Introduction to Python

Python is a widely used, general-purpose, high-level programming language. Created by Guido van Rossum in 1991 and further developed by the Python Software Foundation, Python emphasizes code readability. Its syntax allows programmers to express their concepts in fewer lines of code, enabling quick development and efficient system integration. There are two major versions of Python: Python 2 and Python 3, which have notable differences.

Getting Started with Python Programming​

Finding an Interpreter​

Before diving into Python programming, you'll need an interpreter to run your programs. Here are some options:

• Online Interpreters: Use platforms to run Python programs without installing anything locally.

• Windows: Download Python from python.org and use IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment), which comes bundled with the software.

• Linux: Python usually comes preinstalled on popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora. To check your Python version, open a terminal and type python.

• macOS: macOS generally comes with Python 2.7 preinstalled. For Python 3, you'll need to download and install it from python.org.

Features of Python Programming Language​

Interpreted​

• Python does not require separate compilation and execution steps like C or C++.
• You can run Python programs directly from the source code.
• Internally, Python converts source code into an intermediate form called bytecode, which is then translated into machine language specific to your computer.
• No need to manage linking and loading with libraries manually.

Platform Independent​

• Python programs can be developed and executed on multiple operating system platforms, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Solaris, and more.

Free and Open Source​

• Python is free to use and distribute.

High-Level Language​

• Python abstracts away low-level details like memory management, allowing you to focus on solving problems rather than managing resources.

Simple and Easy to Learn​

• Python's syntax is closer to the English language, making it easier to learn and use.
• The language emphasizes readability and simplicity, focusing on solving problems rather than on syntax.

Embeddable​

• Python can be embedded in C/C++ programs to provide scripting capabilities.

Robust​

• Python has exceptional handling features and built-in memory management techniques.

Rich Library Support​

• The Python Standard Library is extensive, following the "batteries included" philosophy. It includes modules for regular expressions, documentation generation, unit testing, threading, databases, web browsers, CGI, email, XML, HTML, WAV files, cryptography, GUI development, and more.
• Additionally, there are many high-quality third-party libraries, such as the Python Imaging Library, for specialized tasks like image manipulation.