EXP.PROG.01 Explore · Programming Lab

Your first Python program

You should be able to: write and run a one-line Python program, and explain how this goes beyond GES “programming terminologies”.

After GES: If you have done B7.4.1.1.1 Programming terminologies, you already know program, syntax, input, and output. This lesson uses a real language.

1. Learn

GES Computing teaches the words of programming. Explore teaches you to write a program.

Python is a language used in schools, websites, and AI work. A Python program is a list of instructions. The smallest useful program prints words on the screen:

print("Akwaaba to SURF-CLOUD")

• print is a function — a named action Python already knows.
• The brackets ( ) hold what you want to show.
• The quotes " " mark text (a string). Without quotes, Python looks for a variable with that name.

This site cannot run Python on UltraHost shared hosting. Use one of these, then come back to the practice:

• School lab: Python IDLE or VS Code
• Phone or cafe computer: Programiz online compiler or Trinket
• No internet: write the program in your book and tick it when you next sit at a PC

2. See

Type the line above. Press Run. You should see Akwaaba to SURF-CLOUD. Then change the text to your name and run again. That is edit → run → see output — the loop every programmer uses.

3. Practice

1. What goes wrong if you write print(Akwaaba) without quotes?

   Show answer

   Python looks for a variable called Akwaaba. It is not defined, so you get a NameError. Quotes make it text.

2. Write a program that prints your school name, then a second line with your class (B7, B8, SHS 1, …).

   Show a sample

   print("Kaneshie M/A JHS")
   print("B7")

3. GES uses the word output. Where is the output in this lesson?

   Show answer

   The text that appears after you press Run — on the console or output pane.

4. True or false: You must finish all of B7 Computing before this Explore lesson.

   Show answer

   False. Explore is open to any learner. GES lessons still help you use the right words when you talk to a teacher.

4. Project

Write a 4-line “about me” program (name, town, class, one hobby). Run it. Screenshot or copy the code into your book.

Stretch: look up # comments in Python and add one comment that explains who wrote the program.

5. Check

• Emerging — copies the sample but cannot change the text
• Developing — changes the string; still confused by quotes
• Approaching proficient — two print lines run without error
• Proficient — about-me program + can explain syntax vs output
• Highly proficient — teaches a classmate using Programiz on a phone

SURF-CLOUD Explore track · beyond GES Computing. Next: EXP.PROG.02.