Python is among the most preferred and go-to languages for techies working in the field of AI, machine learning, Data Science or Data Engineering and it has gained traction in the past few years.
So in this blog, I am going to share an overview of Python, its history, features, why you should choose Python over other languages like C, C++, Java, and much more.
Python Overview
- Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language.
- It supports multiple programming paradigms beyond object-oriented programming (OOPs), such as procedural and functional programming.
- 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, it is portable: it runs on many Unix variants including Linux and macOS, and on Windows.
History Of Python
If you getting started with this language then it is important to know the Python history.
Python was developed by Guido van Rossum in the late eighties and early nineties at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands.
- It is derived from many other languages, including ABC, Modula-3, C, C++, Algol-68, SmallTalk, and Unix shell, and other scripting languages.
- It is copyrighted. Like Perl, its source code is now available under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- It is now maintained by a core development team at the institute, although Guido van Rossum still holds a vital role in directing its progress.
Features of Python
Python is currently my favorite and most preferred language to work on because of its simplicity, powerful libraries, and readability. You may be an old-school coder or may be completely new to programming, Python is the best way to get started!
1. Easy to Code
It is a developer-friendly language which implies that anyone and everyone can learn to code and as compared to other object-oriented programming languages like Java, C, C++, and C# it is one of the easiest to learn.
2. Open Source and Free
It is an open-source programming language meaning that anyone can create and contribute to its development. It has an online forum where thousands of coders gather daily to improve this language further.
Along with this, it is free to download and use in any operating system, be it Windows, Mac, or Linux.
3. Support for GUI
GUI or Graphical User Interface is one of the key aspects of any programming language because it has the ability to add flair to code and make the results more visual.
It supports a wide array of GUIs which can easily be imported to the interpreter, thus making this one of the most favorite languages for developers. PyQt5 is the most popular option for creating graphical apps with Python.
4. Object-Oriented
One of the key aspects of Python is its object-oriented approach. This basically means that Python recognizes the concept of class and object encapsulation thus allowing programs to be efficient in the long run.
5. High-Level Language
It has been designed to be a high-level programming language, which means that when you code in Python you don’t need to be aware of the coding structure, architecture as well as memory management.
6. Integrated by Nature (Interpreted Language)
It is an integrated language by nature meaning that the python interpreter executes codes one line at a time. Unlike other object-oriented programming languages, you don’t need to compile Python code thus making the debugging process much easier and efficient.
Another advantage of this is, that upon execution the Python code is immediately converted into an intermediate form also known as byte-code which makes it easier to execute and also saves runtime in the long run.
7. Highly Portable
Suppose you are running Python on Windows and you need to shift the same to either a Mac or a Linux system, then you can easily achieve the same in Python without having to worry about changing the code. This is not possible in other programming languages, thus making Python one of the most portable languages available in the industry.
8. Support for Other Languages
Being coded in C, Python by default supports the execution of code written in other programming languages such as Java, C, and C#, thus making it one of the versatile in the industry.
Why Python?
So if someone is still confused as to why Python then here is the reason!
- Works on different platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc.
- Has simple syntax similar to the English language.
- Has syntax that allows developers to write programs with fewer lines than some other programming languages.
- Runs on an interpreter system, i.e., that code can be executed as soon as it is written meaning that prototyping can be very quick.
- It can be treated in a procedural way, an object-oriented way, or a functional way.
What Can You Do With Python?
- used on a server to create web applications.
- used alongside software to create workflows.
- connect to database systems. It can also read and modify files.
- used to handle big data and perform complex mathematics.
- used for rapid prototyping, or for production-ready software development.
Python Career Opportunities
Now that you have got an overview of Python, its features, and what sets it apart from other languages, let’s address the most important question that is: What are the job prospects with python?
It is not only one of the most popular programming languages across the globe, but it is one that offers the most promising career opportunities as well and this demand for Python developers is increasing every year.
So what are the options in front of you when you complete your Python learning? Here are a few job roles that you can fill:
1.) Python Developer
This is one of the most direct jobs that you can expect to land after acquiring this skill. Here are a few key responsibilities:
- Build websites
- Resolve problems related to data analytics
- Write codes that are both reusable and efficient
- Optimize data algorithms
- Implement data protection and security
2.) Data Scientists
Python’s scope is intensive in data science and analysis. Clients often want hidden patterns extracted from their data pools. It is also preferred in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
3.) Data Analyst
This is a very interesting opportunity. It is especially for those who like working with huge amounts of data and finding meaning in that data. This is again a very popular job role. There are many companies that are looking for people who can work with the large sets of data that they have access to. These companies are looking for people skilled in Python because Pandas, SciPy, and other Python libraries come in very handy in accomplishing this task.
4.) Machine Learning Engineers
A machine learning engineer builds and trains machines, programs, and other computer-based systems to apply their learned knowledge for making predictions. Python’s ability to work with data automation and algorithms makes it the ideal programming language that can be used in machine learning.
Other fields include Data Engineers, Product developers, DevOps Engineers, and more.
The popularity of python can be gauged by the fact that it is used by some of the biggest names in the world – Facebook, Netflix, Google, and Spotify, amongst others. This points towards one thing – As a professional skilled in python, you will have your chance of working with one of your dream companies.
Related References
- Introduction to Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN)
- Deep Learning Vs Machine Learning
- Introduction to Artificial Neural Network in Python
- Natural Language Processing with Python
- Data Scientists vs Data Engineers vs Data Analyst
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Rashmi Walia says
Great Blogpost! I am very gad to found such a beautiful post. Thankyou so much to share this beautiful post.
Rahul Dangayach says
Hi Rashmi,
We are glad that you liked our blog!
Please stay tuned for more informative blogs like this.
Thanks & Regards
Rahul Dangayach
Team K21 Academy