INTRODUCTION – Write Effective Code Python
All that participants will need in this extensive course will be an advanced Python programming course covering essential content to hone their skillsets. Built around perfect mastery of pre-built and user-defined Python functions, the curriculum will enable learners to write modular and efficient codes. There will be an additional dimension of study within Python modules as a reusable code access mechanism, which prevents the repetition of development and streamlines processes besides improving the organization of code.
Focusing on the readability of the code, this course acknowledges the fact that it is most important when working in teams, but it also remains critical for maintenance. Students will learn how to ensure both clarity and understandability in their code. Thus, they will prepare themselves for teamwork and sustainability in the project. By the end of the course, these students will have built their technical skills and also be able to write neat, reasonable, and modular codes in readiness to take on complex programming challenges, particularly in cybersecurity settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Seamlessly Integrate pre-built functions within a code.
- Build user-defined Python Functions to capture specific needs.
- Understand and use Python modules for reusable code.
- Apply best practices for making your code readable.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS
1. In Python, what is a function?
- A section of code that contains an iterative statement
- A section of code that can be reused in a program (CORRECT)
- A section of code that exists directly in Python
- A section of code that contains a conditional
A function in Python is an organized block of reusable code that is designed to perform a specific action within a program.
2. Which of the following keywords is essential when defining a function?
- for
- while
- if
- def (CORRECT)
An element of prime importance in Python as far as functions is concerned is def. Placed in front of the name of the function signalizes a function definition’s beginning.
3. You want to define a function that performs a status check. Which of the following is a valid header for the function definition?
- def status_check
- def status_check(): (CORRECT)
- def status_check()
- def status_check:
An appropriately structured Python function header, such as def status_check():, adheres to the syntax rules. It starts with a def keyword, followed by the function name and a pair of parentheses (inside which parameters can be specified), and it gets over with the colon.
4. You are responsible for defining a function alert() that prints out the statement “Security issue detected.” Which of the following blocks of code represent the correct indentation for defining and then calling the function?
def alert():
print("Security issue detected.")
alert()
def alert():
print("Security issue detected.")
alert() (CORRECT)
def alert():
print("Security issue detected")
alert()
def alert():
print("Security issue detected")
alert()
When defining and then calling a function alert() that prints out the statement “Security issue detected.”, the following block of code demonstrates correct indentation:
def alert():
print("Security issue detected.")
alert() (CORRECT)
Right! The body of a function must be indented in Python as it indicates the block of code belonging to the function.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: ARGUMENTS, PARAMETERS, AND RETURN STATEMENTS
1. Fill in the blank: In the following code, the integers 5 and 12 are _____:
for i in range(5, 12):
print(i)- functions
- return statements
- arguments (CORRECT)
- parameters
The integers 5 and 12 are arguments in the following code:
for i in range(5, 12): print(i)
In this case, the two arguments are 5 and 12. These two arguments are used by the function to generate a sequence of numbers. The sequence will start from 5 (included), and will go until 12 (not included).
2. What is the correct way to define the function addition() if it requires the two parameters num1 and num2?
- def addition(num1)(num2):
- def addition(num1 and num2):
- def addition(num1 num2):
- def addition(num1, num2): (CORRECT)
In order to define the addition() function with two parameters, namely num1 and num2, we use the following definition: def addition(num1,num2):. If more than one parameter is required for the function, it should be included inside the parentheses along with a comma separating each argument.
3. Which of the following lines of code has correct syntax for printing the data type of the string “elarson”?
- print(“elarson”, type)
- print(type(“elarson”)) (CORRECT)
- type(print(“elarson”))
- print(type, “elarson”)
In the code print(type(“elarson”)), a nested approach is used to printing the data type of the string “elarson”. The input receives first a type() function which processes and returns the data type. Then the output is taken as the argument in the print().
4. Which function definition includes the correct syntax for returning the value of the result variable from the doubles() function?
def doubles(num):
result = num * 2
return = result
def doubles(num):
result = num * 2
result return
def doubles(num):
result = num * 2
return "result"
def doubles(num):
result = num * 2
return result (CORRECT)
The following block of code demonstrates the correct syntax for returning the value of the result variable from the doubles() function:
def doubles(num):
result = num * 2
return result (CORRECT)
The Keyword return fetches back any information from a function. It is written before the value or variable you want to return. For example, if you want to use and return the value stored in the result variable, we use return result.
