7 Reasons Why to Use Python as a Programming Language
Table of Contents
- jaro education
- 24, October 2024
- 11:00 am
Every programmer adores Python (not Snake but the language). Python has become one of the most widely used programming languages across the globe, powering everything from Netflix’s recommendation system to the technology behind self-driving cars. As a general-purpose language, Python’s versatility allows for it to be used for a wide variety of applications, such as data science, web development, software engineering, and automation. Its simplicity and adaptability have made it a favorite tool for developers looking to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of everyday tasks.Â
In this blog, you will learn why to use Python, why Python is so popular, its key applications across industries, and how mastering this versatile language can enhance your career prospects.
What is Python?
Python is a widely used, high-level programming language that is both open-source and object-oriented. While this definition might seem technical, let’s break it down to make it clearer:
- Open-source: Python is free to use, and its code can be modified by anyone, making it easy to enhance with new features or fix any bugs.
- Object-oriented: Python structures programs around objects—units that have specific attributes and behaviors—rather than relying solely on functions.
- High-level: Its syntax is designed to be easy for humans to read and write, making it more accessible compared to lower-level, machine-focused languages.
- General purpose: Python is versatile and suitable for developing almost any type of software application.
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Python is heavily used across various domains, including data science, machine learning, data engineering, web development, and software development, among others. Moving further in the blog we will learn why Python is so popular and why to use Python in programming.Â
Why Python is Popular as a Programming Language
Various programming language rankings highlight Python as one of the most prominent and widely used languages globally. While these rankings may vary slightly, Python consistently places among the top ten—often within the top five—across different reports. Here’s a breakdown of Python’s rise in popularity:
| Ranking Source | Python Ranking | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| IEEE | #1 | Ranked #1 in 2017, 2018, and 2019 |
| RedMonk | #3 | Maintained #3 since 2018 |
| Stack Overflow Insights | Fastest-growing major language | Closely aligned with developers' professional tools and technologies |
| TIOBE Index | #3 | Moved from #8 to #3 in recent years |
| GitHub Popularity (GitHut) | #3 | Ranks #3 in developer usage, indicating strong popularity |
- IEEE Rankings: Python was ranked as the #1 programming language by the IEEE in 2019, continuing its streak from being ranked #1 in both 2018 and 2017.
- RedMonk Rankings: In RedMonk’s June 2019 rankings, Python held the #3 spot, a position it has maintained since 2018.
- Stack Overflow Insights: The 2020 Stack Overflow developer survey highlighted Python as the fastest-growing major language. The survey also indicated that Python is closely aligned with the tools and technologies developers use in their professional roles.
- TIOBE Index: Python has steadily climbed in the TIOBE Index, reaching #3 after moving up from #8 just a few years earlier.
- PYPL (Popularity of Programming Language): According to PYPL, which analyzes Google search trends, Python is ranked #1 in terms of search popularity.
- GitHub Popularity (GitHut): Python is also highly visible on GitHub, where it ranks #3 in terms of usage among developers on the platform, which clearly shows its popularity and reason why to use Python instead of other programming languages.
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Why to Use Python? 7 Real-World Applications of Python
Python’s versatility makes it one of the most widely used programming languages across various industries. Let’s explore 7 practical reasons why to use Python:Â
1. Python for Data Analysis
In today’s data-driven world, businesses thrive on the ability to gather, process, and analyze vast amounts of information. The reason why to use Python is because it excels in this area, standing out as a go-to language for data analysis.
Beyond its built-in features, Python offers a vast array of specialized libraries that streamline data handling. Two of the most well-known libraries, Pandas and NumPy, provide tools to clean, organize, and explore data. These libraries enable you to perform everything from statistical analysis to uncovering hidden trends within datasets.
In addition to these core libraries, Python supports many others that assist in specific tasks like data scraping, hypothesis testing, and more, making it invaluable in data-related fields.
