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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


'''Python''' is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose [[programming language]] known for its readability and simplicity. Created by [[Guido van Rossum]] and first released in 1991, Python emphasizes code readability through its use of significant whitespace and a clear, expressive syntax. It supports multiple [[programming paradigms]], including [[procedural programming]], [[object-oriented programming]], and [[functional programming]]. Python's extensive [[standard library]] and dynamic typing make it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, from web development to scientific computing.
'''Python''' is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose [[programming language]] known for its readability, simplicity, and versatility. Created by [[Guido van Rossum]] and first released in 1991, Python emphasizes code readability through its use of significant indentation and a clean, English-like syntax. It supports multiple [[programming paradigms]], including [[procedural programming|procedural]], [[object-oriented programming|object-oriented]], and [[functional programming|functional]] styles.


Python is an open-source language with a large, active community that contributes to its development and maintenance. Its design philosophy, summarized in the document ''[[The Zen of Python]]'', prioritizes simplicity and explicitness. Python is widely regarded as one of the easiest languages for beginners to learn, while also being powerful enough for advanced users.
Python's design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and clarity, often summarized by the phrase "There should be one—and preferably only one—obvious way to do it." This principle, along with its extensive [[standard library]] and vibrant [[open-source]] ecosystem, has made Python one of the most popular programming languages worldwide. It is widely used in fields such as [[web development]], [[data science]], [[artificial intelligence]], [[automation]], and [[scientific computing]].


== History or Background ==
== History or Background ==


Python was conceived in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum at [[Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica]] (CWI) in the Netherlands as a successor to the [[ABC (programming language)|ABC language]]. Van Rossum aimed to create a language that combined the best features of existing languages while addressing their shortcomings. The first public release, Python 0.9.0, was made in February 1991. The language was named after the British comedy series ''[[Monty Python's Flying Circus]]'', reflecting van Rossum's playful approach to programming.
Python's development began in the late 1980s when Guido van Rossum, then working at the [[Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica]] (CWI) in the Netherlands, sought to create a successor to the [[ABC (programming language)|ABC]] language. Van Rossum aimed to address ABC's shortcomings while retaining its ease of use. The language was named after the British comedy group [[Monty Python]], reflecting van Rossum's fondness for their work.


Key milestones in Python's development include:
The first public release, Python 0.9.0, was made available in February 1991. Key features included exception handling, functions, and core data types like lists, dictionaries, and strings. Python 1.0, released in 1994, introduced functional programming tools such as <code>lambda</code>, <code>map</code>, and <code>filter</code>.
* '''Python 1.0''' (1994): Introduced functional programming tools like [[lambda calculus|lambda]], [[map (higher-order function)|map]], [[filter (higher-order function)|filter]], and [[reduce (higher-order function)|reduce]].
* '''Python 2.0''' (2000): Added features such as [[list comprehension]]s, garbage collection, and Unicode support.
* '''Python 3.0''' (2008): A major, backward-incompatible release that addressed inconsistencies in Python 2.x. It emphasized removing redundant features and improving clarity.


The transition from Python 2 to Python 3 was gradual, with Python 2 reaching [[end-of-life (product)|end-of-life]] in 2020. Today, Python 3 is the standard, with regular updates introducing new features and optimizations.
=== Major Milestones ===
* '''Python 2.0 (2000)''': Introduced list comprehensions, garbage collection, and Unicode support.
* '''Python 3.0 (2008)''': A major, backward-incompatible release that removed redundancies and improved consistency. Key changes included print as a function, Unicode as the default string type, and the <code>bytes</code> type for binary data.
* '''End of Python 2 (2020)''': Official support for Python 2 ended, encouraging migration to Python 3.
 
Python is now developed under the oversight of the [[Python Software Foundation]] (PSF), a non-profit organization that manages the language's intellectual property and supports its community.


== Technical Details or Architecture ==
== Technical Details or Architecture ==
Python is an [[interpreted language]], meaning that code is executed line-by-line by the Python interpreter rather than being compiled into machine code beforehand. The default implementation, [[CPython]], is written in [[C (programming language)|C]] and serves as the reference implementation. Other implementations include:
* '''[[Jython]]''': Runs on the [[Java Virtual Machine]] (JVM).
* '''[[IronPython]]''': Integrates with the [[.NET Framework]].
* '''[[PyPy]]''': Uses a [[just-in-time compilation|JIT]] compiler for improved performance.