5. The following block of code defines and calls a function. Which component of the code is an argument?
def display_username(username):
print("Username is", username)
display_username("bmoreno")
- username
- “bmoreno” (CORRECT)
- print()
- display_username()
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: LEARN FROM THE PYTHON COMMUNITY
1. Which of these is not included in the Python Standard Library?
- csv
- time
- re
- NumPy (CORRECT)
It is established that NumPy library is not part of the Python Standard Library. It is an external library that has to be installed separately.
2. Which of the following resources provides recommendations about including comments in your code?
- Python Standard Library
- re
- csv
- PEP 8 (CORRECT)
The PEP 8 style guide provides coding style conventions for Python developers, which includes writing comments. It stresses the clarity of comments and that they should be updated as the code changes.
3. Which of the following code blocks have correct indentation?
if username == "elarson":
print("Welcome, elarson!") (CORRECT)
if username == "elarson":
print("Welcome, elarson!")
if username == "elarson":
print("Welcome, elarson!")
if username == "elarson":
print("Welcome, elarson!")
The following block of code demonstrates correct indentation:
if username == "elarson":
print("Welcome, elarson!") (CORRECT)
You require the body of a conditional statement, such as in this print() function example, to indent itself properly so that the code would run as intended.
4. What is a Python module?
- A resource that provides stylistic guidelines for programmers working in Python
- A text file that contains cybersecurity-related data
- A Python file that contains additional functions, variables, and any kind of runnable code (CORRECT)
- A Python function that exists within Python and can be called directly
A Python module is a file which has Python codes (functions, and variables including executable code) that can be imported and used in other Python programs.
5. What is the difference between a module and a library in Python?
- A library is a Python file that contains additional functions, variables, and other kinds of runnable code. A Python module is a collection of libraries.
- Python libraries contain variables, but Python modules do not.
- A module is a Python file that contains additional functions, variables, and other kinds of runnable code. A Python library is a collection of modules. (CORRECT)
- Python libraries contain functions, but Python modules do not.
A module in Python refers to a file that contains possibly functions, variables, or any executable code. On the other hand, a Python library is a collection of related modules.
MODULE 2 CHALLENGE
1. Which of the following choices is a valid header in a function definition?
- def remove_user(username): (CORRECT)
- def remove_user(username)
- def (remove_user(username))
- remove_user(username):
2. Which of the following calls to the type() function uses correct syntax?
- type[81, 55, 17]
- type[(81, 17)]
- type([55, 81, 17]) (CORRECT)
- type([17, 81]):
3. What is a parameter?
- A variable returned from a function
- The name of a function that is being defined
- An object that is included in a function definition for use in that function (CORRECT)
- The data brought into a function when it is called
4. When working in Python, what is a library?
- A collection of stylistic guidelines for working with Python
- A collection of modules that provide code users can access in their programs (CORRECT)
- A Python file that contains additional functions, variables, classes, and any kind of runnable code
- A module that allows you to work with a particular type of file
5. What does this line of code return?
print(max(1,3,7))- 7 (CORRECT)
- 1
- 3
- 11
6. What is returned from the following user-defined function if you pass it the arguments 2 and 3?
def add(num1, num2):
result = num1 + num2
return result
add(2, 3)- 1
- 3
- 2
- 5 (CORRECT)
7. Which of the following choices is a resource that provides stylistic guidelines for programmers working in Python?
- PEP 8 (CORRECT)
- re
- Python Standard Library
- glob
8. What should you do when writing comments? Select all that apply.
- Make them clear. (CORRECT)
- Place them before every line of code.
- Only place them at the beginning of a program.
- Keep them up-to-date. (CORRECT)
9. What are built-in functions?
- Functions that take parameters
- Functions that exist with Python and can be called directly (CORRECT)
- Functions that return information
- Functions that a programmer builds for their specific needs
10. Fill in the blank: A Python file that contains additional functions, variables, classes, and any kind of runnable code is called a _____.
