Python is one of the most popular programming languages today. Although it is a general-purpose language, it is used in various areas such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, web development, and IoT.
Among all languages, Python ranked most popular in 2020, with over 10 million people learning it. Last year, Python generated 27% more interest among developers than the year before. Python has overtaken Java as the second most popular programming language in the Tiobe index, a top choice for data science and machine learning applications. Python’s popularity, the practical applications of Python, and tips to start a career in Python are discussed in this article.
What is Python
Python is a general-purpose, high-level, dynamic, and interpreted programming language. The application is developed using an Object Oriented Programming approach. It is easy to learn and provides many high-level data structures. As a scripting language, Python is easy-to-learn yet powerful and versatile, making it a good choice for application development tasks.
Python’s syntax and dynamic typing make it ideal for scripting and rapid application development due to its interpreted nature. The Python programming language supports a number of different programming patterns, including object-oriented, imperative, functional, and procedural. Python is not intended for a particular area, such as web programming. As a multipurpose programming language, it can be used for web, enterprise, and 3D CAD. A dynamically typed variable doesn’t need data types, so we can assign an integer value by writing a=10 to an integer variable. Using Python simplifies development and debugging since no compilation step is required, and the edit-test-debug cycle is very fast.
There are many web-based assets, open-source projects, and a vibrant Python community. Python makes learning the language, working together, and contributing to the ecosystem very simple.
Python’s straightforward language framework makes it easier to understand and write code. As a result, it is an excellent programming language for beginners. Further, it aids seasoned programmers in writing error-free, clear code. Python is a free, open-source programming language. Due to this, it is used in several sectors and disciplines. The readability and maintainability of Python code are crucial. Therefore, even if the code was created by someone else, it can be easily understood and adapted by anyone. Python features many third-party libraries that can be used to enhance its functionality. Libraries in this category cover a variety of areas, such as web development, scientific computing, data analysis, and more.
What is Python used for?
The main use case for Python is scripting and automation. It can, for example, replace shell scripts, but can also automate interactions with web browsers or graphical application interfaces. The system can also be provisioned or configured using tools such as Ansible or Salt. However, it’s not the only application it can be used for. The use of application programming is another example. Using this language, you can create all kinds of applications. Although it does not allow generating standard binaries from scripts, third parties such as cx freeze and PyInstaller compensate for this.
Python is also the most commonly used language for Data Science and machine learning. Python interfaces are available in the vast majority of libraries for these two data analysis disciplines. As a result, it is popular as a high-level command interface for machine learning libraries and other numerical algorithms.
Moreover, this language is also used for creating web services and RESTful APIs. With its native libraries and third-party web frameworks, you can create data-driven websites in just a few lines of code. It is also possible to use metaprogramming and code generation in this way. In this language, every element, including modules and libraries, is an object.
Python is therefore a very efficient code generator. Application code can manipulate its own functions, making it more extensible than other languages. You can also use it to control code generation systems like LLVM.
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The origins and benefits of Python
Python was created three decades ago. A Dutch programmer named it Monty Python’s Flying Circus after his favorite comedy troupe at the time. In the years since then, This code has attracted a vibrant community of enthusiasts who work on fixing bugs and extending its capabilities.
The Python language is known for its power, speed, and ability to make programming more enjoyable. Using Python, coders can dynamically type variables without explaining what they are. Python can be downloaded for free and users can start learning to code right away. Source code is freely available and can be modified and reused.
Because of its clear syntax and readability, Python is widely adopted. The Python programming language is often used in data analytics, machine learning (ML) and web development. Python produces easy-to-read, easy-to-understand and easy-to-learn code. Python’s indentation requirements for source statements make the code more consistent and easier to read. Programming languages like Python make applications smaller than those written in Java. Generally, programmers have to type less code.
How to Build a Career in Python
In terms of coding, Python is one of the ‘next big things’, as well as a “must have” for professionals. Not only do developers need Python skills for faster programming, but they also need them for lucrative careers globally. For those of you wondering how to get started with Python or how to become a Python developer, here are a few ideas.
It is rare to find a coding language as straightforward and versatile as Python. For a job as a Python developer, a candidate with a computer science or engineering background is preferred. Python certification and a complete project using Python can help you land a well-paying job in Python development or data sciences.
Some popular Python-oriented Job roles are:
- Software Engineer
- Python Developer
- Research Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
History of Python
The Python programming language was created in the 1980s by Guido van Rossum and has since become one of the most popular programming languages. His research at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands led him to create Python – a super easy programming language. When the first version was released in 1991, it had only a few built-in data types and basic functionality.
After Python gained popularity among scientists for numerical computations and data analysis, Python 1.0 was released in 1994 with extra features like map, lambda, and filter functions. Adding new functionalities and bringing newer versions of Python followed.
- Python 1.5 released in 1997
- Python 2.0 released in 2000
- Python 3.0 in 2008
Python 3.10, the latest version of Python, was released in 2021. The new functionalities being added to Python make it more useful for developers and improve its performance. Python has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is a very demanding programming language.
Final thoughts
We have covered some of Python’s most important features and ideas, including variables, data types, loops, functions, and modules. There has also been discussion on more complex subjects, such as web scraping, natural language processing, parallelism, and database connections. As a result of this lesson, you will have a strong foundation for continuing your study of Python and its applications. Practice and developing code are the best ways to learn Python.
A programming language like Python is the language of the future. You can secure your future by becoming a Python developer.