Python is a high-level scripting language that integrates both interpretive and compiled capabilities, as well as interactive and object-oriented features.
Python is designed with a strong focus on readability. Compared to other languages, which often rely on punctuation, Python stands out by frequently using English keywords and featuring a more distinct syntax structure than other programming languages.
Python is an interpreted language: This means that there is no compilation step during development, similar to languages like PHP and Perl.
Python is an interactive language: You can directly execute code at a Python prompt marked by
>>>.Python is an object-oriented language: It supports object-oriented programming styles where code is encapsulated within objects.
Python is a beginner’s language: It’s an excellent language for novice programmers, supporting a wide range of application development, from simple text processing to web browsers and even games.
History of Python
Python was created by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands.
Python itself is inspired by many other programming languages, including ABC, Modula-3, C, C++, Algol-68, SmallTalk, Unix shell, and others.
Like Perl, Python's source code adheres to the GPL (GNU General Public License).
Today, Python is maintained by a core development team, with Guido van Rossum still playing an essential role in guiding its progress.
Python 2.0 was released on October 16, 2000, featuring complete garbage collection and Unicode support.
Python 3.0 was released on December 3, 2008. This version was not backward compatible with earlier Python source code. However, many new features were later backported to Python 2.6/2.7 versions.
Python 3.0 is often referred to as Python 3000 or Py3k and represents a significant upgrade from earlier versions.
Python 2.7 was determined to be the final version in the Python 2.x series. It supports both Python 2.x syntax and partial Python 3.1 syntax.
Key Features of Python
Easy to learn: Python has relatively few keywords, simple structure, and a well-defined syntax, making it easier to learn.
Easy to read: Python’s code is more clearly defined and readable.
Easy to maintain: Python’s success lies in the fact that its source code is relatively easy to maintain.
A broad standard library: One of Python’s biggest strengths is its extensive library, which is cross-platform and works well across UNIX, Windows, and Macintosh.
Interactive mode: Python supports an interactive mode in which you can enter and execute code directly from a terminal, making it excellent for testing and debugging code snippets.
Portable: Owing to its open-source nature, Python has been ported to many platforms.
Extensible: If you need some part of your code to run faster or you wish to write closed algorithms, you can implement that part of the program in C or C++ and call it from within your Python code.
Database support: Python provides interfaces for all major commercial databases.
GUI programming: Python supports GUI applications and can be ported to many systems.
Embeddable: You can embed Python into C/C++ programs, allowing users to add scripting capabilities to your application.
Python Applications
YouTube: The video-sharing social media platform.
Reddit: A social sharing and discussion website.
Dropbox: A file-sharing service.
Bottle: A micro web framework for Python.
EVE Online: The online game EVE utilizes Python extensively in its development.
Blender: Open-source 3D modeling software that uses Python as a tool for modeling and GUI scripting.
Inkscape: An open-source vector graphics editor utilizing SVG.
