In the next few weeks I'll be putting together a series of posts and articles to help people new to technology to learn and start using Python. I've found in recent years, one of the best ways for me to learn something and reinforce this information is by teaching other people and have a small hand full of books and articles to show for myself as a result.
So in the coming weeks, I'll be putting together a series of articles on getting started with Python and hopefully this will put you on the right path to programming glory. It has been a slow road for me. I have been using Python for about 10 years now but have never worked as a Python Programmer, so have never identified myself as one. This is going to change moving forward. I have enough experience, skill and knowledge to change that and is the reasoning behind these posts.
But Why Should We Even Consider Python?
That's a good question. You may be aware Python has rapidly increased in popularity over the past few years, which could be attributed mostly to the ease of use compared to other programming languages and possibly the large number and varied applications it has been attributed to. So for my first article in this series, I thought it would be the best place to start in compiling a details list in why it is something you should be looking at learning.
Readability and Maintainability
This is a great feature of Python and one of the reasons a lot of people learn programming by learning Python. The code is easy to read, meaning the syntax can be learned easily to get people programming quickly, while reading other peoples code is also clear. Python does use white space to define structure, so if you get your tabs and spaces mixed up, it could cause errors when you run your code that may be difficult to debug.
Varied And Wide Range Of Applications
Probably moving on from the ease of use, the implementation of Python into a wide and varied range of applications has been a major contributing factor to the rise in its popularity. Python does a great job in number crunching and working through text, Python has been implemented into many scientific research applications including the Human Genome Project, with many implementations in Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. This comes with all the added technology applications like web programming, infrastructure coding and desktop application development.
Many Supported Operating Systems
If Python is no pre installed in an operating system you are working on, there's a good chance you will have no trouble installing it onto the system you are working on. I still haven't found an operating system that isn't supported to have Python available...But please let me know if you know of one.
The Standard Library Has A Lot To Offer
The Python standard library is described as "having batteries included" as the standard library has a lot to get you started without needing to import or install external modules onto your system to get what you needed. If you find something you want to use that is external to the standard library, this is usually pretty easy to get installed and running as well.
Many Open Source Frameworks And Tools
Even though Python comes with a lot of tools already installed, the projects, plugins and frameworks external to the standard library are usually well supported and cover a wide range of topics. You'll find a large number of companies are either using these frameworks or support these frameworks as part of their day to day operations.
If your interested in learning about Ansible, that is a Python framework for configuring infrastructure, feel free to checkout out my latest book Practical Ansible
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About The Author
I am a DevOps Engineer, Endurance Athlete and Author. As a DevOps Engineer I specialize in Linux and Open Source Applications. Particularly interested in Search Marketing and Analytic’s, and is currently developing my skills in devops, continuous integration, security, and development(Python).