Subjects

AP Computer Science A

Computing Innovations

Crowdsourcing Innovations

AP Computer Science A

Dec 2, 2025

5 pages

Python Data Types Explained: A Beginner's Guide

Jenna @jenna_bmem

Python is a versatile programming language used in everything from web development to data science. This guide covers... Show more

# Study Guide Charts
# Python Exam Reference Sheet

| Instruction | Assignment, print, and input | Explanation |
| ----------- | -----------

Python Basics and Operators

In Python, you can assign values to variables with a simple equals sign. For example, a = expression evaluates the expression and stores the result in variable a.

The print() function displays values on the screen, while input() collects information from users. These are the building blocks of any interactive Python program.

Python includes several arithmetic operators that follow standard math order of operations. Besides the familiar +, -, *, /, and ** (exponentiation), Python has two special division operators

% (modulo) Returns the remainder after division (like 17 % 5 equals 2)
// (integer division) Returns just the quotient without decimals (like 17 // 5 equals 3)

Pro tip The modulo operator (%) is extremely useful for determining if a number is even or odd. If number % 2 == 0, the number is even!

Data Types

Python has several basic data types that store different kinds of information. The main ones you'll use include

int $like 1, 42, -5$ Whole numbers
float (like 3.14, 0.001) Numbers with decimal points
bool (True or False) Boolean values for logical operations
str (like 'hello', "Python") Text data

Booleans are particularly important for decision-making in your code. They're the result of comparison operations like <, >, ==, and !=. Remember that True and False must be capitalized in Python!

Strings represent text and can be created using either single quotes ('text') or double quotes ("text"). These are called string literals because you're literally writing out the text in your code.

Remember Unlike other languages, Python is case-sensitive for everything, including Boolean values (True/False), variable names, and function names.

Type Conversion (Casting)

Sometimes you need to convert data from one type to another - this is called casting. Python provides simple functions to handle this

int() converts values to integers (whole numbers)
float() converts values to floating-point numbers
str() converts values to strings

When casting decimal numbers to integers using int(), Python truncates the decimal portion rather than rounding. For example, int(1.8) becomes 1, not 2.

The input() function is crucial for interactive programs, allowing users to provide information to your program. It pauses your program until the user enters something and presses Enter.

Important The input() function always returns data as a string, even if the user types numbers! If you need numeric values, you must cast the input using int() or float().

Working with User Input

Creating user-friendly programs means providing clear instructions about what input you expect. The input() function can display a prompt message by including it as an argument.

Instead of using separate lines like

print('Enter a value')
x = input()

You can combine them into a cleaner single statement

x = input('Enter a value ')

For calculations with user input, remember to convert string inputs to numbers first. You can do this in two ways

Store the input, then convert x = input('Value ') followed by x = int(x)
Convert immediately x = int(input('Value '))

Both approaches work, but the second is more concise and often preferred by experienced programmers.

Quick tip When asking for numeric input, include the type in your prompt message (like "Please enter an integer") to help users provide the right format.

Helpful Python Notes

Python has some special characters and operators that come in handy when writing code. The newline character \n lets you add line breaks within strings, while # creates comments that help document your code but don't execute.

Remember to always cast user inputs when performing calculations. For example, int(input()) or float(input()) ensures you're working with numbers rather than text.

String concatenation uses the + operator to join strings together (like "Hello" + "World" becomes "HelloWorld"), while printing multiple items typically uses commas (like print("Value", x)).

When performing division, the // operator gives you whole number results (integer division), while % gives you just the remainder. For example, 5 // 2 equals 2 and 5 % 2 equals 1.

Success tip Keep this reference handy during practice exercises. You'll quickly memorize these operations as you use them regularly in your code!

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Anna

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Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Subjects

AP Computer Science A

Computing Innovations

Crowdsourcing Innovations

AP Computer Science A

•

Dec 2, 2025

•

5 pages

Python Data Types Explained: A Beginner's Guide

Jenna

@jenna_bmem

Python is a versatile programming language used in everything from web development to data science. This guide covers essential Python concepts you'll need to know for your exams, including basic operations, data types, and user input handling.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Python Basics and Operators

In Python, you can assign values to variables with a simple equals sign. For example, a = expression evaluates the expression and stores the result in variable a.

The print() function displays values on the screen, while input() collects information from users. These are the building blocks of any interactive Python program.

% (modulo): Returns the remainder after division (like 17 % 5 equals 2)
// (integer division): Returns just the quotient without decimals (like 17 // 5 equals 3)

Pro tip: The modulo operator (%) is extremely useful for determining if a number is even or odd. If number % 2 == 0, the number is even!

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Improve your grades

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Data Types

Python has several basic data types that store different kinds of information. The main ones you'll use include:

int $like 1, 42, -5$ : Whole numbers
float (like 3.14, 0.001): Numbers with decimal points
bool (True or False): Boolean values for logical operations
str (like 'hello', "Python"): Text data

Remember: Unlike other languages, Python is case-sensitive for everything, including Boolean values (True/False), variable names, and function names.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Type Conversion (Casting)

Sometimes you need to convert data from one type to another - this is called casting. Python provides simple functions to handle this:

int() converts values to integers (whole numbers)
float() converts values to floating-point numbers
str() converts values to strings

When casting decimal numbers to integers using int(), Python truncates the decimal portion rather than rounding. For example, int(1.8) becomes 1, not 2.

The input() function is crucial for interactive programs, allowing users to provide information to your program. It pauses your program until the user enters something and presses Enter.

Important: The input() function always returns data as a string, even if the user types numbers! If you need numeric values, you must cast the input using int() or float().

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Working with User Input

Creating user-friendly programs means providing clear instructions about what input you expect. The input() function can display a prompt message by including it as an argument.

Instead of using separate lines like:

print('Enter a value:')
x = input()

You can combine them into a cleaner single statement:

x = input('Enter a value: ')

For calculations with user input, remember to convert string inputs to numbers first. You can do this in two ways:

Store the input, then convert: x = input('Value: ') followed by x = int(x)
Convert immediately: x = int(input('Value: '))

Both approaches work, but the second is more concise and often preferred by experienced programmers.

Quick tip: When asking for numeric input, include the type in your prompt message (like "Please enter an integer:") to help users provide the right format.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Helpful Python Notes

Remember to always cast user inputs when performing calculations. For example, int(input()) or float(input()) ensures you're working with numbers rather than text.

String concatenation uses the + operator to join strings together (like "Hello" + "World" becomes "HelloWorld"), while printing multiple items typically uses commas (like print("Value:", x)).

When performing division, the // operator gives you whole number results (integer division), while % gives you just the remainder. For example, 5 // 2 equals 2 and 5 % 2 equals 1.

Success tip: Keep this reference handy during practice exercises. You'll quickly memorize these operations as you use them regularly in your code!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam

Quiz

Flashcards

Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Thomas R

iOS user

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Thomas R

iOS user

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user