Learn Python Basics on Windows

Abstract

Windows is the most commonly used end-user operating system for both private and enterprise users. More people will start their Python journey on a Windows PC rather than Linux or macOS, and the barrier to Python is lower when you begin to code in Python on Windows operating systems. This chapter contains hands-on Python exercises connecting selective Python concepts to general programming concepts, and some exercises will refer to real-world scenarios. The chapter will serve as a primer to the Python network automation scripting labs in the later chapters. Following the coding tradition, you will start your Python learning with the obligatory “Hello World!” program. Before starting the exercises, you will be guided to set up a simple Windows Python environment and will be introduced to some foundational Python coding etiquette. You will learn the most basic Python syntax and concepts, build stronger foundational blocks, and gain the essential Python skills required for Python network automation labs.