Python is a high-level programming language that has gained tremendous popularity among developers and non-programmers alike. Known for its simplicity and readability, Python is often considered an excellent choice for beginners entering the world of coding. 

Python began in an era where almost no one had even heard of the Internet. It was released in 1990 and its first numbered version, 0.9.0, launched in 1991. The language’s inventor, Guido van Rossum, a native of The Netherlands, started the project as nothing more than something to keep him busy as his office was closed over the Christmas holidays . Guido was in an irreverent mood when he decided to construct an upgrade for the existing programming languages that were available at the time. He wanted a language that could make sense to people who didn’t spend 18 hours a day in front of a computer screen, and that would preach simplicity and the beauty of designing something special. Thank you, Guido!

The design principals he followed are sometimes called the “The Zen of Python”. They included the idea that beautiful is better than ugly, simple is better than complex and that readability counts. While other languages were logical and functional, but also difficult to understand Python made its programming language easy to learn and easy to write. 

One of the key advantages of Python is its easy-to-understand syntax. The language emphasizes code readability and uses a clean and straightforward structure. Python uses intuitive commands such as ‘if’, ‘for’, ‘while’, ‘try’, ‘with’ and ‘print’ that are easily recognizable by anyone and follow the syntax of basic English composition. Python’s syntax is designed to be intuitive, resembling natural language, which greatly reduces the learning curve and allows users to focus on problem-solving rather than wrestling with complex syntax.

Python’s simplicity doesn’t compromise its power. It offers a vast array of libraries and frameworks that can be easily integrated into your code, enabling you to accomplish a wide range of tasks efficiently. These libraries cover various domains such as data analysis, web development, machine learning, scientific computing, and more. For example, libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib provide robust tools for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, making Python a popular choice in the field of data science.

Python has a large and active community of developers who are constantly creating new libraries, frameworks, and tools. This vibrant ecosystem means that if you encounter a problem or need assistance, chances are someone has already encountered a similar issue and can provide guidance. The community’s collaborative nature ensures that Python remains up-to-date, secure, and adaptable to new technologies and trends. Additionally, Python has found favor with big tech companies and is widely adopted in the industry. Organizations like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, and Netflix utilize Python in their backend infrastructure and data analysis pipelines. This adoption by industry giants not only testifies to Python’s capabilities but also contributes to its ongoing development and support.

So, who should take a Python course? Every high school student that plans on going to university. We suggest Python coding because it is a required course for many majors at all Ivy League schools, all UC schools and most CalState schools. Get it on your resume before you apply to university. It can only help.