Software developers have to dabble in a gamut of available programming languages used for building web services, websites and enterprise applications before settling for the one they feel most comfortable with. However, as the programming space is constantly open to new innovations and improvements, they need to learn the changing aspects of programming. Ultimately, the one language they choose to master should be able to address the whole spectrum of requirements.

Python, of all, has recently emerged as the best pick as a high-level programming language as confirmed by IEEE study. The Python language was founded in 1991 by the software developer Guido Van Rossum with the intent to make things easy for developers. Ever since then, the language has undergone several versions and updates and is now used in many big enterprises and IT companies.

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In this blog, you will learn why Python is considered as a dynamic, high-level programming language.

Python: The rank and popularity

IEEE's study measured the popularity of different programming languages using eight unique online forum and information sources including CareerBuilder, Google, GitHub, Hacker News, the IEEE, Stack Overflow, Redditand Twitter. To come up with a firm answer for the top-ranking language at present, they considered the factors such as volume of searches, new repositories, job postings as well as group posts and views on each language.

Python ultimately emerged as the prime language with 100% score and highest usability while Java is highly preferred by software developers to build mobile apps.

The language is most applied in web solutions, enterprise applications, and embedded languages especially due to its commendable support in the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

What makes Python a high-level language?

In a general understanding of highest-to-lowest languages, Python tops the list:

• Python/PHP
• Ruby and Perl
• Google Go
• Java/C/C++
• Assembly

According to the basic principle of coding, the factor that makes a language high level is its distance from machine binary code. How many layers of code the language is away from the machine's simple 0s and 1s is what practically decides the level of any programming language.

In software engineering world, Python is understood as a high-level, interpreted general-purpose language. This means it is not your straight compiled language (like Java or C) but an interpreted dynamic language that has to be run in the given system using another program instead of its local processor.

Other languages turn into Assembly when compiled, and run directly in the processor. Hence, being an interpreted language, which is not subject to processor, makes Python a high-level language.

Also, Python offers convenience of code readability -- which makes the syntax of the program much easier and shorter, resulting in less coding steps for developers than imposed by Java or C++.

Why developers are fond of Python

Most development companies and programmers fancy using Python more than other mainstream languages such as Java, C and C++. Ever since it was born, the language has gone through groundbreaking updates and improvements and received add-ons to be what it is today.

Python has had many versions and the latest version is 3.9.6, released on 28 June 2021. At first, Python 1.0 had Modula-3 module and Amoeba Operating System with various tools. Its next version Python 2.0 introduced added features like garbage collector and Unicode Support while Python 3.0 had a smart enough design to cease duplicate modules and versions. Python 3.5 now has better, more innovative features. 

Developers are also fond of Python due to its large number of libraries and ready packages that enable them to build software rapidly by avoiding writing code from scratch.

In a nutshell, the software development companies have positive proclivity to Python because of:

• Versatility
• Handy tools and features
• Brevity of programming code. 
• Extensive support across (OS UNIX, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS)
• Interactive and Interpreted
• Dynamic and portable
• Object-oriented
• High level
• Compatible with C++ & C

Academic importance of Python

Academically, Python has achieved a great next-gen reputation because of its vast industrial application and its international glory. It has been adopted into many top-level computer science programs by major educators and institutes as an undergrad course requirement.

Top Advantages of using Python Language

Whether it is industry players or software engineers, Python users enjoy the following big gains compared to other interpreted or dynamic languages:

Immense diversity

Applications of Python language for building software for varied industries is greatly diverse, with each application drawing a unique potential from the language. Software development companies can therefore leverage the diversity element of Python to gain advantage in the domains like:

• Web structures
• Testing frameworks
• Embedded apps
• Gaming apps
• Enterprise solutions
• Prototype creation
• Language development
• Graphic design applications

Such broad usage of the language across assorted industries means a strong upper hand of Python over other contemporary programming languages used by programmers.

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Generous Libraries and Packages

There are a vast number of libraries and packages available in Python that developers can freely use to create feature-rich tools and software for various applications. These libraries support making string operations, web service tools, data points, user interfaces, multi-protocol networks and prototypes. The major and frequently used programming functions are already included into its libraries to help programmers produce more while writing less code with Python.

Its code-rich libraries can be accessed by software building pros via Python package management system and potentially contain packages that programmers can use to avoid writing it all from scratch. Each package is basically a set of code written by other coding masters and is freely available to the entire Python community.

Improved Programmer's Productivity

Python is the only programming language with extensive set of support libraries and smart object-oriented designs which boosts programmer's productivity up to ten fold. It is also the best language to go with Java, VB, Perl, C, C and C++.

One more factor that contributes to increased efficiency, speed and performance of Python developers is its robust process integration feature. It enables unit testing framework and enhanced control, which not only adds to application development pace but also makes it easy for software engineers to build multifaceted scalable applications.

Integration Feature

Python enables Enterprise application integration that allows developers to easily develop high-level robust web services by means of invoking COM and COBRA components. It also has enhanced control capabilities powered by Python that work wonders with C, C++ or Java.

In addition to this, Python has inherent ability to run on all of today's Operating Systems using the same code, which enables it to read and process XML and other markup languages.

Incredible AI and Machine learning support

Python libraries and packages are no less than a wonder as it also contains code packages dedicated to programming premium high-level industry-specific software with intelligent machine learning capabilities. This is a massive added advantage for developers who are willing to grab opportunities to power next-generation, automated systems using deep learning frameworks and artificial intelligence.

Moreover, due to its interoperability, both Python and non-Python developers (unfamiliar with Python ecosystem) should equally leverage deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Keras library as suggested by IEEE study. AI developers can rely on frameworks and libraries to build high-quality neural networks.

From the perspective of the futuristic engineering world, this is the undeniable reason why Python deserves to be regarded as a high-level programming language.

Limitations with Python

Although Python offers easy-to-learn-and-code luxury and web programmers use it more often than any other language, it has small limitations that might put some restrictions in certain computer science applications.

Python developers have also reported challenges faced when learning as well as working with other languages. This is primarily because Python offers an incredible range of features and extensive libraries that developers find difficult to resist.

It also needs more testing time with certain errors showing up when run on different operating systems.

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Conclusion

From its thriving support libraries and interpreted, dynamic nature, there is a lot Python is capable of doing for software developers. If Python libraries offer a ready bundle of code written by someone else and save efforts of writing from scratch, its clear documentation helps programmers learn things fast. Its enterprise application integration boosts control, speed and productivity while its machine learning frameworks encourage intelligent deep learning systems.

It is manifest that Python is a robust, high-level programming language with easy-to-read code lines that accelerate debugging jobs for testers, too. Its extensive support and power has made Python a superior programming language across the globe.

Related Courses in Hong Kong

• Introduction to Python

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