Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. Thanks to its simple syntax and readability, Python has become the go-to first language for beginners and is equally powerful for professionals working in data science, web development, automation, and AI.
When learners search for Python commands, they usually mean:
- Python keywords / statements (e.g.,
if
,for
,try
,def
,import
) - Python built-in functions (e.g.,
print()
,len()
,type()
) - Object methods for strings, lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries (e.g.,
append()
,split()
,get()
) - REPL commands (e.g.,
help()
,dir()
,_
) used in the Python shell - CLI commands like
python script.py
,pip install
, orpython -m venv
In this guide, we’ll treat “commands” as all the actions you can run in Python: from built-in functions to common shell commands.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a complete Python commands list with examples that covers:
- Basic Python commands for beginners
- String, list, tuple, set, and dictionary commands
- Loop commands with real-world usage
- Advanced commands for files, modules, and exceptions
- Python REPL & CLI commands (
pip install
,python -m pip
) - Common pitfalls and pro tips
Table of Contents
Basic Python Commands You Must Know
If you’re just starting with Python, there are a handful of basic commands you’ll use every single day. These commands cover printing output, taking input, checking types, working with ranges, rounding numbers, and managing packages.
Let’s go through them one by one with syntax, examples, and pro tips.
print() Command
The print()
command is used to display output on the screen or console.
Syntax:
print(object, ..., sep=' ', end='\n')
Example:
print("Hello, World!")
print("Sum =", 5 + 3)
Pro Tip: You can use the sep
and end
parameters for formatted output:
print("Python", "Commands", sep=" - ", end=" !!!\n")
# Output: Python - Commands !!!
input() Command
The input()
command is used to take input from the user.
Syntax:
input("message")
Example:
name = input("Enter your name: ")
print("Welcome,", name)
Pro Tip: The input()
command always returns a string. If you need an integer, convert it using int()
:
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
type() Command
The type()
command is used to check the type of an object.
Syntax:
type(object)
Example:
print(type(42)) # <class 'int'>
print(type("hello")) # <class 'str'>
print(type([1,2,3])) # <class 'list'>
len() Command
The len()
command is used to find the length (number of elements) in an object.
Syntax:
len(object)
Example:
print(len("Python")) # 6
print(len([10, 20, 30])) # 3
Pro Tip: Works on strings, lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries, but not on integers.
range() Command
The range()
command generates a sequence of numbers, often used in loops.
Syntax:
range(start, stop, step)
start
: starting number (default 0)stop
: number before which to stop (required)step
: increment (default 1)
Example:
for i in range(5):
print(i)
# Output: 0 1 2 3 4
for i in range(2, 10, 2):
print(i)
# Output: 2 4 6 8
Pro Tip: If you give two parameters, Python treats them as (start, stop)
and not (stop, step)
.
round() Command
The round()
command is used to round numbers to a given decimal precision.
Syntax:
round(number, digits)
number
: floating-point numberdigits
: how many decimal places (default = 0)
Example:
print(round(3.14159, 2)) # 3.14
print(round(15.678, 0)) # 16.0
pip install Command (CLI)
The pip install
command is used to install external Python packages.
Syntax (Windows/Linux/macOS):
python -m pip install package-name
Example:
python -m pip install requests
Pro Tip: Always usepython -m pip
instead ofpip
directly to avoid version conflicts.
Loop Commands in Python
Loops are an essential part of Python programming. They allow us to execute a block of code multiple times until a condition is met or a sequence is exhausted.
Python provides two primary loop commands:
for
loop → iterate over a sequencewhile
loop → repeat until a condition is false
Additionally, loop control commands like break
, continue
, and pass
help fine-tune loop execution.
while Loop
The while
loop executes as long as a condition remains True
.
Syntax:
while condition:
statements
update
Example:
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print("Count:", count)
count += 1
Output:
Count: 1
Count: 2
Count: 3
Count: 4
Count: 5
Pro Tip: Always make sure to update the loop variable inside a while
loop. Forgetting it will create an infinite loop.
for Loop
The for
loop in Python is used to iterate directly over sequences (like lists, strings, dictionaries, etc.).
Syntax:
for variable in sequence:
statements
Example (list iteration):
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
for fruit in fruits:
print(fruit)
Output:
apple
banana
cherry
Example (string iteration):
for ch in "Python":
print(ch, end=" ")
# Output: P y t h o n
Pro Tip: Use enumerate()
when you need both index and value:
for i, fruit in enumerate(fruits):
print(i, fruit)
# Output: 0 apple, 1 banana, 2 cherry
break Command
The break
command stops the loop completely, even if the condition isn’t finished.
