Python

PYTHON HAS GAINED POPULARITY OVER JAVA :

 HISTORY

Python is used by millions of developers1. A 2019 estimate put the number of Python developers at 8.2 million. Python is one of the most popular and widely-used languages among developers1. There is no straightforward way to get all users with Python, but you can iterate through pwd.getpwall to get all users and look up their group names with grp.getgrgid(gid)2.Although Java is faster, Python is more versatile, easier to read, and has a simpler syntax. According to Statista, this general use, interpreted language is the third most popular coding language among developers worldwide, The question of how fast a programming language can go through and aggregate 1 billion rows of data has been gaining traction lately. Python, not being the most performant language out there, naturally doesn’t stand a chance — especially since the currently top-performing Java implementation takes only 1.535 seconds. Let’s take a closer look at what Python is, what it can do, and how you can start learning it. The name Python comes from Monty Python. When Guido van Rossum was creating Python, he was also reading the scripts from BBC’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus. He thought the name Python was appropriately short and slightly mysterious.

What is Python?

Python is a computer programming language often used to build websites and software, automate tasks, and conduct data analysis. Python is a general-purpose language, meaning it can be used to create a variety of different programs and isn’t specialized for any specific problems. This versatility, along with its beginner-friendliness, has made it one of the most-used programming languages today.

According to a study by Statista, Python is the third most commonly used programming language among developers worldwide. “Writing programs is a very creative and rewarding activity,” says University of Michigan and Coursera instructor Charles R Severance in his book Python for Everybody. “You can write programs for many reasons, ranging from making your living to solving a difficult data analysis problem to having fun to helping someone else solve a problem.”

 Some things include: Data analysis and machine learning, Web development, Automation or scripting, and Software testing and prototyping. Python is commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. Since it’s relatively easy to learn, Python has been adopted by many non-programmers such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks, like organizing finances.

 Here’s a closer look at some of these common ways Python is used.

Data analysis and machine learning

Python has become a staple in data science, allowing data analysts and other professionals to use the language to conduct complex statistical calculations, create data visualizations, build machine learning algorithms, manipulate and analyze data, and complete other data-related tasks.

Python can build a wide range of different data visualizations, like line and bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, and 3D plots. Python also has a number of libraries that enable coders to write programs for data analysis and machine learning more quickly and efficiently, like TensorFlow and Keras.

Web development

Python is often used to develop the back end of a website or application—the parts that a user doesn’t see. Python’s role in web development can include sending data to and from servers, processing data and communicating with databases, URL routing, and ensuring security. Python offers several frameworks for web development. Commonly used ones include Django and Flask. Some web development jobs that use Python include back-end engineers, full stack engineers, Python developers, software engineers, and DevOps engineers.

Software testing and prototyping

In software development, Python can aid in tasks like build control, bug tracking, and testing. With Python, software developers can automate testing for new products or features. Some Python tools used for software testing include Green and Requestium.

Everyday tasks

Python isn't only for programmers and data scientists. Learning Python can open new possibilities for those in less data-heavy professions, like journalists, small business owners, or social media marketers. Python can also enable non-programmers to simplify certain tasks in their lives. Here are just a few of the tasks you could automate with Python:

·         Keep track of stock market or crypto prices

·         Send yourself a text reminder to carry an umbrella anytime it’s raining

·         Update your grocery shopping list

·         Renaming large batches of files

·         Converting text files to spreadsheets

·         Randomly assign chores to family members

·         Fill out online forms automatically

Why is Python so popular?

Python is popular for a number of reasons. Here’s a deeper look at what makes it so versatile and easy to use for coders.

·         It has a simple syntax that mimics natural language, so it’s easier to read and understand. This makes it quicker to build projects, and faster to improve on them.

·         It’s versatile. Python can be used for many different tasks, from web development to machine learning.

·         It’s beginner friendly, making it popular for entry-level coders.

·         It’s open source, which means it’s free to use and distribute, even for commercial purposes.

·         Python’s archive of modules and libraries—bundles of code that third-party users have created to expand Python’s capabilities—is vast and growing.

·         Python has a large and active community that contributes to Python’s pool of modules and libraries, and acts as a helpful resource for other programmers. The vast support community means that if coders run into a stumbling block, finding a solution is relatively easy; somebody is bound to have encountered the same problem before.

Python has gained popularity over Java for several reasons. Let’s explore some of the key factors:

1.    Simplicity and Readability:

1. Python’s syntax prioritizes readability, allowing developers to express concepts in fewer lines of code compared to languages like Java1.

2. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for newcomers and seasoned programmers alike

2.    Versatility and Ecosystem:

1. Python supports multiple programming paradigms (object-oriented, imperative, functional, and procedural), making it adaptable for various tasks.

2. It is widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and more3.

3.    Community and Resources:

1. Python has a large standard library and a vibrant community, making it easy to find support and resources.

2. Java also has a strong community, but Python’s ecosystem is particularly rich and diverse.

4.    Performance Considerations:

1. Python is an interpreted language, generally slower than Java for CPU-intensive tasks3.

2. However, Python has made performance improvements in recent versions.

5.    Job Opportunities and Industry Trends:

1. Both Python and Java are popular, but Python has seen significant growth in recent years.

2. In Stack Overflow’s 2022 developer survey, Python was the third most popular language, while Java ranked fourth..

CONCLUSION

In summary, Python’s simplicity, versatility, and strong community have paid to its rise in popularity. However, Java remains a powerful language, especially for enterprise applications and large-scale system. Eventually, the choice between Python and Java hinges on the specific project requirements and personal preferences.