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 pdfrom 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:
python
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.