What is python?
Python was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Python is a versatile, high-level programming language known for its readability and ease of use which makes it suitable for beginners and experienced developers alike. It supports multiple programming paradigms and is widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
Here are some key aspects:
- Syntax: Python’s syntax is designed to be clear and readable. It uses indentation to define code blocks, eliminating the need for braces or semicolons.
- Versatility: Python supports both object-oriented and procedural programming. It has a comprehensive standard library and a vast ecosystem of third-party packages.
- Interpreted Language: Python is an interpreted language, which means that the source code is executed line by line, making it easier to debug and test code.
- Dynamically Typed: Python is dynamically typed, meaning you don’t need to declare the data type of a variable. This allows for more flexibility but requires careful attention to variable types during development.
- Community and Libraries: Python has a large and active community. The Python Package Index (PyPI) hosts a plethora of libraries and frameworks, contributing to its popularity in various domains.
- Applications: Python is used in various fields, including web development (Django, Flask), data science (NumPy, Pandas), machine learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch), automation, and scripting.
- Open Source: Python is open-source, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement. Its development is managed by the Python Software Foundation.
How to install Python
Installing Python is generally easy, and nowadays many systems comes with pre-installed.
To install Python, follow these general steps:
Visit the Python Official Website:
Go to the official Python website at python.org.
Navigate to Downloads:
Find the “Downloads” tab on the Python website.
Choose Python Version:
Click on the download link, and the website will automatically suggest the version suitable for your operating system.
Run Installer:
Once the download is complete, run the installer. During installation, make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” to make it easier to run Python from the command line.
Verify Installation:
Open a command prompt or terminal and type python –version or python -V to check that Python has been installed successfully. You can also enter the Python interactive shell by typing python and pressing Enter.
Here’s a link to some books that you can read to gain more knowledge. Happy Learning!!