Python Syntax and How to Run Python Programs

Welcome to PyVerse! Python is a friendly programming language that lets you tell the computer what to do using simple, readable instructions. Think of Python syntax as the grammar and punctuation of a new language. Once you learn the basics, you can start creating cool programs fast.

How to Run Python Programs

Option A: Run in your web browser (easiest to start)

Open any online Python editor (many free ones exist — your teacher may share one).
Type this code: print("Hello, PyVerse!")
Click Run. You should see: Hello, PyVerse!

Option B: Run on your computer with IDLE (comes with Python)

Install Python 3 from python.org (ask an adult if needed).
Open "IDLE (Python 3)".
Click File > New File.
Type: print("Hello, PyVerse!")
Save as hello.py.
Click Run > Run Module (or press F5). The output window will show: Hello, PyVerse!

Option C: Run from the terminal/command prompt

Open a text editor, type: print("Hello, PyVerse!")
Save as hello.py in a folder you know.
Open Terminal (macOS/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows).
Go to the folder (use cd).
Type: python hello.py
If that doesn't work on macOS/Linux, try: python3 hello.py

Python Syntax Basics (What the rules look like)

1) Printing text

print("Hello, world")

Use parentheses and quotes around text.

2) Comments (notes that Python ignores)

# This is a comment that explains the code
print(2 + 3)  # This prints 5

3) Variables (names that store data)

name = "Ava"
age = 14
print("My name is", name)
print("I am", age, "years old")

4) Numbers and math

a = 7
b = 3
print(a + b)      # 10
print(a * b)      # 21
print(a ** b)     # 343 (a to the power of b)

5) Strings (text) and combining them

first = "Py"
second = "Verse"
message = first + second
print(message)    # PyVerse

6) Indentation matters (spaces at the start of a line)

score = 85
if score >= 80:
    print("Great job!")   # This line is indented
print("Done")             # This line is not indented

Use the same indentation inside a code block (usually 4 spaces).

7) Case-sensitive

print is not the same as Print or PRINT. Use exact names.

Common Syntax Mistakes (and quick fixes)

Missing quotes - Wrong: print("Hello) | Right: print("Hello")
Forgetting parentheses in print - Wrong: print "Hi" | Right: print("Hi")
Bad indentation - Make sure your if/else blocks are properly indented
Mismatched quotes - Wrong: print('Hello") | Right: print("Hello") or print('Hello')

Simple, Working Examples

1) Greeting

print("Welcome to PyVerse!")
print("Let's learn Python.")

2) Mini profile

name = "Zara"
hobby = "basketball"
print("Hi, I'm", name)
print("I like", hobby)

3) Tiny calculator

x = 12
y = 4
print("x + y =", x + y)
print("x / y =", x / y)

4) If statement with indentation

temperature = 30
if temperature > 25:
    print("It's warm today!")
print("Remember to drink water.")

Mini Activity: Your Turn

Goal: Make a small program and run it (online editor or IDLE).

Create a new Python file (hello_you.py).
Type these lines, then change the values to your own:

name = "YourName"
favorite_number = 7
print("Hello,", name + "!")
print("Your favorite number is", favorite_number)

Add one more line that prints a fun fact about yourself using a comment and a print:

# Fun fact: I love science!
print("Fun fact: I love science!")

Run your program and check the output.

Bonus (optional): Try an if statement

age = 14
if age >= 13:
    print("You can make cool teen projects with Python!")
print("Keep coding!")

Summary

Python syntax is the set of rules for writing code: use print(...), quotes for text, variables to store data, and consistent indentation for blocks.
You can run Python in a browser, in IDLE, or from the terminal.
Start simple: print messages, use variables, and try small steps.
If you see an error, read it, check quotes and indentation, and try again. Every coder fixes mistakes—that's how you learn.

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