Why should you learn it? What are its advantages and disadvantages over other programming languages? And finally how can you get started with learning Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted, object oriented scripting language that was created by Guido van Rossum in 1985. It has gained popularity due to its simplicity, readability and ease of use. The syntax is very similar to English which makes it easy for beginners to learn.
Python can be used for a variety of purposes such as web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning etc. Some popular websites that are built using Python include Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit and Quora.
There are many advantages of using Python over other programming languages like C++ or Java. Here are some of the main ones:
1) Easy to learn As I mentioned earlier, Python has a simple syntax which makes it easy for beginners to learn. It is also very readable due to its use of whitespace and indentation.
2) Large standard library Python comes with a large set of libraries that can be used for various purposes such as web development, data analysis etc. This saves time and effort in writing code from scratch.
3) Cross-platform compatibility Python is compatible with all major operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. This makes it easy to develop applications on multiple platforms without having to write separate code for each one.
4) Open source Python is an open source language which means that the source code is freely available and can be modified as per your requirements.
5) Large community support There are many online resources, tutorials and communities dedicated to Python. This makes it easy to get help when you encounter any problems while learning or using Python.
Now some of the disadvantages of Python:
1) Interpreted language Unlike compiled languages like C++ or Java, Python is an interpreted language which means that code execution is slower due to the overhead involved in interpreting each line of code at runtime.
2) Memory management issues Python uses a garbage collector for memory management which can sometimes lead to performance issues and memory leaks.
3) Limited control over system resources Due to its high-level nature, Python provides limited control over system resources like CPU or memory. This makes it less suitable for developing low-level applications such as operating systems or device drivers.
Now that we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of Python how you can get started with learning Python:
1) Install Python The first step is to download and install Python on your computer. You can do this by visiting the official website (https://www.python.org/) and following the instructions provided there.
2) Learn the basics Once you have installed Python, start by learning the basic syntax and concepts such as variables, data types, operators etc. This will help you understand how to write simple programs in Python.
3) Practice coding exercises There are many online resources available that provide coding exercises for beginners. These exercises will help you practice writing code and improve your skills.
4) Read documentation The official Python documentation is a great resource for learning more about the language. It provides detailed information on all aspects of Python including syntax, libraries etc.
5) Join an online community There are many online communities dedicated to Python such as Stack Overflow or Reddit. These communities provide a platform for sharing knowledge and getting help when you encounter any problems while learning or using Python.