=== Syntax and Semantics ===
=== Syntax and Semantics ===
Python's syntax is designed to be intuitive and readable. Key features include:
Python's syntax is designed for readability, using indentation to define code blocks instead of braces or keywords. For example:
* '''Indentation''': Python uses whitespace to delimit blocks of code, eliminating the need for braces or keywords like ''begin'' and ''end''.
<syntaxhighlight lang="python">
* '''Dynamic typing''': Variables do not require explicit type declarations, and their types can change during runtime.
* '''Interpreted execution''': Python code is executed line-by-line by the [[Python interpreter]], making debugging and development faster.
 
Example of Python syntax:
def greet(name):
def greet(name):
     print(f"Hello, {name}!")
     print(f"Hello, {name}!")
</syntaxhighlight>


greet("World")
Key language features include:
 
* '''Dynamic typing''': Variables do not require explicit type declarations.
=== Memory Management ===
* '''Garbage collection''': Automatic memory management via reference counting.
Python employs automatic [[memory management]] through [[reference counting]] and a [[garbage collection (computer science)|garbage collector]]. This reduces the risk of [[memory leak]]s and simplifies development. The [[Global Interpreter Lock]] (GIL) is a notable feature of Python's [[CPython]] implementation, which can affect performance in multi-threaded applications.
* '''Duck typing''': Objects are judged by their methods and properties rather than their type.
 
* '''First-class functions''': Functions can be passed as arguments or returned as values.
=== Implementations ===
The primary implementation of Python is [[CPython]], written in [[C (programming language)|C]]. Other implementations include:
* '''[[Jython]]''': Runs on the [[Java Virtual Machine]] (JVM).
* '''[[IronPython]]''': Integrates with the [[.NET Framework]].
* '''[[PyPy]]''': A [[just-in-time compilation|JIT]]-compiled implementation for improved performance.


=== Standard Library ===
=== Standard Library ===
Python's [[standard library]] includes modules for:
Python's [[standard library]] includes modules for:
* File I/O (e.g., [[os module|os]], [[sys module|sys]])
* File I/O (<code>os</code>, <code>sys</code>)
* Data serialization (e.g., [[pickle module|pickle]], [[json module|json]])
* Networking (<code>socket</code>, <code>http.client</code>)
* Networking (e.g., [[socket module|socket]], [[http module|http]])
* Data serialization (<code>json</code>, <code>pickle</code>)
* Mathematical operations (e.g., [[math module|math]], [[random module|random]])
* Concurrent execution (<code>threading</code>, <code>asyncio</code>)


== Applications or Use Cases ==
== Applications or Use Cases ==


Python's versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of applications:
Python's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:


=== Web Development ===
=== Web Development ===
Frameworks like [[Django (web framework)|Django]] and [[Flask (web framework)|Flask]] enable rapid development of scalable web applications. Python is used by companies such as [[Instagram]], [[Pinterest]], and [[Spotify]] for backend services.
Frameworks like [[Django (web framework)|Django]] and [[Flask (web framework)|Flask]] simplify building scalable web applications. Django, for example, includes an [[Object-Relational Mapping|ORM]], authentication, and an admin interface out-of-the-box.


=== Data Science and Machine Learning ===
=== Data Science and Machine Learning ===
Libraries like [[NumPy]], [[pandas (software)|pandas]], and [[scikit-learn]] make Python a dominant language in [[data science]]. [[TensorFlow]] and [[PyTorch]] are widely used for [[machine learning]] and [[artificial intelligence]] research.
Libraries such as:
* '''[[NumPy]]''': For numerical computing.
* '''[[Pandas (software)|Pandas]]''': For data manipulation.
* '''[[scikit-learn]]''': For machine learning.
* '''[[TensorFlow]]''' and '''[[PyTorch]]''': For deep learning.


