Code Explainer | Python

Python Code to Generate Squares of Numbers

This Python code snippet demonstrates how to create a list of squares for integers from 1 to a specified number. It includes a function with a loop for computation, and an alternative implementation using list comprehension for brevity.

Prompt

# This Python code generates a list of squares of numbers from 1 to 10

def generate_squares(n):
    squares = []
    for i in range(1, n + 1):
        squares.append(i ** 2)
    return squares

# Generate squares of numbers from 1 to 10
squares_list = generate_squares(10)

# Print the result
print("Squares of numbers from 1 to 10:", squares_list)

Answer

Code Explanation: Generating Squares of Numbers in Python

This code snippet is written in Python and its purpose is to generate a list of squares for numbers ranging from 1 to a specified integer (in this case, 10).

Code Breakdown

Function Definition

def generate_squares(n):

Function Name: generate_squares - This identifies the function.
Parameter: n - The integer up to which squares will be generated.

Initializing the List

    squares = []

A list named squares is initialized to store the square values of each integer.

Looping through Numbers

    for i in range(1, n + 1):

Loop: for loop iterates over a range of integers starting from 1 up to n (inclusive).
range(1, n + 1): This generates numbers from 1 to n. The +1 is necessary because the range function in Python is exclusive of the upper limit.

Calculating Squares

        squares.append(i ** 2)

The expression i ** 2 computes the square of i.
append Method: This method adds the computed square to the squares list.

Returning the Result

    return squares

The function returns the populated squares list after the loop completes.

Generating Squares for Numbers 1 to 10

# Generate squares of numbers from 1 to 10
squares_list = generate_squares(10)

This line calls the generate_squares function with 10 as the argument, generating the squares of numbers from 1 to 10. The results are stored in the variable squares_list.

Printing the Result

# Print the result
print("Squares of numbers from 1 to 10:", squares_list)

This line outputs the result to the console, displaying the squares calculated previously.

Key Concepts

Functions: A reusable block of code that performs a specific task. Helps in organizing code logically.
Lists: A mutable, ordered collection in Python. Useful for storing multiple items in a single variable.
Loops: The for loop is essential for iterating over sequences like lists or ranges, allowing repeated operations efficiently.
Operators: The exponentiation operator ** is used here to calculate powers, crucial for generating squares in this context.

Alternative Example

Below is an alternative implementation using a list comprehension, a more concise way to achieve the same outcome.

def generate_squares(n):
    return [i ** 2 for i in range(1, n + 1)]

squares_list = generate_squares(10)
print("Squares of numbers from 1 to 10:", squares_list)

Explanation of the Alternative

List Comprehension: This combines the square computation and list initialization into a single line. This approach is often preferred for its brevity and clarity.

Conclusion

This code efficiently generates and prints the squares of numbers from 1 to 10 using fundamental programming constructs in Python. Understanding how functions, loops, and lists interact is vital for effective programming and can be further explored with additional resources or courses on the Enterprise DNA platform.