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L3: Python Fundamentals — Part II
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Overview
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This lecture covers Python's essential data structures and control flow mechanisms: loops with ``for`` and ``while``, the versatile ``range()`` function, and the four fundamental collection types — lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets. You will learn iteration patterns, list comprehensions, and how to choose the right data structure for different tasks.


.. admonition:: Learning Objectives
   :class: learning-objectives

   By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:

   - Write loops using ``for`` and ``while`` statements with ``break``, ``continue``, and ``else``.
   - Master the ``range()`` function and its memory-efficient properties.
   - Understand iterables and distinguish between in-place and out-of-place operations.
   - Create, modify, and iterate over lists using methods and comprehensions.
   - Work with tuples, understand immutability, and apply tuple unpacking.
   - Implement dictionaries for key-value storage and iteration.
   - Use sets for unique collection management and mathematical set operations.


.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2
   :titlesonly:
   :hidden:

   l3_lecture
   l3_exercises
   l3_quiz
   l3_references

Next Steps
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- In the next lecture, we will cover Functions:

  - Defining and calling functions
  - Parameters and arguments
  - Return values
  - Scope and namespaces
  - Type hints
  - Docstrings

- Review and experiment with all code snippets and exercises from today's lecture.
- Practice using lists, dictionaries, and loops together.
- Start reading `Python Official Tutorial <https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/>`_ — Sections 4 and 5.