Python is now the second most popular coding language among developers, stealing the spot from Java in 2020. It's recognized as the official coding language of tech giant Google and is responsible for creating some of the biggest applications in the world today (Reddit and Spotify to name a few).
Unlike CSS, HTML and JavaScript, Python is a general use coding script that can be used beyond web development for tasks such as software development and programming. It's versatile, easy to get to grips with, and is a highly demanded skill for many data-driven organizations.
But what exactly is Python used for in practice? And why has it become so popular?
What is Python used for? 5 use cases
Python is renowned for its broad range of use cases. We've listed the 5 top examples to give you a taste of what the coding language can do.
1. Web applications
Python streamlines web application development with its built-in frameworks:
- Django
- Flask
- Falcon
- Tornado
- Pyramid
- Masonite
- FastAPI
Ultimately, these frameworks enable speedy application builds with minimal development time. You can read more about their individual nuances here.
2. Software development
Python is used to develop many different applications and platforms across industries. Notable examples include Instagram and Spotify.
The FinTech industry, in particular, favours Python over other coding languages to create competitive applications (such as Venmo). This is due to Python's ability to handle a range of complex mathematical tasks, of which the financial sector has many.
3. Data science
Data scientists use Python to help them extract, process and manipulate data via various Python libraries, such as Pandas and SciPy.
The coding language is relatively easy to learn when used in conjunction with data. As such, Python skills are increasingly in demand across both big and small data-driven organizations.
4. AI applications
The number of businesses adopting artificial intelligence grew by 270 percent in four years. It's no wonder, then, that AI and machine learning project development is a top priority for many organizations.
Python can easily handle the computations necessary to create machine learning models and is responsible for creating many advanced applications, such as facial recognition software.
5. Game development
Though not the most popular language for game development, Python is often used by developers for building tree-based algorithms and designing game levels.
In addition to this, some developers use Python for scripting games or automating repetitive tasks (such as batching game textures).
Why is Python so popular?
Now that we've explored the key use cases of Python, let's delve into why it's such a popular coding language.
1. It's simple to learn
Well, we say simple, but what we really mean is it's easy to learn how to solve your unique problems with Python. (As with any coding language, it takes a true guru to learn everything there is to know.)
If you're looking to become a Python guru, it may take you months or years to learn the ropes. But, if you're in a non-technical role and you're looking to analyze some key marketing data (for instance), learning some Python coding to solve your problem may only take a handful of weeks.
There are plenty of free online materials for learning the language, which helps a great deal!
2. It's versatile
Python can be used in a number of different development use cases, making it a go-to coding language for many developers, whether they work for a tech giant such as Facebook or a smaller games development company.
3. It's readable
Not all code is completely illegible. Python was built with readability in mind:
- Its language is built upon English keywords rather than symbols
- It prioritises whitespace and singular statements per line
As a result, developers can skim read code much easier when choosing to update applications and software.
3. It's an out of the box language
It's straight forward to get on the ground running with Python, as it comes with a standard library full of pre-built code modules.
This means your developers can start building applications immediately, without having to worry about coding certain modules.
4. It allows you to automate wherever possible
Python is perfect for organizations who champion DataOps ideology or are looking to boost their operational efficiency. This is because the coding language allows you to write programs in minutes that can automate hour-long tedious tasks.
Whether it's automating email notifications or updating Excel spreadsheets without manual intervention, Python encourages both technical and non-technical users to save time through automation.
A coding solution for the modern business
With its broad range of use cases, from web application development to AI project building, Python's soaring popularity doesn't really come as a surprise.
Its versatility, readability and accessibility make Python the coding language of the modern-day developer and want-to-be developer. That, and its reliability for heavily data-driven or statistical tasks, which opens the door for brilliant data science projects and DataOps driven processes.
If you'd like to find out how CloverDX supports Python, please get in touch with our team today.
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