← SC in Schools Python

What is Python?

A set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer exactly what to do, step by step

Part of: SC in Schools - Introduction to Coding - Python — Module 1

Understanding What is Python? in SC in Schools Python

What it does: Python always runs instructions from the first line to the last, one at a time. The programmer writes the instructions; the computer follows them. Python is text-based — you type written instructions rather than dragging blocks. A program is the set of instructions. The console is where output is displayed. You write code in the code area; the output from running it appears in the console. Humans write programs; the computer reads and runs them. Clicking Run tells Python to read your code and carry out the instructions. A program is the written set of instructions the computer runs.

Common mistakes: Python is a programming language, not a spoken language. Line 0 is wrong. A program can have many instructions — it is not limited to just one. Line 0 is wrong.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 64–73) and word search (Modules 64–73).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Python is a text-based programming language.
TrueFalse
Matches
# Python runs bottom to top
↓
Wrong — Python always executes from top to bottom, line by line
Applying
Meanings
Term
program
Meaning
A set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer exactly what to do, step by step
Practice
print("Python runs line 1")
Testing
Gaps
# This is a program
Check Answer
Spots
1# Python is a spoken language
2# A program is written by a human

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Quick Questions

1. Python is a text-based programming language.
A. False
B. True ✓
Python is text-based — you type written instructions rather than dragging blocks.
2. Which word describes a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do?
A. Program ✓
B. Console
A program is the set of instructions. The console is where output is displayed.
3. In what order does Python run the instructions in a program?
A. Top to bottom ✓
B. Bottom to top
Python always executes code from the first line to the last, one line at a time.
4. Where does the output of a Python program appear?
A. The code area
B. The console ✓
You write code in the code area; the output from running it appears in the console.
5. Who writes a Python program?
A. A human ✓
B. The computer
Humans write programs; the computer reads and runs them.

Match the Pairs

program → A set of instructions written by a human that tells a computer what to do
console → The panel where the output of a running program is displayed
Python executes code top to bottom → # line 1 runs first # line 2 runs second
Humans write programs; computers run them → # You type this # Python runs this
# Python runs bottom to top → Wrong — Python always executes from top to bottom, line by line
# The console is where you write code → Wrong — you write code in the code area; the console shows output

Key Term

program
A set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer exactly what to do, step by step

Fill in the Blanks

1. # This is a Python program
Hint: Type the name of the programming language being used
2. # Each line is one instruction
Hint: Type the word for a single command the computer follows
3. # Python runs line by line
Hint: Type the word that completes this phrase about execution order
4. # Output appears in the console
Hint: Type the name of the area where program output is displayed
5. # A program tells the computer what to do
Hint: Type the word for a set of instructions given to a computer

Spot the Error

Question 1
A # Python is a spoken language
B # A program is written by a human
C # The computer reads and runs it
Line A — Python is a programming language, not a spoken language. Line 0 is wrong.
Question 2
A # Each program can only have one instruction
B # Python programs are saved as .py files
C # Running a program means the computer executes it
Line A — A program can have many instructions — it is not limited to just one. Line 0 is wrong.
Question 3
A # The computer follows instructions in any order
B # Python executes code from top to bottom
C # Humans write programs, computers run them
Line A — Python always runs instructions in order from top to bottom, not in any order. Line 0 is wrong.
Question 4
A # Python is a text-based language
B # Instructions run from bottom to top
C # Each instruction is on its own line
Line B — Python runs instructions from top to bottom, not bottom to top. Line 1 is wrong.
Question 5
A # Python is used all over the world
B # Python programs cannot display text
C # It is one of the most popular languages
Line B — Python programs absolutely can display text — that is one of the first things you learn. Line 1 is wrong.

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