=== Scientific Computing ===
Python is the dominant language in [[data science]], used by companies like [[Google]], [[Facebook]], and [[Netflix]].
Python is popular in academia and research due to tools like [[SciPy]] and [[Matplotlib]]. It is used in fields such as [[physics]], [[bioinformatics]], and [[astronomy]].


=== Automation and Scripting ===
=== Automation and Scripting ===
Python's simplicity makes it ideal for writing scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as file management or web scraping (using libraries like [[Beautiful Soup]]).
Python's simplicity makes it ideal for writing scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as file processing or web scraping with libraries like [[Beautiful Soup]].
 
=== Scientific Computing ===
Used in fields like [[physics]], [[biology]], and [[astronomy]] through tools like [[SciPy]] and [[Astropy]].


=== Game Development ===
=== Game Development ===
While not as common as [[C++]] or [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], Python is used in game development with libraries like [[Pygame]] and engines like [[Godot (game engine)|Godot]].
Libraries like [[Pygame]] and engines like [[Godot (game engine)|Godot]] support game development.


== Relevance in Computing or Industry ==
== Relevance in Computing or Industry ==


Python's popularity has grown significantly since its inception. As of 2023, it consistently ranks among the top programming languages in indices like the [[TIOBE Index]] and [[Stack Overflow Developer Survey]]. Factors contributing to its relevance include:
Python's popularity stems from its balance of simplicity and power. According to indices like the [[TIOBE Index]] and [[Stack Overflow Developer Survey]], Python consistently ranks among the top programming languages.
* '''Ease of Learning''': Python's straightforward syntax lowers the barrier to entry for new programmers.
* '''Community and Ecosystem''': A vast collection of third-party packages (available via [[PyPI]]) and active community support accelerate development.
* '''Cross-Platform Compatibility''': Python runs on major operating systems, including [[Windows]], [[macOS]], and [[Linux]].
 
Major tech companies, including [[Google]], [[Facebook]], and [[Netflix]], use Python for various applications, from infrastructure management to recommendation systems.
 
== Comparisons with Other Languages ==
 
=== Python vs. Java ===
* '''Performance''': Java is generally faster due to its [[just-in-time compilation|JIT]] compilation, while Python's interpreted nature can lead to slower execution.
* '''Syntax''': Python's concise syntax is often preferred for rapid development, whereas Java's verbosity enforces strict typing and structure.
 
=== Python vs. JavaScript ===
* '''Runtime Environment''': JavaScript is primarily used for [[client-side scripting]] in web browsers, while Python is more versatile across domains.
* '''Concurrency''': JavaScript's [[event loop]] model handles asynchronous tasks more efficiently than Python's GIL-limited threading.


=== Python vs. C++ ===
=== Industry Adoption ===
* '''Control''': C++ offers low-level memory control, making it suitable for system programming, while Python prioritizes developer productivity.
* '''Tech Giants''': Google, Facebook, and Amazon use Python for backend services, data analysis, and AI.
* '''Speed''': C++ is significantly faster for computationally intensive tasks, though Python can integrate with C/C++ for performance-critical sections.
* '''Finance''': Banks and hedge funds employ Python for quantitative analysis and algorithmic trading.
* '''Education''': Python is often the first language taught in universities due to its readability.


== Future Developments ==
=== Community and Ecosystem ===
 
Python's open-source community contributes thousands of third-party packages via the [[Python Package Index]] (PyPI). Tools like [[pip (package manager)|pip]] simplify package management, while platforms like [[GitHub]] host collaborative projects.
The Python community continues to innovate, with ongoing work on:
* '''Performance Improvements''': Projects like [[PEP 703]] aim to remove the GIL to enhance multi-threading capabilities.
* '''New Language Features''': Recent additions include [[pattern matching]] (PEP 634) and [[type hints]] (PEP 484).
* '''Tooling Enhancements''': Efforts to improve [[debugging]], [[packaging]], and [[static analysis]] tools.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Comparison of programming languages]]
* [[List of Python software]]
* [[List of Python software]]
* [[Comparison of programming languages]]
* [[Python Software Foundation]]
* [[Python Software Foundation]]
* [[History of programming languages]]
* [[History of Python]]


