Module 2: Technical Preparation: Data Types and If Statements

Module Overview

Module 2 focuses on understanding data types in Python and how to convert between them. You'll also learn about Boolean logic and how to use if-statements to control the flow of your programs. These concepts are fundamental to solving programming challenges on LeetCode and in the General Code Assessment (GCA).

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate data types and how to convert between them
• Utilize Boolean programming logic and if-statements

Core Competencies

Data Types and Boolean Logic

Data Types and Conversions

In this section, you'll learn about:

• Common Python data types (int, float, str, bool)
• Type checking using the type() function
• Converting between data types with casting functions
• Handling type conversion issues and errors

If/Else Statements

This section covers:

• Basic if-statement syntax
• Using else and elif clauses
• Comparison operators (==, !=, >, <, >=, <=)
• Nested if-statements and how to avoid them

Boolean Logic with And/Or

Learn about:

• Logical operators: and, or, not
• Truth tables and Boolean algebra
• Short-circuit evaluation
• Complex conditions with multiple operators

Guided Project

In the guided project, you'll practice using LeetCode to solve programming challenges that require you to apply your knowledge of data types and conditional logic. You'll focus on type conversion and using if-statements to implement decision-making in your programs.

Project Resources

Recommended LeetCode Problems

Note: For all problems, you can select Python as your programming language using the dropdown menu in the LeetCode code editor.

• Valid Palindrome
• Check If N and Its Double Exist
• Number of Days Between Two Dates
• Convert Integer to Sum of Two No-Zero Integers
• Maximum 69 Number
• Divisible and Non-divisible Sums Difference

Practice Activities

To reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in this module, complete the following activities:

• Choose and solve at least 5 problems from the recommended list above
• For each problem:
  • First try to solve it without looking at hints
  • If you get stuck, use the Hints feature (available on most problems)
  • Consider reviewing the Discussion section to see how others approached the problem
• Consider practicing debugging by intentionally creating errors in your solutions and fixing them

Additional Resources

Python Documentation

• Python Built-in Types
• Python If Statements
• Boolean Operations

Practice Resources

• W3Schools Python Data Types
• Real Python: Conditional Statements
• Real Python: Boolean Values in Python