Example:
for n in range(10):
if n == 5:
break
print(n)
Output:
0
1
2
3
4
continue Command
The continue
command skips the current iteration and moves to the next.
Example:
for n in range(6):
if n % 2 == 0:
continue
print(n)
Output:
1
3
5
pass Command
The pass
command does nothing – it’s used as a placeholder when a statement is required but you don’t want any action.
Example:
for n in range(3):
pass # Placeholder for future code
Pro Tip: pass
is commonly used when defining empty classes or functions during prototyping.
String Commands in Python
Strings are one of the most commonly used data types in Python. They are immutable sequences of characters, meaning once created, a string cannot be changed – every modification returns a new string.
Python provides dozens of string methods (often called string commands). Below are the most important ones with syntax, examples, and outputs.
Table: Common String Commands in Python
Command | Purpose | Syntax | Example | Output |
---|---|---|---|---|
upper() |
Converts string to uppercase | string.upper() |
"python".upper() |
PYTHON |
lower() |
Converts string to lowercase | string.lower() |
"HELLO".lower() |
hello |
capitalize() |
Capitalizes the first letter | string.capitalize() |
"python".capitalize() |
Python |
title() |
Capitalizes first letter of each word | string.title() |
"python commands".title() |
Python Commands |
strip() |
Removes spaces (leading/trailing) | string.strip() |
" hello ".strip() |
hello |
replace() |
Replaces substring with another | string.replace(old, new) |
"hello".replace("l","x") |
hexxo |
split() |
Splits string into list | string.split(sep) |
"a,b,c".split(",") |
['a', 'b', 'c'] |
join() |
Joins list into string | sep.join(list) |
",".join(["a","b"]) |
a,b |
find() |
Finds first occurrence index | string.find(sub) |
"python".find("t") |
2 |
count() |
Counts substring occurrences | string.count(sub) |
"banana".count("a") |
3 |
startswith() |
Checks if string starts with substring | string.startswith(sub) |
"python".startswith("py") |
True |
endswith() |
Checks if string ends with substring | string.endswith(sub) |
"hello".endswith("o") |
True |
isalnum() |
Returns True if all characters are alphanumeric | string.isalnum() |
"abc123".isalnum() |
True |
isalpha() |
Returns True if all characters are alphabets | string.isalpha() |
"python".isalpha() |
True |
isdigit() |
Returns True if all characters are digits | string.isdigit() |
"12345".isdigit() |
True |
Examples in Action
s = " python programming "
print(s.strip()) # python programming
print(s.upper()) # PYTHON PROGRAMMING
print(s.capitalize()) # Python programming
print(s.find("pro")) # 9
print(s.count("m")) # 2
Pro Tips:
- Use
split()
+join()
together to clean and reformat strings. - Always remember: strings are immutable, so methods like
.replace()
don’t modify the original string.
List Commands in Python
A list in Python is a mutable, ordered collection that can hold elements of different data types.
Lists are one of the most powerful and widely used data structures in Python.
Python provides many built-in list methods (often called list commands). Below are the most important ones with syntax, examples, and outputs.
Table: Common List Commands in Python
Command | Purpose | Syntax | Example | Output |
---|---|---|---|---|
append() |
Adds element to end of list | list.append(x) |
nums = [1,2]; nums.append(3) |
[1, 2, 3] |
insert() |
Inserts element at index | list.insert(i, x) |
nums = [1,2]; nums.insert(1, 99) |
[1, 99, 2] |
extend() |
Adds multiple elements | list.extend(iterable) |
[1,2].extend([3,4]) |
[1,2,3,4] |
pop() |
Removes & returns element (last by default) | list.pop(i) |
nums=[10,20,30]; nums.pop() |
Returns 30 , list → [10,20] |
remove() |
Removes first occurrence of element | list.remove(x) |
nums=[1,2,3]; nums.remove(2) |
[1,3] |
clear() |
Removes all items | list.clear() |
nums=[1,2]; nums.clear() |
[] |
sort() |
Sorts list in ascending order | list.sort() |
[3,1,2].sort() |
[1,2,3] |
reverse() |
Reverses order of list | list.reverse() |
[1,2,3].reverse() |
[3,2,1] |
copy() |
Returns shallow copy | list.copy() |
a=[1,2]; b=a.copy() |
b = [1,2] |
count() |
Counts occurrences of element | list.count(x) |
[1,2,2,3].count(2) |
2 |
index() |
Returns index of first occurrence | list.index(x) |
[10,20,30].index(20) |
1 |
Examples in Action
nums = [3, 1, 2]
nums.append(4)
print(nums) # [3, 1, 2, 4]
nums.insert(1, 99)
print(nums) # [3, 99, 1, 2, 4]
nums.sort()
print(nums) # [1, 2, 3, 4, 99]
nums.reverse()
print(nums) # [99, 4, 3, 2, 1]
Pro Tips:
- Use
list.copy()
instead of=
when you need an actual copy (not a reference). - Prefer
sorted(list)
(returns a new sorted list) if you don’t want to modify the original list. list.remove(x)
raises an error ifx
doesn’t exist – useif x in list:
before removing.
