Introduction to Python
Welcome to IqraTechnology! Today, we will introduce you to the Python programming language. Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and versatility. Created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python emphasizes code readability with its clean syntax, making it an excellent language for beginners while also being powerful enough for experienced developers.
Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming, which allows developers to approach problems in various ways. It has a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, making it a go-to language for tasks like web development, data analysis, machine learning, automation, and more.
Key Features of Python
1. Simple and Readable Syntax
Python’s syntax is clean and easy to understand, making the code more readable. This encourages a more intuitive approach to coding, which is especially beneficial for beginners.
2. Interpreted Language
Python is an interpreted language, meaning code is executed line by line without the need for compilation. This allows for quick debugging and development.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Python is platform-independent and runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more, ensuring portability across platforms.
4. Extensive Standard Library
Python comes with a vast standard library that provides modules and functions for tasks such as file I/O, regular expressions, web development, data manipulation, and more, reducing the need for external dependencies.
5. Dynamic Typing
Python is dynamically typed, meaning variables do not need explicit declarations regarding their data types. The interpreter infers the type based on the value assigned.
6. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Python supports object-oriented programming, enabling developers to structure their code in reusable classes and objects. It also supports other paradigms, such as functional and procedural programming.
7. Support for Multiple Paradigms
In addition to OOP, Python supports procedural and functional programming, providing flexibility in how you approach problem-solving.
8. Large Ecosystem of Libraries and Frameworks
Python’s ecosystem includes a wide range of third-party libraries and frameworks, such as:
Django, Flask (for web development)
NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib (for data analysis)
TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn (for machine learning and AI)
BeautifulSoup, Scrapy (for web scraping)
Getting Started with Python
To start coding in Python, you need a code editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, or Jupyter Notebook. These tools provide everything you need to write, debug, and run your Python programs.
Here is a simple example of a Python program that prints “Hello, World!” to the console:
print(“Hello World!”)
There are two ways to run python scripts:
1. Run it from command line directly:
2. Save the script in a file and run that file
Create a file named test.py (can be any name) and write your code in it.
Navigate to the directory where the file is located
Run the file as:
python filename.py