Python
I. What is Python?
Python is a high-level, readable programming language created by Guido van Rossum and
officially released in 1991. It was named after the BBC comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying
Circus.” Python requires fewer lines of code than Java or C++, focusing on readability and
developer productivity. The latest stable version is Python 3.12.1. Today, Python is the world’s
most popular programming language, used by companies like Google, Dropbox, Quora, and IBM.
Download it at [Link]/downloads.
Figure: Python Logo
II. Evolution of Python
Python has grown through two main version lines: Python 2.x and Python 3.x, each with
dedicated users. At PyCon 2022, the Anaconda Foundation introduced PyScript, which allows
Python to run in browsers. Python celebrated its 30th anniversary recently, reinforcing its
longevity and relevance.
Figure: History of Python
III. Key Features of Python
Figure: Python Features
Python stands out for its simplicity and versatility. Its core features include: easy-to-read syntax,
being open source and free, built-in support for GUI development, object-oriented programming
(OOP) with inheritance and encapsulation, high-level memory management, interpreted
execution (line-by-line), cross-platform portability, dynamic typing, an extensive standard library,
and integration with other languages like Java and C.
IV. Python Applications
Figure: Applications of Python
Python is used across a wide range of domains: web and internet development (Django, Flask),
desktop GUI apps (Tkinter, PyQt), scientific computing (NumPy, Pandas), software development
and testing, education, business applications (ERP systems like Odoo), database access, network
programming, game development (PyGame), and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
(TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit-learn). Its flexibility also extends to automation, robotics, and web
scraping.
V. How to Install Python
Python is cross-platform and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Installation steps are
straightforward on both major platforms:
A. Windows Installation
Step 1 – Download: Visit [Link]/downloads and download the Windows 32-bit or 64-bit
installer (~25MB).
Step 2 – Run the Installer: Check both “Use admin privileges” and “Add Python to PATH” boxes.
Click “Install Now” for the default setup, or “Customize” to choose install location and optional
features.
Step 3 – Verify: Open Command Prompt and run python --version to confirm the installed
version. You can also launch IDLE, Python’s built-in IDE, from the installation directory.
B. Mac Installation
Visit [Link]/downloads on your Mac — it auto-detects your OS and offers the latest
installer. Double-click the downloaded package and follow the wizard (default settings work for
most users). Once installed, open IDLE to verify Python is working. You can run a quick test by
typing a command in the shell.
VI. Your First Python Program
Once Python is installed, you can write your first program. Open any text editor or IDE and
create a file named hello_FixityEdx.py with the classic “Hello, FixityEdx!” output. This simple
program is the traditional first step for learning any programming language.
Figure: Hello Program in Python