Introduction to Python Programming Language
Python is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world today. It is known for its simplicity, readability, and powerful libraries, making it suitable for beginners as well as advanced developers working in fields like AI, data science, web development, automation, and more.
1. What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a set of rules, syntax, and instructions that lets humans communicate with computers.
Computers understand only binary (0s and 1s), so programming languages act as a bridge that allow us to give instructions in a human-readable form.
Types of Programming Languages
- Low-Level Languages
- Machine Language (0s and 1s)
- Assembly Language
- Very fast but hard to write
- High-Level Languages
- Easy to understand
- Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, etc.
- Have English-like syntax
- Portable and powerful
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language.
2. Introduction to Python Language
Python is:
- High-level
- Interpreted
- Object-oriented
- Portable
- Open source
- Easy to learn
- Extensible with libraries
Python focuses on code readability, which reduces development time.
Example: A simple Python program:
print("Hello, World!")
This simplicity is one of the biggest reasons Python became so popular.
3. History and Origin of Python
Creator of Python
- Guido van Rossum
- A Dutch programmer
- Often called the “Benevolent Dictator For Life (BDFL)” of Python
When was Python created?
- Started in: 1989
- First released in: February 1991
Why was Python created?
Guido van Rossum wanted to build:
- A simple and easy language
- A language that prioritizes readability
- A scripting language that could automate tasks
- A successor to the ABC language
Python Versions
| Version | Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Python 1.0 | 1994 | Functions, exception handling |
| Python 2.0 | 2000 | List comprehensions, garbage collection |
| Python 3.0 | 2008 | Major redesign, not backward compatible |
| Python 3.x Series | 2008–present | Continuous improvements |
Today, Python 3 is the standard version used everywhere.
4. Why is Python So Popular?
Key reasons:
- Very easy to read and understand
- Huge standard library
- Thousands of external packages
- Supports multiple programming paradigms:
- Procedural
- Object-oriented
- Functional
- Strong community support
- Perfect for:
- AI & Machine Learning
- Data Science & Analytics
- Automation
- Web Development
- Networking
- Cybersecurity
- IoT
- Game development
5. Features of Python (Summary)
✔ Simple and easy
✔ Interpreted language
✔ Cross-platform
✔ Object-Oriented
✔ Huge library support
✔ Free and open-source
✔ Dynamic typing
✔ Supports GUI, scientific computing, ML, networking, and more