Tuple Commands in Python
A tuple in Python is an ordered, immutable collection.
Unlike lists, tuples cannot be modified once created – meaning you can’t append, insert, or remove elements.
However, they are faster than lists and are often used when you need read-only collections.
Python provides only two built-in tuple methods: count()
and index()
.
Tuple Commands in Python
Command | Purpose | Syntax | Example | Output |
---|---|---|---|---|
count() |
Returns number of times an element appears in the tuple | tuple.count(x) |
(1,2,2,3).count(2) |
2 |
index() |
Returns the index of the first occurrence of an element | tuple.index(x) |
(10,20,30).index(20) |
1 |
Examples in Action
t = (5, 10, 15, 10, 20)
print(t.count(10)) # 2
print(t.index(15)) # 2
Pro Tips:
- Since tuples are immutable, you cannot modify them – but you can convert them into a list if needed:
t = (1, 2, 3)
lst = list(t)
lst.append(4)
print(lst) # [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Use tuples when you need fixed data, such as coordinates (
(x, y)
), RGB colors, or database keys.
Set Commands in Python
A set in Python is an unordered, unindexed collection that does not allow duplicate values.
Sets are commonly used when you need to store unique elements or perform mathematical operations like union, intersection, and difference.
Python provides a variety of built-in set methods to manipulate and query sets.
Common Set Commands in Python
Command | Purpose | Syntax | Example | Output |
---|---|---|---|---|
add() |
Adds an element to the set | set.add(x) |
s={1,2}; s.add(3) |
{1,2,3} |
remove() |
Removes element, raises error if not found | set.remove(x) |
s={1,2}; s.remove(2) |
{1} |
discard() |
Removes element, does nothing if not found | set.discard(x) |
s={1,2}; s.discard(3) |
{1,2} |
pop() |
Removes & returns a random element | set.pop() |
s={1,2,3}; s.pop() |
Removes one random element |
clear() |
Removes all elements | set.clear() |
s={1,2}; s.clear() |
set() |
union() |
Returns union of sets (all elements) | set1.union(set2) |
{1,2}.union({2,3}) |
{1,2,3} |
intersection() |
Returns common elements | set1.intersection(set2) |
{1,2}.intersection({2,3}) |
{2} |
difference() |
Returns elements in first set but not in second | set1.difference(set2) |
{1,2,3}.difference({2,3}) |
{1} |
symmetric_difference() |
Returns elements in either set but not both | set1.symmetric_difference(set2) |
{1,2}.symmetric_difference({2,3}) |
{1,3} |
issubset() |
Checks if all elements of set A are in set B | setA.issubset(setB) |
{1,2}.issubset({1,2,3}) |
True |
issuperset() |
Checks if set A contains all elements of set B | setA.issuperset(setB) |
{1,2,3}.issuperset({2,3}) |
True |
copy() |
Returns a shallow copy of set | set.copy() |
s={1,2}; t=s.copy() |
t={1,2} |
Examples in Action
A = {1, 2, 3}
B = {3, 4, 5}
print(A.union(B)) # {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
print(A.intersection(B)) # {3}
print(A.difference(B)) # {1, 2}
print(A.symmetric_difference(B)) # {1, 2, 4, 5}
# Subset / Superset checks
print({1,2}.issubset(A)) # True
print(A.issuperset({2,3})) # True
Pro Tips:
- Use
discard()
instead ofremove()
if you’re not sure an element exists (avoidsKeyError
). - Sets are unordered, so the order of elements when printed may vary.
- Great for deduplication:
nums = [1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3]
unique = set(nums)
print(unique) # {1, 2, 3}
Dictionary Commands in Python
A dictionary in Python is an unordered, mutable collection that stores data in key-value pairs.
