Python Introduction
What is Python?
Python is a popular programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum, and released in 1991.
It is used for:
- web development (server-side)
- software development
- mathematics
- system scripting
What can Python do?
- Python can be used on a server to create web applications
- Python can be used alongside software to create workflows
- Python can connect to database systems. It can also read and modify files
- Python can be used to handle big data and perform complex mathematics
- Python can be used for rapid prototyping, or for production-ready software development
Why Python?
- Python works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc.)
- Python has a simple syntax similar to the English language
- Python has a syntax that allows developers to write programs with fewer lines than some other programming languages
- Python runs on an interpreter system, meaning that code can be executed as soon as it is written. This means that prototyping can be very quick
- Python can be treated in a procedural way, an object-oriented way or a functional way
Good to know
- The most recent major version of Python is Python 3, which we shall be using in this tutorial. However, Python 2, although not being updated with anything other than security updates, is still quite popular
- In this tutorial, Python will be written in a text editor. It is possible to write Python in an Integrated Development Environment, such as Thonny, Pycharm, Netbeans or Eclipse which are particularly useful when managing larger collections of Python files
Python Syntax compared to other programming languages
- Python was designed for readability, and has some similarities to the English language with influence from mathematics
- Python uses new lines to complete a command, as opposed to other programming languages which often use semicolons or parentheses
- Python relies on indentation, using whitespace, to define scope; such as the scope of loops, functions and classes. Other programming languages often use curly-brackets for this purpose
Where to download Python?
You can download the latest version of Python on the official website: www.python.org.
Important! The latest version of Python that runs on the Windows 7 operating system is Python 3.8.10.
Note that Python 3.9+ cannot be used on Windows 7 or earlier.
Not the OS you are looking for? Python can be used on many operating systems and environments.
View the full list of downloads.
WARNING!
The W3SchoolsUA site admin RECOMMENDS using the integrated development environment for writing Python code PyCharm Professional (or the free version PyCharm Community Edition) from JetBrains. If the JetBrains site is not available (blocked) in your country, use VPN services A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It creates an encrypted data tunnel, protects your personal data online by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi networks safely..
Python — Introduction — W3Schools Video
This video is an introduction to Python.
Part of a series of video tutorials to learn Python for beginners!