Python Introduction
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and versatility. It was developed by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991 at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands. The name "Python" was inspired by van Rossum’s favorite comedy show, Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Why Python?
Python is:
- Easy to learn
- Interactive
- Efficient with high-level data structures
- Simple yet powerful in supporting object-oriented programming
Its elegant syntax and dynamic typing, combined with its interpreted nature, make Python ideal for scripting and rapid application development across various platforms.
Features of Python
- Easy to Learn and Use
- Expressive Language – highly readable and understandable
- Interpreted Language – no need for compilation
- Cross-platform Compatibility – runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
- Free and Open-source
- Object-Oriented
- Extensible – integrates with C, C++
- Large Standard Library
- GUI Programming Support
Applications of Python
- Web Applications – using frameworks like Django, Pyramid, Flask
- Desktop GUI Applications – using Tkinter, WxWidgets, Kivy, PyQt
- Software Development – build, control, testing, and management
- Scientific & Numeric Computing – using SciPy, NumPy, Pandas
- Business Applications – such as ERP and e-commerce using Tryton
- Console-based Applications – like IPython
- Audio/Video Applications – TimePlayer, Cplay
- 3D CAD Applications – Fandango
- Enterprise Applications – OpenERP, Tryton, Picalo
- Image Processing – VPython, Gogh, ImgSeek
Who Uses Python?
Python is used by some of the world’s leading tech companies:
- Google – Official language alongside Java and C++
- YouTube – Rebuilt using Python
- Reddit – Originally in Lisp, later switched to Python
- Instagram – Uses Python 3 with Django
- Amazon – Uses Python for scalability and big data
- Quora – Built using Python-based frameworks
Why Choose Python?
- Popularity – According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Python is among the most popular and most desired languages.
- Simplicity – Easy-to-read syntax, close to English.
- Free and Open-source – Use it freely, even for commercial use.
- Platform Independence – Works on all major operating systems.
- Portability – Code once, run anywhere.
- Interpreted Nature – Faster development and debugging cycles.
Python 2 vs Python 3
- Python 2 is now considered legacy and is no longer maintained after January 1, 2020.
- Python 3 is the present and future.
Recommended: Focus on Python 3.
Common Uses of Python
- Web applications
- Desktop/mobile applications
- Data analysis
- Scripting and automation
- Machine learning and AI
What’s Next?
Start with Python Setup and environment installation.