L3: Python Fundamentals — Part II

Overview

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.

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.

Next Steps

• 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 — Sections 4 and 5.