Python Introduction

Python is a high-level scripting language that combines interpretive, compiled, interactive, and object-oriented features.

Python's design is highly readable. Compared to other languages that often use English keywords and punctuation, it has a more distinctive syntax structure.

  • Python is an interpreted language:This means there is no compilation step during development. Similar to PHP and Perl.

  • Python is an interactive language:This means you can, after a Python prompt,>>>directly execute code.

  • Python is an object-oriented language:This means Python supports an object-oriented style or programming technique that encapsulates code in objects.

  • Python is a language for beginners:Python is a great language for beginner programmers. It supports a wide range of application development, from simple word processing to WWW browsers to games.


Python History

Python was designed by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands.

Python itself evolved from many other languages, including ABC, Modula-3, C, C++, Algol-68, SmallTalk, Unix shell, and other scripting languages.

Like Perl, Python source code also follows the GPL (GNU General Public License) agreement.

Python is now maintained by a core development team, and Guido van Rossum still plays a crucial role in guiding its progress.

Python 2.7 was determined to be the last Python 2.x version. Besides supporting Python 2.x syntax, it also supports some Python 3.1 syntax.


Python Features

  • 1. Easy to learn:Python has relatively few keywords, a simple structure, and a clearly defined syntax, making it easier to learn.

  • 2. Easy to read:Python code is more clearly defined.

  • 3. Easy to maintain:Python's success lies in the fact that its source code is quite easy to maintain.

  • 4. An extensive standard library:One of Python's biggest advantages is its rich libraries, which are cross-platform and have good compatibility with UNIX, Windows, and Mac.

  • 5. Interactive mode:With support for interactive mode, you can enter and execute code from a terminal and get results, allowing interactive testing and debugging of code snippets.

  • 6. Portable:Due to its open-source nature, Python has been ported (i.e., made to work) to many platforms.

  • 7. Extensible:If you need a critical piece of code that runs quickly, or want to write some algorithms you don't want to open, you can write that part in C or C++ and then call it from your Python program.

  • 8. Databases:Python provides interfaces to all major commercial databases.

  • 9. GUI programming:Python supports GUI, which can be created and ported to many system calls.

  • 10. Embeddable:You can embed Python into C/C++ programs, giving your program's users "scripting" capabilities.

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