2. Python for Data Visualization
Data visualization plays a crucial role in turning raw data into actionable insights by presenting it in a clear and visually compelling manner. But why to use Python for data visualization? The reason is Python offers a wide range of libraries to help create everything from basic to highly complex visualizations.
Popular tools like Matplotlib and Seaborn allow users to produce various chart types, including line graphs, bar charts, histograms, and even more intricate visualizations like animated plots and cluster maps. These libraries make it easy to represent your data in a way that is both informative and visually appealing.
Python’s range of visualization tools doesn’t stop there. Libraries like Plotly, Bokeh, and Altair further expand the possibilities for creating interactive and dynamic visual content, while others, such as GeoPandas and Toyplot, focus on specialized graphical outputs like mapping and publishing.
3. Python for Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is a driving force behind many innovations in artificial intelligence, and Python is at the heart of this technological advancement. Machine learning algorithms help systems learn from historical data, enabling them to make accurate predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed.
Python simplifies the development of ML models with just a few lines of code, handling the complexity under the hood. For example, with the help of libraries like sci-kit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch, Python enables developers to create sophisticated models that can forecast customer behavior, estimate medical risks, or optimize resource allocation for businesses.
These libraries streamline the model-building process, from data preparation to the deployment of algorithms, making machine learning accessible even to those without extensive coding experience.
4. Python for Software Development
There are multiple reasons why to use Python in software development. Python plays a vital role in every phase of software development, including tasks like build control, continuous integration, prototyping, bug tracking, testing, and ongoing maintenance.
Its flexibility and strength make Python suitable for building anything from simple scripts to complex, multi-protocol applications. It’s particularly useful for tasks involving complex numerical computations or advanced software systems.
With Python, developers can create a wide variety of applications, including audio and video software, programs leveraging AI or machine learning, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), and more.
5. Python for Web Development
While front-end development typically involves languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Python is often the language of choice for back-end development.
The reason behind why to use Python in the back-end is because popular frameworks such as Django and Flask make it easy to manage server-side functions, handle databases, process requests, manage URLs, and ensure security. These frameworks are packed with pre-built modules that simplify complex web development tasks.
Some of the most recognizable websites and platforms, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Dropbox, and Reddit, have been built using Python.
6. Python for Task Automation and Scripting
Python excels at automating repetitive tasks, a process known as scripting.
For instance, Python scripts can handle operations like creating, renaming, converting, splitting, merging, or deleting files. It can also search for specific patterns in text, check for errors, or update file contents to make it clear why developers use Python for automation.Â
Python can even automate tasks like web scraping, form submissions, or sending scheduled emails and notifications. Automating these manual, repetitive actions saves significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
7. Other Uses for Python
In addition to the common applications already mentioned, Python can be utilized in several unique ways. Here are a few creative examples:
- Tracking stock market trends
- Scraping data from websites
- Managing and updating to-do lists
- Developing bots for various tasks
- Generating random sets of names, colors, phone numbers, or currencies
What Careers Require Python?
Numerous professions rely on Python as an essential part of their daily tasks. Here are some key roles where Python plays a crucial role:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Journalist
- Data Architect
- Full-Stack Web Developer
- Back-End Web Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Software Engineer
Additionally, other roles may benefit from Python skills for tasks such as data analysis, automating workflows, or monitoring market trends. These include professions like business analysts, financial professionals, and researchers.
Conclusion
Python’s use across many fields—like data visualization, data analysis, and machine learning—highlights its great versatility. Whether you’re in tech, finance, or scientific research, Python’s libraries and frameworks help tackle complex tasks easily. Its flexibility makes it a top choice for developers, data scientists, and engineers.
We’ve also seen how Python’s simplicity, ease of reading, and strong community support have made it one of the most popular programming languages in the world. With its continuous growth and use in various industries, learning Python offers many opportunities for anyone looking to boost their skills and succeed in today’s fast-changing tech world.
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