What is Python | Python Programming Language

The IT Industry is booming and so are the job opportunities. In such a hullabaloo, new technologies are emerging every day. But, there is just one such technology that has proven to stand out, shine brighter and produce far better results. It is none other than PYTHON.

Yes, we are pretty sure you have heard of it but if I ask you ‘What is Python?’ Do you have the right answer? If we ask you what python does, would you be having a comprehensive solution to its use cases?

Well, in this blog, let’s dive deep into what Python is, what the functions of python are, and how it can help you get an amazing job while future-proofing your career. Make sure to read till the last, for we have a surprise coming up for you!

What is Python?

Technically defined, Python is an object-oriented, interpreted, high-level programming language, developed by Guido van Rossum and originally released in 1991. ‘Python’ has an easy-going ring to it and so is its operation. Python has a reputation for being a beginner-friendly language. 

One answer to the question of ‘What is Python’ can be that it is a language that is now replacing Java for it handles the complexity for the user, allows the newbies to focus on grasping the concepts, and produce result-driven codes.

The use case of python includes server-side web development, software development, mathematics and system scripting. Python is popular for Rapid Application Development. Did you know that

Python is also called a ‘Glue Language’ as it is also used to tie existing components? Python has made it possible because of its high-level, built-in data structures, dynamic binding and typing. 

One more reason why Python is so famous is that with its use, program maintenance costs go down. It happens due to the easily learned syntax and emphasis on readability.

One more thing that makes Python so special is that it is an open-source language; every day, hundreds and thousands of programmers are building libraries and functionalities to make it even better.

History of Python

To answer the question of ‘What is Python?’, we need to travel back the time and understand its history too.

The founder of the Python Programming Language is Guido van Rossum, who rolled out this language for the first time in 1991.

While creating Python, the only vision he had was that he wanted to build something that could resolve the issues the programmers were facing at that time. It took him 5 years, but yes, he rolled out the first version of Python Programming Language.

Python solved the dual purpose. It not only resolved the problems, the programmers were facing, but also had an easy-to-understand and readable syntax. The founder named this programming language ‘Python’ in honour of his favourite comedian, ‘The Pythons’ in the ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ show.

It was until Google announced that it has used Python for its internal development programming that Python started getting recognized for what a wonder it is.

Thereafter, many programmers and developers around the world started using Python as their primary programming language. It became so prominent that it eventually became the best programming language for any Data Science Projects, Machine Learning Algorithms, Calculations, and whatnot.

Today, Python is one of the most used programming languages in the world.

Why learn Python?

There are indeed a number of reasons to choose python over any other language. Here are some of them.

• Popularity

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022, Python is the 4th most popular and fastest-growing programming language. It is being used by the companies like Google, Instagram, Netflix, and Spotify.

• Interpretation

Python, being an interpreted language passes straight to the interpreter, making the execution simple and quick; unlike compilers where the machine code has to be generated from the source code before running.

• OpenSource

One of the best facts about Python is that it is a free language developed under an OSI-approved open-source license.

• Portability

Major trouble comes in transferring a code from one platform to another without making blunders in the command. Python programming language, being a portable code can easily be transferred without making any errors.

• Simplicity

Python is the only programming language which is quite English-like. It is quite easy to read and understand. Compared to C++ or Java, Python programming language uses fewer keywords. Hence, python language has come to the top of the preferences of developers across the world.

Advantages of Python

• Python is an open-source and free programming language which can be downloaded by anyone at zero cost.
• It is a high-level programming language with an English-like Syntax, which is hence easy to understand for the beginners
• Productivity is comparatively higher as the code is simple.
• Python halts the code whenever there is an error, and keeps it over there until the code is error-free, this helps in avoiding the waste of time while creating error-free code.
• It is a portable code, which means that you do not need to change the code while moving it onto some other platform.
• One of the biggest advantages of python being an open-source programming language is that there are a million developers who are adding to the vast library helping others ease their work.

Disadvantages of Python

While the advantages of python truly overshadow the disadvantages, it won’t be fair ending this blog without addressing those. Python programming language faces some minor cons, which are:

• It can sometimes lead to run-time errors
• The process execution is relatively slower than the other programming languages
• Python’s structure needs an additional memory
• When interacting with the databases, it might not be the best choice

Syntax of Python

Python is just another programming language if you don’t understand the syntax of the same. So, let’s have a look at Python Syntax.