- Keys must be unique and immutable (e.g., strings, numbers, tuples).
- Values can be of any data type and may repeat.
Python dictionaries are extremely powerful, and Python provides many built-in dictionary methods to manipulate and query them.
Common Dictionary Commands in Python
Command | Purpose | Syntax | Example | Output |
---|---|---|---|---|
get() |
Returns value of key (default if not found) | dict.get(key, default) |
d={"a":1}; d.get("b",0) |
0 |
keys() |
Returns all keys | dict.keys() |
d={"a":1,"b":2}; d.keys() |
dict_keys(['a','b']) |
values() |
Returns all values | dict.values() |
d={"a":1,"b":2}; d.values() |
dict_values([1,2]) |
items() |
Returns key-value pairs | dict.items() |
d={"a":1,"b":2}; d.items() |
dict_items([('a',1),('b',2)]) |
update() |
Updates dictionary with another dict | dict.update(other_dict) |
d={"a":1}; d.update({"b":2}) |
{'a':1,'b':2} |
pop() |
Removes key and returns its value | dict.pop(key) |
d={"a":1,"b":2}; d.pop("a") |
Returns 1 , dict → {'b':2} |
popitem() |
Removes & returns last inserted key-value pair | dict.popitem() |
d={"a":1,"b":2}; d.popitem() |
Returns ('b',2) |
clear() |
Removes all items | dict.clear() |
d={"a":1}; d.clear() |
{} |
copy() |
Returns shallow copy | dict.copy() |
d={"a":1}; c=d.copy() |
{'a':1} |
setdefault() |
Returns value of key; inserts if missing | dict.setdefault(key, default) |
d={"a":1}; d.setdefault("b",99) |
{'a':1,'b':99} |
fromkeys() |
Creates new dict from keys with given value | dict.fromkeys(keys, value) |
dict.fromkeys(["x","y"],0) |
{'x':0,'y':0} |
Examples in Action
user = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}
print(user.get("name")) # Alice
print(user.get("city", "N/A")) # N/A
print(user.keys()) # dict_keys(['name', 'age'])
print(user.values()) # dict_values(['Alice', 25])
print(user.items()) # dict_items([('name','Alice'),('age',25)])
# Updating and removing
user.update({"city": "Paris"})
print(user) # {'name':'Alice','age':25,'city':'Paris'}
print(user.pop("age")) # 25
print(user) # {'name':'Alice','city':'Paris'}
Pro Tips:
- Use
get()
instead of direct indexing (dict[key]
) when you’re unsure if a key exists → avoidsKeyError
. - Use
setdefault()
to initialize missing keys in one line. popitem()
removes the last inserted item (in Python 3.7+ dictionaries preserve insertion order).- Use dictionary comprehensions for quick transformations:
squares = {x: x*x for x in range(5)}
print(squares) # {0:0, 1:1, 2:4, 3:9, 4:16}
Intermediate & Advanced Python Commands
Once you’re comfortable with Python basics, the next step is mastering commands that let you write cleaner, faster, and more powerful code.
These include comprehensions, functions, error handling, file handling, and modules.
List, Dictionary & Set Comprehensions
Comprehensions are shortcuts for creating new collections from existing ones. They are concise and usually faster than loops.
Examples:
# List comprehension
squares = [x*x for x in range(5)]
print(squares) # [0, 1, 4, 9, 16]
# Dictionary comprehension
squares_dict = {x: x*x for x in range(5)}
print(squares_dict) # {0:0, 1:1, 2:4, 3:9, 4:16}
# Set comprehension
unique_chars = {c for c in "programming"}
print(unique_chars) # {'m', 'o', 'i', 'a', 'g', 'n', 'p', 'r'}
Pro Tip: Use comprehensions instead of loops for transforming data – they’re cleaner and faster.
Functions (def & lambda)
Defining Functions
def greet(name, loud=False):
msg = f"Hello, {name}"
return msg.upper() if loud else msg
print(greet("Ada")) # Hello, Ada
print(greet("Ada", True)) # HELLO, ADA
Lambda Functions (Anonymous Functions)
square = lambda x: x*x
print(square(4)) # 16
Pro Tip: Use lambda
for one-line throwaway functions, but prefer def
for reusable logic.
File Handling Commands
Python makes file I/O simple with the open()
function and the modern pathlib
module.
Using open()
with open("data.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello, Python!\n")
with open("data.txt", "r") as f:
print(f.read()) # Hello, Python!
