Understanding Basic Arithmetic in Python

Python is a versatile and powerful programming language with ability to execute a variety of tasks - one of which includes basic mathematical calculations. The question asked here is quite simple. It wants to know the result of the arithmetic operation '3 + 5' when executed in Python.

The correct answer is '8'. This is because Python understands the '+' character as a mathematical operator for addition. When you use '+' between two numbers, Python adds the values together and returns the result.

Let's look at a practical application. Consider you're creating a simple program that calculates the total number of apples in two baskets. If there are 3 apples in one basket, and 5 apples in the other, you'd use the arithmetic operator '+' to find the total. Here's how you might write it in Python:

basket1 = 3
basket2 = 5
total_apples = basket1 + basket2
print(total_apples)

When you run this program, it will print '8' - which is the sum of the numbers 3 and 5.

Though Python's capabilities stretch far beyond such simple calculations, understanding these basic operations is crucial. Addition is a fundamental operation in programming languages as it is used in many forms of data processing, including data analysis and machine learning algorithms.

When working with arithmetic operations in Python, it's best to keep in mind a few best practices. Always double-check your expressions to ensure that the operators are correctly placed, consider the precedence of operations if multiple types are involved, and remember that Python strictly follows the PEMDAS rule (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

In conclusion, Python enables users to carry out simple to complex arithmetic operations with ease, making it a handy tool in all kinds of programming applications - from school-level math problems to advanced data science algorithms.