Python
Python is a high-level object-oriented scripting language whose main focus has been code readability.
History of Python
Python's development had started in the late 1980s with its creator Guido van Rossum. From the
ground up it was designed to be a successor to the ABC programming language, a language whose
main purposes were to be a teaching tool and prototype programs
(1).
The first release of python was in 1991 via Python 0.9.0, and Rossum continued as the lead
developer until 2018. Since then a 5-member council has taken his place and will continue to
iterate upon the language for the foreseeable future
(1).
Popularity
Python in recent years has become one of the most frequently used programming languages,
ranking #4 among professional developers and #1 among those learning to code
(2).
Its naturally low barrier to entry and generalist nature has made it a natural choice for
novice and experienced developers alike. Many experts recommend learning python as your first
language due to its simplicity and practicality in the computer science industry.
Why do we use it?
As stated before, part of pythons design philosophy was to be easy to read, which makes the
barrier to entry quite low.
For example, variables in python are not explicitly typed; this means that the developer does
not need to assign a variable its type, the interpreter will
(3).
There are many features such as this that improve readability compared to other established
languages such as Java or C.
In addition, the language is open source meaning that it is free to all and easy to
develop for
(3).
It is also object-oriented, a design pattern that is already common amongst high-level
languages. This has made it easy to approach and learn from those already established in the
industry
(3).
Scripting languages that are useful for data refinement (python amongst others) are in high
demand due to the prevalence of data collection and refinement within the current industry
with the rise of AI and data brokering.
Scripting languages are naturally fit for automating these tasks.
Sources
1. Python (programming language) Wikipedia Article