Using pathlib (Recommended)
from pathlib import Path
p = Path("example.txt")
p.write_text("Python commands are awesome!")
print(p.read_text())
Pro Tip: Always use with open()
or pathlib
to automatically close files and avoid leaks.
Exception Handling Commands
Errors are inevitable. Python provides the try-except
block to handle them gracefully.
try:
num = int("abc") # invalid conversion
except ValueError as e:
print("Error:", e)
finally:
print("This always runs")
Pro Tips:
- Catch specific errors (
ValueError
,KeyError
) instead of using bareexcept:
. - Use
raise
to create your own exceptions.
Importing and Using Modules
Python modules let you organize and reuse code.
Examples:
import math
print(math.sqrt(16)) # 4.0
from collections import Counter
print(Counter("banana")) # Counter({'a':3,'n':2,'b':1})
Pro Tip:
- Use aliases (
import numpy as np
) for long module names. - Avoid
from module import *
– it pollutes the namespace.
Python REPL Commands
The REPL (Read–Eval–Print Loop) is Python’s interactive shell that lets you run commands line by line without writing a full script. It’s an excellent tool for testing, debugging, and exploring objects in Python. Here are the most useful Python REPL commands:
help() Command
Displays the documentation of objects, modules, or functions.
Example:
help(str) # Shows documentation for string type
help(str.split) # Shows help for split() method
Pro Tip: Type help()
alone, and you’ll enter an interactive help system.
dir() Command
Lists all the attributes and methods of an object.
Example:
print(dir(list))
# Output includes: append, extend, insert, pop, remove, sort, ...
Pro Tip: dir()
is perfect for discovering what methods a type or module provides.
type() Command (often used in REPL)
Shows the class/type of an object.
print(type(42)) # <class 'int'>
print(type([1, 2])) # <class 'list'>
The Underscore _
Command
In REPL, _
stores the result of the last evaluated expression.
Example:
>>> 5 + 3
8
>>> _ * 2
16
Pro Tip: _
is handy for quick calculations but avoid using it in scripts (only works in REPL).
quit() and exit()
Used to exit the Python shell.
Example:
quit()
# or
exit()
Python CLI & pip Commands
Python doesn’t just run inside scripts – it can also be executed directly from the command line (CLI).
This is where you use commands like python
, python -m venv
, and pip install
.
Let’s break them down:
Running Python from the Command Line
You can run Python interactively or execute scripts from your terminal.
Check your Python version:
python --version
Run Python in interactive mode (REPL):
python
Run a Python script:
python script.py
Pro Tip: On some systems, you may need to use python3
instead of python
.
Virtual Environment Commands (venv)
Virtual environments are used to isolate dependencies so projects don’t conflict.
Create a virtual environment:
python -m venv .venv
Activate the environment:
- On macOS/Linux:
source .venv/bin/activate
- On Windows:
.venv\Scripts\activate
Deactivate the environment:
deactivate
Pro Tip: Always use virtual environments to keep dependencies clean, especially in professional projects.
pip (Python Package Installer) Commands
pip
is Python’s package manager, used to install, upgrade, and remove libraries.
Install a package:
python -m pip install requests
Upgrade a package:
python -m pip install --upgrade requests
Uninstall a package:
python -m pip uninstall requests
List installed packages:
python -m pip list
Pro Tip: Always use python -m pip
instead of just pip
to avoid version mismatches.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips in Python Commands
Even though Python is beginner-friendly, many learners fall into common traps when using commands.
Here’s a list of mistakes + best practices to help you avoid bugs and write cleaner code.
Using is
Instead of ==
- Wrong:
a = [1, 2, 3]
b = [1, 2, 3]
print(a is b) # False
- Fix: Use
==
to compare values,is
only for identity.
print(a == b) # True
Forgetting That Strings Are Immutable
- Wrong:
s = "hello"
s[0] = "H" # Error: strings don’t support item assignment
- Fix: Create a new string.
s = "H" + s[1:]
Mutable Default Arguments in Functions
- Wrong:
def add_item(x, items=[]):
items.append(x)
return items
print(add_item(1)) # [1]
print(add_item(2)) # [1, 2] (unexpected!)
