Unit 1: Introduction to Computational Problem Solving & Python
Programming
1. Computational Problem Solving
Essence of Problem Solving:
Understanding the problem
Clearly defining the problem
Identifying inputs, processes, and desired outputs
Designing a solution (algorithm)
Creating a step-by-step plan or algorithm
Choosing appropriate data structures and logic
Implementing it (writing code)
Translating the algorithm into a programming language (e.g., Python)
Ensuring the code follows correct syntax and logic
Testing and debugging
Running the program with different inputs
Fixing errors (bugs) and improving performance
2. Limits of Computation:
Some problems are not computable.
Some require too much time or memory to solve practically.
Key Concepts:
Algorithms: Step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
Hardware vs Software: Hardware runs the software. Software includes OS, programs, etc.
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2. Introduction to Python Programming
Python Features (from Mark Lutz):
Interpreted, dynamically typed
Simple syntax
Strong support for object-oriented programming
Basic Elements in Python:
a. Literals
Constants in Python:
Example: 10, 3.14, 'hello', True
b. Variables and Identifiers
Variables: Named references to data
Example: x = 5
Identifiers: Names must start with a letter or underscore, can’t be a keyword.
c. Data Types
int, float, str, bool, list, tuple, dict, set
Use type() to check types
d. Expressions and Operators
Arithmetic Operators: +, -, *, /, //, %, **
Comparison: ==, !=, <, >, <=, >=
Logical: and, or, not
e. Input/Output
Input from user: input("Enter value: ")
Output: print("Hello World")
3. Python Syntax Essentials
Whitespace/Indentation is significant in Python
No {} or ; — instead, code blocks are defined by indentation.
4. Practice Examples (from Learning Python)
# Example 1: Simple arithmetic
a = 10
b = 20
sum = a + b
print("Sum:", sum)
# Example 2: Input and type casting
name = input("Enter your name: ")
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
print(f"Hello {name}, you are {age} years old.")
# Example 3: Expression
x=5
y=3
result = x**2 + y
print("Result:", result)
5.Summary
Topic Key Points
Problem Solving Algorithmic thinking, implementation, debugging
Python Basics Interpreted, readable syntax, supports OOP
Variables/Literals Containers for data, constants used directly
Operators Arithmetic, logical, comparison
Input/Output input() and print() for interaction
Data Types Python supports multiple built-in types
