Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, cross-platform language. In recent years, its popularity has surged, and the demand for talent has been increasing year by year, making it highly sought after by programmers.
So, what are the characteristics of the Python language?
(1) Easy to Learn
Python is a language that embodies the philosophy of simplicity. Reading a well-written Python program feels like reading an English paragraph, even though the grammar of this English paragraph is very strict. One of Python’s greatest advantages is its essence of pseudocode, which allows us to focus on solving problems during Python program development rather than figuring out the language itself.
(2) Object-Oriented
Python supports both procedural programming and object-oriented programming. In procedural languages, programs are constructed from procedures or simply reusable code functions. In object-oriented languages, programs are built from objects that combine data and functionality.
Compared to other major languages like C++ and Java, Python implements object-oriented programming in a very powerful yet simple way.
(3) Portability
Due to Python’s open-source nature, it has been ported to many platforms. If system-dependent features are carefully avoided, all Python programs can run on any of the following platforms without modification: Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, Macintosh, Solaris, OS/2, Amiga, AROS, AS/400, BeOS, OS/390, Z/OS, Palm OS, QNX, VMS, Psion, Acorn RISC OS, VxWorks, PlayStation, Sharp Zaurus, Windows CE, and even PocketPC, Symbian, and the Android platform developed by Google based on Linux.
(4) Interpreted
A program written in a compiled language like C or C++ can be converted from source files (i.e., C or C++ language) to a language used by the computer. This process is completed through a compiler and various markers and options. When running the program, the linker software copies the program from the hard disk to memory and executes it.
In contrast, a program written in Python does not need to be compiled into binary code; it can be run directly from the source code. Internally, the Python interpreter converts the source code into an intermediate form called bytecode, which is then translated into machine language used by the computer and executed.
In fact, the absence of concerns about how to compile programs or ensure the correct libraries are linked makes using Python much simpler. Since you only need to copy the Python program to another computer for it to work, this also makes Python programs easier to port.
(5) Open Source
Python is one of the FLOSS (Free/Libre and Open Source Software). In simple terms, you can freely distribute copies of this software, read its source code, modify it, and incorporate parts of it into new free software.
FLOSS is based on the concept of a community sharing knowledge, which is one of the reasons why Python is so excellent — it is created and continuously improved by a group of people who want to see a better Python.