What is Python?

Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. The language remains popular to this day due to its design philosophy of emphasizing code readability and reusability. The programming language was created in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum to be the successor to the ABC programming language.

Why it’s Important

So with that introduction, we know that Python is a popular programming language, it focuses on code readability, and code reusability. However, what are we using this code for? Why is Python important in today’s world? Well Python is most commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. It’s known to be relatively easy to learn, so Python has even been adopted by many non-programmers, such as scientists and accountants, for a multitude of everyday tasks, such as organizing finances.

Examples Of Use Cases

Web Development Focusing on the more on the programmer oriented side of things, how is Python specifically utilized? First let’s start with the role it plays in web development. Python is often used to develop the back end of a website or application, meaning it’s used to develop parts that a user doesn’t see. It’s specific role includes sending data to and from servers, processing data and communicating with databases, URL routing, and ensuring security.

Automation or Scripting Do you ever find yourself performing a task repeatedly? Like there must be some way that you can make being productive more efficient? Well Python addresses that issue as well, with automation! So if you ever find yourself doing something over and over, you can work more efficiently by automating your process with Python. Writing code to automate these processes is called scripting. In the world of coding and software development, you can use these scripts to check errors across many files, execute simple math, convert files, and remove duplicates in data. The best part about this part of Python is that scripting is beginner/non-coder friendly! You can utilize Python to automate simple computer tasks- such as finding & downloading online content, sending emails or texts at specific intervals, or even just renaming files.

Regular Everyday Tasks Let’s continue to speak about how Python is used by every folks, I want to drive the point home that Python is NOT only for programmers, data scientists, or even IT professionals. How would your regular everyday person use Python? Well you could utilize it in the following ways: keep track of stock market or crypto prices, send yourself a text reminder to bring an umbrella when rain is forecasted, update your grocery shopping list, randomly assign chores to family members, or even filling out tedious online forms automatically.

So Should I Learn Python?

Depends! Are you a programmer looking to quickly learn a new popular language to add to your tech stack? Maybe use it on your personal projects and to enhance your resume? Then Absolutely! Are you a regular everyday Joe looking to show off your new found coding skills to your friends? Maybe even show off your automated crypto tracker to your buddies? Go ahead! That is the beauty Python, it is very simple to learn, very easy to read, and a great way to start your journey in the tech space.

SOURCES

https://www.python.org/doc/essays/blurb/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language)

https://www.w3schools.com/python/python_intro.asp

https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-python-used-for-a-beginners-guide-to-using-python