Step by Step Tutorial on Python with Examples
What is Python
Definition
Python is a general-purpose interpreted, interactive, object-oriented, and high-level programming language
or
Python is a high-level, interpreted, interactive and object-oriented scripting language. It is designed to be highly readable.
Features
Python is Interpreted
Python is processed at runtime by the interpreter. You do not need to compile your program before executing it. This is similar to PERL and PHP.
Python is Interactive
You can actually sit at a Python prompt and interact with the interpreter directly to write your programs.
Python is Object-Oriented
Python supports Object-Oriented style or technique of programming that encapsulates code within objects.
Python is a Beginner's Language
Python is a great language for the beginner-level programmers and supports the development of a wide range of applications from simple text processing to WWW browsers to games.
Easy-to-learn
Python has few keywords, simple structure, and a clearly defined syntax. This allows the student to pick up the language quickly.
Easy-to-read
Python code is more clearly defined and visible to the eyes.
Easy-to-maintain
Python's source code is fairly easy-to-maintain.
A broad standard library
Python's bulk of the library is very portable and cross-platform compatible on UNIX, Windows, and Macintosh.
Interactive Mode
Python has support for an interactive mode which allows interactive testing and debugging of snippets of code.
Portable
Python can run on a wide variety of hardware platforms and has the same interface on all platforms.
Extendable
You can add low-level modules to the Python interpreter. These modules enable programmers to add to or customize their tools to be more efficient.
Databases
Python provides interfaces to all major commercial databases.
GUI Programming
Python supports GUI applications that can be created and ported to many system calls, libraries and windows systems, such as Windows MFC, Macintosh, and the X Window system of Unix.
Scalable
Python provides a better structure and support for large programs than shell scripting.
Garbage Collection
Python Supports automatic garbage collection