CBSE Class 11 Computer Science Chapter 8: Getting Started with Python NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Computer Science chapter 'Getting Started with Python' NCERT Solutions introduce students to the foundational elements of Python programming. This chapter explores the two main ways to run Python code: Interactive Mode, where commands are executed one by one, and Script Mode, where entire programs are written and run. It also covers Python's essential data types, such as numbers, lists, tuples, and dictionaries, detailing their properties and how they are used. Key concepts like how variables are created, assigning multiple values at once, and understanding which data types cannot be changed after creation are explained. These solutions aim to build a strong understanding of Python's basic components, equipping students with the knowledge needed for advanced topics and exams. They provide straightforward explanations and answers to typical queries, facilitating a smooth and productive revision process.

Home

Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Computer Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	8. Getting Started with Python

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, 'Getting Started with Python,' introduces students to the foundational elements of Python programming. The NCERT Solutions cover the interactive and script modes of running Python code, differentiating their use cases. It also details various standard data types such as numbers, lists, tuples, and dictionaries, highlighting their properties like mutability and structure. The exercises focus on understanding variable behavior, data type identification, and basic Python syntax, providing a solid base for beginners.

Learning outcomes

Understand the difference between Python's Interactive Mode and Script Mode.
Identify and differentiate between standard Python data types (Numbers, Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries).
Explain the concept of variable declaration and assignment in Python.
Recognize immutable data types in Python.
Understand the characteristics of Python's dictionary data type.
Recall the file extension for Python programs.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Python Modes (Interactive and Script)
Standard Data Types
Number Data Types
List Data Type
Tuple Data Type
Dictionary Data Type
Variable Declaration
Simultaneous Assignment
Immutable Data Types
Python File Extension

Important topics

Python Modes
Standard Data Types
Lists and Tuples
Dictionaries
Variable Assignment

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …

Page of

Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What are the two modes in Python?

Solution: Python operates in two primary modes:

Interactive Mode Programming: In this mode, you can type Python commands directly into the interpreter and receive immediate output. It's useful for testing small code snippets or exploring Python's features.
Script Mode Programming: In this mode, you write Python commands in a file (with a .py extension) and then execute the entire file. The interpreter runs the script from beginning to end.

Question 2

Write any two Standard Data Types in Python.

Solution: Two standard data types in Python are:

List: An ordered, mutable (changeable) sequence of items. Lists are defined using square brackets `[]`.
String: An ordered sequence of characters, used to represent text. Strings are immutable and are defined using single (`'`) or double (`"`) quotes.

Question 3

Is List a standard data type?

Solution: Yes, the List is considered one of Python's standard, built-in data types. It is a versatile compound data type used to store collections of items.

Question 4

Write the kind of Python's dictionary?

Solution: Python's dictionaries are a kind of hash table type. They store data in key-value pairs, allowing for efficient retrieval of values based on their associated keys.

Question 5

What is the extension of Python language?

Solution: All Python files, which contain Python source code, have the file extension ".py". For example, a file might be named `my_program.py`.

Question 6

Which mode of Python invoking the interpreter without passing a script file as a parameter?

Solution: The mode of Python that involves invoking the interpreter without passing a script file as a parameter is Interactive Mode Programming. This allows for direct command input and immediate feedback.

Question 7

Which mode of Python invoking the interpreter with a script parameter begins execution of the script and continues until the script is finished?

Solution: The mode of Python that invokes the interpreter with a script parameter, beginning execution of the script and continuing until it is finished, is Script Mode Programming.

Question 8

In which mode of Python, the interpreter is no longer active?

Solution: In Script Mode Programming, after the script has finished executing, the interpreter is no longer active in processing further commands from that specific script run. The session ends once the script completes.

Question 9

Do Python variables have to be explicitly declared to reserve memory space?

Solution: No, Python variables do not have to be explicitly declared to reserve memory space. Memory is automatically allocated and associated with a variable when a value is first assigned to it.

Question 10

Does Python allows you to assign a single value to several variables simultaneously?

Solution: Yes, Python allows you to assign a single value to several variables simultaneously. This is often done using chained assignment, like `x = y = z = 10`.

Question 11

Give a example of immutable data type.

Solution: An example of an immutable data type in Python is a Tuple. Once a tuple is created, its elements cannot be changed, added, or removed.

Question 12

Which type of values can be store in Number data types.

Solution: Python's Number data types can store numeric values. These include integers (whole numbers), floating-point numbers (numbers with a decimal point), and complex numbers.

Question 13

Does Python allow for only double quotes?

Solution: No, Python does not restrict string literals to only double quotes. You can use either pairs of single quotes (e.g., `'hello'`) or pairs of double quotes (e.g., `"world"`) to define strings.

Question 14

Write the name of most versatile Python's compound data types.

Solution: The most versatile of Python's compound data types is the List. Lists can store items of different data types, are ordered, and are mutable, making them highly flexible for various programming tasks.

Question 15

Which data type consists of a number of values separated by commas?

Solution: A tuple is a data type that consists of a number of values separated by commas. Tuples are ordered, immutable sequences, typically defined using parentheses `()`.

Common mistakes

Confusing mutable and immutable data types.
Incorrectly assuming explicit variable declaration is always required in all languages, not just Python.
Not understanding the distinct execution flows of interactive vs. script mode.
Misidentifying the type or characteristics of Python's compound data types.

Revision tips

Clearly distinguish between Interactive and Script modes by recalling their invocation and execution.
Create a table summarizing Python's standard data types, their mutability, and key features.
Practice writing simple Python code snippets to reinforce variable assignment and data type usage.
Review the specific characteristics of compound data types like lists and dictionaries.
Memorize the standard file extension for Python scripts.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which Python mode allows immediate execution of commands?

Q2. What is the primary characteristic of Python's dictionary data type?

Q3. Which of the following is an example of an immutable data type in Python?

Q4. What is the standard file extension for Python programs?

Q5. In which mode does the interpreter execute code from a file until it is finished?

Frequently asked questions

What are the two main modes of running Python code?

Python offers two primary modes: Interactive Mode, where commands are executed one by one immediately, and Script Mode, where a file containing multiple commands is executed sequentially.

Can Python variables be declared without explicitly reserving memory?

No, in Python, variables do not need to be explicitly declared to reserve memory space. Memory is allocated automatically when a value is assigned to a variable.

What is the difference between a List and a Tuple in Python?

A List is a mutable compound data type, meaning its elements can be changed after creation. A Tuple, on the other hand, is immutable; its elements cannot be modified once the tuple is created.

What kind of data structure is a Python dictionary?

A Python dictionary is a hash table type, storing data as key-value pairs. Each key must be unique, and it maps to a corresponding value.

What is the standard file extension for Python programs?

The standard file extension used for all Python programs is '.py'.

Does Python allow assigning the same value to multiple variables at once?

Yes, Python supports assigning a single value to multiple variables simultaneously in a single statement.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.