What is Python?

Python is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language, which means it can model real-world objects and entities. It is also dynamically typed, performing type-checking at runtime to ensure that the variables hold the correct type of data.

One of Python’s defining features is that it is an interpreted language. The Python IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) executes code line-by-line, making it easy to use as a calculator and test small pieces of code interactively.

Why is it called Python?
Guido van Rossum named it after the British comedy group Monty Python. As a result, you’ll often see example variables named ‘spam’ and ‘eggs’ instead of the more traditional ‘foo’ and ‘bar’.

History of Python

Python was developed in the late 1980s and named after Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a BBC comedy show.

Guido van Rossum began its implementation at CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in the Netherlands in December 1989.

Python was designed as a successor to the ABC programming language, with enhanced support for exception handling and integration with the Amoeba operating system.

Python 2.0 was released on October 16, 2000, introducing many new features.

Python 3.0 followed on December 3, 2008, marking a major shift in the language.

The latest version is Python 3.13.2, released on February 4, 2025.

Why Learn Python?

As Paul Dubois puts it:
“Python is the most powerful language you can still read.”

Python is one of the richest and most versatile programming languages available today. According to the TIOBE Index, it’s the most popular language worldwide, making it a great choice for a long-term career.

Features of Python

Let’s explore what makes Python so powerful and widely loved:

Easy to Learn – Python has simple syntax and is beginner-friendly. You can write the same logic in fewer lines of code compared to languages like Java.

Interpreted – It executes code line-by-line, making debugging and testing easier.

Object-Oriented – Python supports object-oriented programming with features like classes and inheritance.

Free and Open Source – Python and its source code are freely available. No expensive licenses required.

Portable – Python works across platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux) without requiring code modifications.

GUI Programming Support – You can create graphical applications using libraries like Tkinter.

Extensive Standard Library – Python’s large standard library provides built-in modules and tools, saving time and effort in development.

Applications of Python

Python’s simplicity and versatility make it a top choice across various domains. Here’s what you can do with Python:

Build dynamic websites

Develop games

Implement computer vision (face or color detection)

Create machine learning models

Program robots

Automate data collection (web scraping)

Analyze and visualize data

Automate browser tasks

Write scripts for various automation tasks

Perform scientific calculations

Develop AI-based systems

Build multimedia applications (audio/video)

Create CAD tools

Python is also used by major companies like YouTube, Dropbox, Netflix, and Google, especially in their early development stages.

Python Architecture and How It Works

Python follows a structured process to execute programs:

Parser – Analyzes the source code and generates an abstract syntax tree.

Compiler – Converts the syntax tree into bytecode.

Interpreter – Executes the bytecode line-by-line using a REPL (Read-Evaluate-Print Loop) model.

Core Python Constructs

Functions – Functions are reusable blocks of code defined with a name. You can invoke them anywhere in the program and they may return values.

Classes – As an object-oriented language, Python allows you to define classes, which act as blueprints for objects.

Modules – A module in Python is a file containing related functions and classes. Python offers modules for a wide range of tasks like math, string manipulation, and web development.

Packages – A package is a collection of related modules. You can use built-in packages or create your own.

Python also supports other constructs like control structures, exception handling, and more.

Sample Python Interview Questions for Beginners

Why is Python called Python?

What features make Python so popular?

What is a module in Python?

How is a list different from a tuple in Python?

How does Python compare to Java?

Summary

This was a brief introduction to Python where you learned what Python is, its origin, key features, various applications, architecture, and core programming constructs. Python’s simplicity, power, and versatility make it an ideal language to start your programming journey.

Keep exploring, and happy coding with Python and Debugshala!