Why Is Python Here to Stay?
Python was originally conceived by Van Rossum as a hobby language in December 1989. Also, the major and backward-incompatible version of the general-purpose programming language was released on 3rd December 2008. But Python is recently rated by a number of surveyors as the most popular coding language of 2015. The massive popularity indicates Python’s effectiveness as a modern programming language. At the same time, Python 3 is currently used by developers across the worlds for creating a variety of desktop GUI, web and mobile applications. There are also a number of reasons why the huge popularity and market share of Python will remain intact over a longer period of time.
8 Reasons Why the Massive Popularity of Python Will Remain Intact in the Future
1) Supports Multiple Programming Paradigms
Good developers often take advantage of different programming paradigms to reduce the amount of time and efforts required for developing large and complex applications. Like other modern programming languages, Python also supports a number of commonly used programming styles including object-oriented, functional, procedural and imperative. It further features automatic memory management, along with a dynamic type system. So programmers can use the language to effectuate development of large and complex software applications.
2) Doesn’t Require Programmers to Write Lengthy Code
Python is designed with complete focus on code readability. So the programmers can create readable code base that can be used by members of distributed teams. At the same time, the simple syntax of the programming language enables them to express concepts without writing longer lines of code. The feature makes it easier for developers to large and complex applications within a stipulated amount of time. As they can easily skip certain tasks required by other programming languages, it becomes easier for developers to maintain and update their applications.
3) Provides a Comprehensive Standard Library
Python further scores over other programming languages due to its extensive standard library. The programmers can use these libraries to accomplish a variety of tasks without writing longer lines of code. Also, the standard library of Python is designed with a large number of high use programming tasks scripted into it. Thus, it helps programmers to accomplish tasks like string operations, development and implementation of web services, working with internet protocols, and handling operating system interface.
4) Effectuates Web Application Development
Python is designed as a general-purpose programming language, and lacks built-in web development features. But the web developers use a variety of add-on modules to write modern web applications in Python. While writing web applications in Python, programmers have option to use several high-level web frameworks including Django, web2py, TurboGears, CubicWeb, and Reahl. These web frameworks help programmers to perform a number of operations, without writing additional code, like database manipulation, URL routing, session storage and retrieval, and output template formatting. They can further use the web frameworks to protect the web application from cross-site scripting attacks, SQL injection, and cross-site request forgery.
5) Facilitates Development of High Quality GUI, Scientific and Numeric Applications
Python is currently available on major operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and UNIX. So the desktop GUI applications written in the programming language can be deployed on multiple platforms. The programmers can further speedup cross-platform desktop GUI application development using frameworks like Kivy, wxPython and PyGtk. A number of reports have highlighted that Python is used widely for development of numeric and scientific applications. While writing scientific and numeric applications in Python, the developers can take advantage of tools like Scipy, Pandas, IPython, along with the Python Imaging Library.
6) Simplifies Prototyping of Applications
Nowadays, each organization wants to beat competition by developing software with distinct and innovative features. That is why; prototyping has become an integral part of modern software development lifecycle. Before writing the code, developers have to create prototype of the application to display its features and functionality to various stakeholders. As a simple and fast programming language, Python enables programmers to develop the final system without putting any extra time and effort. At the same time, the developers also have option to start developing the system directly from the prototype simply by refactoring the code.
7) Can also be used for Mobile App Development
Frameworks like Kivy also make Python usable for developing mobile apps. As a library, Kivy can be used for creating both desktop applications and mobile apps. But it allows developers to write the code once, and deploy the same code on multiple platforms. Along with interfacing with the hardware of the mobile device, Kivy also comes with built-in camera adapters, modules to render and play videos, and modules to accept user input through multi-touch and gestures. Thus, programmers can use Kivy to create different versions of the same applications for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Also, the framework does not require developers to write longer lines of code while creating Kivy programs. After creating different versions of the mobile app, they can package the app separately for individual app store. The option makes it easier for developers to create different versions of the mobile app without deploying separate developers.
8) Open Source
Despite being rated as the most popular coding language of 2015, Python is still available as open source and free software. Along with large IT companies, the startups and freelance software developers can also use the programming language without paying any fees or royalty. Thus, Python makes it easier for businesses to reduce development cost significantly. At the same time, the programmers can also avail the assistance of large and active community to add out-of-box features to the software application.