Python Glossary

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Our Python tutorial includes this useful glossary for our code academy students, programmers, and web developers. It is part of our free Python course.
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Python Glossary (A-M)

List Meaning or Definition
ArgumentInformation that is required by a function so that it can perform its task. (This is usually a string or number)
BugCode that causes issues and stops the program from functioning properly, or at all.
CastingThe process of converting one data-type into another
CommentingText in a computer program that is for the human reader and is ignored by the computer when the program is executed.
Comparative/logic operatorsUsed to compare data in a program. For example: == and >
ConstantA number that never changes.
Data-typeDifferent ways the computer stores information, for example, floats, integers, and strings.
DefaultThe value given to an argument or variable as a starting point.
Equals OperatorUsing the ‘=’ sign to assign a value to a variable in coding.
ExecuteAnother way of saying run. To execute code is to run it, compiling the code and outputting the result.
Float/RealA decimal number
FunctionA section of code that can be called and reused
Global VariableA variable that is usable anywhere in a program.
IDEIntegrated Development Environment (the place where you write/run code)
Infinite LoopA section of code that keeps running forever.
IntegerA whole number (not a decimal).
Local variableA variable that is defined inside a function and is only usable inside that function.
LoopCode that keeps repeating until a certain condition is met.
MethodThe name for a function in a class.
ModuleA saved python file whose functions can be used by another program
ModulusAn arithmetic operator that is used to calculate the remainder from a division calculation.
For example: 10 mod 3 = 1

Python Glossary (O-Z)


Operator – A symbol that performs an operation/function on a piece of code, for example adding two numbers

Output – When data from a program is sent to a screen, speaker or printer etc.

Return – The value a function will produce after it has been run.

Statement – A snippet of code. A piece of code that represents a command or action. For example, the print statement

String – A linear sequence of characters, words, or other data, which can be stored in a variable.

Syntax Error – An error produced when a computer fails to run a program because it cannot recognise the code supplied

Variable – A place in the computer’s memory where data is stored. A variable can be called (used/summoned) anywhere within the program

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