Module 3 Overview

Module 3: Control Flow is where your code transitions from a simple list of instructions to a dynamic, decision-making program. Up until now, our scripts have executed “line-by-line” from top to bottom. Control flow allows us to break this linear path.

In this module, we will explore how to make decisions using conditionals, how to repeat tasks efficiently using loops, and how to handle complex branching logic with modern Python features.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Implement complex branching logic using if, elif, and else.
• Understand “Truthiness” and how Python evaluates different data types in boolean contexts.
• Master while loops for indefinite iteration and for loops for processing sequences.
• Fine-tune loop behavior using break, continue, and the often-misunderstood else clause.
• Apply Structural Pattern Matching (match-case) for elegant multi-way branching.
• Write scripts that can handle user input and respond dynamically to changing data.

Module Contents

Conditionals (if/elif/else) Making decisions and branching your code based on data.

Logic & Truthiness Deep dive into boolean algebra and how Python evaluates objects.

The while Loop Repeating actions until a condition is no longer met.

The for Loop Iterating over sequences, ranges, and collections.

Loop Control & Else Breaking out, skipping ahead, and loop completion logic.

Pattern Matching Modern structural branching with the match statement.