Introduction to python

What is Python?

Python is a popular programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum, and released in 1991.

It is used for:

• web development (server-side),
• software development,
• mathematics,
• system scripting.

What can Python do?

• Python can be used on a server to create web applications.
• Python can be used alongside software to create workflows.
• Python can connect to database systems. It can also read and modify files.
• Python can be used to handle big data and perform complex mathematics.
• Python can be used for rapid prototyping, or for production-ready software development.

What is the significance of Python?

• Python works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc).
• Python has a simple syntax similar to the English language.
• Python has a syntax that allows developers to write programs with fewer lines than some other programming languages.
• Python runs on an interpreter system, meaning that code can be executed as soon as it is written. This means that prototyping can be rapid.
• Python can be treated procedurally, in an object-oriented way or in a functional way.

Python syntax example:

print("Hello, World!")

Python Indentation:

Indentation refers to the spaces at the beginning of a code line. Whereas in other programming languages, the indentation in code is for readability only, the indentation in Python is very important. Python uses indentation to indicate a block of code.

Example:

if 5 > 2:

  print("Five is greater than two!")

Indentation error:

if 5 > 2:

print("Five is greater than two!")