I'm just starting out learning python (for webapp usage) but I'm confused as to the best way for using it with html files and dynamic data.
I know php has the <?php ?> tags which are great - does python have something like this or equivalent, if not how should I be doing it?
There are a few php style python options out there. Mod_python used to ship with one, and spyce had an alternate implementation, but that modality is out of favor with pythonistas. Instead, use a templating language. Genshi and jinja2 are both popular, but there are lots to choose from.
Since you are new to web programming with python, you would probably be best off choosing an entire framework get started. Django, turbogears, and cherrypy are a few to check out. These frameworks will all include all the tools you need to make a modern website, including a templating language.
PHP style inline tags for Python?