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0301 | Introductions

Disclaimer | Attribution​

This short "Introduction to Python" is based on my own notes taken during the TCM Security - Python 101 for Hackers video course by Riley Kidd.

I highly recommend this course as a great starting point for learning about Python; it was instrumental in my own understanding of the subject. I would like to extend a big thank you to the TCM Security Team for providing such valuable resources!

Welcome and course introduction​

What is Python​

  • dynamic, interpreted, object-oriented, high-level language
  • enables cross-platform rapid prototyping and scripting
  • relatively simply, easy to learn syntax
  • general purpose and versatile, with mature standard library
  • extensible, actively used with a large community

Why learn Python as a hacker​

  • understand how scripts or proof of concepts work
  • debug, modify and run scripts or proof of concepts
  • create your own scripts or proof of concepts
  • "Easy" first programming language for beginners
  • Understanding how an application could work makes it easier to anticipate how it could break (you can also think about fixes too)

Python2 vs Python3​

  • Python2 is no longer under development - but people still use it
  • Python2 code will (mostly) not run in a Python3 environment
  • Python3 stores strings as unicode by default (not ascii)
  • If you don't know how to run a script - try both (or try to print)
  • If you have a choice - use Python3 (Python2 is End of Life)