Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that is widely used for various purposes, such as web development, data analysis, machine learning, scientific computing, and more. It was first released in 1991 by Guido van Rossum and has since become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Python is a successor to the ABC programming language and released in 1991 as Python 0.9.0.
About Python:
Python is known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners to learn programming. Its syntax is easy to understand and read, which is a significant advantage, especially for those who are new to programming. The language is also highly extensible and has a vast standard library that provides a range of built-in functions, modules, and packages that make it easy to develop complex applications quickly.
Python is also an interpreted language, which means that it does not need to be compiled like many other programming languages. Instead, the Python interpreter reads and executes the code line by line. This makes it easy to write and test code quickly, which is particularly useful for prototyping and experimenting with new ideas.
Python’s popularity has also led to a vast community of developers, which provides a range of resources, libraries, and frameworks that can be used to develop applications quickly. The community also provides support, tutorials, and documentation that make it easy to learn and use the language.
Versions of Python:
There are currently two major versions of Python: Python 2 and Python 3. Python 2 was first released in 2000 and introduced new features and discontinued with in 2020. Python 3 was released in 2008 and is the latest version of Python with many more new features. And it is not compatible with Python 2.0 version.
Python 2 and Python 3 have some differences in syntax and features, which means that code written in one version may not always be compatible with the other version. Python 2 is no longer supported and is considered to be in its “End of Life” phase, which means that it will no longer receive updates or security patches.
Python 3 is the recommended version of Python to use for new projects, as it has several improvements over Python 2. There are several versions of Python 3 available, each with their own new features and improvements.
Key differences between Python 2 and Python 3:
Now let us see a table summarizing some of the key differences between Python 2 and Python 3:
| Feature | Python 2 | Python 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Print statement | Uses print statement without brackets | Uses print function with brackets (print()) |
| Division | Uses integer division by default, which returns an integer | Uses floating-point division by default, returns a float |
| Unicode support | Limited Unicode support | Full Unicode support |
| Exception syntax | Uses except Exception, e syntax for catching exceptions | Uses except Exception as e syntax for catching exceptions |
| xrange() | Used for iterating over a range | Removed in Python 3, use range() instead |
| Type checking | No built-in type hints or annotations | Built-in support for type hints and annotations |
| Libraries | Some libraries not compatible with Python 3 | Many popular libraries updated for Python 3 |
Supported Operating Systems of Python:
Python is a cross-platform programming language, which means it can run on a wide variety of operating systems. Here is a list of operating systems that Python supports:
1. Microsoft Windows
2. macOS
3. Linux
4. UNIX
5. Minix
6. FreeBSD
7. OpenBSD
8. NetBSD
9. Solaris
10. AIX
11. HP-UX
12. Cent OS
Python can also be used on some mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS through the use of specific tools and frameworks. Additionally, Python can be run on some embedded systems such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino.
Python Used for:
Python is a versatile programming language that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from building simple scripts to developing complex applications. One of the main benefits of using Python is its wide range of applications. Python can be used for various purposes, from simple scripts to complex applications. Python’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for developers who want to create a wide range of applications. Here are some of the most common uses of Python:
- Web development
- Internet Development
- Data science and machine learning
- Scientific computing
- Automation Scripting
- Games development
- Desktop applications
- Education
- Software Development
- Hardware Programming
- Mobile Application Development
- Desktop GUI Applications
- Business Applications
- Artificial Intelligence
- CAD Applications
- Data Visualization & Analytics
- Operating Systems
- Fintech
- Graphical User Interface
- Computer Networking
Why Python is so popular?
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in use today. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why Python has become so popular. Python’s simplicity, active community, versatility, rich ecosystem, and career opportunities have all contributed to its popularity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, learning Python is a great investment in your future as a programmer.
- Python is easy to learn and use.
- Python is open source and flexible language.
- Python is efficient, versatile, flexible, portable, speed, and reliable.
- Python has an active, supportive community & resources.
- Python contains hundreds of Great Libraries and Frameworks
- Python has robust support structure and more productive.
- Python easily connects with other languages, frameworks, and tools.
- Python offers versatile web-development solutions.
- Python is mostly used for data science and analytics.
- Python is widely works and uses with IoT Technology
- Automation Made Easy in Python programming language.
- Python is interpreter and not compiler.
- Python is used as academic language.
- Python is easy to debug code.
Integrated Development Environments of Python
Python comes with an Integrated development environment (IDE) called IDLE. It is a software application used by developers for creating programs. Python IDEs or Code Editors helps to write and edit codes. IDE refers as an integrated development. IDEs provide many features like source code/program writing, testing, build automation tools, and a debugging. Most modern IDEs have significant speed up our work. Here is the following list of the best Python IDEs currently available.
Here are some of the best Python IDEs currently available:
PyCharm: PyCharm is a powerful and popular IDE for Python development. It has a range of features, including code completion, debugging, and support for web development frameworks like Django and Flask.
Visual Studio Code: Visual Studio Code is a lightweight, open-source code editor that supports many programming languages, including Python. It has a range of features, including debugging, code completion, and support for many Python extensions.
Spyder: Spyder is a scientific Python development environment that provides a range of features for data analysis, including variable explorer, data viewer, and integration with libraries like NumPy and Pandas.
Sublime Text: Sublime Text is a lightweight code editor that supports many programming languages, including Python. It has a range of features, including code completion, multi-line select, and support for many Python extensions.
Jupyter Notebook: Jupyter Notebook is an open-source web application that allows you to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text. It is a popular tool for data analysis and scientific computing in Python.
IDLE: IDLE is the official IDE for Python and is included with the Python distribution. It is a basic IDE that provides features like syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and debugging.
Overall, there are many great Python IDEs available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your project.
Conclusion:
Python is a powerful and versatile programming language that is widely used for various purposes. Its simplicity, readability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for beginners, while its wide range of applications and community support make it a popular choice for developers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, Python is a great language to learn and use.
