Chapter 3. Syntax and Style

Chapter Topics

• Statements and syntax

• Variable assignment

• Identifiers and keywords

• Basic style guidelines

• Memory management

• First Python application

Our next goal is to go through the basic Python syntax, describe some general style guidelines, then be briefed on identifiers, variables, and keywords. We will also discuss how memory space for variables is allocated and deallocated. Finally, we will be exposed to a much larger example Python program—taking the plunge, as it were. No need to worry, there are plenty of life preservers around that allow for swimming rather than the alternative.