Struggling to conceptualize Python fundamentals is a common problem learners face. If you’re unable to put a fundamental concept into perspective and form a clear mental picture of what it’s about, it’ll be difficult to understand and apply it.
In this guide, you’ll walk through a framework of steps to help you better conceptualize Python fundamentals. This process is helpful for Python developers and learners at any experience level, but especially for beginners. If you are just starting out, this guide will help you build a solid understanding of the basics.
You might want to set aside twenty minutes or so to read through the tutorial, and another thirty minutes to practice on a few key concepts. You should also gather a list of difficult topics, your preferred learning resources, and a note-taking app or pen and paper.
Click the link below to download a free cheat sheet that covers the framework steps you’ll walk through in this guide:
Get Your Cheat Sheet: Click here to download a free PDF that outlines the framework of steps for conceptualizing Python fundamentals.
Step 1: Define the Concept in Your Own Words
Begin by briefly describing the concept in your own words. You can write your definition in the downloadable worksheet provided with this tutorial. Note that writing is a powerful tool for reinforcing learning, as educator and former Rutgers University professor Janet Emig asserted in her paper, Writing as a Mode of Learning.
Answer Key Questions for Defining a Concept
As a framework for your definition, consider these key questions:
- What: What is a short description of the concept?
- Why: Why is the concept important in the broader Python context?
- How: How is the concept used in a Python program?
These questions will help you establish a core understanding of the concept you’re learning.
You might feel intimidated when you’re trying to define a Python concept. If you need help, there are many resources that can assist you. Real Python’s Reference section has concise definitions of Python keywords, built-in types, standard library modules, and more to help you build your own descriptions.
If you’re a visual learner, using an illustration can be a powerful way to enhance your understanding. In addition to a written definition, you can draw a picture or diagram to illustrate the concept. For example, the Variables in Python: Usage and Best Practices tutorial shows some example images of how you might picture variables. If you look at the Lists vs Tuples in Python tutorial, you can see a diagram of a Python list.
While pictures can be helpful, being able to conceptualize doesn’t necessarily mean you have to think visually. There are different thinking styles. Some researchers suggest that people can be visual or verbal thinkers. Pattern-based thinking is another style. Several of the tips in this tutorial encourage you to explore different aspects of these styles, depending on which works best for you.
View Examples of Concept Definitions
You might find a couple of examples helpful in understanding how to define difficult concepts. Suppose you’re studying variables. Here are possible responses to the key questions:
- What: A variable is a name that points to an object stored in the program’s memory.
- Why: Variables are key for data processing.
- How: Assigning a value to a variable using the assignment operator (
=) allows you to access your program’s data in a user-friendly way. You can then access and change the value by name throughout the program as needed.
This description provides a concise summary of what a variable is, why it matters, and how to use one. You can also include an example of variable usage as an addendum to your definition:
>>> age = 25
Here, you created a variable called age and assigned it a value of 25. From now on, you can use the variable name age to access, modify, or use the variable’s value.
Or, you might be learning about lists. Your definitions could look like this:
- What: A list is a sequence of values or objects.
- Why: Working with sequences of items is a common, foundational task in programming. Python lists make this important work easier.
- How: You can create a list by writing a pair of square brackets, with a comma-separated sequence of items inside them. Assign the list to a variable to use it throughout your program.
Here’s a short Python list that demonstrates the points in the definitions above:
