Python 3

Definition

Python 3 is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability and versatility, widely used in various fields like web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. It introduced several improvements over its predecessor, Python 2, including enhanced syntax features and better support for Unicode, making it a preferred choice for modern software development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Python 3 was released in December 2008 and is not backward compatible with Python 2, which means code written in Python 2 may not run in Python 3 without modification.
2. It emphasizes code readability, allowing programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code compared to other languages like C++ or Java.
3. Python 3 introduced features such as function annotations, the 'print' function (requiring parentheses), and the 'input' function returning strings by default.
4. The language supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming styles.
5. Python 3 has a large standard library that provides modules and functions for handling everything from file I/O to web services, making it powerful for rapid application development.

Review Questions

• Compare the key differences between Python 2 and Python 3, especially regarding their syntax and functionality.
  • The primary differences between Python 2 and Python 3 include syntax changes and enhanced functionalities. For example, in Python 3, 'print' is treated as a function requiring parentheses, while in Python 2 it was a statement. Additionally, string handling improved with Unicode support in Python 3, which allows for better handling of international text. These changes reflect Python 3's goal of simplifying code readability and usability.
• Evaluate how Python 3's design principles contribute to its popularity among developers compared to other programming languages.
  • Python 3's design principles focus on simplicity and readability, which significantly contribute to its popularity among developers. This language allows programmers to write clear and concise code, making it easier to learn and maintain. The extensive standard library also supports rapid development across various domains like web applications and data science. These characteristics make Python a go-to choice for both beginners and experienced developers looking for efficiency.
• Assess the impact of Python 3's features on its adoption in emerging fields like data science and machine learning.
  • Python 3 has greatly impacted its adoption in fields such as data science and machine learning due to its rich ecosystem of libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn. These libraries leverage Python's ease of use and versatility, allowing developers to quickly prototype algorithms and analyze data. Furthermore, features like dynamic typing and extensive community support make it an ideal choice for researchers and professionals who need to implement complex solutions without the overhead of more verbose languages.

Related terms

Interpreted Language: A programming language that executes instructions directly without the need for prior compilation into machine code.

Syntax: The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols that are considered to be correctly structured programs in a language.

Object-Oriented Programming: A programming paradigm based on the concept of 'objects', which can contain data and code, allowing for encapsulation and inheritance.