Getting Started with Python: Loops and Functions

This workshop introduces the tools needed to write repeatable, efficient code. It is designed for anyone interested in writing their own code in Python for simple repeated tasks. By the end of this workshop, you will understand the differences between conditional and flow statements and know how to use them. You will be able to identify the basic parts and purpose of a user-defined function and be able to define your own function. This workshop incorporates hands-on work, and there will be plenty of time for questions. No software installation is needed; participants will be instructed how to use Google Colab to write, store, and share code in the cloud. 

Needed for attendees: Please bring your laptop, or arrange to borrow a laptop from the Libraries.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Use comparison operators (==, !=, >, <, >=, <=) and logical operators (and, or, not) to evaluate conditions
• Write conditional statements using if, elif, and else to control program flow
• Create for loops to iterate over sequences like lists, strings, and ranges
• Use while loops with proper conditions and break statements to control repetition
• Work with built-in functions like print(), len(), and type conversion functions
• Use string and list methods with dot notation (e.g., string.upper(), list.append())
• Define your own functions with parameters and return values
• Read from and write to text files using file I/O operations
• Combine control flow structures and functions to solve programming problems

Learning Objectives:

• Outline what happens when code runs a conditional statement to iterate over sequences
• Experiment with running conditional statements such as an if/else statement and a for loop
• Identify the basic components and purpose of a user-defined function
• Modify and construct your own functions in Python