Python Introduction
Learn what Python is, why it's popular, and what you can do with it.
What is Python?
Python is a popular programming language created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991. It is used for:
- Web development (server-side)
- Software development
- Mathematics and data analysis
- System scripting
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
What can Python do?
- Python can be used on a server to create web applications
- Python can be used alongside software to create workflows
- Python can connect to database systems and read and modify files
- Python can be used to handle big data and perform complex mathematics
- Python can be used for rapid prototyping or production-ready software development
Why Python?
- Python works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc)
- Python has a simple syntax similar to the English language
- Python has syntax that allows developers to write programs with fewer lines than some other programming languages
- Python runs on an interpreter system, meaning that code can be executed as soon as it is written
- Python can be treated in a procedural way, an object-oriented way or a functional way
Python Syntax compared to other programming languages
- Python was designed for readability, and has some similarities to the English language with influence from mathematics
- Python uses new lines to complete a command, as opposed to other programming languages which often use semicolons or parentheses
- Python relies on indentation, using whitespace, to define scope; such as the scope of loops, functions and classes
Example
print("Hello, World!")