I started coding last year and found articles to be very helpful resources. As a writer, I've decided to create beginner’s guides, the kind that would have helped fast-tracked my coding journey by providing guidance and direction.
So, in this article, I will be covering topics like:
A brief overview of Python
Fundamental characteristics of Python
Getting started with Python
Let’s get started!
Overview of Python
Python is a widely taught, high-level interpreted programming language suitable for learners of all ages due to its simplicity, easy-to-learn syntax, and support for object-oriented programming. It is renowned for its extensive standard library, containing various modules and functions that allow for the easy execution of common tasks and the incorporation of extra functionality into programs with ease. Additionally, Python is a popular choice for beginners as well as experienced programmers.
The language was first introduced in 1991, although its creator, Guido van Rossum, began developing it in the late 1980s as an improvement upon the ABC programming language. Over the years, it has become a favoured language globally due to its versatility and numerous applications, such as web development, data analysis, machine learning, and automation.
Fundamental characteristics of Python
Python has several notable features that make it a popular choice for programmers, and in this article, I will be highlighting a few of them:
Simplicity and ease of use: Python is an excellent choice for beginners for many reasons. First, it's a high-level language, yet easy to use because the syntax is structured to be readable, very similar to English and easy to understand. Also, python codes follow a strict indentation rule, enhancing its visual appeal and making it easier to read.
Free and accessible to all: Python is a free and open-source programming language. This means that it can be used freely and downloaded at no charge from the official Python website. This makes Python a versatile and accessible language for developers to use.
GUI Support: Python offers different toolkits, such as Tkinter, wxPython, and JPython, which enable the rapid development of GUI applications. This makes it easy for developers to create visually appealing and user-friendly software using Python.
Support for Object-oriented programming (OOP): Python is an object-oriented programming language that allows developers to create and use objects in their code. This can make it easier to structure and organize code and reuse code in different programs. Simply put, OOP in Python can help you write more modular, flexible, and scalable code, making it a valuable tool for many projects.
Extensive Standard Library: Its extensive standard library is one of the many reasons why Python is such a popular and powerful programming language. Python's standard library is comprehensive and includes a wide range of functions and modules available for developers. This makes it simple for developers to perform common tasks, such as image manipulation, working with databases, unit testing, and adding extra functionality to their programs.
Dynamically-typed: In Python, variables do not have a fixed type and can change their type as the program is executed. This is in contrast to many other programming languages, which require the type of a variable to be declared before runtime. With Python, the variable type is determined at runtime rather than being fixed when it is created. This can make writing code easier for developers, as they don't have to specify the type of a variable when it is created.
For example, you can write word = "hello" to assign the string "hello" to a variable word, while in a language with strict typing, you might have to write something like string word = "hello" to specify that word is a string variable.
Few lines of code for complex tasks: You can use just a few lines of code to implement complex tasks in Python. For instance, to sort a list of numbers in ascending order, you can write something like this:
In contrast, in a language like C, you might have to write several lines of code to sort a list in this way.
Python's concise and expressive nature makes it a powerful and efficient language for many types of projects.
Supports multiple programming paradigms: Python supports more than one programming paradigm, including functional, procedural, and imperative. This allows developers to use different approaches to solving problems, depending on the project's specific needs.
Interpreted Language: Python is an interpreted language that does not require compilation before being run. It is convenient and easy to use and offers benefits such as ease of writing and debugging code, portability, and flexibility. These features make it suitable for a variety of projects.
Now that you are familiar with what Python is and its key features, how can you get started?
Getting started with Python
If you're feeling overwhelmed and need help figuring out where to start with Python, don't worry! These steps will get you on your way to becoming a proficient Python programmer!
Install Python: You will need to download the latest version of the python programming language from the official website and run the installer on your computer to get started.
Learn basic syntax: Once Python is installed, focus on learning the basic syntaxes. There is always that desire to rush through and finish a course, but you must remember that understanding what you are learning is the most important rather than completing a course fast.
Build projects: Practicing and Building projects are keys to becoming proficient in Python. Try working through exercises and building small projects to understand the language better.
Use online resources and communities: There are many online resources and communities available to help you learn Python. They can help you kickstart your journey easily. Some of these free resources are listed below:
Conclusion
Python is a fantastic programming language that is perfect for beginners! Its easy-to-learn syntax, strong support for object-oriented programming, and large community make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into programming.
Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced developer, Python's versatility and features make it the perfect choice for any project. To learn more about Python, visit the official website: https://www.python.org
I'll be sure to write more articles and share helpful information to get you started on your journey. Remember to follow me on social media for updates and additional resources!