days
• Researchers and data scientists worldwide use it to analyze and visualize data

As someone just getting started, you’re not “just learning syntax”—you’re stepping into a global ecosystem that invites creativity and innovation.

Setting Up: Your First Tools

Before we write any code, let’s get your Python environment ready. This process may feel technical, but we’ll walk you through each step with care.

Step 1: Download and Install Python

1. Visit python.org/downloads
2. Click the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
3. During installation, make sure to check the box that says:
   1. Add Python to PATH
4. Finish the setup.

Why PATH : It allows your terminal or command line to recognize Python commands globally on your machine.

Step 2: Verify the Installation

Once installed, open your terminal or command prompt and type:

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python --version

You should see something like Python 3.x.x. If you do, Python is ready to go.

VS Code Editor

You could write Python in a basic text editor, but tools like Visual Studio Code (VS Code) make coding easier, cleaner, and more productive.

Why VS Code?

• Lightweight, fast, and beginner-friendly
• Extensions for Python syntax, linting, and code formatting
• Integrated terminal and Git tools

“Many beginners get discouraged by clunky interfaces. VS Code is simple yet powerful—it’s a developer’s best friend.”
— Asad Rizwan, DevsCall Writer

To get started:

• Download from code.visualstudio.com
• Install the Python Extension from the Extensions tab

Python with AI Copilot in VS Code

As a new Python learner, writing code can sometimes feel like learning a new language—and in many ways, it is. But what if you had a smart assistant right inside your editor that could suggest code, complete functions, and even write entire blocks for you as you type? That’s exactly what GitHub Copilot does.

Powered by artificial intelligence, GitHub Copilot is a coding assistant that integrates directly into Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It learns from the code you write and suggests entire lines or snippets in real time—just like autocomplete, but supercharged.

What Can GitHub Copilot Do for You as a Beginner?

• Suggest Code Automatically: Start typing a function or comment, and Copilot may offer a suggestion to complete it.
• Learn by Example: See how Copilot structures loops, conditions, or file handling in Python.
• Help With Boilerplate Code: Avoid getting stuck on syntax or formatting and focus on logic instead.
• Instant Examples: Learn Python idioms and best practices just by observing the suggestions.

🧠 “Copilot isn’t about skipping learning—it’s about accelerating understanding. When used thoughtfully, it’s like learning with a mentor who never sleeps.”
— Asad Rizwan, Technical Writer, DevsCall

Write Your First Python Program

It’s time to speak Python’s language. Let’s start with the tradition all programmers follow: making the computer say hello.

Step 1: Open VS Code

Create a new file and name it:

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hello.py

Step 2: Write This Code

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print("Hello, World!")

This is a function call. You’re asking Python to execute the built-in print() function, and you’re passing a string as input.

Sign in with GitHub:

• When prompted, sign in to your GitHub account
• You may need a Copilot subscription or trial (students often get it free)

Step 3: Run Your Code

There are a few ways to run your program:

• Click the Run button in VS Code
• Open the Terminal (Ctrl + `) and type:

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python hello.py

You should see:

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Hello, World!

🎉 That’s your very first Python program! Simple, yes—but powerful. You’ve written, saved, and executed your own code.

"When learners see that first printed message, it’s more than output—it’s proof that they’re now programmers."
— Dr. Olivia Bennett, DevsCall Editor

Understand the Python Syntax

Python is built on the principle that code should be readable. Let's go over some key basics that make Python unique.

1. Indentation is Code

In most languages, curly braces {} define code blocks. Not in Python.

In Python, indentation defines structure. Every block—whether in a loop, condition, or function—must be indented consistently.

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if True:
    print("Indented correctly")

2. Case Sensitivity

Python is case-sensitive, which means Name, name, and NAME are all different variables.

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message = "Hi"
print(Message)  # This will cause an error

3. Comments Help You Think

Comments start with # and help explain what your code is doing.

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# This line prints a greeting
print("Good morning")

They don’t affect the program’s output—they’re just there to help you (and others) understand the logic.

Try modifying your program to make it about you.

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print("Hello, my name is Andrew.")
print("I’m learning Python to build games.")
print("This is my first day, and I’m excited!")

Save this as about_me.py and run it. Congratulations—you’ve created your first personalized Python app.

“The moment code becomes personal, it becomes purposeful. Let it reflect who you are.”
— Andrew Scott

What’s Next?

In our next lessons, we’ll explore variables and data types—the building blocks of storing and managing information in your code.

You’ll learn how to:

• Store names, numbers, and user input
• Understand strings, integers, floats, and booleans
• Perform operations and basic logic

We’ll also build a small program that asks questions and responds with dynamic output.

Tip from Asad:
“If you just write one small program each day—even 5–10 lines—you’ll be amazed at your progress in a few weeks.”