Written by Coursera • Updated on Aug 11, 2022 Show
Python has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world in recent years. It's used in everything from machine learning to building websites and software testing. It can be used by developers and non-developers alike. Python, one of the most popular programming languages in the world, has created everything from Netflix’s recommendation algorithm to the software that controls self-driving cars. Python is a general-purpose language, which means it’s designed to be used in a range of applications, including data science, software and web development, automation, and generally getting stuff done. Let’s take a closer look at what Python is, what it can do, and how you can start learning it. 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. A survey conducted by industry analyst firm RedMonk found that it was the second-most popular programming language among developers in 2021 [1]. Did you know? 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 used for?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. “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.” What can you do with python? Some things include:
Here’s a closer look at some of these common ways Python is used. specialization Python for EverybodyLearn to Program and Analyze Data with Python. Develop programs to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data. 4.8 (194,131 ratings) 1,338,502 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 8 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Json, Xml, Python Programming, Database (DBMS), Python Syntax And Semantics, Basic Programming Language, Computer Programming, Data Structure, Tuple, Web Scraping, Sqlite, SQL, Data Analysis, Data Visualization (DataViz) Data analysis and machine learningPython 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 developmentPython 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 includeback end engineers, full stack engineers, Python developers, software engineers, and DevOps engineers. Read more: How to Become a Web Developer Automation or scriptingIf you find yourself performing a task repeatedly, you could work more efficiently by automating it with Python. Writing code used to build these automated processes is called scripting. In the coding world, automation can be used to check for errors across multiple files, convert files, execute simple math, and remove duplicates in data. Python can even be used by relative beginners to automate simple tasks on the computer—such as renaming files, finding and downloading online content or sending emails or texts at desired intervals. professional certificate Google IT Automation with PythonLearn in-demand skills like Python, Git, and IT automation to advance your career 4.8 (27,082 ratings) 460,334 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Using Version Control, Troubleshooting & Debugging, Python Programming, Configuration Management, Automation, Basic Python Data Structures, Fundamental Programming Concepts, Basic Python Syntax, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Setting up your Development Environment, Regular Expression (REGEX), Testing in Python, Automating System Administration Tasks with Python, Bash Scripting, Using Git, Version Control Systems, Interacting with GitHub, Reverting Changes, Creating Pull Requests, Improving Software Performance, Managing Scarce Resources, Advanced Troubleshooting, Understanding Errors, Finding the Root Cause of a Problem, Automation at Scale, Basic Monitoring & Alerting, Cloud Computing, Using Puppet, Serialization, Building a Solution, Creating and Translating Media Files, Interacting with Web Services Software testing and prototypingIn 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 tasksPython 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:
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.
Ready to get started?Learn the basics of Python with the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan—no previous coding experience is needed. specialization Python for EverybodyLearn to Program and Analyze Data with Python. Develop programs to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data. 4.8 (194,131 ratings) 1,338,502 already enrolled BEGINNER level Average time: 8 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Json, Xml, Python Programming, Database (DBMS), Python Syntax And Semantics, Basic Programming Language, Computer Programming, Data Structure, Tuple, Web Scraping, Sqlite, SQL, Data Analysis, Data Visualization (DataViz) Frequently asked questions (FAQ)Related articles
Article sources1. RedMonk. "The RedMonk Programming Language Rankings: June 2021, https://redmonk.com/sogrady/2021/08/05/language-rankings-6-21/." Accessed March 21, 2022. 2. JetBrains. "Python Programming - The State of Developer Ecosystem in 2021, https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/devecosystem-2021/python/." Accessed March 21, 2022. Written by Coursera • Updated on Aug 11, 2022 This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. What is Python in very short?Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics developed by Guido van Rossum. It was originally released in 1991. Designed to be easy as well as fun, the name "Python" is a nod to the British comedy group Monty Python.
What is called Python?Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, exceptions, dynamic typing, very high level dynamic data types, and classes.
What is a Python class 11?Python is a high level language. It is a free and open source language. • It is an interpreted language, as Python programs are executed by an interpreter.
Why Python is called?The programming language's name 'Python' came from the BBC Comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus. Guido van Rossum thought he needed a name that was short, unique and slightly mysterious, And so, he decided to name the programming language 'Python'.
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