We discuss the goals and logistics of the course and get started with Python! We type expressions that look like math formulas and have Python evaluate them into values of different types. Basically we are just using Python like a calculator for now.

Lecture: Watch recording

Slides: Individual slides for viewing, 6-up layout for printing

Reading: Chapter 1 (html version)

Optional video on the command line: This video compares the use of the command line (also called "terminal", "command prompt", "powershell") to the more familiar graphical tools like File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Macs. In lecture the demonstration is done in Windows; this video demonstrates mostly on a Mac.