Python 3 - Second Edition

4    The Path to the First Program

Now that we’ve covered some basic elements of the Python language in interactive mode, we want to transfer this knowledge to an actual program. In contrast to the interactive mode, which allows mutual interaction between the programmer and interpreter, the source code of a program is written into a file. This is read in and executed in its entirety by the interpreter.

In the following sections, you’ll learn about the basic structures of a Python program and write your first simple sample program.

4.1    Typing, Compiling, and Testing

This section describes the workflows required to create and run a Python program. More generally, in much of the book we’ll only write console applications, so we’ll prepare you for ...