Introduction to Python

Reasons for popularity

There are several reasons for Python’s popularity:

• Cost:

  • Python is free to use and distribute and is supported by the community.
  • Python interpreter is available for every major platform.

• Software quality:

  • It’s better than traditional and scripting languages.
  • It’s readable code, therefore reusable and maintainable.
  • There’s support for advanced reuse mechanisms.

• Developer productivity:

  • It’s much better than statically typed languages.
  • It uses much smaller code.
  • There’s less to type, debug, and maintain.
  • There are no lengthy compile and link steps.

• Program portability:

  • Python programs run unchanged on most platforms.
  • Python runs on every major platform currently in use.
  • Porting a program to a new platform usually only requires cut and paste. This is true for GUI, DB access, web programming, OS interfacing, directory access, etc.

• Support libraries:

  • There is strong library support from text pattern matching to networking.
  • There’s a vast collection of third-party libraries.
  • There are libraries for website construction, numeric programming, game development, machine learning, etc.

• Component integration:

  • It can invoke C, C++ libraries, and Java components.
  • It can communicate with frameworks such as COM, and .NET.
  • It can interact over networks with interfaces like SOAP, XML-RPC, CORBA.
  • With appropriate glue code, Python can subclass C++, Java, and C# classes, thereby extending the reach of the program.
  • It’s popularly used for product customization and extension.

• Enjoyment:

  • It’s easy to use.
  • There’s a built-in toolset.
  • Programming becomes more of a pleasure than work.

What sets Python apart?

• Powerful:

  • Dynamic typing.
  • No variable declaration.
  • Automatic allocation and garbage collection.
  • Supports classes, modules, and exceptions.
  • Permits componentization and reuse.
  • Powerful containers—lists, dictionaries, tuples, etc.

• Ready-made stuff:

  • Support for operations like joining, slicing, sorting, mapping, etc.
  • Powerful library.
  • Large collection of third-party utilities.

• Ease of use:

  • Type and run.
  • No compile and link steps.
  • Interactive programming experience.
  • Rapid turnaround.
  • Programs are simpler, smaller, and more flexible.

Who uses Python today?

Many organizations use Python for varied purposes. These include: