Python Beginner Cheat Sheet: 19 Keywords Every Coder Must Know

Hey friend!

If you’re a Python beginner, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the language features, libraries, and syntax elements.

Learning a new programming language can be painful because computers are unforgiving—they keep complaining until you can’t take it anymore.

To help you overcome the “valley of desperation”, I created a series of Python cheat sheets — you have found the first one on this page! 🚀

Python Keywords Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet is for beginners in the Python programming language. It explains everything you need to know about Python keywords.

Download and pin it to your wall until you feel confident using all these keywords! 👇

Download only this PDF

Click on the image or the button. You’ll join my free email academy and I’ll send you 5 additional cheat sheets about data structures, functions, tricks, interview tips, and object orientation.

Did I already mention that I love cheat sheets? I’ll also send you a regular Python training email course for continuous improvement in Python (it’s free).

Alternatively, you can also check out this direct PDF link to download the PDF right away—and subscribe here for the remaining educational content!

Over time, this page has turned into a full-fledged Python tutorial with many additional resources, puzzles, tips, and videos. Go ahead—have some fun & try to learn a thing or two & become a better coder in the process!

Interactive Python Puzzle

I’ve written a short puzzle that incorporates all keywords discussed in the cheat sheet. Can you solve it?

Exercise: Think about this puzzle and guess your output. Then, run the code and check whether you were right!

Did you struggle with the puzzle? No problem — Let’s dive into all of these keywords to gain a better understanding of each.

Python Keywords

Learn 80% of the keywords in 20% of the time: these are the most important Python keywords.

Python Keywords [A Helpful 16-Minute Primer]

False, True

Data values from the Boolean data type

False == (1 > 2)
True == (2 > 1)

​and, or, not

Logical operators:

• (x and y) → both x and y must be True for the expression to be True
• (x or y) → either x or y or both must be True for the expression to be True
• (not x) → x must be False for the expression to be True

x, y = True, False
(x or y) == True       # True
(x and y) == False     # True
(not y) == True        # True

​break

​Ends loop prematurely

while(True):
    break # no infinite loop
print("hello world")

​continue

​Finishes current loop iteration

while(True):
    continue
    print("43") # dead code

​class

Defines a new class → a real-world concept 

(object-oriented programming)

class Beer:  
  def __init__(self):
      self.content = 1.0 
  def drink(self):
      self.content = 0.0


becks = Beer() # constructor - create class
becks.drink() # beer empty: b.content == 0

​def

​Defines a new function or class method. For the latter, the first parameter (“self”) points to the class object. When calling the class method, the first parameter is implicit.

​See ​previous code example.

​if, elif, else

​Conditional program execution: program starts with “if” branch, tries the “elif” branches, and finishes with “else” branch (until one branch evaluates to True).

x = int(input("your value: "))
if x > 3:
    print("Big")
elif x == 3:
    print("Medium")
else:
    print("Small")

​for, while

​Repeated execution of loop body.

# For loop declaration
for i in [0,1,2]:
  print(i)

# While loop - same semantics
j = 0
while j < 3:
  print(j)
  j = j + 1

​in

​Checks whether element is in sequence (membership):

42 in [2, 39, 42] 
# True

​is

​Checks whether both elements point to the same object (object identity/equality)

y = x = 3
x is y # True
[3] is [3] # False

​None

​Empty value constant

def f():
    x = 2
f() is None # True

​lambda

​Function with no name (anonymous function)

(lambda x: x + 3)(3) # returns 6

​return

​Terminates execution of the function and passes the flow of execution to the caller. An optional value after the return keyword specifies the function result.

def incrementor(x):
  return x + 1
incrementor(4) # returns 5

Put yourself on the road to mastery and download your free Python cheat sheets now, print them, and post them to your office wall!

​Want more cheat sheets and free Python education? Register for the free Finxter email academy. In the following, I’ll present you a compilation of the best Python cheat sheets on the web. So, keep reading!

Best Python Cheat Sheets

But these are not all—the following Python cheat sheets will greatly improve your learning efficiency! Check out this compilation of the best Python cheat sheets!

5 Python Cheat Sheets Every Python Coder Must Own

So let’s dive into the best Python cheat sheets recommended by us.

