For those not in the know, we’re going to give a quick introduction to Python: what it is and does, before we jump in on the many, many advantages that have made it the second most popular programming language to date, with a solid chance it could take the title somewhere a little further into the future.
Python is a general-purpose, open-source programming language. That doesn’t sound so amazing, so what’s all the fuss about?
Well, because of its simplicity, its wide acceptance, the fact that it’s taught in colleges and so adaptable, it’s become one of the easiest ways to get your project to MVP. There are also masses of community support and resources, so if you do hit a bump along the way, you won’t hit it for long.
Then, because Python is modular, it integrates easily with other technologies, making it an ideal add-on, adaption, or a ‘from the ground up’ platform.
Finally, Python is an interpreted language, so it’s easy to understand and unravel, yet it’s translated into machine code only when the program launches. Interpreters are great for running small programs and scripts, and because they’re so light, they’re an ideal option for installing on web servers.
So, we now come to our list of advantages that explain why Python is the go-to language for the 2022 developer.
Not only is Python easy to use, but it’s easy to learn. With simple syntax, beginners can soon achieve results that would require a far higher level of understanding of other languages.
Due to its simple syntax, Python is one of the standard core programming languages taught in schools and colleges. With that, and its adaptability to AI, deep learning, and data science, it makes Python an ideal teaching platform and being one of the most utilised languages in the industry, it would be remiss not to include it in any developer’s education.
As an open-source system, there are plenty of Python resources available. Given its first appearance 30-years ago, those libraries are supported and financially backed by some of the biggest names in digital.
So if you’re working with machine learning, gaming, or analytics projects (or anything else!), there is almost a certainty that you’ll find some element to get you kickstarted. There's probably a framework, object or class that does exactly what you need without writing the code yourself.
Because of those libraries and its easy-to-construct code, product development is swifter than almost all alternatives. That translates into far faster prototyping and testing, with adjustments being easy to implement and quick to review.
When it comes to reviewing code, there are plenty of tools available for Python users to quickly and efficiently check for errors.
There are already masses of tools and modules to support automation in Python. With fewer lines of code required to deliver the same outcomes and with such simple testing, it’s easy to see why Python is so good at automating all kinds of processes.
Given Python runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it’s as portable as you need your programs to be. It also works well with many embedded systems, offering a flexible solution for less exposed opportunities. It integrates with PHP, Java, .NET and more, so if you need your project to adapt and work with existing elements—no problem.
With around 30-years of use amongst developers at every level, the community around Python is massive. New developers can find answers to age-old problems in no time, as can developers looking for expert eyes on their up-to-the-minute enterprises.
As an open-source technology, it’s continually improved and updated. Moreover, being one of the most well-utilised programming options, some of the biggest and brightest players in the industry contribute to its advancement.
Automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and blockchain are the most popular terms you’ll hear when debating the future of the Internet, Web3.0, and how the digital world is moving. It takes only a few lines of Python code to create a simple blockchain, and already, the language is used in managing crypto worldwide.
As you read more about Python, you’ll hear these phrases outline how simply problems are passed over, and requirements met because of existing out-of-the-box solutions. There are innumerable resources for each of these and more, making Python a go-to solution for adaptable existing solutions that deliver brand new products and programs.
A framework is a wireframe that stands as the foundation of the project. Python heralds several popular frameworks and microframeworks, such as Django, Tornado, Fast API, Flask, and more.
Another incredible resource are the banks of ready-written modules and functions that save developers so much time and effort—and their investors money. Some of the biggest include TensorFlow (developed by Google), NumPy, and PyTorch.
In Python, objects hold specific properties (data) and behaviours (methods). These objects interact with each other to drive results, governed by the classes used to define each of their data.
If you’re thinking of making the jump to Python for your next project and would feel safer knowing who else is using the system to haul in the profits, you couldn’t be joining a more elite club.
Do we need to go on? If you can think of a bigger brand, then there’s a good chance they’re already determining and manipulating data, serving commands, and creating all-inclusive systems with Python themselves.
Google uses Python wherever it can, developing its own libraries as resources for programmers. One example, TensorFlow, provides the services Google Voice Search and Google Photos. It’s incredibly popular with machine learning developers.
21% of Facebook’s codebase infrastructure relies on Python, which might not sound like much, but it’s a very healthy share of its tech stack.
When it comes to machine learning and data manipulation, apps and packages that rely heavily on recommendations choose Python because it’s one of the best options for the task. Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon all use Python to deliver suggestions to their users and customers based on previous choices.
Uber picked Python because it’s so good at juggling the mathematical calculations they need to predict traffic flow and arrival times and the supply and demand of drivers.
And Instagram was initially run solely on Django, a super-fast, secure and scalable Python framework, purely down to its simplicity. Although Insta’s tech stack has scaled as much as its operations since being taken over by Facebook, it still uses Django today.
We mentioned some of the household brands that have developed apps on Python: Uber, Instagram, Netflix, Spotify, and more, but here are a few prominent SaaS operators you might not have realised use Python for their projects.
Almost every type of software you come into contact with will have some aspect of operation built using Python. From social media to management tools to animation and design, its ability to adapt to every kind of enterprise makes it an ideal place to start any project.
Again, Python features across the board in software development, and gaming is one of its biggest industries. With worldwide revenue and an annually growing market, it’s easy to understand why Python is a game developer’s dream language: it’s simple, readable, fast and efficient, with libraries that meet many demands without having to create their own code.
Did you know NASA uses Python? And the US weather service? NASA used it to create the integrated planning system at the Johnson Space Center, and it also played a part in pre-mission planning for the shuttle and Mission Control Center.
From IBM to BitTorrent, Python plays a vital role in all kinds of platforms, notably for its integration with other actions and ability to run millions of requests using far less code.
Python is continuing its growth in popularity and usage, and it’s easy to understand why. As the digital world evolves, who knows where programming will go, but for the time being, Python will retain its role as one of the leaders, if not attain the top spot sometime soon.
If you’re interested in becoming a developer as a career option, Python is a great place to start, and if you’re looking for a platform to build your next multi-million business idea? Python could get you to your MVP faster than you think and your first million way ahead of schedule.
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