Time for action – using the Python help system

Depending on your operating system, you can access the Python shell with special applications, usually a terminal of some sort.

1. In such a terminal, type the following command to start a Python shell:

   $ python
   

2. You will get a short message with the Python version and other information and the following prompt:

   >>>
   

   Type the following in the prompt:

   >>> help()
   

   Another message appears and the prompt changes as follows:

   help>
   

3. If you type, for instance, keywords as the message says, you get a list of keywords. The topics command gives a list of topics. If you type any of the topic names (such as LISTS) in the prompt, you get additional information about the topic. Typing q quits the information screen. Pressing Ctrl + D together returns you to the normal Python prompt:

   >>>
   

   Pressing Ctrl + D together again ends the Python shell session.

What just happened?

We learned about the Python interactive shell and the Python help system.