Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language with a clean and straightforward syntax that is known for its readability, simplicity, and versatility.

Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented (OOP), and functional programming.

One of Python’s standout features is its extensive standard library and vibrant ecosystem of third-party packages, which allow you to accomplish a wide range of tasks without reinventing the wheel. Whether you’re building a web, GUI, or CLI application, automating repetitive tasks, analyzing data, or prototyping, Python provides the tools and libraries you need to get the job done efficiently.

Python is cross-platform, meaning your code can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, and others with little or no modification.

Key Features

  • Clean and readable syntax: Python code resembles plain English, making it quick to learn and understand—even for beginners.
  • Interpreted language: Python is executed line-by-line by an interpreter.
  • Dynamically typed: You don’t need to declare variable types explicitly. Python figures it out at runtime.
  • High-level language: Python abstracts away most low-level details, so you can focus on solving problems rather than managing memory or pointers.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Python runs on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, without modification.
  • Multiple programming paradigms: Python supports procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming styles.
  • Extensive standard library: Comes with a rich set of modules and functions for everything from file handling to networking and web servers.
  • Large ecosystem of third-party packages: The Python Package Index (PyPI) hosts thousands of libraries for data science, web development, automation, and more.
  • Garbage collection: Python automatically manages memory allocation and deallocation, helping prevent memory leaks.
  • Interactive shell (REPL) Python offers an interactive environment that lets you quickly test code snippets and ideas.
  • Exception handling: Python includes powerful tools for handling runtime errors cleanly and predictably.
  • Native support for Unicode: Python natively supports Unicode.
  • Extensibility and embeddability: Python can be extended with C/C++ modules and embedded into other applications as a scripting engine.
  • Strong community and documentation: Python boasts one of the largest, most helpful programming communities, with extensive tutorials and documentation.
  • Rapid prototyping and development: Python’s simplicity and rich ecosystem enable developers to build and iterate on ideas quickly.

Examples

Hello, World!

Here’s a "Hello, World!" example in Python:

Python 
>>> print("Hello, World!")
Hello, World!

Functions

You can define functions to organize your code:

Python 
>>> def greet(name):
...     print(f"Hello, {name}!")
...

>>> greet("Real Python Reader")
Hello, Real Python Reader!

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Python supports defining and using classes and objects:

Python 
>>> class Greeter:
...     def __init__(self, name):
...         self.name = name
...
...     def greet(self):
...         print(f"Hello, {self.name}!")
...

>>> greeter = Greeter("Pythonista")
>>> greeter.greet()
Hello, Pythonista!

Functional Programming

Python treats functions as first-class citizens and provides tools like map(), filter(), and lambda:

Python 
>>> numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4]
>>> squares = list(map(lambda x: x**2, numbers))
>>> squares
[1, 4, 9, 16]

Comprehensions

Python makes data transformations concise and readable with comprehensions:

Python 
>>> words = ["Python", "is", "fun"]
>>> lengths = [len(word) for word in words]
>>> lengths
[6, 2, 3]

Exception Handling

Python uses try… except blocks for robust error handling:

Python 
>>> try:
...     result = 10 / 0
... except ZeroDivisionError:
...     print("Oops! Division by zero.")
...
Oops! Division by zero.

Standard Library

Python’s standard library provides modules for many common tasks:

Python 
>>> import datetime
>>> now = datetime.datetime.now()
>>> now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
'2025-07-07 10:42:00'

Reading and writing files is simple and expressive:

Python 
>>> with open("example.txt", "w") as f:
...     f.write("Hello from Python!")
...

>>> with open("example.txt", "r") as f:
...     print(f.read())
Hello from Python!

Third-Party Libraries

Python’s ecosystem supports many domains, such as data analysis:

Python 
>>> import numpy as np
>>> a = np.array([1, 2, 3])
>>> a * 2
array([2, 4, 6])
Introduction to Python 3

Tutorial

Introduction to Python 3

An overview of the Python programming language, including a brief history of the development of Python and reasons why you might select Python as your language of choice.

basics career

For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:

By Leodanis Pozo Ramos • Updated July 7, 2025
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