Python is a high-level, interpreted, interactive, and object-oriented scripting language. Python is designed to be highly readable. It uses English keywords frequently, whereas other languages use punctuation, and it has fewer syntactical constructions than other languages.
Python is Interpreted − Python is processed at runtime by the interpreter. You do not need to compile your program before executing it. This is similar to PERL and PHP.
Python is Interactive − You can actually sit at a Python prompt and interact with the interpreter directly to write your programs.
Python is Object-Oriented − Python supports Object-Oriented style or technique of programming that encapsulates code within objects.
Python is a Beginner’s Language − Python is a great language for beginner-level programmers and supports the development of a wide range of applications from simple text processing to WWW browsers to games.
Python is an open-source and cross-platform programming language. It is available for use under Python Software Foundation License (compatible with the GNU General Public License) on all major operating system platforms like Linux, Windows, and Mac OS.
To facilitate new features and maintain readability, the Python Enhancement Proposal (PEP) process was developed. This process allows anyone to submit a PEP for a new feature, library, or other addition.
The design philosophy of Python emphasizes simplicity, readability, and unambiguity. Python is known for its “batteries-included” approach as Python software is distributed with a comprehensive standard library of functions and modules.
The Zen of Python consists of nineteen aphorisms, such as:
Python supports imperative, structured, as well as object-oriented programming methodology. It provides features of functional programming as well.
Python leaves you free to choose to program in an object-oriented, procedural, functional, aspect-oriented, or even logic-oriented way. These freedoms make Python a great language to write clean and beautiful code.
Pythonic Code Style is actually more of a design philosophy and suggests writing code that is:
The Zen of Python is about code that not only works but is Pythonic. Pythonic code is readable, concise, and maintainable.