Python: A beginner's guide to Learning the basics of Python Programming

Every programmer, programmer-wannabe, or person with just the slimmest brush with programming principles has heard of Python. It is a “dynamic” programming language, which has become one of the most popular of its kind, with Perl, PHP, and Ruby also contending for the roost. Just like any of these or other programming languages, Python is a unique and powerful language. Nowadays, it appears virtually anywhere—from scalable web servers that run uninterrupted ‘round the clock, to throw-away scripts that only see a few seconds of “daylight”. It can be used for both database and GUI programming, as well as both server-side and client-side programming. It can be used by first-time coders just stepping away from the basics, as well as by skilled developers in mission-critical settings. It is certainly one of the most versatile of its lot.

Python allows for multiple programming paradigms, such as object-oriented, functional, and imperative programming. There is also an automatic memory management and a substantial, comprehensive, standard library.

Python interpreters may be downloaded and installed on many operating systems, which makes the resulting code executable for different platforms as well. Using third-party tools like Pyinstaller, the code can be repackaged into standalone and executable programs for some of the most popular operating systems. This allows one to distribute software based on the language to different environments—without having to install a Python interpreter.

For those looking for open-source, there is CPython—a reference implementation of Python in the FOSS environment. It has a community-based model of development, like its alternative implementations. CPython is being managed by the Python Software Foundation, a non-profit outfit.