Description #
Python is a versatile, high-level programming language known for its clean syntax, readability, and massive community support. It is widely used across fields such as web development, automation, data science, artificial intelligence, scripting, game development, and education.
History #
Python was created by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s and officially released in 1991. While working at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in the Netherlands, van Rossum wanted to build a language that was powerful yet easy to read — a successor to the ABC language.
He named it Python as a tribute to his favorite comedy group, Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The language’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability, simplicity, and developer happiness. Python 2.x launched in 2000 and was officially sunset in 2020 in favor of Python 3.x, which remains the standard today.
Hello World Code #
print("Hello, World!")How to Run #
Save the code in a file named hello.py
Open a terminal or command prompt
Run the program using:
python hello.py
Note: On some systems, use python3 instead of python.
Key Concepts #
print() — outputs text to the screen
String literal — "Hello, World!" is a string
Whitespace-sensitive — indentation defines blocks
No semicolons needed — clean syntax
Dynamically typed — variable types are inferred
Case-sensitive — print ≠ Print
Interpreted — no need to compile
Cross-platform — works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Huge standard library — “batteries included” philosophy
Beginner-friendly — widely recommended as a first language
Try It Online #
Fun Facts #
- The name “Python” comes from Monty Python, not the snake!
- Python is the most taught first language in U.S. universities.
- NASA uses Python in various applications, including data processing.
- The Python logo has two snakes — but it’s still a Monty Python reference.
- Guido van Rossum was known as Python’s “Benevolent Dictator For Life (BDFL)” until he stepped down in 2018.
