Introduction to Python

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that emphasizes code readability, simplicity, and ease-of-writing. With its extensive standard library, garbage collection, and support for multiple programming paradigms, Python has become a popular choice for beginners and experts alike. From its origins in the late 1980s as a successor to the ABC programming language, Python has evolved significantly over the years, with major revisions such as Python 3.0 and the addition of optional static typing in Python 3.5. As of 2026, the Python Software Foundation supports multiple versions, including Python 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, and 3.14, with Python 3.15 currently in the alpha development phase. With its vast range of applications, from web development to data science, Python is an essential skill for anyone looking to enter the world of programming. According to the [[tiobe-index|TIOBE Index]], Python has consistently ranked as one of the most popular programming languages, and its community is supported by organizations such as the [[python-software-foundation|Python Software Foundation]] and [[github|GitHub]].