What’s Python Good For?
Because Python is used in a wide variety of ways, it’s almost impossible to give an authoritative answer to this question. As a general-purpose language, Python can be used for almost anything computers are capable of. Its feature set applies to both rapid and longer-term development modes. And from an abstract perspective, any project that can benefit from the inclusion of a language optimized for speed of development is a good target Python application domain. Given the ever-shrinking schedules in software development, this is a very broad category.
A more specific answer is less easy to formulate. For instance, some use Python as an embedded extension language, and others use it exclusively as a standalone programming tool. To some extent, this entire book will answer this very question—it explores some of Python’s most common roles. For now, here’s a summary of some of the more common ways Python is being applied today:
- System utilities
Portable command-line tools, testing, system administration scripts
- Internet scripting
CGI web sites, Java applets, XML, email, Zope/Plone, CherryPy, Webware, Twisted
- GUIs
With tools such as Tk, wxPython, Qt, Gtk, PythonCard, Dabo, Swing, Anygui
- Component integration
C/C++ library frontends, product customization
- Database access
Persistent object stores, SQL database interfaces
- Distributed programming
With client/server APIs like CORBA, CGI, COM, .NET, SOAP, XML-RPC
- Rapid-prototyping/development
Tactical run-once programs or ...