The Python language is widely used today, being very popular, easy to learn and use. It all started as a Christmas hobby for Guido van Rossum in 1989 – being a programmer, he wanted to develop a code interpreter for the language he envisioned; simple, intuitive, open source, accessible on any platform. Since he was a fan of the BBC series – Monty Python’s Flying Circus, he named it Python:
Why Python Then?
After all, "python" means a snake in English. Although the name comes from that TV series, take a look at the official logo of the programming language:
So, as we see, we have two snakes, clearly! :) The extension of any Python file is ".py".
Also, take a look at the colors used in the show's logo...
Why Learn Python?
The most important advantages are highlighted below:
• Easy to learn/teach – Unlike other programming languages, Python is understood very quickly, even from the start;
• Easy to use – Python is simple and minimalist, close to pseudocode in English and allows attention to be focused on solving the problem rather than using the language itself;
• Free and open source – It is allowed to redistribute the language, the source code, as well as edit/modify it to create new programs, so it can be and is constantly improved by the community;
• Portable – Python can be used on a multitude of platforms/operating systems, such as: Windows, GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Macintosh, Solaris, OS/2, PlayStation, etc.;
• Strongly object-oriented – In a very simplistic way, applications can be successfully created using Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – almost anything is an object, hence the strength of this programming language!
Python, An Interpreted Language
Python is an interpreted language, meaning that the code is executed line by line, unlike Pascal or C/C++, where a compiler is needed to generate an executable file.
A Python program is stored on the hard disk in Python language and not in machine code, as is the case with compiled languages.
Details. A program written in a language that requires a compiler is converted at compilation from source to machine code, a sequence of 0s and 1s (binary) that can be evaluated by the computer. Generally, when the program is executed, the programming environment copies the program into internal memory and runs it. In the case of Python, there is no need to compile the program, it is executed directly from its source code. Internally, there are certain transformations so that the system can execute the program, but it is much simpler.
Python programs are truly portable. A correctly written program can be executed directly in the Windows operating system, as well as in GNU/Linux, for example.
Python 2 vs. Python 3
I recommend studying Python, version 3, as it is modern, better and easier to learn.
In 2000, version 2.0 was released, and the last one, 2.7, in 2010, being an extremely popular programming language.
Many companies have switched from version 2 to 3 (released in 2008) because, essentially, Python 3 is the current one – no one wants to learn or use a language that is fading... Since version 3 is the future, libraries developed by the community are of course focused on it. Similarly, many libraries created for version 2 are not compatible with version 3 or difficult to port.
Once you learn version 3, you can still easily adapt if you come across a project that has already been implemented in version 2.
Read the official recommendations by accessing the link [here].
If in Python 2 strings were represented in ASCII by default, version 3 automatically offers Unicode support.
Data Display. Although only at the syntactic level, it is still a significant change, the print command in version 3 is a function, so the call is made with print("Hello!"), unlike 2 where we simply wrote print "Hello!".
Division. Python 3 is intuitive, as in the case of division, for example, 7/2:
Version 2. 7/2 gives the result 3 (rounding). To get 3.5,
you need to write 7.0/2.0 (or at least one of the values should be of type float). Version 3. 7/2 directly results in 3.5 (float type).
Beginner-Friendly And Readable Syntax
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Python is its beginner-friendly syntax. Python code is highly
readable and resembles plain English, making it incredibly easy to understand even for those new to programming.
This readability reduces the learning curve, allowing beginners to focus more on problem-solving than
worrying about complex syntax rules.
Versatility Across Industries
Python's versatility is unmatched. It is not confined to any specific domain but finds applications
across various industries. From web development to scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence,
and more, Python is everywhere. Its flexibility allows developers to work on diverse projects without
switching languages, saving time and effort.
Extensive Standard Library And Third-Party Packages
Python comes with an extensive standard library that provides modules and functions for performing a
wide range of tasks without additional installation. Moreover, Python's ecosystem is enriched by a vast
collection of third-party packages and frameworks maintained by its active community. These packages cover almost
every conceivable need, whether it's web frameworks like Django and Flask, scientific computing libraries like
NumPy and SciPy, or machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
Beyond IT Careers: Automation And Data Analysis
While Python is highly valued in IT careers, its usefulness extends far beyond. Python is a powerful tool for
automating repetitive tasks, regardless of the industry. Tasks like file manipulation, data scraping, or
system administration can be streamlined with Python scripts, saving valuable time and effort.
Moreover, Python is a preferred choice for data analysis and visualization. Its libraries such as
Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn simplify data manipulation and help in deriving meaningful insights
from large datasets. Professionals in finance, healthcare, marketing, and various other fields
rely on Python for informed decision-making.
In conclusion, Python's popularity continues to soar due to its simplicity, versatility, and strong community support.
Whether you're aiming for a career in programming or seeking to automate tasks and analyze data, Python proves to
be an invaluable asset. Its gentle learning curve and powerful capabilities make it a top choice for developers
worldwide. Embracing Python means embracing efficiency, productivity, and endless
possibilities in the world of programming.