== References ==
== References ==
 
<references>
<references />
* [https://www.python.org/ Official Python Website]
* [https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/ Python Documentation]
* [https://wiki.python.org/moin/ Python Wiki]
* Van Rossum, G. (1995). "Python Tutorial". Technical Report CS-R9526, CWI.
</references>


[[Category:Programming languages]]
[[Category:Programming languages]]
[[Category:High-level programming languages]]
[[Category:High-level programming languages]]
[[Category:Interpreted programming languages]]
[[Category:Scripting languages]]

Revision as of 05:07, 6 July 2025

Introduction

Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language known for its readability, simplicity, and versatility. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python emphasizes code readability through its use of significant indentation and a clean, English-like syntax. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional styles.

Python's design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and clarity, often summarized by the phrase "There should be one—and preferably only one—obvious way to do it." This principle, along with its extensive standard library and vibrant open-source ecosystem, has made Python one of the most popular programming languages worldwide. It is widely used in fields such as web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and scientific computing.

History or Background

Python's development began in the late 1980s when Guido van Rossum, then working at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in the Netherlands, sought to create a successor to the ABC language. Van Rossum aimed to address ABC's shortcomings while retaining its ease of use. The language was named after the British comedy group Monty Python, reflecting van Rossum's fondness for their work.

The first public release, Python 0.9.0, was made available in February 1991. Key features included exception handling, functions, and core data types like lists, dictionaries, and strings. Python 1.0, released in 1994, introduced functional programming tools such as lambda, map, and filter.

Major Milestones

  • Python 2.0 (2000): Introduced list comprehensions, garbage collection, and Unicode support.
  • Python 3.0 (2008): A major, backward-incompatible release that removed redundancies and improved consistency. Key changes included print as a function, Unicode as the default string type, and the bytes type for binary data.
  • End of Python 2 (2020): Official support for Python 2 ended, encouraging migration to Python 3.

Python is now developed under the oversight of the Python Software Foundation (PSF), a non-profit organization that manages the language's intellectual property and supports its community.

Technical Details or Architecture

Python is an interpreted language, meaning that code is executed line-by-line by the Python interpreter rather than being compiled into machine code beforehand. The default implementation, CPython, is written in C and serves as the reference implementation. Other implementations include:

Syntax and Semantics

Python's syntax is designed for readability, using indentation to define code blocks instead of braces or keywords. For example: <syntaxhighlight lang="python"> def greet(name): 

   print(f"Hello, {name}!")

</syntaxhighlight>

Key language features include:

  • Dynamic typing: Variables do not require explicit type declarations.
  • Garbage collection: Automatic memory management via reference counting.
  • Duck typing: Objects are judged by their methods and properties rather than their type.
  • First-class functions: Functions can be passed as arguments or returned as values.

Standard Library

Python's standard library includes modules for:

  • File I/O (os, sys)
  • Networking (socket, http.client)
  • Data serialization (json, pickle)
  • Concurrent execution (threading, asyncio)

Applications or Use Cases

Python's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Web Development

Frameworks like Django and Flask simplify building scalable web applications. Django, for example, includes an ORM, authentication, and an admin interface out-of-the-box.

Data Science and Machine Learning

Libraries such as:

Python is the dominant language in data science, used by companies like Google, Facebook, and Netflix.

Automation and Scripting

Python's simplicity makes it ideal for writing scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as file processing or web scraping with libraries like Beautiful Soup.

Scientific Computing

Used in fields like physics, biology, and astronomy through tools like SciPy and Astropy.

Game Development

Libraries like Pygame and engines like Godot support game development.

Relevance in Computing or Industry

Python's popularity stems from its balance of simplicity and power. According to indices like the TIOBE Index and Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Python consistently ranks among the top programming languages.

Industry Adoption

  • Tech Giants: Google, Facebook, and Amazon use Python for backend services, data analysis, and AI.
  • Finance: Banks and hedge funds employ Python for quantitative analysis and algorithmic trading.
  • Education: Python is often the first language taught in universities due to its readability.

Community and Ecosystem

Python's open-source community contributes thousands of third-party packages via the Python Package Index (PyPI). Tools like pip simplify package management, while platforms like GitHub host collaborative projects.

See also

References

<references>

</references>

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