Python Introduction - Learn Python Programming Basics

1. Introduction to Python Programming

This introduction tutorial explains the basics of Python programming and its various features. If anyone wants to know what is Python, he really should learn this wonderful programming language and understand its usefulness. In this introduction tutorial, we will comprehensively discuss various features of Python programming that make it popular. Also, we will discuss various filename extensions and Python differences from other programming languages, and most importantly its uses in various fields.

1.1.What is Python Programming?

In this one-stop tutorial, you will first learn about what is Python language. Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that has numerous development purposes. We can use it to develop simple applications for complex web services. The simplistic syntax of Python makes it easy to understand and learn for beginners. Moreover, Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including structured, object-oriented, and functional programming. The official logo of Python is shown below.

1.2. Python Example

Below is a simplistic example of Python code that illustrates what and how the code is written in this language. The following code imports the random module of Python and then generates a random number. Finally, this random number is checked to see if it is odd or even.

import random

def check_even_odd(number):
	if number % 2 == 0:
		return "Even"
	else:
		return "Odd"

def main():
	random_number = random.randint(1, 100)
	print("Random Number:", random_number)

	result = check_even_odd(random_number)
	print("Number is:", result)

if __name__ == "__main__":
	main()

Random Number: 5
Number is: Odd

1.3. Python Filename Extensions

There are many filename extensions that we can use for Python files. Below are some common filenames that we use for Python files.

2. Features of Python Language

As developers use Python language vastly for development, so there must be some extraordinary features. The following list comprehensively describes the outstanding features of Python language, which are necessary for its usefulness.

1. Readability and Simplicity: Developers can easily maintain and write Python code because of its readable and concise syntax, thus reducing the cost of maintenance and development.
2. Versatility: The versatile nature of Python language like Java and Kotlin makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including web development, data science, machine learning, automation, scripting, and more.
3. Extensive Libraries: There are plenty of Python libraries and frameworks, such as NumPy, Pandas, Django, TensorFlow, etc, that facilitate rapid development and support with ready-made solutions.
4. Community Support: The vast and active Python developers' community supports each other with resources and solutions to various problems, making it a well-supported language.
5. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The cross-platform ability of Python programming makes it more fascinating as it can run on different operating systems with minimalistic modifications.
6. Large Standard Library: There are plenty of modules and packages in the standard library of Python language. These resources allow the programmers to leverage existing solutions without rewriting code.
7. Rapid Prototyping: The syntax and dynamic typing of Python programming is truly remarkable, making it an excellent choice for rapid prototyping.
8. Open Source: The open-source code of Python is readily available for modification and redistribution. Thus making Python an innovative and collaborative language among developers.
9. Support for Integration: Python seamlessly integrates with other programming languages and technologies, which ultimately makes it a preferred choice for building complex and interconnected software solutions.
10. Data Science and Machine Learning: The excellent features of Python made it popular in data science and machine learning.
11. Educational Use: It is extensively used in educational settings due to its simplicity and readability. Many universities and schools use Python to teach programming concepts to beginners.

3. Common Uses of Python Programming

The above useful features and characteristics of Python make it handy, thus it has many uses as listed below.

1. Web-Development:
   • Backend Development
   • API Development
2. Data Science and Analysis:
   • Data Manipulation
   • Data Visualization
   • Statistical Analysis
3. Machine Learning:
   • Model Development
   • Task Automation
4. Automation and Scripting:
   • Task Automation
   • Web Scrapping
   • Testing and Automation
5. Scientific Computing:
   • Numerical Computations
   • Data Analysis and Visualization
6. Educational Research:
   • Teaching Programming
   • Research in Various Fields
7. Other Notable Uses:
   • Game Development
   • Desktop GUI Applications
   • Network Programming
   • System Administration

4. Python Differences From Other Languages

There are many other programming languages like Python, but there are some differences, which we will discuss in this section of the introduction tutorial.

4.1. What is the Difference Between Python and PHP?

Like Python, PHP is a popular programming language, which is widely implemented in web development. The table below comprehensively compares Python and PHP language in all aspects.

4.2. What is the Difference Between Python and Kotlin?

Kotlin language is rather modern as compared to Python, and now we will compare both these programming languages to see the differences.