- module (CORRECT)
- library
- parameter
- built-in function
11. Fill in the blank: The re, csv, glob, and time modules are all _____.
- built-in functions
- part of the Python Standard Library (CORRECT)
- keywords in a function header
- part of PEP 8
12. What does this line of code return?
print(sorted(["h32rb17", "p52jb81", "k11ry83"]))- [“p52jb81”, “k11ry83”, “h32rb17”]
- [“h32rb17”]
- [“p52jb81”]
- [“h32rb17”, “k11ry83”, “p52jb81”] (CORRECT)
13. What is returned from the following user-defined function if you pass it the argument 9?
def subtract(num):
total = 100 - num
return total
subtract(9)- 91 (CORRECT)
- 9
- 9.0
- 100
14. What does PEP 8 contain?
- A collection of modules that users can access in their programs
- Suggestions for making Python easier to learn
- Stylistic guidelines for programmers working in Python (CORRECT)
- Files with additional functions users can use in their code
15. What is an advantage of including this comment in the following code? Select all that apply.
# For loop iterates to print an alert message 5 times
for i in range(5):
print("alert")- It can help you understand the code if you revisit it in the future. (CORRECT)
- It can help other programmers understand the purpose of this loop. (CORRECT)
- It is displayed in the output when the code is run in Python.
- It ensures the loop will function when the code is run in Python.
16. Which of the following statements accurately describe functions? Select all that apply.
- When functions are updated, the changes are applied everywhere they are used. (CORRECT)
- Functions are useful for automation. (CORRECT)
- Functions can be used no more than 10 times from within a single program.
- Functions can be reused throughout a program. (CORRECT)
17. Fill in the blank: A Python file that contains additional functions, variables, classes, and any kind of runnable code is called a _____.
- parameter
- library
- module (CORRECT)
- built-in function
18. Which of the following components are part of the header in a function definition? Select all that apply.
- The parameters used in a function (CORRECT)
- The name of the function (CORRECT)
- The keyword return
- The keyword def (CORRECT)
19. In the following code, what is the argument?
def welcome_user(name):
print("Welcome," name)
username="elarson"
welcome_user(username)- welcome_user
- username (CORRECT)
- name
- def
20. Fill in the blank: A collection of modules that users can access in their programs is a _____.
- style guide
- library
- user-defined function
- built-in function
21. Why are comments useful? Select three answers.
- They explain the code to other programmers. (CORRECT)
- They make the code run faster.
- They provide insight on what the code does. (CORRECT)
- They make debugging easier later on. (CORRECT)
22. What is a function?
- A reusable section of code
- A downloadable resource with code instructions
- A set of stylistic guidelines for working in Python
- A Python file that contains runnable code
23. You imported a Python module, what do you now have access to in Python?
- A function that exists within Python and can be called directly
- A manual that informs the writing, formatting, and design of documents
- Additional functions, variables, classes, and other kinds of runnable code (CORRECT)
- A list of comments that you have included in previous code
24. What can a style guide help you with when working with Python? Select two answers.
- Making your code more consistent (CORRECT)
- Making it easier for other programmers to understand your code (CORRECT)
- Finding ways to make your code more complex
- Finding new modules you can incorporate into your code
25. Which of the following calls to the sorted() function uses correct syntax?
- sorted([532, 73, 85]) (CORRECT)
- sorted[(85, 523, 73)]
- sorted():
- sorted[73, 85, 532]
26. Review the following code. Which of these statements accurately describes name?
def echo(name):
return name * 3- It is an argument because it is used in a return statement.
- It is a parameter because it is used in a return statement.
- It is an argument because it is included in the function call.
- It is a parameter because it is included in the function definition. (CORRECT)
27. Fill in the blank: Python modules are files that _____.
- contain libraries
- only contain built-in functions
- contain any kind of runnable code (CORRECT)
- only contain new variables
28. What does this line of code return?
print(type("h32rb17"))- h32rb17
- str (CORRECT)
- “h32rb17”
- int
CONCLUSION – Write Effective Code Python
In a nutshell, this is an intensive advanced Python programming course that prepares participants for tackling the challenges that they might face in the world of cybersecurity. It provides an even clearer foundation in advanced Python constructs such as pre-built and user-defined functions, various usage of modules, and code readability, all contributing towards enhancing programming skills.
Clear and comprehensible writing is also an improvement on an individual’s own competencies and a much-welcome development practice for teamwork which becomes all the more necessary within the reality of cybersecurity. With this going out of the course, it is more about the use of these improved Python skills in cracking very complicated challenges and projects that involve the practice in cybersecurity.