Python Basics: Variables and Local Python Files

<!---
This assignment was developed by Brandi

Questions? Comments?
1. Log an issue to this repo to alert me of a problem.
2. Suggest an edit yourself by forking this repo, making edits, and submitting a pull request with your changes back to our master branch.
3. Hit me up on Slack @brandib
--->

## ![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/python-ga/images/GA_Cog_Medium_White_RGB.png)  {.separator}

<h1>Python Basics: Variables and Local Python Files</h1>

---

## Overview

So, you've just installed Python! Let's put your skills to the test!

You will practice these programming concepts we've covered in class:

* Declaring and using variables
* Using mathematical operators
* Running local `.py` files from your terminal

---

## Deliverables

For the challenges below, you will create a new `.py` file and write code to solve the problem. In this case, you will create `solution.py` for your solution code to the problem. Run the file from the command line to check your work. Detailed directions are given below

*Reminder: On your laptop, you can run the file from your command line with the following command:*

```python
python solution.py
```

> **Hint**: Make sure you are printing something out with the print statement! Otherwise, you won't see any output from running your program!

## Requirements:

* By the end of this, you should have a `.py` file for the solution
* We know you're just starting out, so there is just one challenge problem!

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2

You have a robot who communicates in a series of beeps and boops. You usually get the gist of what he means, but just once it would be nice to know what's really on his mind! You've noticed a pattern in the beeps and boops, and it seems like the number of beeps and boops correspond to specific letters.

**Example Code**

```python
beeps = 2
boops = 6
total = beeps + boops
print(total) # prints 8
```

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2


You got a result of `8`. Now, look that up in the corresponding key-value chart:

|  Code | Letter | Code | Letter |
|  ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
|  1 | A | 14 | N |
|  2 | B | 15 | O |
|  3 | C | 16 | P |
|  4 | D | 17 | Q |
|  5 | E | 18 | R |
|  6 | F | 19 | S |
|  7 | G | 20 | T |
|  8 | H | 21 | U |
|  9 | I | 22 | V |
|  10 | J | 23 | W |
|  11 | K | 24 | X |
|  12 | L | 25 | Y |
|  13 | M | 26 | Z |


---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2

So, according to the chart, the first letter is `H`! It's your job to figure out the rest of the message! Here is the full list of inputs you've got written down.

```
2 beeps, 6 boops
0 beeps, 5 boops
9 beeps, 3 boops
4 beeps, 8 boops
10 beeps, 5 boops
BOP! (pretty sure this is a space!)
11 beeps, 12 boops
5 beeps, 5 boops
1 beep, 17 boops
5 beeps, 7 boops
4 beeps, 0 boops
```

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2


In a separate file, print out the numerical total for each beep-boop combo as we did above. In a comment, write the letter that the number corresponds to.

**Example Code**

```python
# H
beeps = 2
boops = 6
total = beeps + boops
print(total)
```

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2

**Expected Output**

```
8
5
12
12
15
23
10
18
12
4
```

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2

Run it!

1. Create a new file called `solution.py`.

2. Open `solution.py` in `Atom`.

3. Write your code - solve the problem! Remember to hit `save`!

4. Open your Terminal.

> **Protip**: Consult the class notes if you have forgotten how to do this!

5. Navigate to the correct location in your file system

> **Protip**: You may need to use the `cd` command to navigate to the location you have saved `solution.py` at. `cd ..` navigates to the parent folder of the one you're currently in.

---

## Problem: Decoding R2D2

6. Type the following command:

**Mac/Linux**

```bash
python solution.py
```

**Windows**

```bash
py solution.py
```

7. Until you get the expected output, you can make changes to your code and run it again to see if you have the answer. Repeat as needed!

---

## Yay! All done!

![](https://media.giphy.com/media/rl1aX0WUmGcKs/giphy.gif)

Now, if you want to know a little more about why that particular message was chosen, [read up here](https://blog.hackerrank.com/the-history-of-hello-world/)!