What Is Python?

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The Python programming language is one of the many options that web professionals have taken notice of and began to utilize in numerous methods to achieve improved business goals. In this article, we intend to bring you a firm overview of why you need to not only be aware of but more so to take full advantage of the endless possibilities that Python has to offer.

So, What Is Python Specifically?

To specifically quote the Python documentation, it states

“Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, exceptions, dynamic typing, very high-level dynamic data types, and classes. Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various window systems, and is extensible in C or C++. It is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface. Finally, Python is portable: it runs on many Unix variants, on the Mac, and on Windows 2000 and later.”

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Who Owns Python?

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is the non-profit legal authority that retains and preserves the intellectual property rights for Python. This foundation keeps the language free (as in open as defined by the type of license used) and public for all to utilize. The PSF also promotes the Python community by undertaking the effort of sponsoring conferences, grant funding, other special initiatives, and guiding volunteer efforts.

Why is it called “Python”?

“While in the midst of implementing Python, Guido van Rossum was reading the scripts from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, a BBC comedy series from the 1970s. Guido decided that he needed a name that was unique, short, and slightly mysterious, so he decided to call the language Python”.

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Who Uses Python?

Python is used by some of the largest firms in the world, including Google, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Reddit, Redhat, Yahoo, and Lucasfilm Ltd. You may be thinking to yourself, “But I’m not Google! I don’t have thousands of developers working for me! I’m just a small or medium-sized business.”

Because you may fall into that SMB category (Small/Medium-sized Business) is the main reason you need to be aware of and possibly learn to utilize Python.

What Is Python Used For?

In its latest iteration, the Python programming language is used in almost every major vertical market, across multiple industries and business sectors. Its popularity is mainly derived from multiple factors including ongoing development and updates which makes it a cutting edge development tool. It is an intuitive, reliable, and scalable platform that spans a wide range of frameworks and operating systems as well as numerous other technical devices.

It can be used to develop:

• GUI based desktop applications 
• Full Stack websites & scripting
• Android development expansion
• A wide array of mobile web applications
• Internet of Things (IoT) products and systems
• Machine learning systems and platforms
• Data science which includes machine learning, data analysis & visualization
• Fintech applications (integrating Python programming into the financial sector)

Additionally, because Python is so adept with mathematics and other number-crunching data functions, it can be primarily geared towards automating multiple routine work procedures which will free up time and save money. Python can interact with many spreadsheets apps, various SQL database formats, automation tools, and almost any application which has an API. If there is a task to perform, Python has a corresponding solution for it.

What Is Python Not Used For?

Currently, there isn’t a lot that Python can’t handle. A few of those things include interfacing with low-level devices like drivers or full operating systems. That being said, work is progressing on this front as well with board-level projects like MicroPython.

How Do I Get Support?

The Python community is very active and can easily be accessed via multiple avenues if help or guidance is needed. Here is just a partial list of the options available:

FAQs: 

Python.org FAQ

Web:

• Python on Reddit
• Learn Python on Reddit
• Python 3.7 Tutorial
• Learn Python The Hard Way 3rd Edition
• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
• LearnPython.org
• Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
• Non-Programmer's Tutorial for Python 3
• Python For Engineers
• Open Source Python
• Think Python 2nd Edition
• Think Python

Slack: 

Slack Channel for Python Devs - (Get your invite from pyslackers.com)

Discord: 

Discord Python Chat

Mailing Lists:

• Python.org Mailing Lists
• EMail @ python.org
• Search @ Python

IRC: 

Freenode IRC hosts multiple Python channels

• #Python for general questions
• #python-dev for CPython developers
• #distutils for Python packaging discussion

Usenet: 

comp.lang.python is a very active python community 

Forums: 

Python-forum

Wiki:

The Python Wiki

Events: 

Worldwide conferences, conventions, meetups, forums, and other informal gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Python has been gaining ground at approximately 27% year after year as more individuals join its ranks to become functional programmers. People from every walk of life have picked up the language and applied its useful automation techniques to their individual work roles or field of study.

This movement has seen explosive growth over the past several years and according to tracking at Github, Python was in 4th place overall in popularity five years ago. It is now in 2nd place in functionality and 1st place in overall inquiries every month¹. 

Much of this growth is attributed to increases in machine learning usage by data scientists and other professionals in the field. Even hobbyists have been utilizing an extensive array of tools and frameworks to lower barriers to exploring foundational analytical initiatives and other Python-related projects.

With Python’s simple learning curve, many novice developers are joining the ranks and opening up as of yet uncharted ideas that are being implemented and developed using this new global language of the 21st century. 

Tell Us What You Think!

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