Introduction to Python
Python is known as an interpreted scripting language. It was designed by Gudo van Rossum. It was released in the year 1991. The different versions were released for Python like python 1, python 2 and python 3. It is one of the most used scripting languages for automating the modules and tools, development of web applications, handling big data, complex calculations, workflow creation, rapid prototyping, and other software development purposes.
Main Components/Highlights of Python
In the above section, we have studied about Introduction to Python, so now we are going ahead with the main components of Python that are as explained below:
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Functions
In Python, there are inbuilt functions that help in retrieving or returning the actual value. For example Mathematical functions. It is the collection of blocks which can be run at any time where the programmers want or required the functionality.
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Classes
In Python, it defines the structure of variable and statement that needs to execute and in classes functions are also defined to execute.
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Modules
In Python, it groups the functions and classes. It is used for string manipulation, character manipulation, web programming, and graphics programming.
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Packages
In Python, packages are used to run the set of instructions, importing of libraries, etc.
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Characteristics of Python
As we discussed the introduction to python now we are going to learn about the characteristics of python are as below:
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Platform independent
Python is platform independent. The python code can be used for any operating system like Windows, Unix, Linux, and Mac. There is no need to write different code for the different OS.
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Interpreted
The python code does not need to compile as required for other languages. Python code automatically converts the source code into byte code internally and the code is executed line by line not at once, so it takes more time to execute the code for the application.
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Simple
The Python language is simple that can be easily coded and read. The syntax of python is really simple and can be learned easily.
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Robust
Python is robust
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High-level language
It is a high-level language used for scripting. It means one does not need to remember the system architecture and no need for managing the memory as well.
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Rich library support
Python can be integrated with other libraries that help in making the functionality work for you. Do not need to write the extra code for that.
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Embeddable
Python source code can be put into a different language to use. This helps in integrating the functionality of the python program with other languages.
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Open source
Python is open source and readily available over the internet anywhere. One does not need to take the license of it. It can be easily downloaded and use.
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Free of cost
It is free of cost. Programmers or Organization does not need to put the extra cost to use this and can reduce the cost to the user as well.
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Concise and Compact
Python code is mainly concise and compact, which helps the programmers to understand it clearly.
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Dynamically typed
It is dynamically typed, which means that the type of value will be decided at run time. This is the reason why the programmers don’t declare the type of variable earlier.
Applications based on Python
As we have learned about python in the above topic of Introduction to python, So now we are going to Discuss some applications based in python are:
- Web applications
- Web frameworks
- Software development
- Graphic user interface applications
- Prototyping
- Operating Systems
- Applications (Business and Enterprise)
There are some organizations that are using python at a higher level:
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- YouTube
- Mozilla
- DropBox
- Cisco
- Spotify
- OpenStack
Advantages and Disadvantages of Python
As we have already learned about the Introduction to python, So let us know about the advantages and disadvantages of python:
Advantages of Python
- It is open source and readily available to use.
- It is easy to learn and explore.
- Third party modules can be easily integrated.
- It is high level and object-oriented programming language
- It is interactive and portable.
- Applications can be run at any platform.
- It is a dynamically typed language.
- It has great online support and community forums.
- It has a user-friendly data structure.
- It has extensive support libraries.
- It is interpreted language.
- Python provides database connectivity.
- It improves programmer productivity.
Disadvantages of Python
- It cannot be used for mobile application development
- It has limitations with database access.
- It throws run time issues that cause the issue for the programmers.
- It consumes more memory because of dynamically typed language.
- Its speed is slow.
- Need more maintenance of application and code.
Conclusion
Python is a widely used language for automation scripts as the scripting language. Each language is having its own advantages and disadvantages. Python is now the most popular language to use across the organization and programmers as well. It supports cross-platform and applications based on python language can be run on any platform without any issues. For Python, Python 2 and Python 3 versions are more popular in the market to use. Python 3 has shown a great change in the field of programming language for python. In this version, the functions become more simple and new add-on things got added that makes it compatible with lower versions and application for python.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to Introduction to Python. Here we have discussed the main components, applications, characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages of Python. You may also look at the following articles to learn more –
