Origin of Python's Name
Development of Python
Where Can We Use Python?
Python can be used in many areas. Some of the most common ones are:
- Creating desktop applications.
- Building web applications.
- Developing database applications.
- Network programming.
- Designing games.
- Data analysis.
- Working with machine learning.
- Developing artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
- Creating projects for the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Creating desktop applications.
- Building web applications.
- Developing database applications.
- Network programming.
- Designing games.
- Data analysis.
- Working with machine learning.
- Developing artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
- Creating projects for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Why Python?
- Python works on many different devices like Windows computers, Macs, Linux systems, and even Raspberry Pi.
- Its rules for writing code are simple and look a lot like regular English, making it easier to learn.
- Python allows you to write less code compared to other programming languages, which makes it faster to get things done.
- Python runs code as you write it, so you can test things out quickly without waiting.
- You can use Python in different ways: to write step-by-step instructions (procedural), to work with objects and classes (object-oriented), or to use functions (functional programming).
- Python works on many different devices like Windows computers, Macs, Linux systems, and even Raspberry Pi.
- Its rules for writing code are simple and look a lot like regular English, making it easier to learn.
- Python allows you to write less code compared to other programming languages, which makes it faster to get things done.
- Python runs code as you write it, so you can test things out quickly without waiting.
- You can use Python in different ways: to write step-by-step instructions (procedural), to work with objects and classes (object-oriented), or to use functions (functional programming).
Features of Python
Simple and Easy to Learn:
- Python has a straightforward syntax that resembles English, making it easy to read and write.
- It uses fewer keywords (about 30+), leading to cleaner and more readable code.
- Programs can be written with fewer lines compared to many other languages, which simplifies development and reduces costs.
Freeware and Open Source:
- Python is free to use and distribute, with no licensing fees.
- Its source code is open, allowing for customization to fit specific needs (e.g., Jython, a version of Python that integrates with Java).
High-Level Language:
- Python is a high-level language, which means it handles complex tasks like memory management automatically, making it more user-friendly for programmers.
Platform Independent:
- Python programs can run on any platform without modification. The Python Virtual Machine (PVM) handles the conversion to machine code.
Portability:
- Python programs are easily portable between different platforms. They will produce consistent results regardless of the operating system.
Dynamically Typed:
- In Python, you don’t need to specify variable types explicitly. The type is determined automatically based on the value assigned, which adds flexibility to programming.
Supports Both Procedure-Oriented and Object-Oriented Programming:
- Python combines features from both procedural programming (like C) and object-oriented programming (like C++), providing the benefits of both approaches.
Interpreted Language:
- Python code is not compiled explicitly. The Python interpreter handles compilation and execution. If there are syntax errors, the interpreter will flag them before execution.
Extensible:
- Python can integrate with code written in other languages, allowing you to leverage existing libraries and improve performance.
Embedded:
- Python can be embedded within other language programs, making it versatile for various applications.
Extensive Library:
- Python comes with a rich set of built-in libraries that offer a wide range of functionalities, so you don’t have to write everything from scratch.
Simple and Easy to Learn:
- Python has a straightforward syntax that resembles English, making it easy to read and write.
- It uses fewer keywords (about 30+), leading to cleaner and more readable code.
- Programs can be written with fewer lines compared to many other languages, which simplifies development and reduces costs.
Freeware and Open Source:
- Python is free to use and distribute, with no licensing fees.
- Its source code is open, allowing for customization to fit specific needs (e.g., Jython, a version of Python that integrates with Java).
High-Level Language:
- Python is a high-level language, which means it handles complex tasks like memory management automatically, making it more user-friendly for programmers.
Platform Independent:
- Python programs can run on any platform without modification. The Python Virtual Machine (PVM) handles the conversion to machine code.
Portability:
- Python programs are easily portable between different platforms. They will produce consistent results regardless of the operating system.
Dynamically Typed:
- In Python, you don’t need to specify variable types explicitly. The type is determined automatically based on the value assigned, which adds flexibility to programming.
Supports Both Procedure-Oriented and Object-Oriented Programming:
- Python combines features from both procedural programming (like C) and object-oriented programming (like C++), providing the benefits of both approaches.
Interpreted Language:
- Python code is not compiled explicitly. The Python interpreter handles compilation and execution. If there are syntax errors, the interpreter will flag them before execution.
Extensible:
- Python can integrate with code written in other languages, allowing you to leverage existing libraries and improve performance.
Embedded:
- Python can be embedded within other language programs, making it versatile for various applications.
Extensive Library:
- Python comes with a rich set of built-in libraries that offer a wide range of functionalities, so you don’t have to write everything from scratch.
Limitations of Python
- Performance: Python may not be as fast as some other languages because it is interpreted rather than compiled.
- Mobile Applications: Python is not commonly used for developing mobile applications compared to other languages like Java or Swift.
Python Syntax Compared to Other Programming Languages
Readability and Design:
- Python was created with readability in mind, featuring syntax that resembles plain English and incorporates mathematical influences. This makes it more accessible and intuitive.
Command Terminators:
- In Python, new lines are used to signify the end of a command. This contrasts with many other languages that use semicolons or parentheses to separate commands.
Indentation and Scope:
- Python uses indentation (whitespace) to define the scope of loops, functions, and classes. For example, blocks of code are indented to show which statements are part of the same scope.
- In contrast, many other programming languages, like C, C++, and Java, use curly braces
{} to define blocks of code and manage scope.
Readability and Design:
- Python was created with readability in mind, featuring syntax that resembles plain English and incorporates mathematical influences. This makes it more accessible and intuitive.
Command Terminators:
- In Python, new lines are used to signify the end of a command. This contrasts with many other languages that use semicolons or parentheses to separate commands.
Indentation and Scope:
- Python uses indentation (whitespace) to define the scope of loops, functions, and classes. For example, blocks of code are indented to show which statements are part of the same scope.
- In contrast, many other programming languages, like C, C++, and Java, use curly braces
{}to define blocks of code and manage scope.
Top Companies Using Python
Many leading tech companies use Python, including:
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Yahoo