By Leslie Doyle | 06/17/2025
Python® is one of the most popular programming languages used today. Many people consider Python software easy to use and straightforward to read. It is simple to understand the coding, making it perfect for beginner programmers who are new to software engineering and web development.
Some programming languages, like C++, have a complicated syntax. By contrast, Python uses English words.
Python Features
Python is open-source software, meaning that it is publicly available and free. A high-level programming language, the features of Python include:
- Object-oriented language, which involves organizing software development around objects instead of functions
- Graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
- A robust, online Python community to answer programmers’ questions
- Easy debugging
- A way to implement and build control systems to automate code testing, versioning, and deployment pipelines
- A comprehensive standard library using sets of prewritten code that eliminate the need to write code from scratch for repetitive tasks
- Interpreted language – the ability to execute code using a Python interpreter without needing another step to compile it
- Automated continuous compilation – the automation of making code changes as well as building, testing, and deploying code
The Benefits of Using Python
With Python, most tech enthusiasts can begin using this scripting language in a matter of weeks or months. The simple syntax, natural language functions, and GUIs make it less complicated to learn Python than some other scripting languages.
However, it’s not just programmers who use Python. People from all kinds of professions, from teachers to artists and even students, use Python to design games, analyze data, and streamline everyday tasks.
The Python framework provides software developers with a structured way to build applications. The framework helps guide developers through the application’s flow, simplifying the programming journey.
As one of the most popular programming languages, Python is built on the concept of task automation. In other words, developers can write a Python program that will automate tasks that were previously done manually. For example, users can write Python scripts to perform task automation that may include:
- Data analysis and processing
- Data cleaning
- Data extraction
- File management
- Other data-related tasks
With Python, users can execute tasks with fewer lines of code than many other programming languages, which makes for easier maintenance.
Fun Facts about Python
Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum created Python during a winter holiday break and named the language after a British TV show, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” Since then, Python has grown into one of the most used programming languages.
“People frequently find it shocking how far Python can go,” explains American Military University (AMU) Cybersecurity Department Chair Dr. Andre Slonopas. “It seems basic, perhaps too simple. Beneath that simple, readable grammar, however, lies a language enabling NASA scientists, Netflix®’s recommendation engine, and Google®'s artificial intelligence research output. It epitomizes the phrase ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’
“One of Python’s superpowers is its minimal barrier to entrance. A word of caution: Python may be sluggish relative to compiled languages. Most of the time, however, it doesn’t matter – especially when you’re adding in speedier tools or libraries built in C.”
Python Applications
Python is especially useful for creating models to suit a wide range of applications. Software developers use Python code for:
- Game development
- Desktop applications
- Web applications
- Web development
- Software testing
- Bug tracking
Machine Learning Models Using Python Code
Machine learning (ML) involves using algorithms to teach a computer how to learn from data without being given specific instructions. A machine learning model identifies patterns and makes predictions based on those patterns.
Machine learning can be applied to a wide range of relatively simple tasks, ranging from customer service chatbots to more complex work such as detecting fraud or cyberattacks. Machine learning models are also being utilized in the medical field to analyze patient records and develop personalized treatment plans.
According to GitHub®, Python is the top programming language for machine learning. Many developers turn to machine learning Python libraries to build everything from recommendation engines to fraud detection systems.
In addition to built-in libraries for data analysis functions, Python has libraries for machine learning applications, including neural networks and clustering algorithms. Popular Python ML libraries, such as TensorFlow® and Scikit-learn®, also help software engineers to quickly build and train ML models.
Data Science and Data Visualization
Python can be used for many applications in the field of data science. For instance, it is highly portable, so it can run on different machines without additional changes.
Python is also data-agnostic, meaning it can run on different operating systems. Its built-in data types and data structures enable users to easily organize and analyze vast amounts of data.
Often used for data science tasks, Python code assists data analysts with statistical calculations, data cleaning, information organization, and data visualization creation. Many companies also rely on Python and other business applications to power data dashboards, customer tracking systems, and internal tools to streamline operations.
Python’s built-in libraries include many data science functions, such as:
- NumP® and Pandas for data manipulation and data analysis
- Matplotlib® and Seaborn for data visualization
- XGBoost and Scikit-learn for machine learning
Gaining Python Skills for Data Analysis, Game Development, and Other Work
Concerned about how tough it may be to learn Python? Don’t worry – getting started with Python is easy! Whether you’re automating everyday tasks or writing programs from scratch, Python is versatile enough for simple scripts and advanced projects.
