Python strings and slicing

Code pattern

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See every item in the sequence

Definition

Strings are sequences: len(s), s[0], s[-1], s[1:4], s.upper(), s.lower(), s.split(), s.strip(), and ord()/chr() for character codes.

Example

word[0] is the first letter; word[-1] is the last.

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Code patterns.

Question types it can appear in

Python: String processing (2025 Q19)
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Secure Software Architecture (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

Code pattern: “Strings are sequences: len(s), s[0], s[-1], s[1:4], s.upper(), s.lower(), s.split(), s.strip(), and ord()/chr() for character codes.” Then apply it: word[0] is the first letter; word[-1] is the last.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Official worked answer

2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Correct code for the problem. 2: Partially correct code that includes a correct selection structure OR password creation. 1: Some understanding of the scenario and Python.

Sample answer

uName = input('What is your username?') password = input('What is your password?') passwordP1 = uName[:3] passwordP1= passwordP1 + '123' if passwordP1 == password: print ('Welcome!') else: print ('Incorrect password entered')

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Python strings and slicing in Code Patterns: Pseudocode, Python, SQL, CSS (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Python basics: input, selection, loops, strings
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