What is Python? Introduction, History and Why You Should Learn It 

You are probably one of my students if you are reading this. 👋
If not, you're still welcome at BitsBootsAndBeyond, where we're beginning a comprehensive Python Programming Series today, covering everything from basic to advanced level. I will divide it into series, so that you can learn everything easily. Welcome to my Python World.

I frequently witness students at our institution hopping between unrelated websites, videos, and notes in order to learn Python. That is confusing and a waste of time.
I thus made the decision to provide a single location where you can:

• Learn Python step-by-step
• Read straightforward explanations in our own way.
• Get challenges and practice questions.
• Send me an email with your questions, and I'll help you in class or online.

This is an introduction to Part 1 of the series.

 What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language.

In simple words:

• High-level → closer to human language, not machine language

• Interpreted → you don’t need to “compile” it manually, Python runs your code line by line. Its interpreter based not a compiler based. So its highly efficient when its come to debugging our mistakes. 

• General-purpose → can be used for many different things, not just one type of task

You can use Python for:

• Web development

• Data science & machine learning

• Automation

• Cybersecurity & scripting

• Game development

• IoT, tools, bots and more

One of the biggest reasons people love Python is that it is:

Easy to read, easy to write, but still very powerful among all.

An Overview of Python's History

Here are some few points to help you understand the origins of Python:

• Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum invented Python in late 80s.
• He began working on it in the late 1980s, and it was published in 1991.
• The British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is where the word "Python" originates, not the snake 🐍 (but we preserved the snake logo since it's fun). Actually he wanted a unique as well as mysterious name for his programming language and thought "Python" will work.

Relevant versions:

There are many version of python. So not to confuse you with every upgrades, lets keep it simple and easy for you to understand. 

• Python 2.x is older and has been in use for a long time.
• Python 3.x is the updated, more potent, and cleaner version.
• Python 3 is now the norm. In this series, we shall employ it. (3.12.10) is the latest now, till the date

Why is Python So Popular?

Python Popularity

One of the most widely used programming languages worldwide is Python.

Here are the reasons why it is considered so nowadays.

• Easy-to-understand syntax
• There's no need to write unclear symbols everywhere.
• Code resembles English almost exactly.
• Large community and libraries
• Do you need to work with data? -> numpy, pandas
• Do you want to create a website? ← Django, Flask
• Do machine learning? → PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn
• Libraries already exist for everything.
• Utilized in actual businesses
• Python is used by several companies, including Dropbox, Netflix, YouTube, Instagram, and Google.
• AI, data science, automation, DevOps, and cybersecurity all depend on it.
• Excellent for students
• Simple to begin with
• Aids with your comprehension of programming and logic principles
• Even when you're in school, you may create genuine tasks.
• If you master Python, you are developing a professional talent rather than merely "writing code."

Python in Real-World:

Python in Real-World

Several practical applications of Python:

• Websites and online applications
• For instance, the Django/Flask backend of web applications
• Machine learning and data science
• Data analysis and prediction model construction
• Scripting and automation
• Creating short programs to automate tedious jobs
• Tools for ethical hacking and cybersecurity
• Python is used to write a lot of security tools.
• Desktop utilities and tools
• Games (with Pygame and other libraries)

Therefore, studying Python is a secure, practical, and adaptable investment even if you don't yet know what you want to accomplish with your life.

What This Python Series Will Teach You

What you will learn

The strategy for the next postings is as follows:

• How to set up Python and create your first application
• Fundamentals of Python: variables, data types, and operations
• Both input and output
• Conditions (otherwise, elif, if)
• Loops (while, for)
• Functions
• Tuples, sets, dictionaries, and lists
• Managing files / File Handling
• Handling errors and debug them easily
• Classes and objects in basic object-oriented programming
• Practice mini-projects and programming challenges

I'll attempt to:

• Keep the wording straightforward.
• Provide realistic examples from everyday life.
• Provide challenges that encourage you to write code rather than just read.

🧠 Short Reflective Question to answers first:

Prior to installing and creating code, consider the following:

Reflective Questions!

• "What makes learning Python appealing to me?"

A complex philosophical response is not necessary. It might be as easy as:

• "To pass my test."
• "To work on projects such as intrusion detection"
• "To create games"
• "To later land a good job"

Remember your motivation, whatever it may be. Remember why you started when you're bored or stuck. You might have heard "Rome wasn't build in a day". Exactly, it fits here, same is with python; you cannot learn everything at once, its a trail and error experience that you eventually land you to python paradise. Lets start our journey together.

💻 Easy Task (No Coding Yet)

General Questions

• Q1. Respond to these in your notes or copy:
• Q2. In what year and by whom was Python created?
• Q3. In one or two sentences, describe the differences between Python 2 and Python 3.
• Q4. Name three real-world domains where Python is utilised.
• Q5. Why do you want to study Python for yourself?

You can send your responses to the address on my Contact page or discuss them with me in class.

🔜 Next Up: Installing Python and Launching Your First Program

How to Install Python

• I'll demonstrate this in the upcoming post:
• How to set up Python on a computer
• How to launch a Python environment
• How to create and execute your first Python program: Print( "Hello, world!" )

Subsequently, we will gradually progress from printing text → to creating logic → to solving actual issues.

Keep checking back, and if you're one of my students, get ready for this site may soon be the source of your homework 😄.