Python’s availability as a free and open-source programming language has contributed significantly to why Python is Perfect for Web Development
What is Python
Python is widely regarded as one of the most utilized programming languages today.
Python is the second most popular programming language on Github, only behind JavaScript. This is not an exaggeration. In the next section, we will see why this is a good thing.
In 1991, Guido van Rossum, a Dutch software engineer, developed a new type of programming language, called Python, that could be used for a variety of tasks and was designed to be easy to read and understand.
This was a breakthrough at the time, as other coding languages were often too complex and abstract. Over time, Python’s popularity grew, and it is now widely used, especially in the digital age.
Python is often known as a “batteries included” language. This is due to one of its remarkable features: the Python Package Index (PyPI). PyPI contains over 70,000 libraries of code.
Python is now used in a variety of projects, from small to large. It is used in many different disciplines, such as special effects, data analytics, deep learning, and web development. These are just a few of the reasons why Python is so popular.
The language is being constantly improved with new releases, with Python 3.8 particularly full of useful features.
Can Python be used for Web Development?
Python’s core features have made it a sought-after choice for web development.
Primarily, Python’s availability as a free and open-source programming language has contributed significantly to its popularity. However, it is also renowned for its adaptability. Python empowers developers to create websites based on various programming paradigms, making it an incredibly versatile tool in web development.
Python’s versatility is exemplified by its ability to support both object-oriented programming (OOP) and functional programming (FP).
Another advantage of Python is its dynamic typing capabilities, which means that Python scripts can be executed at runtime without the need for compiling or translating beforehand.
This attribute makes web development more straightforward, as it requires less coding and simplifies the debugging process.
JavaScript and Python’s widespread popularity is not a coincidence; they are often utilized together in web development. Web developers can leverage JavaScript to design the presentation layer (or frontend), while Python can be employed for the server-side layer (or backend) development.
It’s understandable if you find this information abstract at this point. While we now comprehend how Python is utilized in web development, what does its practical application look like?
Subsequently, we will examine some of the most notable websites created using Python to provide you with a clear demonstration of this language’s capabilities.
5 Reason Why Python is Perfect for Web Development
Use in Machine Learning and AI
As machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies gain more traction, an increasing number of developers aim to integrate them into their projects. The use of the appropriate programming language is crucial in achieving this goal.
Jean Francois Puget, a member of IBM’s machine learning department, contends that Python is the leading language for ML and AI projects, a viewpoint shared by many developers.
Python boasts effective ML packages, tools for visualizing outcomes, and a broad range of other features that are advantageous in this field of application beyond data analysis.
Server-Side Scripting
Python’s straightforward syntax, as previously mentioned, is one of the advantages of using it for server-side scripting, significantly accelerating the development process. The code comprises functional modules and connections between them, enabling the execution of program algorithms based on user actions. Furthermore, Python is capable of providing the graphical user interfaces necessary for web development.
Web Development Using Python Frameworks
A significant advantage of using Python for web development is the availability of numerous frameworks that streamline the development process. Depending on the specific project requirements, various frameworks may be necessary.
Outlined below are some of the most renowned Python frameworks.
- Django
Ideal for both fully-featured web applications and moderately scalable projects, this framework incorporates built-in features and promotes code reusability, allowing for the coherent modification of various code components. These capabilities simplify web development in Python. Furthermore, Django interfaces seamlessly with several popular databases such as Oracle SQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Discover some of the top websites built with Django. - Pyramid
This framework enables developers to commence with small-scale projects and subsequently scale as required. Pyramid is compatible with various databases and applications and can be extended using plugins, allowing Python web developers to incorporate necessary functionality. This flexibility proves useful when multiple solutions need to be implemented within a single task. - TurboGears
Based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, TurboGears is comprised of several components such as Repoze, WebOb, and Genshi. It is particularly useful for rapidly developing efficient and maintainable web applications. This framework offers the flexibility to write both small and complex applications using minimal or full-stack modes, respectively. - Flask
The core principle of this framework is to offer a straightforward and easily customizable solution. Flask characterizes itself as a microframework and is primarily utilized for lean functionality in small-scale solutions. The framework is also well-suited for developing prototypes.
Enterprise Application Integration
Python is a favored option for developing enterprise software applications, mainly due to its seamless integration with other programming languages traditionally used in enterprise development, such as PHP, Java, and .NET.
Python’s ability to call and be called by Java, C++, or C code directly provides significant process control and allows for the implementation of common protocols and data formats.
Additionally, Python can be utilized to assemble both new and legacy components of infrastructure, which is a frequent occurrence in complex mobile applications.
Easy to Use and Read
Python’s suitability for web development is attributable to a multitude of factors that simplify its usage, including:
- A minimal level of difficulty to get started.
Python bears resemblance to the English language that we use in our daily lives. Its syntax is straightforward, enabling you to handle complex systems while maintaining clarity in the relationship between all components. This facilitates an accelerated learning process, making it easier for novice coders to acquire the language and become part of the programming community. - High-quality graphics that enhance the understanding of data or concepts.
To make data easily comprehensible, it can be represented using various charts and plots. These visualizations are an effective means of conveying information in a way that is easy to understand.
Companies that specialize in web development employ Python libraries such as Matplotlib, which enables the creation of clear and straightforward reports with data visualizations.