Saturday, 31. March 2007, 13:19:21
Over the last 6 months, and especially in the last month, I have immersed myself in the study of Python (Hence my inactivity, or so I justify it). Because of this, My next few posts will probably be Python related, with this one being an inaugural post of sorts. For anyone who's going or thinking of going into Computer Science or related fields, or even anyone who likes nifty shortcuts to get things done, or anyone geeky enough to use Linux, read on. Even if you don't fit into one of the above categories, maybe I can change your mind.
What is Python?
The Python website says :
Python® is a dynamic object-oriented programming language that can be used for many kinds of software development. It offers strong support for integration with other languages and tools, comes with extensive standard libraries, and can be learned in a few days. Many Python programmers report substantial productivity gains and feel the language encourages the development of higher quality, more maintainable code.
I more or less agree.
Python is arguably one of the most elegant and simplest programming languages in existence. It has very simple syntax, (ie to say, almost none at all), which borders on natural English. Many people have remarked that Python is akin to "executable pseudocode". Because of this, it's very easy to pick up, and lets you concentrate on the logic, rather than grappling with complicated syntax rules. In effect, it's a perfect beginner's language.
But don't think that it's
just a beginner's language. Its extensive libraries (more on that later) and exhaustive constructs give it as much functionality as any program would require, and then some. Many mundane/difficult tasks become simpler when using Python.
I'll just give the one example this post, to keep it readable. This is the "Hello World" Program in C++
/* File HelloWorld.cpp */
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main(int argc, char* argv) {
cout << "Hello World";
return 0;
}
And to run it, you'd have to do
$ gcc HelloWorld.cpp -o HelloWorld.o
$ ./HelloWorld
on a linux box. Don't ask me for Windows, I hate programming on Windows.
And now for something completely different...
# File HelloWorld.py
print "Hello World!"
and to run,
$ python HelloWorld.py
See the difference? Inevitably, both these programs are the first taught in their respective languages, and yet I'd never want to teach what exactly '#include', 'namespace', and 'int main(int argc, char* argv[])' mean. All I'd want to teach would be the 'print'/'cout' statement, which is exactly what Python asks for.
Biased though I am, I must tell you which are the only 2 inadequacies I've found so far in Python :
- It's slow compared to other compiled languages. Not that slow, but it becomes noticeable in large programs of the number crunching sort.
- You must have Python installed on any computer you want to run a Python program on. This is not a problem for linux machines, as most of them have python by default, but can be a minor headache for windows users.
But these aren't that important for many people, and they certainly aren't important for the casual programmer.
One other point worth mentioning about Python is its 'Batteries Included' Policy. This means that when you install Python (all of a 9MB download), you get a
huge wealth of standard libraries -- almost all the built-in functions you're ever going to need. There are very few separate downloads I have needed to make to obtain code to use in my programs.
A final note for this post :
The name 'Python' does not come from the class of non-venomous constricting snakes
genus pythonidae, but rather from the name of the British comedy troupe
Monty Python's Flying Circus and subsequent creations.
Links worth looking at :
as to what Python is, it's a very simple and elegant language that rids you of syntax problems so you can concentrate on the important stuff. Python is an awesome programming language which I'm definitely going to blog about in the near future. It's very easy to learn, and very soon you'll start applying it to problems you have everyday.
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