Python is one of the most common programming languages in the world. It is a high-level general purpose, interpreted, and dynamic language, which focuses mainly on code readability. The language rules in Python assist its users to code using fewer steps compared to C++ or Java. Guido Van Rossum first developed Python language in 1991 (Srinath, 2017). Many organizations are adopting Python as the operating system due to the availability of several programming models. Python is an object-oriented programming language with a bulky and inclusive library, which has dynamic and memory management features. Besides having other programming languages in the world, several reasons still make Python the most popular and preferred language worldwide.
Popularity of Python as a Programming Language
Python has become one of the most sort after programming language in the recent years. It is the most preferred language over Java, C++, and C. The language developers have made several changes over the years in a bid to improve its performance. Over the 25 years of its existence, several add-on aspects have been introduced. The most recent version of Python, which was introduced in 2008, was based on simplicity with user-friendly operation (Srinath, 2017). One of the main reasons why most programmers and organizations prefer Python is because of its resourceful characteristics, which allow for less programming codes.
Readable and Maintainable Code
When programmers are developing software, they usually focus on the quality of the source code to simplify updates and most importantly, maintenance. Python language allows programmers to convey their ideas without necessarily, including new codes. Additionally, Python emphasizes readable codes that use English words rather than punctuations. Thus, this allows a developer to create custom programs without writing new codes. Due to their readability, the codes assist the developers in maintaining and updating software with the least effort and time (Giridhar, 2016). The readable code makes it easier for individuals to understand the language and enhance its operation easily through update procedures.
Multiple Programming Paradigms
Most of the recent programming language sustains several development models and python is one of them. The language fully supports structured and object-oriented programming. Moreover, Python has a vibrant system and an automatic memory management (Srinath, 2017). Thus, the programming models and features play a significant role in the development of complex programs.
Compatible with Major Platforms and Systems
Most of the operating systems support Python programming language,making it easy to install regardless of the platform used. Most importantly, a developer may use Python interpreters to test codes on certain tools and platforms (Srinath, 2017). The initiative is made possible sincePython is an interpreted development language that allows testing of codes on several stages without making changes. Therefore, recompiling codes after modification may not be necessarysince they run on a different platform with immediate display of results (Oliphant, 2007). Hence, this capability allows a developer tomake changes on the code without using more development time.
Robust Standard Library
Python has a large and strong library, which gives the language an advantage over other programs. The standard library allows a developer to make choices on several modules depending on specific requirements. In addition, each module allows programmers to add functionality to the Python program without adding any code (Koepke, 2011). For example, when programmers are developing a web application using Python they can employ certain modules to perform string operations, implement web services, internet protocols, and management of operating systems interface. Moreover, programmers can obtain information about certain modules by searching on the Python Standard Library documentation (Srinath, 2017). Thus, due to availability of this feature, Python remains a users-friendly system even for beginners.
Many Open Source Frameworks and Tools
Since Python is an open source programming language, it helps in reducing the development cost. The language allows people to use several open source frameworks, development tools, and libraries to reduce development time without raising the cost of programming. The program allows developers to choose from a wide range of frameworks and tools depending on individuals needs. For example, an indiviudla can speed up or simplify web development by using frameworks such as Cherrypy, Pyramid, or Django (Srinath, 2017). Therefore, availability of several open source codes makes development work easier and less costly when using Python.
Simplify Complex Software Development
Python is a multi-purpose programming language. Therefore, it can be used for developing both web and desktop applications. Additionally, Python can be used to program complicated numeric and scientific applications. Those capabilities are possible since Python is equipped with features that allow for visualization and data analysis. Thus, it is possible to use the data analysis feature to develop customized data solutions without extra time or effort (Koepke, 2011). Using language developers can create complicated programs at no extra cost due to the data analysis feature.
Adaptive to Test Driven Development
Using Python developers, developers can create a program prototype easily. Then, from the sample, an individual can directly build a program by refactoring the Python code. The language allows programmers to write codes and test them on the go through the adoption of a test-driven approach. It is possible to write the code then use tests to evaluate it as software development continues (Bastein, Lamblin, Pascanu, Bergstra, Goodfellow, Bergeron, & Bengio, 2012). Using the test driven development, developers can use it test if application meets the needs in reference to its source code.
Despite being one of the most popular programming languages, Python has its own disadvantages. The program does not have the inbuilt aspects, thus a developer has to use Python modules, libraries, and framework to hasten development of custom programs. Compared to other programming languages, such as C++ and Java, Python is slower. To improve its performance, a developer can make adjustments on the application code with the help of custom runtime (Srinath, 2017). Nevertheless, Python can always be used to increase software development speed and improve software maintenance.
Conclusion
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It is regarded as the most suitable language for learning real-world programming. Python has been considered a fast, powerful, portable, open source language that is supported by different technologies and operating systems. The program has been adopted by most organizations as their official programming language since it is user-friendly while its codes are portable. Additionally, the codes used may not be re-written after an altercation, making it a reliable language for many programmers. The python supports both structured and object-oriented programming. However, most developers prefer object-oriented programming since it assists in solving difficult by dividingcomplex aspects into manageable bits. Python is a universal language and provides more options to programmers.. The language is used for web development, system operations, scientific modeling, and administrative tools. As it is evident from the discussion, Python is the most popular and widely used programming language.
References
Bastien, F., Lamblin, P., Pascanu, R., Bergstra, J., Goodfellow, I., Bergeron, A., & Bengio, Y. (2012). Theano: New features and speed improvements. arXiv preprint arXiv:1211.5590.
Giridhar, C. (2016). Learning Python design patterns: Leverage the power of Python design patterns to solve real-world problems in software architecture and design. Birmingham, UK: Pack Publishing.
Koepke, H. (2011). Why Python rocks for research. Hacker Monthly, 8, 24-28.
Oliphant, T. E. (2007). Python for scientific computing. Computing in Science & Engineering, 9(3).
Srinath, K.R. (2017). Python- The fastest growing programming language. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 4(12), 354-357.