Python Introduction
What is Python? Why learn it? How to get started.
What is Python?
Python is a popular, high-level programming language created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991. It is known for its simple, readable syntax that looks almost like plain English.
Python can be used for:
- Web development (Django, Flask)
- Data Science and Machine Learning (Pandas, TensorFlow)
- Automation and scripting
- Software and game development
- Databases and backend services
Python Syntax vs Other Languages
Python was designed for readability. Compare printing "Hello, World!" in Python versus Java:
Python gets the same result with just one line.
Your First Python Program
Let's write a simple Python program. Click ▶ Try it to run it live:
Python Comments
Comments start with # and are ignored by Python. Use them to explain your code:
# on each line, or use triple quotes """...""" as a workaround.
Python Indentation
Indentation (spaces at the beginning of a line) is very important in Python. It defines code blocks, unlike other languages that use {} braces.