Coding for High School Students: An Introduction to Python
Hello, World! (Do you see what I did there?)
If you’ve taken a course on coding for high school students, you’ll probably remember this from your first class!
What is Python?
Python is a computer programming language like C, C++, Java, Ruby, etc. It’s an object-oriented, interpreted, high-level programming language.
Now, if you haven’t taken a course on coding for high school students and thus don’t know a whole lot about programming, then that may have sounded like a bunch of gibberish to you.
Don’t worry, we’ll explain the benefits of learning Python if you’re interested in courses on coding for high school students below!
The logo for the Python programming language.
Python is “Object-Oriented”
Basically, Python is based around “classes” and “objects”. A class acts like a blueprint for objects, and describes the contents there within.
Python is “Interpreted”
This means Python code is run through an interpreter, and thus, by definition, it is not a “compiled” programming language.
In a compiled language, the code is directly translated into the program. Usually, the entire block of code is translated at once.
In Python, an interpreted language, the code goes to the interpreter, which reads the code and then executes it. Generally, the code is read one line at a time, making interpreted languages slower and beginner-friendly.
Python is “High Level”
This just means that Python is more simplified and easier to read than other programming languages. Rather than an entire block of code being transmitted and deciphered at once, high-level programming languages are read from top to bottom in sequential order.
This also makes learning the fundamentals of coding for high school students much easier as well!
What are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Python?
ADVANTAGES OF PYTHON CODING FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
Ease of Use
Python is easy to learn and use because of its simple syntax and similarity to English.
Compare this line of code from Python to this line of code from C++. The output of both will be “Hello, World!” but the Python version is easier to understand.
Python:
print(“Hello, World!”)
C++:
std::cout << “Hello, World!”;
If you didn’t understand my joke at the top of the page, “Hello, World!” is usually the first program beginners learn!
Strong Community
There is also a strong Python community that has been around for years. As such, there are a lot of tutorials for learning Python.
Additionally, if you ever need any help, there are plenty of resources for asking questions such as Stack Overflow.
Google is always an option too!
Libraries, Packages, and Frameworks
There are many libraries, packages, and frameworks that Python users can incorporate into their program to save time. Examples include:
Popularity
Python is also extremely popular!
As such, Python skills are always in high demand for jobs. Python developers are paid a lot of money.
Versatility and Flexibility
Python is an extremely flexible language. It can be used across platforms for many different applications.
It is also used by many different companies.
DISADVANTAGES OF PYTHON CODING FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
Slow speed
Since Python is an interpreted language, it’s slower than compiled languages such as C++.
Runtime Errors
Again, because Python is an interpreted language, coding errors show up when the program runs rather than catching them upfront.
This is actually nice for beginners to learn about errors, but can be annoying for some Python developers later on.
How Can Python Be Applied to Other Topics?
Python is a useful language for data science and analysis, web development, and machine learning, the last of which is a subset of artificial intelligence. It can be applied to virtually any industry such as finance, insurance, healthcare, media, and more!
Some companies that use Python include:
Google
Amazon
Netflix
Facebook
Instagram
Spotify
NASA
As a high school student, coding in Python is not only an easier programming language to learn, but it can also open up new opportunities, even if you’re not planning to major in something computer-related. How cool is that!?
Did you enjoy this introduction to Python coding for high school students and want to learn more? Apply to join our AI Scholars program!
Sources:
Desmond, Kim, and Caden MacKenzie. "Why Learn Python? 6 Reasons Why it's So Hot
Right Now." CodingNomads, June 2019, codingnomads.co/why-learn-python/.
"Python vs Other Programming Languages." Vilmate Blog, Vilmate, vilmate.com/blog/python-vs-other-programming-languages/.
"Top 10 Reasons Why Python is So Popular With Developers in 2021." upGrad, 10
Jan. 2021, www.upgrad.com/blog/reasons-why-python-popular-with-developers/.
Coursera. "What Is Python Used For? A Beginner's Guide." Coursera, 22 Sept.
2021, www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-python-used-for-a-beginners-guide-to-using-python.
Harrison, James. black laptop with code and plant in coffee shop. Unsplash. 23 April 2020.
