Pythonic

The term Pythonic refers to an approach or style of writing code that aligns with Python’s philosophy and idioms. When you write Pythonic code, you’re adhering to the principles outlined in The Zen of Python, which is a collection of aphorisms that capture the essence of Python’s design.

Pythonic code is often characterized by its readability, simplicity, and elegance. It embraces the language’s strengths and makes use of its features effectively. Writing Pythonic code means using idiomatic expressions, such as comprehensions, using built-in functions, and following conventions like PEP 8 for style guidelines.

Examples of Pythonic practices include using meaningful variable names, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and choosing the right data structures or syntax construct. These practices can make your code more Pythonic.

Example

Here are a few examples of non-Pythonic vs Pythonic code:

Python 
# Favor comprehensions
# Non-Pythonic
squares = []
for x in range(10):
    squares.append(x ** 2)

# Pythonic
squares = [x ** 2 for x in range(10)]

# Use zip()
# Non-Pythonic
names = ["Alice", "Bob"]
ages = [25, 30]
for i in range(len(names)):
    print(f"{names[i]} is {ages[i]} years old.")

# Pythonic
for name, age in zip(names, ages):
    print(f"{name} is {age} years old.")

# Use context manager
# Non-Pythonic
file = open("example.txt", "r")
try:
    data = file.read()
finally:
    file.close()

# Pythonic
with open("example.txt", "r") as file:
    data = file.read()

# Use iterable unpacking
# Non-Pythonic
data = (1, 2, 3)
a = data[0]
b = data[1]
c = data[2]

# Pythonic
a, b, c = (1, 2, 3)

In these examples, you have non-Pythonic and Pythonic code. Note how the Pythonic code takes advantage of Python’s features and idioms that are designed to accomplice the target task. Because of this, the code is more readable, nice-looking, and efficient.

How to Write Beautiful Python Code With PEP 8

Tutorial

How to Write Beautiful Python Code With PEP 8

Learn how to write high-quality, readable code by using the Python style guidelines laid out in PEP 8. Following these guidelines helps you make a great impression when sharing your work with potential employers and collaborators.

intermediate best-practices

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

By Leodanis Pozo Ramos • Updated Dec. 19, 2024 • Reviewed by Dan Bader
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