1.1 What is Python ?

Introduction

Python is a powerful, high-level programming language that has gained immense popularity due to its simplicity, readability, and versatility. It is used in a wide range of applications, from web development and data analysis to machine learning, automation, and game development.

In this section, you will learn:

1. What Python is
2. The history and evolution of Python
3. Why Python is widely used
4. The features that make Python special

What is Python?

Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, dynamically typed, and high-level programming language. Python was designed to be easy to read and write, making it an excellent choice for beginners, while still being powerful enough for advanced users.

Python is widely used in fields such as:

1. Web Development (Django, Flask)
2. Data Science & Machine Learning (NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow)
3. Automation & Scripting (Automating repetitive tasks)
4. Game Development (Pygame, Unity scripting)
5. Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking (Penetration testing tools)
6. Embedded Systems & IoT (MicroPython, Raspberry Pi programming)

Unlike traditional programming languages that require writing extensive lines of code, Python allows you to accomplish tasks with concise and readable syntax.

In case any of the concepts that we discuss from here on are not clear, do not worry. You will have the opportunity to understand them better as we proceed further in the course.

A Brief History of Python

Python was created by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s and released publicly in 1991.

It was designed to be a language that emphasized code readability and efficiency.

Key Milestones in Python’s History

• 1991: Python 1.0 was released.
• 2000: Python 2.0 introduced list comprehensions and garbage collection.
• 2008: Python 3.0 was released with significant improvements, including better Unicode handling.
• 2020: Python 2 reached end-of-life, and Python 3 became the standard version.

Today, Python is maintained by the Python Software Foundation (PSF) and is continuously updated with new features.

Why is Python So Popular?

Python has become one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. Some key reasons for its popularity include:

1. Simple and Readable Syntax
   Python’s syntax is clean and easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners. It follows an indentation-based structure (more on this later), reducing the need for excessive symbols like {} and ; that are common in languages like C++ and Java.
   Example: Printing a message in Python vs. Java

   In the code below, we compare code necessary for printing a message in Python and java. Observe that Java requires more code to achieve the same task compared to Python.

   # Python Code
   print("Hello, World!")
   

   // Java Code
   public class Main {
       public static void main(String[] args) {
           System.out.println("Hello, World!");
       }
   }
   

   By comparing the codes above, you would appreciate that Python code is more concise and beginner-friendly.
   We would add here that there are various benefits to using Java as a programming language however, but these are outside the scope of this course.
2. Interpreted Language (No Compilation Needed)
   Unlike compiled languages like C++ or Java, Python does not require compilation. You can write and execute code directly using an interpreter, which makes debugging easier. The syntax of your code needs to be alright however, before you run your code.
3. Versatile and Multi-Purpose
   Python is used in a variety of applications, from data science and AI to game development and cybersecurity.
4. Large Community and Rich Ecosystem
   Python has an extensive community of developers who contribute to its growth. It also has thousands of libraries and frameworks that make coding easier.
5. Cross-Platform Compatibility
   Python works on Windows, macOS, and Linux without major modifications.
6. Strong Support for Automation & AI
   Many industries use Python for automation, data science, and machine learning, making it a valuable skill to learn.

Python vs. Other Programming Languages

Here’s how Python compares to other popular languages:

Finally, Python is an excellent beginner-friendly language while still being powerful enough for professional use.

Your First Python Program

Let’s write our first Python program to print a message on the screen.

For now, you can write this on paper using a pen. Note that this is a powerful and effective method to build some mental skills when initially learning a new programming language.

Once you have installed the development environment (in a later section), you will have the opportunity to type the code into the editor.

Now write down the following into a sheet of paper using a pen or pencil. You should write out the output as well, on a new line.

print("Welcome to Python Programming!")

Output:

Welcome to Python Programming!

Based on the above code, note the following:

• print() is a built-in function that displays text on the screen.
• Python does not require semicolons (;) at the end of statements, which is the case with most other “high-level” languages.

With this initial knowledge, we will briefly discuss sample real world applications of Python before we conclude on this section.

Real-World Applications of Python

Python is used by many top tech companies and organisations. Here are a few of them (note that only some of their applications are mentioned here:

Many of these companies use Python in various scenarios, most especially in the highlighted ones.

You do not have to target these companies to find opportunities to using Python. We recommend that you get busy and build your own projects by developing an idea and trying to implement it.

Summary

In this section, we have discussed the following:

1. Python is a high-level, interpreted, and versatile programming language.
2. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991.
3. Python is widely used for web development, data science, automation, and more.
4. It has a simple syntax, making it easy to learn.
5. Python is used by Google, Netflix, NASA, and other major companies.

What’s Next?

Now that you have some preliminary understanding of what Python is.
In the next section, we will explore the benefits of learning Python and how you can apply it in your career.