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Glossary – Python

Python

Nikiforov Alexander
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Introduction to Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It is used for developing web applications, analyzing large volumes of data, automating routine tasks, and in the field of artificial intelligence. The simple and intuitive syntax makes Python accessible even for beginner programmers, which contributes to its widespread adoption. For example, according to a StackOverflow survey, 49.28% of surveyed developers use Python in their work, making it the third most popular programming language.

History of the Language

The history of Python dates back to the late 1980s when Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum began developing the language at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in the Netherlands. The first official version of Python (0.9.0) was released in 1991. The name of the language is not related to snakes, but comes from the television show "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which was popular among programmers. Today, Python is supported by a large team of developers worldwide, united in the non-profit organization Python Software Foundation (PSF), which is responsible for the development of the language and the release of new versions.

Key Features of Python

Python has many characteristics that contribute to its popularity:

  • Simple Syntax: Python is easy to learn even for beginners due to its clarity and logic.
  • Interpreted Language: Code is executed line by line, which simplifies debugging and testing.
  • Dynamic Typing: Variables do not require explicit data type declarations, making the coding process easier.
  • Support for Multitasking: Python allows multiple tasks to run simultaneously, although GIL limits parallelism.
  • Compatibility: The language easily integrates with other programming languages.
  • Cross-Platform: Python programs can run on various operating systems.

Where and Why Python is Used

Python is applied in various fields, including:

  • Marketing: Automating routine tasks, analyzing sales data, and generating reports.
  • Web Development: Creating the backend of applications using frameworks like Django.
  • Software Testing: Using frameworks to find and fix bugs in software.
  • Mobile Applications and Game Development: Creating the backend for applications and game logic, for example, in the game Civilization IV.
  • Scientific Research: Data analysis, calculations, and visualization of results.
  • Machine Learning and AI: Developing algorithms for data processing and model training.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Python

Like any other programming language, Python has its pros and cons:

  • Pros:
    • Ease of learning and logical syntax.
    • Speed of development thanks to ready-made templates.
    • Open-source and community support.
    • Extensive libraries for various tasks.
    • Multi-paradigm programming.
  • Cons:
    • Limited execution speed compared to other languages.
    • Limited capabilities for mobile development.
    • Issues with multithreading due to GIL.
    • Dynamic typing can lead to runtime errors.