Python 3 Cheat Sheet

This is the best single cheat sheet. It uses every inch of the page to deliver value and covers everything you need to know to go from beginner to intermediate. Topics covered include container types, conversions, modules, math, conditionals, and formatting to name a few. A highly recommended 2-page sheet!

Python Beginner Cheat Sheet

Some might think this cheat sheet is a bit lengthy. At 26 pages, it is the most comprehensive cheat sheets out there. It explains variables, data structures, exceptions, and classes – to name just a few. If you want the most thorough cheat sheet, pick this one.

Python for Data Science

Some of the most popular things to do with Python are Data Science and Machine Learning.

In this cheat sheet, you will learn the basics of Python and the most important scientific library: NumPy (Numerical Python). You’ll learn the basics plus the most important NumPy functions.

If you are using Python for Data Science, download this cheat sheet.

Python for Data Science (Importing Data)

This Python data science cheat sheet from DataCamp is all about getting data into your code.

Think about it: importing data is one of the most important tasks when working with data. Increasing your skills in this area will make you a better data scientist—and a better coder overall!

Python Cheatography Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet is for more advanced learners. It covers class, string, and list methods as well as system calls from the sys module. 

Once you’re comfortable defining basic classes and command-line interfaces (CLIs), get this cheat sheet. It will take you to another level.

The Ultimative Python Cheat Sheet Course (5x Email Series)

Want to learn Python well, but don’t have much time?

Then this course is for you. It contains 5 carefully designed PDF cheat sheets. Each cheat sheet takes you one step further into the rabbit hole.

You will learn practical Python concepts from the hand-picked examples and code snippets. The topics include basic keywords, simple and complex data types, crucial string and list methods, and powerful Python one-liners.

If you lead a busy life and do not want to compromise on quality, this is the cheat sheet course for you!

Dataquest Data Science Cheat Sheet – Python Basics

The wonderful team at Dataquest has put together this comprehensive beginner-level Python cheat sheet.

It covers all the basic data types, looping, and reading files. It’s beautifully designed and is the first of a series.

Dataquest Data Science Cheat Sheet – Intermediate

This intermediate-level cheat sheet is a follow-up of the other Dataquest cheat sheet. It contains intermediate dtype methods, looping, and handling errors.

Dataquest NumPy

NumPy is at the heart of data science. Advanced libraries like scikit-learn, Tensorflow, Pandas, and Matplotlib are built on NumPy arrays.

You need to understand NumPy before you can thrive in data science and machine learning. The topics of this cheat sheet are creating arrays, combining arrays, scalar math, vector math, and statistics.

This is only one great NumPy cheat sheet—if you want to get more, check out our article on the 10 best NumPy cheat sheets!

Python For Data Science (Bokeh)

Want to master the visualization library Bokeh? This cheat sheet is for you! It contains all the basic Bokeh commands to get your beautiful visualizations going fast!

Pandas Cheat Sheet for Data Science

Pandas is everywhere. If you want to master “the Excel library for Python coders”, why not start with this cheat sheet? It’ll get you started fast and introduces the most important Pandas functions to you.

You can find a best-of article about the 7 best Pandas Cheat Sheets here.

Regular Expressions Cheat Sheet

Regex to the rescue! Regular expressions are wildly important for anyone who handles large amounts of text programmatically (ask Google).

This cheat sheet introduces the most important Regex commands for quick reference. Download & master these regular expressions!

If you love cheat sheets, here are some interesting references for you (lots of more PDF downloads):

Programming Humor – Python

Where to Go From Here?

Enough theory. Let’s get some practice!

Coders get paid six figures and more because they can solve problems more effectively using machine intelligence and automation.

To become more successful in coding, solve more real problems for real people. That’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?

You build high-value coding skills by working on practical coding projects!

Do you want to stop learning with toy projects and focus on practical code projects that earn you money and solve real problems for people?

🚀 If your answer is YES!, consider becoming a Python freelance developer! It’s the best way of approaching the task of improving your Python skills—even if you are a complete beginner.

If you just want to learn about the freelancing opportunity, feel free to watch my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and learn how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.

Join the free webinar now!