Introduction to Python
Python is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world. From artificial intelligence to web development, Python is a top choice for many developers. It's known for being simple to write and easy to understand, making it a highly sought-after language in the tech world.
If you're reading this and thinking, "Not another Python guide! There are already countless blogs and tutorials out there," you're not wrong. However, what sets this guide apart is our approach: we will learn Python directly from the official documentation and apply real-life, practical examples.
What is Python?
Python is primarily an interpreted language. This means that Python code is executed line-by-line by an interpreter, which reads and runs the code directly without needing a separate compilation step.
However, Python does have a bit of a hybrid nature:
When you run a Python script, the Python interpreter first compiles the code into an intermediate form called bytecode (with a
.pycextension), which is a lower-level, platform-independent code.This bytecode is then interpreted by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM), which executes the instructions.
So, while Python doesn't require a manual compilation step like C or Java, it does compile internally to bytecode, making it a mix between a fully interpreted and a compiled language.
Python can be used for a wide range of tasks, from automating simple scripts to building complex web applications. Some of the most notable companies and projects using Python include YouTube and Dropbox. Python is often praised for its "batteries included" philosophy, meaning it comes with a comprehensive standard library that covers many programming needs, from web development to data manipulation.
What is Python Used For?
Python's popularity stems from its versatility. Here are some of the main areas where Python is extensively used:
Web Development: Python is a powerful backend language for web development, especially with frameworks like Django and Flask.
Data Science and Analytics: Python is a top choice for data scientists, thanks to libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch make Python a go-to language for AI and machine learning projects.
Automation: Python’s simplicity allows developers to automate repetitive tasks with ease, whether it's file manipulation, data scraping, or batch processing.
Game Development: Python has libraries like Pygame, which enable developers to build simple games.
Software Development: Python can be used for building software applications, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with libraries like Tkinter.
Why is Python So Popular?
Ease of Learning and Use: Python's syntax is clean and straightforward, which makes it accessible for beginners.
Rich Standard Library: Python's standard library is extensive, enabling developers to perform a wide variety of tasks without needing to install external packages.
Active Community: A large community means plenty of resources, tutorials, and libraries. This makes Python a reliable choice with ample support.
Platform Independence: Python code can run on various platforms like Windows, MacOS, and Linux without modification.
Interpreted Language: Python allows you to run your code without a separate compilation step, making development and debugging faster.
Python Fundamentals
Indentation for Readability
Python uses indentation to define code blocks, unlike languages like Java or C that rely on curly braces. This results in cleaner, more readable code:
def bigger_than_five(x):
if x > 5:
print("X is bigger than five")
else:
print("x is 5 or smaller")Indentation is not just a style preference in Python—it's a requirement. If the indentation is incorrect, your code won't run!
No Manual Compilation Needed
Unlike some languages that require a manual compilation step, Python can run code directly. It compiles to bytecode internally, making it faster than traditional interpreted languages while remaining platform-independent. This means you can write and execute your code on any system with a Python interpreter without additional compilation steps.
Dynamically Typed Language
Python is dynamically typed, meaning you don't need to declare the type of a variable. Here's a comparison:
Java Example:
String myName = "Erik";
int myAge = 37;
float mySalary = 1250.70;Python Example:
my_name = "Erik"
my_age = 37
my_salary = 1250.70Python determines the variable types at runtime, making it quick to write and easy to read.
Optional Type Hints
Starting with Python 3.5, type hints were introduced as an optional feature. While not mandatory, many developers use them for clarity and better code completion in IDEs:
def greet(name: str) -> str:
return f"Hello, {name}!"Type hints act as a form of documentation and can help reduce errors.
Garbage Collection
Python manages memory for you with a built-in garbage collector. This feature automatically cleans up variables that are no longer in use, minimizing the risk of memory leaks.
A Brief History of Python
Python was created by Guido van Rossum in 1987 at the CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in the Netherlands. Influenced by a language called ABC, Guido aimed to create a language that was easy to extend. Python has grown tremendously since then, and Guido continues to contribute to its development. Today, Python is a fast, versatile language, with a strong focus on readability and community-driven improvement.
Key Milestones
Python 2 vs. Python 3: Python 3 was introduced with significant changes, leading to a slower adoption rate. Today, Python 3 is the default, and support for Python 2 has ended.
Why Learn Python?
Python is more than just a beginner's language. It’s a versatile tool that you can use to solve a vast range of problems, from simple automation to complex machine learning tasks. Whether you're starting your programming journey or looking to advance your career, Python is a solid choice. Plus, its strong community ensures that help is always available when you need it.
In this guide, we'll focus on using Python's official documentation to deepen your understanding and apply what you learn to real-world projects. Let's get started with the basics and gradually build up to more advanced topics!
Don't forget to check out the official documentation
https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html
You can also check out my medium articles