Python in Google Colab

Google Colab (short for Colaboratory) is a free, browser-based platform from Google that lets you write and run Python code — no setup required! Perfect for learning, data science, and machine learning.

Why Use Google Colab?

  • Runs in your browser — no install needed
  • Free access to GPUs/TPUs (great for AI/ML)
  • Saves to Google Drive automatically
  • Built-in support for charts, tables, and markdown
  • Easy to share with others

Open Google Colab

Go to https://colab.research.google.com

Click: > New Notebook → Creates a new .ipynb (Jupyter Notebook)

Write & Run Python Code

You’ll see a cell with a play button ▶️.

Type Python code inside it:

print("Hello, Colab!")

Click the ▶️ button (or press Shift + Enter) to run it.

Output appears right below the cell.

Add More Cells

  • Click + Code to add a new code cell.
  • Click + Text to add a Markdown/text cell (for notes, headings, etc.).

Example:

# Basic math
x = 5
y = 10
print(f"{x} + {y} = {x + y}")

Upload & Use Data Files

Want to load a CSV or image?

from google.colab import files
uploaded = files.upload()  # Opens file picker

Then read it (e.g., with pandas):

# Uncomment and run after uploading a CSV file
# import pandas as pd
 df = pd.read_csv("yourfile.csv")
 print(df.head())

Save & Share

  • Auto-saves to Google Drive under Colab Notebooks.
  • Click File → Save a copy in Drive to keep versions.
  • Click Share (top-right) to send to friends or teachers.

Pro Tips

  • Use ! to run shell commands:

    !pip install numpy

  • Enable GPU:
    Runtime → Change runtime type → Hardware accelerator → GPU

  • Use keyboard shortcuts:
    Ctrl + M H → Show all shortcuts

Summary

Task How to Do It in Colab
Run Python code Type in cell → Shift + Enter
Add new cell Click + Code
Upload files files.upload()
Install packages !pip install package_name
Save notebook Auto-saves to Google Drive
Share notebook Click Share button