What is Python?

Python is a flexible programming language that prioritizes the clarity and readability of code. A good choice for many software development use cases, Python is often used for scripting, automation, data analysis, machine learning, and back-end development. Popular libraries and frameworks include Django, Flask, NumPy, and scikit-learn.

Python was first published in 1991. Its name was inspired by the British comedy group Monty Python due to the development team’s mission to create a language that was fun to use. Python 3 is the most current version of the language and is considered to be the future of Python.

If you’re interested in learning Python, it is a great choice for both beginner and experienced developers. Below, find a number of resources to help you get started:

• Learn how to write your first “Hello, World!” program in Python.
• Download our How To Code in Python book for free to read on a digital reader, or follow our How To Code in Python series online.
• Install the Anaconda Python Distribution on a server to support managing Python versions and packages.

For more resources, check out our complete list of educational materials under the Python tag.