Introduction

Unless you were a zookeeper or a wildlife expert who knows a particular python snake well, I wouldn’t advise you to go near it.

If you are meeting Python (the programing language) for the first time, it will be best to know a number of things before you start playing with it.

Origin

Python program was created by Guido van Rossum in Netherland in 1989. Many versions of the programing language have been released since then; for example, Python reached version 1.0 in 1994 and version 2.0 in 2000. On December 3, 2008, version 3.0 was released.

Fun fact: the name ‘Python’ was inspired by a BBC TV show called Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Old vs. New

If you are new to programing, you would want to download and install the newest Python available. The developer community for Python discourage people from using older versions because they stopped giving support and maintenance for them.

In short, the new python is better than the old python.

1. Old look (slide to left) 2. New look (slide to right)

Learning curve

Unlike our frustrated monkey, we want to know much about this language before we code with it.

We will learn how easy it is to learn and master Python.

Python Syntax is easy to learn

Yes! Coding in python is very close to writing some instructions in English. This makes it one of the easiest high-level languages to learn.

High-level does not mean that it is difficult; it simply means that it is similar to a human language like English or French. Syntax here means the ‘grammar’ or rules of Python language.

Join Twenty1’s Python for Kids to write your first Python computer program.

Python is a Superpower

Python experts say python is a beautiful modern programing language. It is used by Google, IBM, Microsoft, NASA, Verizon, Yahoo!, etc. The programmers that make your favorite EA and 2K games use Python as a tool.

While learning this multi-purpose language, you will be able to do so much.

I bet you can feel the power surging already.

Python is Object-Oriented

With great power comes great responsibility. Object-oriented programing (OOP) is one of those responsibilities. It simply means that you treat programs parts like they were real life ‘objects’. Although it takes more time and effort to get used to this concept of coding, you can still write useful Python programs without using OOP.

Python is a Perfect First Language

Apart from python’s syntax being easy to learn, it is a highly recommended beginner programing language. People who have tried other languages prior, say that Python programing feels like a walk in the park.

Python comes with a minimalist development environment when you download and install it. It is called IDLE–Integrated Development and Learning Environment.

That is where you will write your code and develop your programs, it looks like Notepad on Windows and TextEdit on Mac.

Speaking of Windows and Mac, Python programs work on every computer system that had Python installed on it.

Summary

Overall, python is a free, easy to install, user-friendly, beautiful, programing language that was created by a Dutch programmer. It is easy for beginners and non-programmers to learn and a powerful tool for professional programmers to use to tackle everyday problems.

Programing Jargons

• IDLE – Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment
• Object oriented programing – writing programs to have structure like objects
• Minimalist – having simplistic features