Python is a scripting language that runs on Windows, Unix, MacOS and a variety of other devices like Raspberry Pi. Python is freely available and suited for a very wide range of tasks – system administration, web programming, databases, calculations and graphical interfaces. I recommend Python to anyone who wants to learn to program. Here’s why:
I started learning Python about 4 years ago when I heard that Google use it extensively. I had learnt Perl in 1997 on Macintosh, then later DOS, and Windows. My employer uses Perl for scripting in our product as well as automating testing, and I wrote many of these programs.
Once I started learning Python from the Learning Python O’Reilly book, I was delighted at the clear syntax and the power of the language. I was familiar with some software packages written by musicians (and not programmers) and I wanted to understand the language.
The syntax of Python is much easier to follow compared to Perl, C, C++ and Java. This means it is faster to learn and be productive. Python scripts are very short because of the richness of the language and the available libraries .
There are plenty of resources available to learn the language including free tutorials on the Python web site, MOOCs, YouTube videos, and many excellent books from O’Reilly and Manning (the Quick Python book). I have heard excellent reports about Code Academy from my friend Sujin Lee in Korea. She is studying music and previously learnt Python to script the Reaper Digital Audio Workstation (I use the Reaper software for music production using VST software synthesisers).
Python is a good language for non computer-science students and professionals to learn how to think like a computer scientist.
Do try and learn Python!
Further information:
- Python web site – Beginners Guide
- Introduction to Interactive Python – Coursera cours started in late March 2014
- Code Academy
- Why every programmer should learn Python or Ruby
- Python as your first language
- 10 more reasons
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