What is Python?
Python is the most easy to learn programming language. According to Python’s official website, following is the executive summary for it:
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development, as well as for use as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components together. Python's simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes readability and therefore reduces the cost of program maintenance. Python supports modules and packages, which encourages program modularity and code reuse. The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are available in source or binary form without charge for all major platforms, and can be freely distributed.
In our words, Python is the best programming language for beginners, not one of the best. You can do so many things with Python and in such a easy way that it could save you lots of time compared with using other programming languages to do the same thing.
Python itself is simple and easy to learn but in the meantime it provides thousands of modules which are aimed at all kinds of tasks such as data analysis, machine learning, web info searching, automatic tools, etc. For example, if you’re working with data analysis job, the following three modules are the most important ones that you should know: NumPy, Matplotlib and Pandas. For other tasks, most likely you can find corresponding modules accordingly. The Python language has diversified application in the software development companies such as in gaming, web frameworks and applications, language development, prototyping, graphic design applications, etc.
Comparing Python to Other Languages
The following info are from Python official website, and you can find more info here.
Java
Python programs are generally expected to run slower than Java programs, but they also take much less time to develop. Python programs are typically 3-5 times shorter than equivalent Java programs. This difference can be attributed to Python’s built-in high-level data types and its dynamic typing.
Python is much better suited as a “glue” language, while Java is better characterized as a low-level implementation language. In fact, the two together make an excellent combination.
Javascript
Python’s “object-based” subset is roughly equivalent to JavaScript. Like JavaScript (and unlike Java), Python supports a programming style that uses simple functions and variables without engaging in class definitions. However, for JavaScript, that’s all there is. Python, on the other hand, supports writing much larger programs and better code reuse through a true object-oriented programming style, where classes and inheritance play an important role.
Perl
Python and Perl come from a similar background (Unix scripting, which both have long outgrown), and sport many similar features, but have a different philosophy. Perl emphasizes support for common application-oriented tasks, e.g. by having built-in regular expressions, file scanning and report generating features. Python emphasizes support for common programming methodologies such as data structure design and object-oriented programming, and encourages programmers to write readable (and thus maintainable) code by providing an elegant but not overly cryptic notation. As a consequence, Python comes close to Perl but rarely beats it in its original application domain; however Python has an applicability well beyond Perl’s niche.
C++
Almost everything said for Java also applies for C++, just more so: where Python code is typically 3-5 times shorter than equivalent Java code, it is often 5-10 times shorter than equivalent C++ code! Anecdotal evidence suggests that one Python programmer can finish in two months what two C++ programmers can’t complete in a year. Python shines as a glue language, used to combine components written in C++.
Advantages of Python
- Easy to Read, Learn and Write. Python is a high-level programming language that has English-like syntax.
- Improved Productivity. Python is a very productive language. With Python you can do more with less code.
- Free and Open-Source.
- Vast Libraries Support. In fact, Python has all the libraries you can imagine.
- Portability. Python can be deployed to Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.