- Fix: Use
None
as a default and initialize inside.
def add_item(x, items=None):
if items is None:
items = []
items.append(x)
return items
Infinite While Loops
- Wrong:
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print(count)
# forgot to update count → infinite loop!
- Fix: Always update the loop variable.
count = 1
while count <= 5:
print(count)
count += 1
Using list.remove(x)
Without Checking
- Wrong:
nums = [1, 2, 3]
nums.remove(4) # ValueError
- Fix: Check membership first.
if 4 in nums:
nums.remove(4)
Overusing from module import *
- Wrong:
from math import *
print(sqrt(16)) # Works but namespace polluted
- Fix: Use explicit imports.
import math
print(math.sqrt(16))
Forgetting to Close Files
- Wrong:
f = open("data.txt", "w")
f.write("Hello")
# File stays open!
- Fix: Use a context manager (
with
).
with open("data.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello")
Pro Tips Recap:
- Use
==
for value comparison,is
for identity. - Strings are immutable → always create new ones.
- Avoid mutable defaults in functions.
- Always update loop variables.
- Check membership before removing list items.
- Import only what you need.
- Use
with open()
for file safety.
Python Commands Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
If you ever need a fast refresher, here’s a compact Python commands list you can refer to.
For a detailed printable version, grab the Python Commands Cheat Sheet PDF.
Core Python Keywords
if, elif, else, for, while, def, return, import, from, as, try, except, finally,
with, lambda, class, pass, break, continue, yield, global, nonlocal
Basic Built-in Functions
print(), input(), len(), type(), isinstance(), range(), enumerate(), zip(),
sum(), min(), max(), any(), all(), sorted(), open()
String Methods
upper(), lower(), capitalize(), title(), strip(), replace(),
split(), join(), find(), count(), startswith(), endswith(),
isalnum(), isalpha(), isdigit()
List Methods
append(), insert(), extend(), pop(), remove(), clear(),
sort(), reverse(), copy(), count(), index()
Tuple Methods
count(), index()
Set Methods
add(), remove(), discard(), pop(), clear(), union(),
intersection(), difference(), symmetric_difference(),
issubset(), issuperset(), copy()
Dictionary Methods
get(), keys(), values(), items(), update(), pop(),
popitem(), clear(), copy(), setdefault(), fromkeys()
File Handling
with open("file.txt", "r") as f:
data = f.read()
from pathlib import Path
p = Path("file.txt")
p.write_text("Hello")
print(p.read_text())
Exception Handling
try:
risky_code()
except ValueError:
print("Handled error")
finally:
print("Always runs")
CLI & pip Commands
python --version
python script.py
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate # macOS/Linux
.venv\Scripts\activate # Windows
deactivate
python -m pip install package
python -m pip list
python -m pip uninstall package
Pro Tip: Bookmark this section or download the PDF Cheat Sheet to keep these commands handy!
Conclusion & FAQs
In this guide, we explored the complete Python commands list with examples – covering everything from basic functions (print()
, len()
, input()
) to advanced commands like comprehensions, exception handling, and file operations.
We also looked at string, list, tuple, set, and dictionary methods, along with REPL commands, CLI commands, and pip usage.
Remember:
- You don’t need to memorize all commands – just practice them regularly.
- Python is all about clean, readable code – keep pro tips and pitfalls in mind.
- Bookmark this guide or download the Python Commands Cheat Sheet PDF for quick reference.
Read Official Python Docs
-
- https://docs.python.org/3/library/functions.html → for built-in functions
- https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html → for beginners
- https://docs.python.org/3/library/stdtypes.html → for string, list, set, dict methods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are Python commands?
In Python, “commands” generally refer to keywords, built-in functions, object methods, REPL commands, and CLI commands. For example, print()
, len()
, if
, for
, pip install
, etc.
Q2. How do you run Python commands?
You can run Python commands in:
- Python shell (REPL): Just type commands like
print("Hello")
. - Script files (.py): Save commands in a
.py
file and runpython script.py
. - Command line (CLI): Use commands like
python --version
orpip install package
.
Q3. What are the most common Python commands?
Some of the most common Python commands are:
print()
→ display outputinput()
→ take user inputlen()
→ get length of objectrange()
→ generate numbersappend()
→ add list itemget()
→ access dictionary valueunion()
→ combine sets
Q4. What are magic commands in Python?
“Magic commands” usually refer to IPython/Jupyter Notebook commands that simplify tasks.
Examples:
%timeit
→ measure execution time%run script.py
→ run a script inside Jupyter%pwd
→ show current directory
Q5. What is the difference between Python commands and functions?
Technically, Python doesn’t have “commands” – it has functions, keywords, and statements.
However, learners often use “command” as a catch-all term for anything you can type in Python to make it work.