• Python is built for readability, with a syntax similar to the English language, along with some mathematical influence.
• It defines scopes like loops, functions, classes, etc by relying upon indentations and using white spaces, rather than braces.
• Most developers commit errors with semicolons. Python, instead of using a semicolon, to start a new function, uses a new line for the same.

1.) Python vs Ruby

Ruby is another famous programming language which is used for web development. It is majorly used to create web applications because of its great community, frameworks and libraries for doing so.

Python, on the other hand, has applications beyond count. Some of the applications of Python Programming Language are

• Writing a web application
• Creating scripts to clean up files in the computer
• Usage in data science
• Working on serverless projects
• Animation projects
• Teaching programming to the kids in school

One of the most peculiar facts about Python Language is that it is a widely accepted programming language by non-programmers.

2.) Python vs Java

One of the major reasons why Python has become so popular is its simple syntax. Every programmer starts his programming journey by writing ‘Hello World’ in any programming language he is learning.

Let’s look at what is the difference between the syntax of this program in both Python and Java.

Java requires multiple functions and lines of code to execute ‘hello world’.

The syntax is

public class HelloWorld {

public static void main(String[] args) {

// Prints “Hello, World” to the terminal window.

System.out.println(“Hello, World”);

}

}

On the other hand, all you need in Python is just a single line of code.

The syntax is

print(“Hello, World”)

And that is it! Although syntax isn’t everything, this concept generally holds true for the majority of programs.

Use Cases of Python

There are multiple uses of Python. Let’s talk about some of them in brief.

1.) AI and Machine Learning

All thanks to the simple and easy-to-understand syntaxes, Python is considered the best programming language for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

2.) Data Analytics

Python has been used to create some of the most popular data mining and analytics tools. Hence, it can be said that it is an excellent tool for data science. Not only the big data, Python can also help organizations learn more about themselves, their offerings and their customers.

3.) Web Development

Python is a versatile backend programming language. Its simplicity is its key factor. Due to its vast usage, there are a number of frameworks that can be used for backend development including Django.

4.) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Python also helps SEO professionals automate their tasks and helps them in extracting and analyzing large amounts of data. Python programming language can be used to identify broken links, automate solutions and remove human error.

5.) Blockchain

Along with some of the most prominent programming languages used for blockchain development, like Javascript, C++, Java, and more, Python is giving them tough competition. Python has high flexibility and functionality, reinforced by its security, which makes it the best choice for the blockchain industry.

6.) Game Development

Python might not be the most popular programming language when it comes to game development, but it is still incredibly useful, owing to its simplicity. Python can be used to build prototypes and develop ideas.

7.) Automation

One of the most popular uses of Python is automation. It can interact with huge sets of data and automate human tasks avoiding any kind of errors. Learning Python programming language would not just save you time, but help you throughout your life.

Which companies use Python?

Here is a list of top companies which use Python in their daily tasks. You might be surprised to see some of the names here on the list!

• Google
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Dropbox
• Spotify
• Reddit
• Uber
• Netflix

How to learn Python easily?

Python is the programming language which is easiest of them all. It has a simple format, English-like syntax, and high flexibility. Here are some tips on how to learn Python easily.

• Code regularly

Needless to say that practice makes a man perfect. It develops muscle memory and helps in avoiding silly mistakes.

• Use Pen and Paper

Anything written by hand has high retention. While practising makes sure to use pen and paper as it would work in subconscious training for codes.

• Program as pair

One’s a loner, two’s a team. Find yourself a friend or learner who wants to learn this programing language. One should be the ‘driver’ and the other should be the ‘navigator’. The Diver writes the code and the Navigator helps in solving the problems and ensures the code is error-free. Swap the roles from time to time to learn at the best pace.

• Build new things

There are a lot of short exercises for python beginners. Start creating various programs with Python. This will make your output oriented.

Final Comments

Python is the programming language of the future. It has wide usability, prominent use cases, and ease of adaptability. Become a Python developer with Kochiva and secure your future from tech threats. With an industry-led curriculum and mentorship from Industry veterans, Kochiva shall ensure that the right skills are imbibed in you and that you are ready for placements.

Want more information, contact Kochiva now!