Exploring Python
In today’s world, where we have N number of programming languages to choose from, Python may prove to be the best bet for beginners. Here’s why.
Whether you are a beginner trying to find your way in or a well-experienced developer, learning a new programming language is an extremely valuable skill to have. However, deciding on a language from the vast pool of options can be very confusing.
To ease your efforts and save time, here are my arguments on why you should learn Python in 2021.
1. Large active community
One of the major factors that determine the growth of a programming language is the community support extended to the programmers.
Python’s developer community can be accounted as the largest active programming language community. It holds strong global developer support and has easily accessible resources which are managed and directed by a non-profit organization, the Python Software Foundation.
The ease of remembering the codes and, its resemblance to the English language make Python one of the most accessible programming languages available.
2. The Simplicity of the language
Python is built on an easy syntax. It is incredibly easy to read and implement, even by amateur programmers. The ease of remembering the codes and, its resemblance to the English language make it one of the most accessible programming languages available.
Let’s consider the simplest example i.e printing “Hello World!” in Java and Python. In Java, we will have to write the following code:
public class HelloWorld{
public static void main (String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello World!");
}
}Whereas in Python, the code reduces to:
print("Hello World!")3. Availability of numerous libraries and frameworks
Python supports several libraries and frameworks that make the development process a lot easier. Instead of beginning from scratch, one can import the relevant library and complete the task in just a line of code.
Some of the libraries and frameworks available in Python are:
a. Matlpotlib, Plotly- For plotting graphs and data visualization.
b. BeautifulSoup — For parsing XML and HTML
c. SciPy — For scientific computing
4. Wide use in different application domains
The versatility of python extends from the domain of Machine Learning to Web Development to Game Development and many more. Python offers numerous libraries and frameworks for Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Web Development, Game Development, Cloud Computing, Big Data, etc.
Some of the various Python libraries and frameworks are:
a. Data science - NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, SciPy, SciKit-Learn, etc.
b. Artificial Intelligence - Keras, OpenCV, NLTK, PyBrain, etc.
c. Web Development - Django, Pyramid, Flask, Web2py, etc.
d. Game Development - Pygame, Pykyra, Pyglet, etc.
e. Big Data - Pydoop, Dask, Pyspark, etc.
Python offers numerous libraries and frameworks for Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Web Development, Game Development, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and the list goes on.
5. Automation and Scripting
Python is proving to be a great choice for scripting and automation. Since Python is a platform-independent interpreted programming language, it is compiled at runtime and one doesn’t have to worry about running a compiler ahead of time.
Python libraries and tools for automation include Selenium Python, PyTest, Beautiful Soup, Automagica, etc.
6. Cross-language integration
Python allows developers to perform cross-language operations. Python is easily extensible with C/C++/Java and can be easily embedded in applications. For example, Pyrex, Cython, ctypes, PyAutoC, etc. can be used to bridge the gaps between C/C++ and Python. Similarly, Jython, Jpype, etc. can be used to bridge the gap between Java and Python.
Python also supports object-oriented programming thus allowing the programmers to create classes, define methods, use multiple inheritance, and so on.
So these are some of the reasons why you should consider learning Python in 2021. As the fields that use Python are continuously growing, so will the need for Python experts. It will open various doors of career opportunities for you, once you attain expertise.