Python Language Glossary¶

Core Python language concepts.

Script¶

A .py file containing Python instructions that execute top to bottom when run.

Module¶

A single Python .py file that can be imported by other files.

Package¶

A folder of Python modules with an __init__.py file that makes it importable. Example: a folder named cintel containing case_logic.py and __init__.py is imported as from cintel.case_logic import run.

Import¶

A Python statement that loads code from another module or package. Examples:

• import pandas as pd
• from cintel.case_logic import run

main()¶

A conventional function that serves as the entry point of a script. Called at the bottom of a script with:

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Function¶

A named, reusable block of code that takes inputs and returns outputs. Defined with def.

Parameter¶

A variable in a function definition that receives a value when the function is called.

Argument¶

The actual value passed to a function when it is called.

Return Value¶

The output a function sends back to the caller using return.

Variable¶

A named storage location for a value.

Assignment¶

Binding a value to a variable name using =. Example: threshold = 3.5

String (str)¶

A text value written in quotes. Examples: "hello", 'sensor_id'

Integer (int)¶

A whole number value. Example: 42

Float (float)¶

A decimal number value. Example: 3.14

Boolean (bool)¶

A True or False value. Used in conditions, filtering, and logic.

None¶

A special Python value representing the absence of a value. Similar to NULL in other languages.

List¶

An ordered, mutable collection of values. Example: [1, 2, 3]

Dictionary (dict)¶

A collection of key-value pairs. Example: {"name": "Alice", "score": 98.5}

Tuple¶

An ordered, immutable collection of values. Example: (1, 2, 3)

Conditional (if/elif/else)¶

A statement that executes different code depending on whether a condition is True or False.

Loop (for / while)¶

A statement that repeats a block of code. for iterates over a sequence; while repeats while a condition is True.

Boolean Expression¶

An expression that evaluates to True or False. Example: temperature > 100

Comparison Operator¶

An operator that compares two values and returns a Boolean. Examples: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=

Logical Operator¶

An operator that combines Boolean expressions. Examples: and, or, not

Exception¶

An error that occurs during program execution. Can be caught and handled with try / except.

try / except¶

A block that attempts code and catches errors if they occur. Prevents the program from crashing on expected failure conditions.

f-string (Formatted String Literal)¶

A Python string that embeds variable values using {}. Example: f"Temperature is {temp:.2f} degrees"

Comment¶

A line in code beginning with # that Python ignores. Used to explain intent to human readers.

Type Hint¶

An optional annotation indicating the expected type of a variable or function parameter. Example: def run(filepath: str) -> None: Improves readability and enables static type checking tools like Pylance.