“Just begin constructing,” advises Dr. Slonopas. “Reading tutorials is only going to get you so far, though. The actual learning starts when you attempt to solve your own Python difficulties.”
“For me, it was simplifying a boring, repetitious chore at the office. Every Monday morning, I prepared a script to tidy spreadsheet data.
“Something I used to spend an hour doing turned into a 30-second directive. In that instant, I had the impression of a magician.”
There are many ways Python developers make the most of this programming language. For example, they can:
- Leverage Python's standard library – “It’s like having an already-stocked toolkit right at hand,” says Dr. Slonopas. “If you need to schedule a task, parse a webpage, or read a CSV file, there is a built-in mechanism for that.”
- Take advantage of virtual environments – “Though it seems dull, Python will keep you from destroying one project while improving another. Trust me – I learned the hard way as well.”
- Tap into the Python developers’ community – “Almost any issue you can conceive of has a Python answer or train of thought available,” notes Dr. Slonopas. “Copying code, changing it, breaking it, and rebuilding it should not scare you. Most of us learn this way.”
Using Open-Source Programming Languages
Users new to coding may wonder about the benefits of using open-source programming languages like Python. “The open-source nature of Python strikes me as a virtue rather than a drawback,” explains Dr. Slonopas. “You never find yourself imprisoned in it. It’s amazing to be standing on the shoulders of a community that wants you to flourish.”
“Using Python is like driving on a public road – you did not design the road, but you are free to use it and anything you carry is still yours. Indeed, you can create software in Python, market it, copyright protect it, and even patent portions of it if it fits. You still created it.”
If you license outside of Python libraries, be sure to pay attention to the rules of the license. In some cases, for example, you need to recognize the software creator or share your code if they decide to modify their code.
Choosing the Right Programming Language
Python is excellent for many software development applications, but it can’t be used for everything. “Consider it more as tools from a toolbox,” advises Dr. Slonopas. “Like a Swiss Army knife, Python is flexible and user-friendly. It can do a little bit of everything.
“Still, sometimes you should have a power drill. There is where languages such as C++, Java®, or Rust® fit. Faster and more exact, they are more appropriate for certain tasks, such as embedded devices, gaming engines, or high-performance computing.”
Programming languages also differ in various occupations and businesses. Some organizations run everything on Python, while others live and breathe Java or C#.
“While Python is forgiving and enjoyable, certain languages such as Java force you to be more disciplined, which may be advantageous when you’re working on large, sophisticated projects,” says Dr. Slonopas. “Python is fantastic; nevertheless, no one language is ideal for every job. Knowing multiple computer languages helps you to be more adaptable and also more appealing as a job candidate.”
Artificial Intelligence and Python
“Right now, Python is the pulse of artificial intelligence and that makes perfect sense,” exclaims Dr. Slonopas. “It’s ruling the field, partly because of its speed and adaptability. Python’s syntax frees you to concentrate on the difficult tasks, like creating a decent model and not remembering semicolons or compiler errors.”
“The built-in libraries are also impressive. They are like having superpowers right at hand.
“On one project I worked on, we used Python to forecast which Kindle® ebooks would become bestsellers. We trained a deep learning model on metadata and reviews using TensorFlow and then visualized the results using Matplotlib. We had a usable prototype within a few weeks due to the rapid iterating speed of Python.”
AMU’s Information Technology Degrees
For adult learners interested in learning Python, desktop applications, web development, and data analysis, AMU offers two information technology degrees:
- An online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- An online Master of Science in Information Technology
Courses in these IT degrees include information system design, an introduction to Python, object-oriented design, and user experience. Other courses include database concepts, enterprise database systems, and information security management. All of the courses in these IT programs are taught by expert instructors, and students can choose one of several concentrations to suit their professional goals.
For more details, visit AMU's information technology degree program page.
Python is a registered trademark of the Python Software Foundation.
Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc.
Google is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.
GitHub is a registered trademark of GitHub, Inc.
TensorFlow is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.
Scikit-learn is a registered trademark of the Institute National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique.
NumP and Matplotlib are registered trademark of NumFOCUS.
Java is a registered trademark of Oracle, Inc.
Rust is a registered trademark of the Rust Foundation.
Kindle is a registered trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.