The program is a set of algorithms that provide the necessary actions. Conventionally, in the same way, you can program an ordinary person by writing the exact commands so that, for example, he makes tea. If the latter version uses natural speech (Russian, Ukrainian, English, Korean, etc.), then a special programming language will be required for the computer. Python is one of those. The programming environment will subsequently translate the commands into machine code, and the goal of the person for whom the algorithm was created will be fulfilled. Python has its own syntax, which will be discussed below.
Language history
Development began in the 1980s and ended in 1991. The Python language was created by Guido van Rossum. Although the main symbol of Python is a snake, it was named after the American comedy show.
When creating the language, the developer used some commands borrowed from the existing Pascal, C and C ++. After the first official version appeared on the Internet, a whole group of programmers joined in its refinement and improvement.
One of the factors that have allowed Python to become quite famous is design. Many highly successful specialists recognize him as one of the best.
Features of "Python"
The Python programming language for beginners will be a great teacher. It has a fairly simple syntax. It will be easy to understand the code, because it does not include many auxiliary elements, and the special structure of the language will teach you to indent. Of course, a well-designed program with a small number of commands will become immediately clear.
Many syntax systems have been built around object-oriented programming. Python is no exception. What exactly was he born for? It will facilitate training for beginners, help to recall some of the elements already qualified employees.
Language syntax
As already mentioned, the code is read quite easily and simply. "Python" has sequential commands that are distinguished by clarity of execution. In principle, the operators used will not seem difficult even for beginners. This is what distinguishes the Python language. Its syntax is light and simple.
Traditional operators:
- When specifying a condition, use the if-else construct. If there are too many such lines, you can enter the elif command.
- Class is for understanding the class.
- One of the simple operators is pass. He does nothing, fits in for empty blocks.
- Loop commands are while and for.
- The function, method and generator are defined thanks to def.
In addition to single words, Python also allows you to use expressions as operators. By using string chains, you can reduce the number of individual commands and parentheses. The so-called lazy calculations are also used, that is, those that are performed only when the condition requires it. These include and and or.
Program writing process
The interpreter works on a single mechanism: when writing a line (after which “Enter” is put), it is immediately executed, and a person can already see some kind of result. This will come in handy and be convenient enough for beginners or those who want to test a small piece of code. In compiled programming environments, the programmer would first have to write the entire program, only then run it and check for errors.
The Python programming language (for beginners, as it has already become clear, it fits perfectly) in the Linux operating system allows you to work directly in the console itself. You should write the name of the Python code in English on the command line. Creating your first program will not be difficult. First of all, it is worth considering that you can use the interpreter here as a calculator. Since young and novice specialists are often not friendly with the syntax, you can write an algorithm in this way:
6 + 4.
10 * (4-6).
6.1 + 1.8 / 9.
After each line you must put "Enter". The answer will be displayed immediately after clicking it.
Data Used by Python
The data used by computers (and programming languages) is represented by several types, and this is quite obvious. The numbers are fractional, integer, can consist of many digits or be very massive due to the fractional part. To make it easier for the interpreter to work with them, and he can understand what he is dealing with, a certain type should be set. Moreover, it is necessary for the numbers to fit in the allocated memory cell.
The most common data types used by the Python programming language:
- Integer We are talking about integers that have both negative and positive values. Zero is also included in this type.
- In order for the interpreter to understand that it works with fractional parts, you must specify the type float point. As a rule, they use it in the case of using numbers with a varying point. It should be remembered that when writing a program, you must adhere to the entry "3.25", and not use the comma "3.25".
- If you add strings, the Python programming language allows you to add the type string. Often words or phrases are enclosed in single or double quotes.
Disadvantages and advantages
In the past few decades, people have been more interested in how to spend more time on data acquisition and less on how they are processed by a computer. Python, which is only positive reviews , is top notch.
"Python" has practically no shortcomings. The only serious minus is the slowness in the execution of the algorithm. Yes, if you compare it with "C" or "Java", he is, frankly, a turtle. This is explained by the fact that the given language is interpreted.
The developer made sure to add the best to Python. Therefore, when using it, you can notice that it incorporates the best features of other higher programming languages.
In that case, if the idea that is implemented by the interpreter is not impressive, then it will be possible to understand it almost immediately after writing several tens of lines. If the program is worthwhile, then the critical section can be improved at any time.
Nowadays, not one group of programmers is working on improving Python, therefore it is not a fact that code written in C ++ will be better than the one created using Python.
Which version is better to work with?
Now two versions of such a syntax system as the Python language are widely used at once. For beginners, the choice between them will be quite difficult. It should be noted that 3.x is still under development (although it has been released to the masses), while 2.x is a fully completed version. Many advise using 2.7.8, since it practically does not lag and does not go astray. There are no radical changes in version 3.x, so at any time you can transfer your code to the programming environment with an update. To download the necessary program, you should go to the official website, select your operating system and wait for the download to finish.