Summary: In this tutorial, you’ll learn about Python’s programming language and why you should learn it today.
What is Python programming language? #
Python is a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted programming language.
1) High-level #
Python is a high-level programming language that is easy to learn. It doesn’t require you to understand the details of the computer to develop programs efficiently.
2) General-purpose #
Python is a general-purpose language. It means that you can use Python in various domains, including:
- Web applications
- Big data applications
- Testing
- Automation
- Data science, machine learning, and AI
- Desktop software
- Mobile apps
3) Interpreted #
Python is an interpreted language. To develop a Python program, you write Python code into a file called source code.
To execute the source code, you must convert it to a machine language the computer can understand. The Python interpreter turns the source code, line by line, once at a time, into the machine code when the Python program executes.
Compiled languages like Java and C# use a compiler that compiles the whole source code before the program executes.
Why Python #
Python increases your productivity. Python allows you to solve complex problems in less time and with fewer lines of code. It’s quick to make a prototype in Python.
Python has become a solution in many areas across industries, from web applications to data science and machine learning.
Python is relatively easy to learn in comparison with other programming languages. Python syntax is clear and beautiful.
Python has a large ecosystem that includes lots of libraries and frameworks.
Python is cross-platform. Python programs can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Python has a vast community. Whenever you get stuck, you can get help from an active community.
Python developers are in high demand.
Python versions #
Python has two major versions: 2x and 3x.
Python 2.x was released in 2000, and the latest version is 2.7, released in 2010. It isn’t recommended for use in new projects.
Python 3.x was released in 2008. Python 3 isn’t compatible with Python 2. And you should use the latest versions of Python 3 for your new projects.
Summary #
- Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language.
- Python has become the solution in many domains, from web applications to data analysis, data science, machine learning, and AI.
- Use Python 3 for the new development.
