The idea of the creation of Python originated sometime in 1989, specially to overcome the shortcomings of the ABC language. Hence Python was created incorporating all the good features of the ABC language and adding new desired features, namely extensibility and extension handling. There after many versions of the language was created with newer and better upgradations to the already existing features. Python today has multiple implementations that work in the native languages they are written in like, Java, C, etc…, they also have the capability of interacting with other languages by the use of modules, and most of these modules are open source.
Python is generally used across a variety of channels, for example, like in, GUI based desktop applications, graphic design and image processing applications, games, web applications, business and enterprise applications, also language development and prototyping, so the scope is vast.
Python is always considered as different and better from other languages purely because, it is very user-friendly, especially if you are starting up, the syntax of Python is very simple and readable, it is very comprehensive. It has nice built-ins, a good availability of libraries, amongst other benefits. It is also widely used for developing many web products which are popular, like YouTube, Google, Yahoo! Map etc…,
Python is generally compared with other interpreted languages like Java, JavaScript, C++, Perl, Smalltalk.
Read on for a quick comparison of Python with these languages
Python v/s Java
Python programs runs slower than Java, but they take less time to develop. The codes in Python are at least 3.-5 times shorter than Java, while the Java codes are longer. Another plus is that Python is dynamically typed while Java is not.
Python v/s JavaScript
Python and JavaScript are almost equivalent as an ‘Object Based’ programing language. The major difference is in the fact that, Python can be used as a scripting language as well as a programing language, with the ability to write much larger programs and much better code reuse through true object-oriented programming, while JavaScript can only be used as a scripting language.
Python v/s C++
If Python codes are 3-5 times shorter than Java, with C++ they are at least 5-10 times shorter. Python is a pure OOPS programming language as opposed to C++. Python wins as a ‘Glue’ language which can be used to combine components written in C++.
Python v/v Perl
Python and Perl share the same background and to an extent also show similar features, however, the key difference is in their working philosophy. Perl supports common application-oriented tasks, like file scanning, report generating and built-in regular expression features. Python highlights support for object-oriented programming and common programming methodologies, which assist programmers to write readable and hence maintainable programming codes. Python is not overly cryptic and shows applicability which is beyond the niche capability of Perl.
Python v/s Smalltalk
Although Smalltalk is an object-oriented language, it lacks the dynamic building and dynamic binding that Python offers. Python boosts of a vast library, with more features, Smalltalk has a refined library. Python has a separate development and environment distribution of code while Smalltalk follows a monolithic code.
It is important to understand the above comparisons are based on only the language issues. While choosing a programming language there are many factors that need to be considered, like cost, availability, training, prior investment and above all the ease or emotional attachment of the programmer.
Although to sum up, clearly Python is considered popular amongst most programmers as it is easy to adapt compared to other languages, and there is an available wide-ranging collection of data science libraries.
