Python Basics for DevOps Beginners | Variables, Data Types & Input Explained Simply

After a basic introduction to Python, I started exploring new things in the Python language. As a DevOps engineer, Python is one of the most important tools for automation, scripting, and daily tasks. In this blog, I will explain Python in a very simple and practical way so anyone can understand it easily.

Step 1: Check Python Version

First, open Command Prompt (CMD) or Terminal.

Run the following command:

python --version

This command is used to check whether Python is installed and which version you are using.

Step 2: Enter Python Terminal

Now type:

python

You will enter the Python interactive terminal.

Try this:

2 + 2

Output will be:

4

This shows how easy and readable Python is.

👉 What’s happening here?
Python sends your instruction to the Operating System (OS). The OS processes it and returns the output.


What Is Code?

Code is simply a set of instructions given to the computer.

For example:

5 + 5

The OS processes this instruction and gives the output:

10

If the computer understands the syntax, it works fine. Otherwise, it shows a syntax error.

Printing Output on the Screen

If you want to print something on the screen, Python makes it very easy.

Example:

print("Hi Python for the DevOps")

Output:

Hi Python for the DevOps

Understanding the Function

  • print is a function
  • Syntax of a function:
function_name()

Whatever you write inside the brackets will be displayed on the screen.

Variables Explained (Very Simple)

Variable means something that can change.

Example:

num = 2

You can change the value anytime:

num = 3
num = 4

Constant Concept

If a value does not change, we treat it like a constant.

Example:

num1 = 2

Here, we intend not to change num1.

Python Data Types

Python mainly uses these 4 basic data types:

1. Integer (int)

Whole numbers:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

2. Float (float)

Decimal numbers:

2.2, 4.5, 6.5

3. String (str)

Anything inside quotes:

name = "Raees - Briller Technologies"

Strings can be written using:

  • " "
  • ' '

4. Boolean (bool)

Only two values:

True
False

⚠️ Python is case-sensitive

  • false ❌ → Syntax Error
  • False ✅ → Correct

Checking Data Type Using type() Function

Python helps you learn itself using built-in functions.

Example:

num = 2
type(num)

Output:

<class 'int'>

Another example:

name = "Raees"
type(name)

Output:

<class 'str'>

Boolean example:

walk = True
type(walk)

Output:

<class 'bool'>

Taking Input from the User

Now let’s take input from the user.

name = input("Enter your name: ")

User enters:

Raees

Now check:

name

Output:

Raees

👉 The value entered by the user is stored in the variable name.

What Is Casting?

Casting means converting one data type into another.

Example:

num1 = input("Enter first number: ")
type(num1)

Output:

<class 'str'>

👉 Input is always taken as a string by default.

Converting String to Integer (Casting)

num1 = int(input("Enter first number: "))

Enter:

1500

Now check:

type(num1)

Output:

<class 'int'>

✔️ This conversion is done using casting.

Simple Calculator Example

num1 = int(input("Enter first number: "))
num2 = int(input("Enter second number: "))
num1 + num2
num1 - num2

Now Python works like a calculator.
Just enter values and get results according to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Python is:

  • Easy to read
  • Easy to write
  • Very powerful for DevOps automation

If you are starting your DevOps journey, Python should be your first scripting language.

✨ I hope you liked my blog.
Please share it with others and keep following me for more DevOps and Python content.

— Raees Yaqoob Qazi
DevOps Engineer | Briller Technologies 🚀

🌐 Online References

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raees-yaqoob-qazi-ryqs/
  • Medium Blog: https://medium.com/@raeesyaqubqazi
  • Blogspot: https://brillertechnologies.blogspot.com/
  • Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553548371216
  • YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RaeesQ.
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrryqs?_t=ZS-8y7t0fQfJKu&_r=1

 


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