Kritika Shaw
Let's get into Python

Let's get into Python

Today, Python is one of the most popular programming languages

Kritika Shaw's photo
Kritika Shaw
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5 min read

Hey Techies,

Let's learn about Python

What is Python?

Python is a very popular general-purpose interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, and high-level programming language. Python is dynamically-typed and garbage-collected programming language.

Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including Procedural, Object Oriented and Functional programming language. Python design philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of significant indentation.

The biggest strength of Python is huge collection of standard library which can be used for the following:

  • There is a wide range of applications that Python can be used for.

    • Web development: Django, Flask, Pyramid

    • Machine learning and artificial intelligence: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn

    • Data science and data visualization: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn

    • Desktop GUI: PyQt, Tkinter, Kivy

    • Web scraping: Scrapy, Beautiful Soup, Selenium

    • Game development: Pygame, Godot, Unity (with Python plugin)

    • Business applications: Odoo, ERPNext, Tryton

    • Audio and video applications: FFmpeg, Librosa, OpenCV

    • Embedded applications: MicroPython, CircuitPython

    • And more.....

Language Features

  • Interpreted

    • There are no separate compilation and execution steps like C and C++.

    • Directly run the program from the source code.

    • Internally, Python converts the source code into an intermediate form called byte codes which is then translated into native language of specific computer to run it.

    • No need to worry about linking and loading with libraries, etc.

  • Platform Independent

    • Python programs can be developed and executed on multiple operating system platforms.

    • Python can be used on Linux, Windows, Macintosh, Solaris and many more.

  • Free and Open Source Re-distributable

  • High-level Language

    • In Python, no need to take care about low-level details such as managing the memory used by the program.

  • Simple

    • Closer to English language;Easy to Learn

    • More emphasis on the solution to the problem rather than the syntax

  • Embeddable

    • Python can be used within C/C++ program to give scripting capabilities for the program’s users.

  • Robust:

    • Exceptional handling features

    • Memory management techniques in built

  • Rich Library Support

    • The Python Standard Library is very vast.

    • Known as the “batteries included” philosophy of Python ;It can help do various things involving regular expressions, documentation generation, unit testing, threading, databases, web browsers, CGI, email, XML, HTML, WAV files, cryptography, GUI and many more.

    • Besides the standard library, there are various other high-quality libraries such as the Python Imaging Library which is an amazingly simple image manipulation library.

Applications of Python

The latest release of Python is 3.x. As mentioned before, Python is one of the most widely used language over the web. I'm going to list few of them here:

  • Easy-to-learn − Python has few keywords, simple structure, and a clearly defined syntax. This allows the student to pick up the language quickly.

  • Easy-to-read − Python code is more clearly defined and visible to the eyes.

  • Easy-to-maintain − Python's source code is fairly easy-to-maintain.

  • A broad standard library − Python's bulk of the library is very portable and cross-platform compatible on UNIX, Windows, and Macintosh.

  • Interactive Mode − Python has support for an interactive mode which allows interactive testing and debugging of snippets of code.

  • Portable − Python can run on a wide variety of hardware platforms and has the same interface on all platforms.

  • Extendable − You can add low-level modules to the Python interpreter. These modules enable programmers to add to or customize their tools to be more efficient.

  • Databases − Python provides interfaces to all major commercial databases.

  • GUI Programming − Python supports GUI applications that can be created and ported to many system calls, libraries and windows systems, such as Windows MFC, Macintosh, and the X Window system of Unix.

  • Scalable − Python provides a better structure and support for large programs than shell scripting.

Pros:

  1. Ease of use.

  2. Multi-paradigm Approach.

Cons:

  1. Slow speed of execution compared to C,C++.

  2. Absence from mobile computing and browsers.

  3. For the C,C++ programmers switching to python can be irritating as the language requires proper indentation of code. Certain variable names commonly used like sum are functions in python. So C, C++ programmers have to look out for these.

Industrial Importance

Most of the companies are now looking for candidates who know about Python Programming. Those having the knowledge of python may have more chances of impressing the interviewing panel. So I would suggest that beginners should start learning python and excel in it.

Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose dynamic programming language that focuses on code readability. It has fewer steps when compared to Java and C. It was founded in 1991 by developer Guido Van Rossum. Python ranks among the most popular and fastest-growing languages in the world. Python is a powerful, flexible, and easy-to-use language. In addition, the community is very active there. It is used in many organizations as it supports multiple programming paradigms. It also performs automatic memory management.

Frequent Asked Questions about Python

1. Is Python an easy programming language to learn?

Python’s reputation for ease of use stems from its clear, English-like syntax, intuitive structure, and emphasis on readability. It prioritizes simplicity and clarity, making it approachable for beginners and experienced programmers alike.

2. Can I learn Python in month?

Yes, it is possible to learn Python in a month. However, it will depend on how much time you can dedicate to learning the language and how quickly you can grasp new concepts.

3. How many months is the full course of Python?

Well, to become a proficient in Python programming language, it will take around a year. And it will totally depends on your programming skills and understanding.

4. How to start learning Python?

To start Python programming you can follow below steps:

  • Practice consistently:*Set aside regular time to write code and experiment. Even a few minutes daily can make a difference.*

  • Start with the basics:*Master variables, data types, operators, control flow (if statements, loops), functions, and modules.*

  • Work on projects:*Apply your knowledge by building small programs or scripts. This will solidify your understanding and motivation.*

  • Join a community:*Connect with other learners and developers for support and inspiration. Check out Python forums, online groups, and local meetups.*

5. What is Python programming language used for?

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Python’s diverse applications:

  • Web Development

  • Data Science and Machine Learning

  • Automation and Scripting

  • Software Development

PythonPython 3