Python is a high-level, interpreted, interactive, and object-oriented programming language created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991.
Since its creation, Python has become one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in many fields. From creating small scripts to areas like data science, web development, or artificial intelligence.
Python stands out for its simple and readable syntax, making it easy to learn and use. In fact, according to its creators, it is designed to be “understood by humans” (that is, it aims to facilitate the writing and reading of code).
Features of Python
Python is an interpreted language. This means that the Python code we write is executed by a program that interprets it (the Python interpreter).
The interpreter reads our code and executes it line by line at runtime. In fact, at any moment we can open the Python interpreter, write commands, and see how they execute in real time.
However, it is common to save our code in one (or several) text files. In Python, these files have the .py extension. We then launch the interpreter, which will read the lines from our file.
On the other hand, Python is an object-oriented language. Everything in Python is an object with its properties and methods. Object-oriented programming is a paradigm that seeks modular and structured programming, encapsulating functions and data into reusable objects.
Additionally, Python is cross-platform, being compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, among others. This means that a program written in Python can run on different operating systems without needing to make too many (or any) changes.
Advantages of Python
The main advantage of Python is its strong emphasis on simplicity. Python is based on a fundamental premise: “simple is better” (it may seem obvious, but not all languages follow this philosophy).
That is, Python focuses on developer productivity and code readability. This follows a philosophy they have called “The Zen of Python,” which basically promotes simplicity and clarity in programming.
On the other hand, Python is a multipurpose language (well, like almost all these days). This means that, although it is more used in certain areas, nothing prevents us from using it for any type of program or task.
Another great advantage of Python is its extensive standard library, which provides modules and functions for performing various tasks. This facilitates application development without having to reinvent the wheel.
Finally, the greatest advantage of Python (yes, it is its greatest advantage) is the great popularity that the language has acquired. This has generated a large community.
As a result, there is a large amount of resources, documentation, tutorials, and libraries available, making learning and problem-solving easier.
If you have a need, it is very likely that someone has already created a library to solve it in Python.
Where Python is Used
Python has great popularity, and as we said, it is multipurpose. That is, it is used in a large number of fields, and every day in more.
For example, Python is excellent for automating repetitive tasks and creating scripts (for example, a script that renames files, deletes empty folders, things like that).
On the other hand, Python is widely used in data analysis, visualization, data processing and machine learning. This is largely due to the existence of mathematical libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.
Python is also often the preferred choice for implementing prototype algorithms for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer vision. Again, thanks to specialized libraries like TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch.
Additionally, Python also has its share of the “pie” of web development, with frameworks like Django or Flask, which allow for the easy creation of web applications.
Also in game development and interactive applications with libraries like PyGame or Pyglet. Even the Godot game engine uses GDScript, which is heavily based on Python.
Finally, it also occupies a spot in embedded systems like Arduino and electronics, thanks to frameworks like MicroPython.
In summary, as of today, Python is used everywhere. Even quite a few programs have adopted it (or plan to do so) as a scripting language, in place of alternatives like LISP or VBA.