Python Introduction

What is it?

Python is a computer programming language often used to build websites and software, automate tasks, and conduct data analysis. Python is a general-purpose language, meaning it can be used to create a variety of different programs and isn’t specialized for any specific problems. This versatility, along with its beginner-friendliness, has made it one of the most-used programming languages today. A survey conducted by industry analyst firm RedMonk found that it was the second-most popular programming language among developers in 2021

What is Python used for?

Python is commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. Since it’s relatively easy to learn, Python has been adopted by many non-programmers such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks, like organizing finances.

“Writing programs is a very creative and rewarding activity,” says University of Michigan and Coursera instructor Charles R Severance in his book Python for Everybody. “You can write programs for many reasons, ranging from making your living to solving a difficult data analysis problem to having fun to helping someone else solve a problem.”

What can you do with python? Some things include:

Data analysis and machine learning
Web development
Automation or scripting
Software testing and prototyping
Everyday tasks

Why is Python so popular?

Python is popular for a number of reasons. Here’s a deeper look at what makes it so versatile and easy to use for coders.

It has a simple syntax that mimics natural language, so it’s easier to read and understand. This makes it quicker to build projects, and faster to improve on them.

It’s versatile. Python can be used for many different tasks, from web development to machine learning.

It’s beginner friendly, making it popular for entry-level coders.

It’s open source, which means it’s free to use and distribute, even for commercial purposes.

Python’s archive of modules and libraries—bundles of code that third-party users have created to expand Python’s capabilities—is vast and growing.

Python has a large and active community that contributes to Python’s pool of modules and libraries, and acts as a helpful resource for other programmers. The vast support community means that if coders run into a stumbling block, finding a solution is relatively easy; somebody is bound to have run into the same problem before.

Code examples


                # Python code for "Hello World" 

                # nothing else to type...see how simple is the syntax. 

                print("Hello World")

# Python program to declare variables 

                myNumber = 3 

                print(myNumber) 

                  
                myNumber2 = 4.5 

                print(myNumber2) 

                  
                myNumber ="helloworld" 

                print(myNumber)


                # Python program to illustrate a list 


                # creates a empty list 

                nums = [] 

                
                # appending data in list 

                nums.append(21) 

                nums.append(40.5) 

                nums.append("String") 

                
                print(nums)

# Python program to illustrate  

                # getting input from user 

                name = input("Enter your name: ") 

                
                # user entered the name 'harssh' 

                print("hello", name)

 # Python program to illustrate 

                # selection statement 

                
                num1 = 34 

                if(num1>12): 

                    print("Num1 is good") 

                elif(num1>35): 

                    print("Num2 is not gooooo....") 

                else: 

                    print("Num2 is great")

Where can I learn it?

If you’re new to Python (and programming in general), you can begin writing your first Python program in minutes by taking Python for Everybody from the University of Michigan.