What Is Python? [+ How to Learn and Use It]

What is Python? You might have heard of it already, it’s a wildly popular and ubiquitous programming language loved by many.

In this post, we’ll briefly discuss what Python is, what goes into learning it, and how and where it is used. We'll also discuss some resources for learning Python and which roles use it as a primary aspect of their work.

Without any more delay, let's slither right into this.

What is Python?

Python is a powerful programming language that is interpreted at runtime rather than compiled beforehand. This means that the Python code is converted into code your computer can understand as the program is running. This also means it generally takes less time to develop and test programs.

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Python is not only easy to use — but it’s also easy to learn. These two factors have led to this language becoming the go-to language for beginners learning software development.

Furthermore, its versatility as a general-purpose programming language makes it suitable for the needs of many industries.

In this next section, we'll look at what goes into learning Python, such as prerequisites and resources you can tap into.

Is Python easy to learn?

The short answer to this question is a resounding yes. Python was built with simplicity in mind to make programming a smoother process for developers. As a result, the language is equally simple to learn, and the syntax is easy to understand.

If you are brand new to programming, there are resources on how to start coding. For Python, you could check out the Python Community Forum as well as Stack Overflow. Of course, these are not the only places help can be found, but they are probably two of the most powerful resources to have under your belt.

Python Resources

In my years as a developer, one of the most important things to consider when learning a new language is its resources. Let’s go over some valuable resources for learning Python below.

1. Udacity

Udacity is an online platform built for learning technology topics. It offers courses on several different topics, including but not limited to courses on Python. It also offers both free and paid courses, and its Introductory Python course is currently available for free.

2. Codecademy

Codecademy is a very popular learning platform that is used to study and learn all things programming-related. It offers a fully equipped integrated development environment, meaning you can practice and learn without the need for setup on your computer.

3. FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp is a site that offers free programming courses and certifications in many different languages and many YouTube videos on the subjects. FreeCodeCamp hosts most of its educational videos on YouTube for the sake of simplicity.

4. Programiz

Programiz is an interactive learning platform that emphasizes mastering the fundamentals of programming languages. Its Python learning path provides multiple courses with real-time challenges, quizzes, and projects to make the learning interactive.

5. The Official Docs Python Tutorial

The Official Docs Python Tutorial is the source from the source, designed by the Python community. This documentation is designed to make the learning experience simple, with the tutorial broken down into very precise steps. Due to the fact that the course is a deep dive into the language, it can come with a bit of a learning curve.

6. DataCamp

DataCamp is a platform that has taken a lead role in data science, and it offers courses on programming in various related fields. This platform offers several courses on programming with the Python language.

What does Python’s popularity and versatility look like?

Understanding how popular a language is in a given industry is important, and this is true of any industry Python is used in. However, identifying a programming language’s versatility across industries is also important, as it helps identify steady long-term viability, something that Python has in spades.

This long-term viability ensures that in your journey to learning Python, you will always have resources that you can take advantage of and leverage your skills in a meaningful way.

Python Prerequisites

The second factor you should consider is the prerequisites of the process, such as needed software or text editors and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). A complicated setup process will likely mean a complicated learning process.

In this case, the prerequisites for learning Python prove simple enough. In fact, it’s so simple that learning it can be done from some smart devices in today’s age. So, you only need to have access to some basics. Let’s go over those quickly.

The benefit of this setup is seen in its simplicity of implementation and felt in learning it.

How to Use Python

Using Python requires — first and foremost — installing the Python software on your computer or compatible smart device. From that point, there are many different ways to use Python. The most common is to use Python with frameworks like Django and Flask, which further simplify the use of Python when programming software.

There are many different kinds of frameworks. Each is designed to leverage Python’s benefits to serve specific needs. For example, Django and Flask assist in web application development, while others like Kivy and BeeWare are for mobile application development.

The installation process varies based on things like frameworks and operating systems. This video walks through the steps to install and set up Python on your device:

If you’re looking for information on how to install Python on your devices, you can turn to a few places for help. One of the best sources for information on installation and troubleshooting is the Python documentation page. The documentation page has information on installing and setting up Python for several systems and environments.

The installation and setup page found here has a section for each installation environment.

• Windows Installation
• Unix Installation (Including Linux distros)
• Mac Installation

Let’s go over where you can use Python in today’s technological landscape, what it’s used for, industries, and the roles that use it.

What is Python used for?

The short answer to this question is everywhere. Python is in everything, from instrument programming to computer software, web development, and mobile applications. So, let’s wrap up this post by covering Python’s landscape over the years and where it is within that picture.

Below are some common uses, and you can keep reading for more context on each.

Scripting and Automation

Python has been used for scripting and automation in many industries, from programming machines in large factories to leisure uses like video games. The ways scripting and automation benefit the various industries are innumerable, as is the number of industries.

Software Development

Python has been used for software development since it was first released and continues to be very popular for that purpose. Moreover, it is used to create software for several different platforms since it is compatible with many operating environments, computer operating systems, mobile, and even instrumental runtime environments.

Data Analysis

Python is well suited for data analysis as it works well for creating effective visual representations of complex data sets and analyzing data. These two aspects of its capabilities make it a staple in the data science industry.

With data sciences, access to a wide array of data visualization methods such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts is beneficial as it helps simplify the process. In addition, the ability to use one language to manage how information is sorted, managed, and viewed makes this language invaluable.

Machine Learning and AI

In many ways, this is similar to its use in data sciences since machine learning is a form of data science.

The difference here is that less visual representation is needed — though it is often still used — instead, the developers focus on processing data in a meaningful way for the software to use intelligently. With machine learning and AI programming, the key is automation, which is an easy task for Python.

This one is actually what Python is most well-known for these days. There are open source Python libraries like Google’s TensorFlow, which can help you make your own machine-learning models in just a few minutes with very few lines of code.

BlockChain Sciences

This industry has recently become a heavy user of the Python language, which has always handled blockchain sciences. The emergence and continual growth surrounding technologies such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs have led to its growth in the industry. Its ability to handle all aspects of blockchain technology makes it a staple in the industry.

Who uses Python?

Several industries use Python for its programming benefits, many of which have been using it for a long time. As a result, many people use it for some reason or another. Let’s discuss what roles commonly use Python for their needs.

Game Developer

Python is commonly used to handle game engines, physics, and object scripting in the game development industry. These tasks control the in-game environment, character movements, and much more.

Full Stack Web Developer

In web development, Python can create the user interface and handle data logic for the web application. Python can handle everything from how page requests get routed, dynamic data for pages, authentication, and user-submitted information processing. This versatility makes it a great choice for web developers.

Data Analyst

Data analysts use Python because it is a great one-use-fits-all programming language that provides visualization for complex data, simplifying their work.

Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester

This role is akin to technology security work. This role aims to identify any software vulnerabilities and weaknesses that may have been missed or caused by updates. Commonly referred to as “Pen Tester,” this role is vital for ensuring post-production security, and Python is a great language for interacting with software in a way that can help expose vulnerabilities.

Cloud Computing Architect

Cloud computing has grown in popularity so much that it has also maximized all that Python offers. One of the biggest benefits is that Python is a popular language; you can find it everywhere, making it a great candidate for open-source and contract work.

Its versatility also makes it a great choice for handling all of the complex needs of any Cloud service.

Start using Python today.

Now you have the information you need to understand Python’s uses, industries, and even whether or not it is a viable choice for your needs. As a next step, you should try your hand at it. After all, practice makes perfect.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in March 2022 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.