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Python (programming language)

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Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language used to give instructions to computers. It is designed to be highly readable, which helps developers understand and maintain code easily. The language is considered "multi-paradigm," meaning it supports several different ways of organizing code. These include structured programming, object-oriented programming, and functional programming. Because it can easily integrate components written in other languages, it is often called a "glue language."

Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en
Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en

One of Python's most defining features is its use of significant indentation to organize code. In many other programming languages, developers use curly brackets or semicolons to group instructions. Python instead uses the "off-side rule," where whitespace at the start of a line defines blocks of code. An increase in indentation signifies the start of a new block. A decrease in indentation signifies the end of that block. This ensures that the visual structure of the code matches its actual logic.

Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en
Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en

Python manages computer memory through a process called garbage collection. This involves a combination of reference counting and a cycle-detecting garbage collector. Reference counting tracks how many names point to an object in the computer's memory. The cycle-detecting collector helps find and clean up groups of objects that are no longer needed. Additionally, Python uses dynamic typing, which is a form of dynamic name resolution. This means that variable names are generic references that can be bound to different types of data during program execution.

Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en
Python 3.13 Standrd Type Hierarchy-en

The history of Python began in the late 1980s in the Netherlands. Guido van Rossum started working on the language at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI). He intended Python to be a successor to the ABC programming language. Implementation of the project began in December 1989. Van Rossum released the first version, Python 0.9.0, in 1991. For many years, he served as the project's chief decision-maker. The community gave him the title "benevolent dictator for life" (BDFL) to honor his leadership.

Guido van Rossum in PyConUS24
Guido van Rossum in PyConUS24

In January 2019, the leadership of the project changed. Active core developers elected a five-member Steering Council to lead Python. This happened after Van Rossum announced his "permanent vacation" from his BDFL responsibilities. The language has undergone several major versions over the decades. Python 2.0 was released on October 16, 2000, and included features like list comprehensions. Python 3.0 was released on December 3, 2008, as a major revision. This version was not completely backward-compatible, meaning old code might not work in the new system.

Guido van Rossum in PyConUS24
Guido van Rossum in PyConUS24

Python follows a specific schedule for its updates and support. The project uses an annual release cycle. The Python Software Foundation supports various versions, including 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, and 3.14. Each release receives two years of full support followed by three years of security support. For example, Python 3.15 is currently in the alpha development phase. Its stable release is expected in October 2026. Older versions, like the Python 2.x series, have reached their "end-of-life." This means they no longer receive security updates from the official project.

Python is incredibly popular in many technical fields today. It is widely used by the machine learning community to help computers process data. Since 2003, Python has consistently ranked in the top ten most popular languages in the TIOBE Programming Community Index. This index ranks languages based on searches across 24 different platforms. Because of its clear syntax, it is also a common choice for introductory programming classes. Even the name of the language is a bit playful. It was named after the British comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus, rather than the snake.

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File:Guido van Rossum in PyConUS24.jpg
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