Learning Python, 6th Edition

Chapter 1. A Python Q&A Session

If you’re reading this book, you may already know what Python is and why it’s an important tool to learn. If you don’t, you probably won’t be sold on Python until you’ve learned the language by reading the rest of this book and have done a project or two. But before we jump into details, this first chapter will briefly introduce some of the main reasons behind Python’s popularity and begin sculpting a definition of the language. This takes the form of a question-and-answer session, which addresses some of the most common queries posed by beginners—like you.

Why Do People Use Python?

Because there are many programming languages to choose from, this is the usual first question of newcomers and a great place to start. Given that millions of people use Python today, there really is no way to answer this question with complete accuracy; the choice of development tools is often based on unique constraints or personal preference.

But after teaching Python to hundreds of groups and thousands of students, some common themes have emerged. The primary factors cited by Python users seem to be these:

Software quality

For many, Python’s focus on readability, coherence, and software quality in general sets it apart from other tools in the programing world. Python code is designed to be readable, and hence reusable and maintainable—much more so than traditional scripting languages. The uniformity of Python code makes it relatively easy to understand, even if ...