I’ve started diving into Python, and to make everything easier, I’m documenting what I’m learning! Today, I want to explain Type Casting, Exceptions, Functions, and Built-in Functions in a way that’s simple and direct.
🎭 Type Casting
When you work with Python, sometimes the data types aren’t what you expect. Let’s say you have a number stored as text (a string), but you need to use it in a mathematical operation. What do you do? The solution is converting the variable's type — this is what we call Type Casting.
Imagine you have a number stored as text and you want to add it to another number. To do that, you need to convert the text to an integer.
Example:
- You can also convert between other types:
- int(value): Converts to an integer
- float(value): Converts to a decimal number
- str(value): Converts to text
- list(value): Converts to a list
- It’s simple but super useful!
🚨 Exceptions (Error Handling)
Now, let’s talk about an important aspect: errors. Who hasn’t faced that annoying error, right? 🤦♂️ Well, in Python, we can handle those errors so that our program doesn’t break completely.
The way we handle errors is by using try and except. This allows you to try running a piece of code, and if it fails, you catch the error and can show a friendly message or take some action.
Example:
Output:
This way, the program doesn’t “crash.” It just handles the error and keeps running.
🔄 Functions
Now, if you're writing code that you’ll use over and over again, how about organizing it in a way that you can reuse it anytime? That’s exactly what functions do. They help organize code and avoid repetition.
Imagine you always need to greet someone. Instead of writing the same code every time, you can create a function to do that:
Output:
If you need to use it again, just call the function! Simple, right?
Functions can also return values. For example, if you want to add two numbers, you can create a function to do that:
Output:
🏗 Built-in Functions
Python also comes with lots of built-in functions. These are super helpful for common tasks, like counting the number of characters in a string or adding numbers.
Examples of built-in functions:
Output:
🚀 Conclusion
Now that you know fundamental concepts like Type Casting, Exceptions, Functions, and Built-in Functions in Python, understand that these are essential steps to writing cleaner, more efficient, and robust code. If you're just starting out, practice a lot! These concepts are the foundation for creating amazing programs. And remember: we learn by making mistakes.
I'm starting to document my Python journey, and maybe by sharing what I’m learning, I can help others with doubts to learn as well. What motivates me every day is knowing that each small achievement brings me closer to doing what I love and feeling happy about sharing this knowledge. Not everyone has the same amount of time or opportunities, but we can always help each other.
Let’s build a chain of learning and collaboration, where everyone has a space to grow and include themselves in the world they want to be in! Every dream is possible, no matter the size.
Let’s go on this journey together! 💻✨
